Remedy Entertainment's latest title, Control: Resonant, deliberately omits the common gameplay convention of painting ledges and doorways yellow to guide players. Director Mikael Kasurinen stated this was a conscious decision aimed at fostering player autonomy and encouraging active participation in the game's experience.
In a recent interview, Kasurinen elaborated on his design philosophy, which balances competence, autonomy, and relatedness. He emphasized that for Control: Resonant, autonomy is paramount. Instead of relying on obvious visual cues like the "fart trails" seen in other games to direct players, the team opted for subtler methods, including lighting and in-world props.
"It's so important that the players feel like they're the ones figuring it out," Kasurinen explained. He believes that creators should craft an experience that respects player agency, allowing them to make decisions about how to interact with the game world. When a game explicitly tells players where to go, it removes the element of player choice.
Kasurinen acknowledged that this approach might initially make Control: Resonant feel "impenetrable" to some players. However, he expressed a genuine desire for players to feel like they are discovering solutions and navigating the world through their own efforts. "It has to feel like it's on you to make a decision on what to do with those elements that you see within the world," he said.
The director feels that this method of exploration and discovery makes the game more engaging and memorable. Players will be encouraged to return, explore further, and reconsider their choices, leading to a more profound connection with the game world. This approach aims to create a more "sticky and interesting" experience, mirroring the complexities of real-life decision-making.
"If you want to get the most out of this world, you have to participate. That's the key thing," Kasurinen concluded. This design choice underscores a commitment to challenging players and rewarding their engagement with the intricate environments of Control: Resonant.