DirectX 11 Support Added in PC Title Update for L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition

Posted: February 15, 2012 5:16PM | Author: R* Y

A new title update is available for the PC version of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition, including the addition of support for DirectX 11. See below for a list of changes:

• DirectX 11 support added for improved performance on many Windows Vista and Windows 7 setups using DX11 graphics cards
• Option added to game launcher allowing switching between DirectX 9 and 11 renderers
• Additional checks added that make sure a selected video resolution is fully compatible with L.A. Noire

If you have any technical issues with the game, head right over to the L.A. Noire PC Technical Support page. If you don’t see your problem listed, submit a request to our Support team via http://support.rockstargames.com, and they'll gladly help out.

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51 Comments

Asked & Answered: Max Payne 3 and More...

Posted: February 13, 2012 11:10AM | Author: R* Q

Presenting the first in a two-parter edition this week of our Asked & Answered series culled directly from your Newswire comments, tweets, Facebook posts and mouthoff emails and summarily stuffed with official answers to an assortment of questions on the details of our next upcoming release, May 2012's Max Payne 3 - as well as a host of other inquiries. Please keep in mind, as always, that while we can't answer every single question you send our way, our ears are always open. If you've got questions you'd like us to consider for a future edition, the best way is to shoot us a mail directly at mouthoff@rockstargames.com. Look for more Max Payne 3 questions to be answered later this week as well in part two.

“Nooooooooooooooo why is [Max Payne 3] getting delayed??????” - MRMARTSON

We understand it's disappointing to have to wait another couple months for the game, but we hope you know our goal is always to deliver the best games we possibly can. Trust that the delay is all to ensure the game is as epic and highly-polished as possible. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. We believe it will be well worth the wait.


“18th of May is also for Australian release?” - Jortan

Yes, the Australian release of Max Payne 3 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will also be on May 18th.


“Hey @R* can you show us the final cover for Max Payne 3?” - maciej595revan
“When will you guys show us the final cover art of the standard edition?” - emmi18176860

The final cover art will be revealed in the next few  weeks – stay tuned.


“@RockstarGames Why the two week delay for the PC version?” - wazups2x via Twitter

We also would like the Max Payne 3 PC release to happen as close as possible to the console release date. It just wasn’t possible to get the PC version lined up day and date with the console releases, but we’re working to make sure it’s with you just a couple weeks thereafter.


“Any chance there'll be a feature sometime showing how Rockstar took the fan's faces from picture to screen?” - Marney-1
“@R* Will you show us this screen of the selected people to be in the game, but with the in-game engine? I want to see how the faces look like with the engine.” - Undertaker13

Absolutely. They’re all being implemented now as we speak, using production photos provided by the fans we chose in the #MaxPayne3 casting event on Twitter. We’re excited ourselves to see the finished results and will be sharing a look with you all when they’re ready.


“What is the deal with giving U.S the game 3 days early? why do you do this?” - x_STREETKING_x
“Why does it get released later for Europe is it because of shipping?” - i-dunn0-o

No, it’s not because of shipping, it’s just the way entertainment gets released between the two different territories at retail – in the US, games, music and DVDs come out on Tuesdays and in Europe, on Fridays – so that is how our releases come out. We did, with GTAIV, try a global release – but it was very complicated and created a lot of problems with retail in Europe. We are old enough to remember when there were often months between American and European releases, and believe three days difference is not a huge deal, but we would also just as well prefer it if everywhere was easily set up for releases to be on the same date.


“It is written that BOPE will appear in the game, right?
But I would like to know how can this happen if the game is set in São Paulo and BOPE is from Rio de Janeiro.
I'm looking forward for an answer.” - LFKS123

No actually, the special police force in the game is the fictionalized UFE (Unidade de Forças Especiais) which are inspired by many of the real-life units mentioned in our first Max Payne 3 Research article – such as the GATE, GARRA, and GOE of São Paulo.


“I wanna know more about the shooting system Rockstar. Will Max Payne 3 have free aim like the PC originals?” – received via Mouthoff

Yes. The Max Payne series was built on its precise and fluid shooting mechanics, and a huge amount of work has been put into ensuring Max's aiming and weapon balance systems not only live up to the reputation of the original but also try to maximize what is possible with modern third and first-person shooters, enabling us to deliver fluid free-aim mechanics on both PC and console. To go more in-depth and see some of it in action, check out our latest Design and Technology series video focusing on targeting and weapons.
We want lovers of the series to be able to dive right into free aim, but we also want to provide a range of aiming options and difficulty levels for players of all skill levels, so you'll find a range of aiming options available whether you're a hardcore shooter player or a newcomer to the series.


“Is James McCaffrey doing the voice again? That would really mean a lot to the game in my opinion! :)” - Faurschou

Yes, make sure to watch our official Max Payne 3 Pop-Up Edition Trailer where we confirm that tidbit along with lots of other facts about the game. He is also the face of Max in Max Payne 3, and provides the majority of his movement, in and out of cutscenes.


“I'm dying to know if we'll be able to use Bullet Time in the Multiplayer part of Max Payne 3 too, or is it a singleplayer exclusive? Could it be kinda like the Dead-Eye integration we all know from Red Dead's Multiplayer?” - BorisBlack
“How will Bullet-Time be in Multiplayer? Will it even be there or just for the single player experience? Thanks R*” - emmi18176860

Max Payne’s multiplayer is all about taking the physicality and tech of Max’s movement and shooting abilities and translating that directly into multiplayer in a way that fits with the overall story and the themes of the game, so getting Bullet Time right in the multiplayer experience is a huge priority. Bullet Time in multiplayer works via line of sight rather than applying to the whole level, or to a bubble around the player. While Bullet Time is Max’s special ability, it is just one of a range of special abilities  - called Bursts – that you’ll find in multiplayer. Each Burst plays on an aspect of Max Payne 3’s overall themes such as conspiracy, paranoia, heroism, betrayal – and all come into play in our new narrative-based gameplay mode, Gang Wars. You can read more first details about Max Payne 3 multiplayer here  http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/121/1214745p1.html and we will be revealing much, much more information very soon.


“Hey Rockstar, can you change outfits in MP3?” - denisiscena
“Love the video, can't wait until Max Payne 3 comes out - can you change the outfits Max wears in the game and how does the weapons wheel work?” - tombstone14

As you play through the story of Max Payne 3, each outfit is contextual to the narrative of what is happening at that level. For example, in the office level, Max is wearing that grey suit as he has a meeting with his new employer, Rodrigo Branco (apparently a quite eventful meeting at that).
As for the Weapon wheel, Max can carry three weapons at all times – two smaller one-handed weapons (like handguns and small automatics) and one larger two-handed weapon (such as an automatic rifle). The Weapon wheel allows you to quickly select between these three weapons. It also allows you to choose to dual wield the two single-handed weapons.


"I'm a big Grand Theft Auto fan, and have extensively played and loved every game in the series, and upon research I came across screenshots and other information about the beta version of GTA III that was given to game testers, and some of the beta cars and features that were removed. Since it's been long since GTA III was sold at retail and interest is in the IV / V series now, I thought I'd email asking if there was any way I could obtain a copy (at a cost for inconvenience). I realise some things weren't put in the games for certain legal reasons for the retail copies, and you may be under legal obligation not to let the beta's out anymore, but no harm in me trying. Hope to hear from you soon :)” – received via Mouthoff

One important thing we should clarify is that the early work-in-progress version of Grand Theft Auto III you’re referring to was not a proper ‘beta’ but an early pre-alpha build that was far from complete or really functional. While it would be a fun thing in theory to be able to pull up and play it to check it out, unfortunately it’s technically not possible. Thank you though for reaching out, it’s certainly been a lot of fun revisiting the days of GTAIII’s development with our long-time fans recently (make sure to check out our 2-part series of fan questions answered about Grand Theft Auto III here).


“When will we know more about #GTAV” - Fash08 (via Twitter)
“When’s the release date for GTA5” - Akiieran (via Twitter)
“Can we expect a 2nd trailer this year for GTAV?” - mats hoi
“Any more news about GTAV on the way, I can’t wait!!!!” - mattoneill1991 (via Twitter)

First of all, we’d like to again thank you and everyone out there for the amazing response to the debut Grand Theft Auto V trailer. We know that there are a ton of questions you all have about the game, including release date and lots else.
Right now, we are very hard at work on the game and are excited as well to show and tell you more as development progresses - expect that we'll be talking much more about GTAV starting at some point in a few months’ time.
Please hang tight until then and thank you all for your patience and support!


“Rockstar, I really can't wait for new information about the new GTA. And is it only in Los Santos or too in SF and LV?” - MatsvanStam

As we revealed in our announcement about the game being officially in full development, Grand Theft Auto V is set in the city of Los Santos and its surrounding hills, countryside and beaches – and it will be the largest and most ambitious open world game we’ve ever created…


“Hello, I just purchased L.A. Noire and the extension for GTA (PS3) that includes The Ballad of Gay Tony. Firstly, I must say both are impressive games. L.A. Noire in particular is a work of art. Frankly I'm shocked that any video game company is producing something of this caliber and depth when it would seem that the market tends to reward video game makers for making fluff. One thing that rubbed me just slightly the wrong way was the manner in which the topic of homosexuality was handled in The Ballad of Gay Tony. Make no mistake here, I was not offended by the portrayal of a stereotype - I would be quite the hypocrite to be playing GTA and offended by a social commentary hitting too close to home. Rather I was shocked by something much more subtle: the fact that the main character was unable to dance with the men in the gay bars. GTA allows the player to sleep with and murder hookers, but disallows dancing between two men. This seems to have been an intentional choice on the part of the creators of the game and begs the question: why not?" – received via Mouthoff

Thanks for the feedback. We are pretty confident that Luis can dance with a guy in Hercules. You have to dance well with a girl first, then a guy will come and challenge you, as a way of seeing who is the better dancer. Luis is a heterosexual character. Tony is a gay character. They are best friends and work together. Luis is a vain, psychotic, deluded and somewhat confused mess, but he is not remotely homophobic, nor is he remotely bi-sexual. So he dances with women, but he is comfortable helping to run a gay night club. With all our open world games, we try to provide a range of experiences that fit the character and help develop the character while providing a good range of things to do. So Niko didn’t dance at all, but Luis did, and Jimmy (from Bully) can kiss people but not shoot them, like a normal school boy. Meanwhile, in Red Dead Redemption, John Marston won’t cheat on his wife, or dance, but is happy slaughtering any number of animals.


“Hey R* is there gonna be something more about L.A. Noire?” - Dezpoztomuz

While there won’t be any more DLC or additional content for the current release of L.A. Noire (we’re all too busy working on Max Payne 3, GTAV and other games to come), don’t count out the possibility of a new game in the L.A. Noire franchise in the future. We simply have not decided anything. We’re all very pleased with how that game turned out and are considering what the future may hold for L.A. Noire as a series. We don’t always rush to make sequels, but that does not mean we won’t get to them eventually – see Max and Red Dead for evidence of that – we have so many games we want to make and the issue is always one of bandwidth and timing.

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399 Comments

PC Title Update Released for L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition

Posted: December 19, 2011 5:30PM | Author: R* Y

A title update is out now for the PC version of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition. Updates include:

• Fix to prevent mouse cursor from turning on when using -str command line to improve performance
• Render state optimizations to improve performance
• Single-threaded renderer option added to game launcher to improve graphics performance on certain setups

If you need help with the game or have questions regarding this update, be sure to first have a look at the L.A. Noire PC Technical Support page. If you don’t see your problem listed, submit a request to our Support team via http://support.rockstargames.com, and they’ll get back to you with some assistance.

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87 Comments

L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition Now Available for PC

Posted: November 11, 2011 10:12AM | Author: R* Q

*** UPDATE: L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition is now available across Europe & Australia ***

L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition is available today across North America today via retail stores and digital distributors, including Steam, Amazon, Direct2Drive and OnLive (look for it Friday in Europe and Australia).

In addition to the original full game, L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition for PC includes a multi-use code to access all the previously released downloadable content from the original console versions, including the “Nicholson Electroplating” Arson case, the “Reefer Madness” Vice case, “The Consul’s Car” Traffic case, “The Naked City” Vice case and “A Slip of the Tongue” Traffic case.

Developed by Rockstar Leeds, the PC version of L.A. Noire runs on a wide range of PCs and features increased resolution and graphical detail along with keyboard remapping and gamepad functionality, plus support for NVIDIA 3D Vision for an even greater sense of interaction and immersion.  For system specs and more details visit www.rockstargames.com/lanoire/pc and be sure to look for an all-new Official PC Launch Trailer later today commemorating the release.


More L.A. Noire:
Trailers & Videos | Screenshots | Features | Original Artwork & Downloads
 

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220 Comments

New Artwork in Honor of L.A. Noire PC Release: "A Slip of the Tongue"

Posted: November 10, 2011 6:40PM | Author: R* Q

To commemorate this week's PC release of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition, check out some brand new Original Artwork inspired by the "A Slip of the Tongue" Traffic desk case, where a seemingly run-of-the-mill car theft ends up sparking an explosive investigation into the largest auto fraud racket the city has ever seen. "A Slip of the Tongue" was originally offered as an exclusive pre-order case but is now available along with all the other original DLC content fully included as part of The Complete Edition release.

Download the new artwork, featuring Detective Bekowsky and POI Jean Archer as a desktop wallpaper, background, buddy icon or avatar from either the Downloads section of the Rockstar Games site or the L.A. Noire website.


Previously:
New Artwork in Honor of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition, "The Naked City"

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Watch the L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition Launch Trailer

Posted: November 08, 2011 12:00PM | Author: R* Q

In celebration of today's North American release of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition for PC, we present the new official launch trailer - which can also be seen in high definition at the L.A. Noire site and the Videos section of the Rockstar Games site.


Previously:
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition Now Available for PC

• L.A. Noire
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101 Comments

New Screens from Next Week's PC Release of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition

Posted: November 03, 2011 3:13PM | Author: R* Q

Next week, the PC release of L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition for PC will be available worldwide in stores and digitally via OnLive, Steam, and other PC game digital download services. Today, check out a new set of PC screens below and in full 1920x1080 high-def resolution at the Screens section of the L.A. Noire official site.

Phelps examines the scene of a hit and run accident in "A Marriage Made in Heaven".

Investigating an abandoned vehicle in "The Driver's Seat".

Listening in on a conversation.

Detective Phelps surveys an unfortunate soul at the crime scene.

Previously:
New Screenshots from L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition for PC

• L.A. Noire
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74 Comments

Interrogate the Detectives Part 3: Phelps, Earle and Others in the Hot Seat with Your Questions Answered

Posted: October 31, 2011 11:00AM | Author: R* Q

In parts one and two of our Interrogate the Detectives series, your inspired questions yielded some revealing and often quite amusing confessions from the detectives; in today’s concluding part 3, we present questions that were directed to specific actors about their experiences, remembrances and personal thoughts about the characters they portrayed in L.A. Noire. Read on to find out how Adam Harrington felt about playing the ethically-dubious Roy Earle, how Aaron Staton’s hazy memory from acting out the interrogation scenes have affected how he plays L.A. Noire, Sean MacGowan’s analysis of Bekowsky and Phelps’ brotherly relationship – and much more…

Roy Earle (Adam Harrington)

Daehoidar (@danbufton on Twitter) asks:
Adam, in playing the corrupt cop Roy Earle, you had some great dialogue which included some really funny one-liners and facial expressions. How did you enjoy portraying this character and were you given any freedom to ad-lib any dialogue and expressions?

Adam Harrington:
I think you used a great word, freedom. It’s always a lot of fun when you're playing a character that really doesn’t care what anyone thinks about them. It gives you a lot of freedom as an actor. Unfortunately I can’t take any credit for his dialogue. Everything Roy said was scripted, but as far as the facial expressions, they were all me. It was fun to be able to look at someone anyway you want to without caring what they think.

MarisaMcAwesome (@MarisaMcAwesome on Twitter) asks:
When you were playing Roy, did you think some of the things he says were funny, mean, etc? Would you ever have a friend like Roy if he were real?

Adam Harrington:
When I read the script I saw right away how well Roy was written: jaded, tough, mean, cruel, brutally honest and yes, very funny. Would I ever have a friend like him? Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want an enemy like him.

OtokoNoShufu (@otokonoshufu on Twitter) asks:
Of all the outfits sported by any of the characters, Roy's jacket is without a doubt a standout. Do you think you could rock that kind of suit coat in real life?

Adam Harrington:
That’s a great question, and yeah I agree, Roy's jacket is certainly one of a kind. Could I rock that? That jacket deserves great jazz, a good drink, and a really nice set of wheels.

Stefan Bekowsky (Sean McGowan)

cannoman5 (@Cannoman5 on Twitter) asks:
I've read that you are a gamer and you love the noir era, so what did it feel like to be a main part this game?

Sean McGowan:
Being involved in this was a real treat. Not only was it groundbreaking technology that we all got to use first, but I love this particular period in history - the music, the cars, old school Hollywood and the feeling that America was booming right after the war. Just beautiful. Oh and also, men wore hats. I’m talking “real” hats, like Fedoras, such a classy thing that has mostly died off. Being a part of that world was a blast.

faithashw (@faithashw on Twitter) asks:
What does Bekowksky really think of Cole? At first, Bekowsky seemed mildly irritated by Cole but in the end, it looked like they had formed a pretty amicable bond - ultimately do you think Cole grew on Bekowsky?

Sean McGowan:
I think at the top Bekowsky was a bit irked that he was saddled with the golden boy so he had his guard up. However as things went along and Bekowsky chilled a bit, he realizes that they are both fighting for the same cause. So yeah, in the end Bekowsky does like Cole. And like a good older brother he’ll always have his back but will never take shit from him.

Sway4829 asks:
It seems that Bekowsky has quite the fan following in spite of the fact that he's the first real [detective] partner you get. What do you think it is about Bekowsky that had people liking him more so than say some of the other partners you get to spend more time with later in the game?

Sean McGowan:
First of all thank you. It’s so nice when fans reach out and tell you they liked your work. So to all of you, I thank you very much. As for why Bekowsky was liked more - if that’s even true then I would guess to say it’s because Earle is an asshole, Galloway is lazy and Biggs... well when I get to Biggs I’ll let you know. Playing the game, I liked Bekowsky because he speaks his mind. And funny or hostile, I just really like being around him.

Rusty Galloway (Michael McGrady)

Hammer-Sam asks:
Did you like Rusty Galloway's personality and did he grow on you as you performed as him? Or did you find him to be as lazy and stubborn as I did [ha!]? Great work. Great character.

Michael McGrady:
I liked him instantly. When I auditioned for the role I knew that I wanted to play that character. Galloway was a classic cynical, world weary detective who had determined early on not to take life, his job or himself too seriously.

Bearsarebrutes45 asks:
Was it challenging for you to get into the sorta joking around sarcastic detective mood?

Michael McGrady:
That aspect of Galloway was inherent in the writing I just simply embellished it with a little spin.

PhuahEJ91 asks:
Rusty Galloway is my favorite partner in the game because of the way he communicated with Phelps. How did you connect or relate yourself to this character?

Michael McGrady:
I find people in general funny and intriguing, as I believe Galloway did. I don't take myself too seriously and I find that those that do are rather pathetic. I can be misunderstood at times because at heart, I am a loner. I spend a lot of time in my head pondering, observing etc. I am a classic introvert but I can hold court when I need to. I think Rusty is that way too. I can be very sarcastic too.

Cole Phelps (Aaron Staton)

14307476 asks:
Was it fun to be the main character in a video game? Would you ever do it again?

---

Vman105 asks:
Was it fun reuniting and working with your colleagues from Mad Men in the case “The Gas Man?”

Aaron Staton:
It was a total blast! But even more fun than working with [other actors from the cast of Mad Men] was when I ran around the streets in-game looking for them so I could push them around.

faithashw (@faithashw on Twitter) asks:
Just read your interview with Edge Magazine which I thoroughly enjoyed! You say that you are the worst interrogator ever which I find really funny - when performing your lines were you ever given any point of reference? E.g. “This is your response if the player chooses Doubt” - and did you ever recall any of these when playing the game yourself?

Aaron Staton:
The script on the prompter listed all of the responses along with the corresponding interrogating tactics. At the time the choices were ‘force,’ ‘doubt,’ and ‘coax.’ That was later changed for the game but that’s how the script read. And I do remember the lines when playing the game. It actually makes me worse, I think. I play with my wife and she says, “Are you listening to this guy at all?” and I say “Yeah, but I’m waiting for him to say something about a matchbook, there’s a matchbook involved in this somehow.” And I miss half of what they say and choose ‘doubt.’

emmi18176860 (@emmi18176860 on Twitter) asks:
Do people, especially all the L.A. Noire fans out there, recognize and react to you now when they see you in a local store, on the street, etc. Any funny stories or encounters along those lines since the game’s release?

Aaron Staton:
I don’t think I’ve been approached by anyone who recognized me exclusively from the game. I wondered beforehand if it would happen. I remember thinking how crazy it would be if someone said, “Hey, you’re that guy from that game.” Maybe if I crouched in GameStop and started inspecting random stuff it would happen.

• L.A. Noire
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26 Comments