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Epic's Mark Rein

On Unreal Engine 3, Natal, Cliff Bleszinski and more.

Ellie Gibson avatar
Interview by Ellie Gibson Former Deputy Editor
Updated on
EurogamerPeter Molyneux told us Milo is so clever he can tell if you've got bags under your eyes. Do you really want a 10 year-old boy telling you that you look knackered? Is that the future of gaming?
Mark Rein

I don't know, we'll see how that game sells... What's exciting to me is it opens up the possibility for bringing non-gamers into the fold. I think Microsoft's going to be a really good place when they launch Natal, because they're going to have all that stuff installed in the machine, Twitter and Facebook and 1080p movie playback...

EurogamerI was hoping to get through at least one interview today with no one mentioning Twitter or Facebook, but you've ruined it.
Mark Rein

Sorry. I also like some of the things they're doing with the user interface, being able to watch a movie by waving your hands around. I heard Bill Gates was saying, 'Oh, you're going to be using Natal in your office, too.' Well, duh, that's the whole Minority Report interface.

EurogamerI'm not sure I want to have to wave my arms about just to do an expenses claim, to be honest. Anyway, what do you think of Sony's motion controller?
Visit markrein.com to find out about Mark Rein's secret sideline career.
Mark Rein

Theirs is very cool as well. We'll be powering games that use both, for sure.

EurogamerWho would win in a fight out of Sony's motion controller and Project Natal?
Mark Rein

Depends how the fight was staged. If it's a kickboxing fight, I'd say Microsoft because it can see you kicking. Whereas with Sony's, how do you kick with the controller?

EurogamerYou could stove someone's head in with it.
Mark Rein

If it was a swordfight, or picking up delicate little things or drawing your name on the screen, Sony's would win. I think it's pretty impressive that they both came up with a slightly different take.

EurogamerBut you're saying basically they've done the same thing?
Mark Rein

I wouldn't say that. The point is, if you're a gamer and you want those kind of experiences, you're likely to buy both. I know I will.

EurogamerSpeaking of fights, I know you can't comment on any ongoing legal disputes, so let me just say this: are you Facebook friends with Denis Dyack?
Mark Rein

Hahaha! No.

EurogamerSo you're still cross with each other?
Mark Rein

I can't comment on that.

Luckily, Epic managed to avoid the curse of the difficult third engine.
EurogamerWhat a shame. Because he's Canadian, and you're Canadian, and aren't all Canadians supposed to be cool and laid back?
Mark Rein

I agree. Wouldn't it be nice if we all just got along?

EurogamerA few months ago, Blizzard's Rob Pardo revealed he's had conversations with Microsoft about the next Xbox. Have you?
Mark Rein

Yeah, it's called Natal. That is the next Xbox.

EurogamerSo they're doing that instead of another whole box?
Mark Rein

Well yeah, they said that, it's no secret. And Sony's is called - what is it? The PlayStation motion controller?