My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, creative director, Hell is Us.
Sep 2, 2025
Join Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, a French-Canadian creative director known for reinvigorating the Deus Ex series and leading Hell is Us, as he shares his creative journey. He dives into the innovative themes of his upcoming game, blending nostalgia with modern conflict narratives. Jonathan reflects on his Montreal upbringing and how it shaped his identity and artistic vision. He also discusses the challenges of portraying nuanced conflict in gaming, offering insights into the balance between gameplay and emotional depth.
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Episode notes
Old Adventure, Modern Treatment
- Old-school adventure structure still translates when updated for modern production.
- Combining classic exploration with contemporary design yields familiar yet fresh gameplay.
Design For True Discovery
- Remove quest markers and maps to make discovery meaningful for players.
- Test prototypes early and package guidance clearly so modern players don't get lost.
Conflict As A Persistent Theme
- Conflict is a persistent human variable, not a trend tied to current headlines.
- Games can explore conflict as an enduring human theme without claiming exhaustive expertise.
