How Forza Horizon took on Japan with deep research and 360-degree cameras

"Since the arrival of the original Forza Horizon in 2012, a game that revolutionised open world driving sims by setting players loose in a virtual Colorado, British developer Playground Games has promised authenticity with its settings. For each instalment, design teams are sent out on location to take thousands of photos, hours of video, even detailed captures of the sky, before construction of a virtual copy begins. It's a huge undertaking."

"Most video game players hold an image of what it is like to explore Japan. It may be inspired by the fictitious rural town of Inaba in Persona 4, or the busy docks of Yokosuka in Shenmue, or perhaps the neon-drenched Kabukicho district of Tokyo, which forms a regular backdrop in the Yakuza series. For decades, gamers around the world have been bombarded with images of the country that are often highly stylised and fragmented, but nonetheless potent and persuasive."

"Playground's answer was to get away from the Japan depicted in other games, as well as legendary street-racing manga such as Initial D and Wangan Midnight. Instead, it hired cultural consultant and one time Porsche ambassador Kyoko Yamashita, who worked with the team for three years advising on their depiction of the country and racing scene. According to Xbox Wire, she was able to point out tiny details, such as the traditional colours of store signs and what they symbolise."

Playground Games has aimed for authenticity in Forza Horizon by sending design teams to take thousands of photos, hours of video, and detailed sky captures before building virtual locations. Japan had remained difficult to tackle for much of the past decade due to the challenge of matching expectations about the country. Many players already hold strong, often stylised images of Japan from other games and media, including rural towns, busy docks, and neon districts. The team chose to avoid repeating those familiar portrayals and instead hired cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita for three years. She advised on the depiction of Japan and its racing scene, including small details like traditional store sign colours and their meanings.

Read at www.theguardian.com