Insomniac's Drew Murray Discussed Ratchet and Clank PS4, Resistance, and Sunset Overdrive's Future

During an appearance at GDC 2015, Insomniac Games’ Drew Murray spoke about several of the studio’s key franchises. In a Twitch live stream with Kinda Funny Games, Murray offered insights into the PlayStation 4 re-imagination of Ratchet and Clank, his personal feelings about the Resistance series, and what was next for the team behind Sunset Overdrive.

Ratchet and Clank’s “Greatest Hits” on PS4

Murray offered a detailed update on the Ratchet and Clank title for PlayStation 4, which was slated for release in 2015. He clarified that the project was not a simple remake but a full “re-imagination” of the original 2002 game. While it would follow the classic storyline of the duo’s first meeting and adventure, Insomniac was taking the opportunity to integrate what Murray called “greatest hits” aspects from the sequels. This meant that fan-favorite weapons, gadgets, and possibly gameplay mechanics that were not present in the first installment would be woven into the experience. This approach aimed to create a definitive version of the origin story, benefiting from over a decade of design evolution within the series. The game was being developed in conjunction with the animated Ratchet and Clank movie, and the re-imagination was intended to align more closely with the film’s narrative.

A Pixar-Level Visual Showcase

A major focus of Murray’s commentary was the game’s visual fidelity on the PS4. He conveyed immense excitement about the graphical leap, comparing the real-time gameplay to watching a Pixar movie. This comparison highlighted the studio’s ambition to match the quality of pre-rendered animated films, a significant technical challenge for any console game. He specifically cited the iconic city of Metropolis as an example of this advancement. He described seeing the level running at a high resolution with busy, flowing traffic, a detail that brought the world to life in a new way. Using words like “shiny,” “stunning,” and “beautiful,” Murray painted a picture of a visually rich and dynamic game that made full use of the PlayStation 4’s capabilities. His enthusiasm suggested that the re-imagination would serve as a technical showpiece for the console.

Reflections on Resistance and a New Beginning

When the topic shifted to other Insomniac properties, Murray was asked about the potential for a Resistance 4. He shared his personal perspective, stating he might have some interest in working on another installment. Having dedicated five years of his career to the alternate-history shooter series on the PlayStation 3, his connection was understandable. However, he balanced this by expressing how much he enjoyed the creative freedom of starting something entirely new with Sunset Overdrive. The shift from a grounded, military shooter to a vibrant, open world was a significant one, and Murray’s comments suggested that the experience was creatively fulfilling. His remarks were carefully framed as a personal view, not a studio plan, leaving the fate of the Resistance franchise an open question.

The Next Step for Sunset Overdrive

Regarding the future of Sunset Overdrive, Murray did not outright confirm a sequel. However, the details he provided strongly hinted that the team’s next project was about to enter a more formal stage of development. He revealed a key production milestone: the development work on the final DLC for the first game was scheduled to be completed that very Friday. With the post-launch support for the original title wrapping up, the team’s focus was naturally shifting. Murray confirmed that he and Marcus Smith, the creative director for Sunset Overdrive, were already discussing new ideas for their next project. To underscore the transition, he noted that more team members were slated to join these planning meetings the following Monday, marking the official start of a new creative phase for the studio.