Dishonored dev defends loading screens: 'I actually have a soft spot for all that'

Raphaël Colantonio, co-creative director of Dishonored, has been streaming a playthrough joined by different members of the Arkane team who worked on the level he's replaying, including co-creative director Harvey Smith, lead gameplay programmer Stevan Hird and level designer Anthony Huso.

The streams have unearthed details such as Arkane being tapped to make Thief 4 and Blade Runner before they ended up with Dishonored, and most recently covered the Lady Boyle's Last Party level. Noting the amount of loading between the streets outside the mansion, the outdoor area and the foyer, Smith defended loading screens.

"People think it's an improvement that we got rid of loading screens," Smith said, "but honestly I think a break between one area and the next where you feel like, 'OK, that is behind me, I'm in a new pristine area,' and also being able to do the tips as part of the world-building, the art and the little in-fiction notes?

dishonored, arkane, raphaël colantonio, harvey smith, stevan hird, anthony huso, loading screens, lady boyle, thief 4, blade runner