3DAD 040 : Chuck Carter illustrator and game designer who helped create the classic Myst talks about his new game Zed

Once upon a time Chuck Carter helped create Myst and 26 other video games including the Command and Conquer and Red Alert franchises, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Nox, Pacman World Rally, Kyrandia and many others  – Carter worked on TV shows like Babylon5 (as a digital Matte Painter) as well as having contributed work on Star Trek the Experience and Disney’s Mission to Mars motion rides.  His illustration and animation work has been seen on the BBC, National Geographic, US Dept. of Defense, Homeland Security, Scientific American, NASA, Caltech and JPL as well dozens of additional publications and organizations.

In this session we interview Chuck about his newest game creation of Zed. There’s a Kickstarter campaign to complete development of the game right now. But you can download a demo of the game- discover how immersive it really is! Check out the demo version and support the Kickstarter campaign of this rich and unique illustrative experience.

The background for the game

Players must explore a bizarre world and solve strange puzzles as they help “an aging and dying dreamer leave behind a lasting legacy for his granddaughter.”

“The dreamer is confused by your presence. He can help or hinder your progress by putting challenging obstacles in your path—he needs your help but at times doesn’t understand why you are there,” the Kickstarter pitch states. “As you learn his story, the truth about his past and his final masterpiece is revealed in the dreams you explore; a personal creation of one man’s disintegrating mind. Help the dreamer fulfill his final task and unleash Zed to the world.”

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In this session of the podcast we learn:-

– Zed is in the “meditative” niche of gaming. How is Zed different from other games?

– How Chuck’s lucid dreaming created some of the design ideas for Zed.

– The similarities and distinct differences between Myst and Zed.

– The intriguing and unique Zed architecture and landscapes.

– Zed’s puzzles

– Chuck’s work as an illustrator for Babylon V and other projects.

Resources Mentioned

Zed’s Kickstarter campaign

The demo of Zed (for download)

Eagre Games website