Weta harnessed for gaming 'first'

NEW KIND OF HEROINE: Nariko, star of Heavenly Sword. Playstation says Weta added a 'new dimension' to the game.

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Wellywood's next hit could be on the small screen, with the release today of the PlayStation 3 game Heavenly Sword.

The game's character dynamics are a product of the Weta Digital motion capture studio, which is part-owned by Peter Jackson.

Jackson helped to develop the game version of his 2005 blockbuster King Kong, and Weta Digital's graphics were used in the Lord of the Rings' gaming equivalent.

Jackson is leading the development of a series of games for PlayStation's main rival, Microsoft, based on the Halo franchise. Halo 3, due out next week, is expected to raise the stakes in the international game market.

But PlayStation's New Zealand product manager, Teresa Wong, was confident Heavenly Sword could stand on its own.

"This game has been in production for a long time. It's not a matter of putting something up against Halo. It is just ready and time to put it out.

"The technology (Weta) have got has added a new dimension to the game."

Motion capture technology developed for the Lord of the Rings and refined for King Kong gives the game added realism.

Gamers take the role of heroine Nariko, battling enemies with her sword in computer-generated scenery. The action is interspersed with scenes that show off the graphic capabilities of PlayStation 3's Cell Broadband Engine.

Andy Serkis, who gave acclaimed performances as Gollum and Kong in the Jackson movies, inhabits the virtual role of King Bohan. He also directs the game's other motion-capture cast members.

According to PlayStation, this is the first game or film to capture full body movement, facial expression, and on-set voice for several actors simultaneously. Serkis said the goal was to bring emotion into the gaming world. "We are trying to bring the highest level of layered, truthful and emotionally engaging performance into Heavenly Sword."

Weta Digital's motion capture assistant director, Lisa Wildermoth, said Serkis' techniques had benefited the product.

"He really understands the style of acting required to convey a dramatic performance."

Wellington retailer Gamesman expects Heavenly Sword to sell well, but without the "craziness" that would accompany Halo 3's release.