Mode 7 Games

Mode 7

Mode 7 is a development team completely focussed on responsive, compulsive games.

Responsive: too many games companies sacrifice frame rate and freedom of movement for pretty effects and motion capture. We believe that the quality of a game's graphics is that of its worst effects, not its best. We'd prefer to throw CPU time at what matters: controls which respond the microsecond you use them, AI which is designed around the advantages computers have over people (rather than haphazardly attempting to mimic their behaviour), and detailed collision meshes which actually wrap our characters; no arms through walls and no invisible barriers.

Compulsive: every part of a game should have a learning curve, with players increasing their skill every minute they play. Gameplay should go at a speed just faster than you can follow it, so your upper brain is bypassed and your subconscious is making moves without asking you first. This is the very essence of 2D shooter twitch gaming, but with our first game we have brought this paradigm into three dimensions.

Mode 7's first title is a sword fighting game named Determinance. Our programmers have extended the Torque Game Engine with new technology to produce our revolutionary fighting engine Feint, which underpins Determinance's unique concept.

Mode 7 is comprised of a group of highly skilled individuals who have been coleagues for many years. We are all committed to producing a completely unique videogame: while Determinance is a game involving fighting, it is completely unlike traditional fighting games.

Ian Hardingham: Team leader and programmer, working on Determinance full time. Recently graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Computer Science, Ian been games coding and modding for five years.
James Bursa: Lead programmer, working on Determinance full time. Recently graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Maths and Computer Science.
Geoff Birch: Lead Artist, Recently graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in Maths, Geoff has been doing game and mod artistry for three years.
Tristan Cox: 2D Concept Artist, working on Determinance while studying Maths and Physics at college.
Paul Taylor: Musician, recently graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in English. Paul regularly DJs at national clubs, and has had music released under the Truck label.
Eric Elwell: Texture Artist, working on Determinance while studying in New York. Eric is a superb 2D and 3D artist, with a long list of game art experience.
Tom Richards: Writer, Voice acting coordinator, and Director of character personalities, working on Determinance while studying French and Philosophy at Oxford University. Head of the Oxford Revue, Tom is a well known director in the Oxford University drama scene.