The Making of WipEout: Gaming's Enduring Vivid World

2024-12-05

Have you ever wondered about the hidden depths within a seemingly simple game like "WipEout"? In this exploration, we delve into the creative process and the lasting impact of its game manuals. Damon Fairclough, a key figure in the development, shares his insights and experiences.

Uncover the Enigmatic Tale of "WipEout"

Origins and Brief

Damon Fairclough worked at Psygnosis in 1995, tasked with writing game manuals. His work on "Wipeout 64" was more than just text; it was a blend of "manual text and insanity." He received details like ship sketches and track designs and spun them into a unique context. Little did he know that his efforts would lead to a devoted fanbase.

Back then, there was no sense that this spinning would have such a profound impact. Fairclough's commercial instincts and personal obsessions became essential to the game's fiction. He described the process as a kind of joke, knowing that not many people would read the manuals but still having fun with it.

For example, consider the lack of capital letters at the start of each sentence in the game's booklet. This small detail added to the overall charm and uniqueness of the experience.

Sheffield and the Lore

Fairclough's ruminations on Sheffield, where he grew up, are intertwined with "WipEout." His blog, "Noise Heat Power," is a testament to his thoughts on ageing and looking back. The specific Sheffield he knew changed over time, and this influenced his writing for the game.

Even though "WipEout" is a sci-fi racer with no story or characters, its lore lingers in the memory. The weird pull of its mythos is evident when fans nod in recognition at certain passages. It's not just about the pure thrill of racing but the feel of being adrift in a certain place and time.

For instance, the description of cut-throat competition, technology, and landscape in "WipEout" mirrors the essence of Sheffield. It shows how his personal experiences seeped into the game's world.

The Teams and Advertising

The teams in "WipEout" are more than just ships; they represent a corporate world. Mottoes like "The Muscles Behind Brussels" for FEISAR and "Pushing Back the Boundaries" for Auricom add a layer of geography and posture.

G-Tech's motto, "Products for an accelerated age," hints at the consuming hunger that drives the game's world. Fairclough gives us glimpses from the inside, refracted through the game's media and advertising.

This Pop Art sensibility is evident in the way the game presents its world. Just like Roy Lichtenstein's cut strips of American life, "WipEout" hints at weight and darkness while maintaining an anti-gravity style.

The Legacy and Impact

Much of Fairclough's work on "WipEout" is no longer around, lost in the digital age. But its impact can still be felt whenever you play the old games.

The surreal blend of the corporate and the darkly comic is unmistakable. Fairclough's ability to dream up a history and a world within the limits of a brief is remarkable. His work leaves an indelible mark, whether it's bound in old booklets or gone in a flash.

Even in the era of digital games, the importance of a well-crafted manual and the creative spirit behind it cannot be underestimated. Fairclough's story is a reminder of the power of imagination and the lasting impact it can have.

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