Research, Research....and Research!

There are various things I want to look at before continuing my game idea, some of the media below is what I have looked at in preparation of this project, and what I have taken from it as inspiration.

Game of Thrones was a recent television series that I watched. One aspect that instantly came to mind when I was given the title 'Feud' to re-imagine, was the feud in the series with Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister. Both characters have the respect of the king, Ned is a very good hearted man, a best friend of the king. Lannister on the other hand is devious and self centred. The two characters clash in personality, views and opinions. It eventually leads to Ned Stark's injury in a fight with the Lannister and his personal.

Sean Bean as Ned Stark. A noble man

It wasn't so much the scene that interested me, rather the hatred I felt towards Jaime (partially helped by the fact he disabled Ned's son). Jaime would get under his skin, questioning his past. The feud was brilliant but the visual style of the Series was equally brilliant. The costumes looked good, the combat was good and the relationships interesting. It was a series filled with people backstabbing and scheming - something I want to incorporate in my own game.

Jimmy and Freddy, ready to pursue a career in criminality

A lot of stories and films feature feuds. Often they are simple with two people simply hating each other, Martina Cole's The Take has a feud which is more complex and very engaging. The series is based around Freddy Jackson having just left prison. With connections on the inside, Freddy has big plans to rise in the criminal world, with his cousin Jimmy by his side. Freddy is violent, unpredictable, and as much as his cousin tries to be by his side and aid - the relationship falls apart ending with Freddy's death. Its not just interesting observing Freddy's behavior however, Jimmy - a somewhat non violent criminal, changes towards the end becoming much more violent and calculated, whist Freddy becomes powerless. It's a clever role reversal. Again, the characters are quite the opposite in terms of the morals they abide by, and as a result the way they conduct business and family relations.

Reference: http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/game-of-thrones-pilot-premiere-winter-is-coming-episode-review/ accessed 08/10/2011
http://www.screenscene.ie/index.php?/grade_and_telecine/the_take accessed 08/10/2011