Ubisoft released some new information on Far Cry 5 via their developer blog. Unlike previous Far Cry games, Far Cry 5 is set in Hope County, Montana.
Check Out the Far Cry 5 ‘Recreating Montana’ Video:
In the past, the developer used secondary source information to create a video game world from sources like the Internet, books, etc. To get a feeling for what the area is like, the developer actually visited Montana and took thousands of photos.
Ubisoft explored small towns and the wilderness in an attempt to gather information and explore the Montana ecosystem, wildlife, and people. Using the photos, and a process called photogrammetry, the objects in the photos were scanned and a realistic 3-D model was created. The developer strived for extraordinary detail such as when they scanned a birch tree and found initials carved in the tree that they decided to incorporate into the game.
The developer discovered the identity of Montana when they visited. Billboards and road signs dot the landscape. They incorporated this identity into the game, leading gamers to branding opportunities, chances to get information on the locale, and to unlock environmental possibilities. The developer looked at this as almost an extension of a character.
The character of the landscape naturally culminated in the characters and businesses in the game. An entire history was written into the game, giving extensive personality to the businesses, buildings, and people you meet. The houses look lived in and convey information about the people who inhabit the house.
This attention to detail and the drive to create a personality that gamers can relate to ended with the protagonist group, the resistance movement. The rebels use a logo from a local baseball team, the Hope County Cougars. The team is grounded in the local movement and it stands to reason that the resistance would adopt a logo from a locally known organization.