Luc Bernard Quits Videogame Development

This is just a late side-effect from having a low sanity meter in Eternal Darkness right?

This.....CANT......be happening!

no offense, but I knew eternity's child would suck the second I saw it

Wow.. I'm surprised he let those morons get to him so much. It's a shame too, because he had some great, innovative ideas. And I was really interested in that castleroid game he was talking about with the cello-playing girl.... Does this mean he won't be creating the other chapters for EC either?

kinda bad that hes giveing up but meh......

Nooooooooooooooooo
talk about worst news i've heard all day.

Damn, that's an unpleasant suprise. I was really looking forward to seeing how his ideas played out.

Maybe good reviews of the Wiiware edition will turn this around?
Still looking forward to playing this game...

no....come on. You cant give up just because of that! Even if the game was bad (which I am almost sure it wasn't) you need to keep going forward. I'm looking into going into the gaming business and I don't want one of my idols to just up and quit. His artistic vision was so inspiring! sigh Maybe I shouldn't even bother with my game idea.

Woah, this is rather out of the blue. It's a shame that Luc has quit but he'll go on to better things surely. I'm also guessing Rose Princess is cancelled now

well I will be constantly updating Eternity's Child on steam, and making sure the Wiiware one will be fun

I want to make sure Eternity's Child on Steam ends up a fantastic game with chapters updated all the time (probably having another update today, and Chapter 2 in September), and that the Wiiware one ends up a really good game

But being independent and not employed by a company it makes someone's situation very hard.

I do hope you guys will still enjoy Eternity's Child on wiiware.
Being known as the guy who created "the worst game ever" just well kind of dug me in a very deep hole that is professionally hard to get out of. Even if that is just one person's opinion, people remember more the negatives than the positives.

I am just not in a position right now at all to continue making games.

And I am also very lucky that Alten8 is still getting the Wiiware version out.

Take Care everyone
Luc

I agree with outrunner a little. We should be dignified at this time.

Graphic Novels sound like a good idea so i wish you the best of luck with those Luc Bernard.

@jangonov
What is your game idea? I also have ideas but they need work

Luc, I'm buying Eternity's Child now. Some stupid morons say it's bad, but people also say Kirby Air Ride sucks and it's one of my favorite GCN games. I'll buy it just to show those idiots that we don't care about their opinions! And if you get enough sales, would you consider making another game? It's a shame to see good minds fall due to the press.

This is really disappointing that the video game world will lose someone who wants to try something different.

VerySad for us, but lucky for the graphic novel industry.

I wish you the best Luc and I hope that your future endevors will lead you to positve working environment and people who let you use your talent.

The screenshots look really good. I wonder why it got a low score? Most likely the reviewers didn't understand it. We're likely to continue seeing a lot of "niche" games on the V.C. and WiiWare. That's where they'd thrive (and be loved/hated).

Outrunner: Yes.

Sorry to hear it (regardless of how the game is perceived).

Hopefully your passion for graphic novels is equivalent too (or exceeds) your passion for game development.

Best of luck!

wow hes right they are retards and they are bringing him down im getting this game no matter what cause i have gut feelings that it is good i sense it. i wouldnt be suprize if someone from nintendo paid the reviewers to give low scores so they can stop us from having good games worth our money and try to make us buy useless crap to make them richer

sad news, good luck in your future project

I'm still looking forward to the wiiware version

maybe i`ll make my cool games ideas exclusively for sony cuz im starting to not trust nintendo cuz i have a cool wiiware game idea that does not suck and will good as eternity child and other upcoming games and ones i forgot the names of and i dont think it deserves to be on wiiware cuz i dont want people to wait for a good game while they throw crap at our face.

Best of luck making graphic novels. Of course, you don't like in Japan so it may be hard

If you make something as popular as Naruto, I hope you don't make it into a filler-filled anime series.

I bet this game will recieve an 8/10 here. And then we'll all be laughing at those silly 1/10 reviews.

Sorry about how everything went down Luc, but apparently your heart's just not in it. In that case, it's probably for the best. Good luck in whatever projects you pursue in the future.

EDIT: Actually, I want to elaborate that point with some personal experience. I dream each night of being an MMA fighter and everyday in training I get the poo kicked out of me. My sparring partners make sure to break my spirit each and every time we spar. I've been cut, had bones broken, and on a daily basis get pushed to the point of total muscle failure. And that's before I even get to fight. If I want to do that I need to cut 15 lbs. in a day or two (through dehydration) the day before fighting.

My point is that it takes heart, more than anything else, to be successful in anything that matters to you. If you get beat down and you don't want to get back up, it's clear your heart's just not in it and if you continue you're just going to get hurt worse. However, taking a beating can also make you stronger and prove to yourself how much you really want something.

(Salutes Mr Bernard)

Best of luck in the future Luc.

Today when i went on to the wiiware world site my mind did not understood what my eyes was seeing it could not be true. Luc Bernard a creative guy in art with his new good creative ideas for a better gaming experience never seen before would quit. The art i have seen you do on this site are so fantastic in my point of view and im confident your game Eternity child will be better than fantastic i can feel it. In whatever case some bad persons said about the game in a review i will download this game and play it on my wii directly when it comes out on the wiiware service.
Luc Bernard your art is fantastic and one of a kind i hope the future will be without bad people so that true gifted game developers can get into this business. Nintendo designed the wiiware service to help small game develepors so that they could get into this business but this is the exact opposite.
Luc Bernard you have become one of my biggest idols beacuse in my entire life my biggest intrest have been to play videogames and in the future i want to be a furniture designer or even designing some artistic games and you inspired me you have become one of my biggest idols its sad that the gaming industry will get such a big loss beacuse of one guys opinion oh well .
Bye luc Bernard i hope you the best of luck.

Talk about Karma...
I guess his garbage got a worse review then Pong Toss. Was he just hating for no reason.

23. LucBernard 29 Jul 2008, 16:37 GMT
god it's so sad, that Wiiware games from some devs are so terrible
it's really bringing the service down for all of us, seriously I never supported this game and I'm quite sad that Nintendo even allows garbage like that up on Wiiware

After one review he gives up. A lot of people in this industry and others get low reviews but learn from their mistakes and make make better ip's. I was going to get this game but seeing Luc give up after one review and blaming others for problems in the game don't deserve my download.

Destructoid sounds to me like a site that loves destructive games. I can see why they would shoot down something like this. It's art, not violent explosions.

C'mon Luc. You're basing your viewpoint off of one reviewing site's (and a small one at that) opinion. At least wait to see what the big guys like IGN say. (Don't listen to Gamespot...they said Fire Emblem for Wii was bad because there was no Mii support)

One of my best friends is on YouTube and when he first started with his first video, his first few comments were bad and he considered quitting YouTube right and there. But I urged him to get up and try again...and today he has over 100 subscribers and tons of views comming in every day.

So all I'm saying is...give the industry another chance. Sure you got a rocky start, but I bet if you go on a bit more, it'll get smoother.

I almost think if you are a game developer, you have to surround yourselves with people who will encourage and give you the right amount of constructive criticism. But is sound like that site who did a review on EC does lend much credibility.

@Smaman
Don't even listen to IGN. They compare WiiWare games To full games like Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3!

Why do you think FFCC:MLAAK, LostWinds, and Toki Tori got 7-8.5!

I wouldn't take the troll so serious! Even Great Games like Super Metroid got 3/10 by troll on Gamefaqs, what doesn't change its success! But you're right, those get read more often...
Damn, and I thought one day you'll play with the big ones!
Don't give up! Miyamoto's first published game was a drawback too! (Popeye)
Btw, will Rose Princess and "Imagination is the only escape" now be canceled? At least EC is still coming for Wii...

I'm very unhappy that Luc is letting this get to him this far especially since the source is destructoid, of all sites, but he does after all have the right to make his own choices. While I regret not being able to play some of the games we've been hearing about, I salute him and look forward to any graphic novels down the line. I still plan to get Eternity's Child for wiiware upon its release.

Good luck Luc.

Haha, just reading through the review's comments then Luc's pity plea on his blog is just ridiculous. The guy is a baby who can't take any criticism whatsoever. What's worse is that he actually tried to pass the buck to his programmer, then switched gears to "pity me" mode where he would just complain that people were belittling his "baby".

Grow up and good riddance.

As for Luc Bernard, I cant really belive youre just quitting the game industry just because one site that isnt even well known. You should atleast wait until ALL the reviewer put in their 2 cents before deciding to quit. >_> W/e graphnovels does seem more like your thing anyways.

Not a big deal. He is certainly a fantastic artist and it makes sense to go into graphic novels. Good luck.

Well take care Luc. It's too bad the trolls got to you man but here's to hoping you come back stronger. If not, then good luck. =)

If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.
And it looks like he's doing just that.

I'll be waiting for a proper review of the game before making my mind up here...

How many of you here have actually played the PC version of the game? I'm curious since I see so many commenting about the game and the other review of it.

I wish I could say that I was sad, but frankly IMO the game looked terrible. So I'm happy as WW has far to much shovelware as is.
While EC is still hitting, it means no sequels or owt else should be coming.

@ Draygone.

The way some WWW scores have been handed out, IGN, GS, 1up etc... could all give it 0's and WWW would give it a 9 (Pirates, Lost Winds and Dr. M are the games I'm specifically thinking of, I don't really have any quabbles with the rest. IMO P=7, D=5 & LW=2).

I find Luc's decision rather weak, but I'll let him run his life without me criticizing it. He has already had enough of that with his game. As for his career plans, I believe he's on a better path now. His artistic ability looks good--I don't know about his story-telling--so I think he will do well. I hope so at least.

Gah, now the trolls come out of hiding. I thought I found the one place I could avoid them.

In any case, since I haven't played the game yet, I can't make a formal on it. What will say is that I'm sad to see you go. It's like what ack!! said, your heart isn't into it. You have a great talent for art and storytelling, something that is not highly revered in the Video game industry. I'm glad you managed to lend your vision for at least one game, and now I hope you've found your true calling. A piece of advice though, try not to take criticism too personally. Don't give up on something you love because of a single failure. You have to get back up from a beating, it'll make you stronger because of it.

I hope to eventually see your work in the graphic Novel industry, to me it seems like your true calling, and I hope it's something you'll do good in, should you perservere.

well this sucks, i was really looking forward to the game with the cello playing girl, and the other game with the jewish child and the talking fox.

they all sounded so original, well, it's his choice, let's just hope they aren't trolls on the barnes and noble website haha.. ehh

@32. Bahamut ZERO
And you think a 7.5-8.5 is bad? There are some great game listed in that range.

@Luc
I am sad to see this end this way for you. But I hope you will keep your blog updated with news on your graphic novel endeavors.
I think it will be an better place for you. Having the difficult dynamic or working with a programmer is tough from what I understand so unless you have your own programming skills then I think a field like comics will suit you better as you will have more control in the outcome.
God speed

I'm agreeing with Virus ... they guy tries to come over more catholic than the pope (is that a saying in english ? ) but he actually does the same thing as the people who commented on Destructoid ...
sticking with my religious theme here ... Just because he is an "amateur" who makes video games that doesn't make him God. His product should be flawless (that jump button catastrophe in mind) and in the end it's consumers who decide whether you should continue. The people of Destructoid have clearly said "no". We'll see how this works out on WiiWare.
Third and final point. It's a despicable first when WiiWare World calls people retards for saying their mind.

BDPatVCR- Did you read the comments they were posting on there?
Their comment thread was litterally filled with one line comments "F**k you Luc".
It was like picking through a trash heap to find any constructive criticism.
If a number of those people were saying their minds then they probably did have mental illnesses. I'm not justifying WWW using the term 'retard' in a news article, but the destructoid users were way out of line.

I liked Luc's ideas, but if he can't handle his failures with grace (or, according to this news, can't handle them at all), then I'm not particularly sorry to see him go. Leaving the industry is his prerogative, and I can't say anything against the decision, except that I don't particularly respect it. If you want anything in life, your not gonna get it by giving up easily. Sorry if that sounds a little harsh.

I also find it very out-of-place that WWW used "retards." it hurts their credibility in the article somewhat. Not that I don't think the word doesn't have some credibility, though it is a strong term: Destructoid users are horrible, blind people for the most part, but the site needs to stay neutral, or least, objective.

I changed the wording to remove the insulting word used. We apologize for that.

@Stratos
I actually read most of them when this story broke. You're right that they were way outta line, but hey that's 12 year old kids trying to act all cool. You should see beyond that, i read a lot of posts which were negative but having good manners too. But everyone here on Luc's side is seeing the people who said "F*ck you Luc" as the only people who didn't like the game. That simple is not true. Also who here is feeling that compasionate about Luc when some guy is saying F*ck you on a website ??? Jezus (sticking with my theme lol), if you can't take that then you shouldn't read 99% of forums out there.

What about Luc saying "it's my programmer's fault", and later on trying to critize the reviewers ? That's much worse than saying FU imo.

Also, i'm guessing the guys who reviewed it on Destructoid are quite fanatic gamers, if someone like that doesn't reach level 3 your game is either extremely difficult or flawed ... I'm going for option 2

Summing up. It's a shame that Mr Bernard sees no future in videogaming but when you can't take a bit of critique (not well mannered but what do you expect it's the anonymous internet) you should get out. Especially when things we're going good you were all to glad to be in the spotlight.

Good and true points BDPatVCR,
I guess I am a bit of a Luc Defender.

Though I don't think people should have to deal with a billion F-Bombs directed at themselves online. I wish we could teach people to be more respectful and remember that there is a person on the other end of the keyboard. It's the whole loss of reciprocity in technology thing that Denis Dyack speaks of.

@Corbie-Thanks for the change of wording. I like it that way.

@Stratos
"Luc Defender" sounds like a video game title

Yeah, valid point but I'm not seeing that happen any time soon. Except on WiiWare World thanks to Corbie

Then Kudos to Corbie!
BTW is Corbie the Director/Editor in Chief then or just an editor?

While the "F" bombs on Destructoid were a bit harsh, I do believe that people should be able to express their opinions openly. I hope that they at least try the game out for themselves first, but I can't control that aspect of it. I've played the PC version, but I'll keep my opinions in check until I get a chance to play the WiiWare version of the game. I'll say this - I love the art style and music, but the control needs some major work before it will be up to the caliber of play control that WiiWare gamers will expect.

@ Stratos - And I'm just a lowly reviewer who someone felt sorry for and gave admin privileges to.

I read the Destructoid reviews. The first one was especially polite. The second one was a bit more vulgar but also informative. Neither contained personal insults to Bernard, which leaves me baffled as to why so many people here felt the need to respond to the reviews with personal attacks on the reviewers.

it seems Luc has posted a new blog talking about why he quit and that it wasn't destructiods fault you people should read it.

In Luc's present state he is going to fail at graphic novels the way he failed at video games. Here’s the problem, both are inherently artistic and no 2 people have the same artistic view. Since Luc Bernard only focuses on the negative aspects of the world, he will fail at anything artistic until he changes his mind set. Just from his comments on Wiiware world you can see his bias to his own opinions. If he doesn't like it then it possibly can't be good. Fortunately he is getting a taste of his own medicine and hopefully he will be smart enough to see his past errors and change the path he is currently on.
He needs to realize that everyone has their OWN opinion and it's neither good nor bad but simply an opinion and until he becomes secure enough in his own work then he will continue to keep failing and running away.
Tuff Love...

So how much longer until he changes his mind and decides to come back to making games again?

i wouldnt say to long lol

@pdrydia
I was more bothered by the behavior of the users in the comments than the reviewers personally.
@Corbie & Dazza - I found the 'About Us' page so now I know who all of you are. Good to know. Keep up the good work. Also since I'm talking to you guys: Any word on a forum?

They forgot to put "#1 Reviewer" next to my name though. They've been promising me a coffee mug with that inscribed on it for ages.

That stupid site. I'm sure Eternity's Child is great!!

LOL Corbie, If I ever see one for sale that says something like that I will get it for you if I am not broke...I could be cheap and make you a Facebook Flair button that says it

@ Stratos
I totally agree with you that no one should have to face the kinds of slurs & comments Bernard did.

@andy836

I didn't see it, what he say?

@ Mickeymac
finally somebody sees my post lol

Monday, August 11, 2008
"What people need to know
This has nothing to do with the DToid review

I had already well dug myself in quite deep, but when I went into the comments on dtoid and insulted the reviewers and the users, well that is when I really f**ked up

and then well I have dug myself into a hole where it's hard to get out of now professionally

because
1. I have too many haters
2. Well I am too outspoken
3. I write blogs and say things I shouldn't write on blogs"

Haha, so he's still trying to pass off his inability to accept criticism? The guy has no place in an industry like this.

4. I can't take criticism.
And that just about does it...

First. Dont let other people tell other people get to you, they dont have a clue
Second. When I first heard about Wiiware, you know what Wiiware game I heard first, Eternitys Child, and when I saw it, I thought WOAH, thats got unique graphics, Nice title, Cool looking characters.
This is looking like quite a cool Wiiware game, it could have been your game that got me interested in Wiiware in the 1st place, so well done!
Also, I dont know what happened to the mean people at destructoid, but their website isnt working, so they got, what they gave.
I also read a bit of your blog, just because you write things on blogs other people dont, that means you're special and if people think your game is so bad, tell them to try and make a better one then!
Come on Luc, For all you know they might just like other consoles better and want to make the wii look bad on purpose.
Hope you get your confidence back soon.

@andy836

Thanks, I have a little more respect for him than I did earlier. Too bad so many other people are so quick to write him off as a coward and a baby, when all he's doing is being smart.

@Luc: It's just one website, and this is your first published game isn't it? Ignore the haters. There will always be lots, that's just the world of video gaming. I for one will be looking forward to your graphic novels because I like your art and your ideas. I just hope that when you are able you take another stab at making games again. It takes time to learn how to do everything right and nobody is perfect the first time.

I do think the criticism was too harsh- no way is this worse than Pong Toss or Spogs Racing. From what I have heard from others the gameplay has issues but it's still playable and interesting, plus the art of course. But hey, nothing is fair in video game reviews.

It's not like making games is free. If he gets a big negative reaction, it unfortunately isn't just a matter of personal feelings, but I'm assuming there is also a concern that it will affect sales.

I'm sad to see him go, too, but I think it's unfair to presume how an independent developer should respond to such a hugely bad reaction to his first game. I certainly don't know how I would react, but I imagine it would be at least as bad.

Still have my fingers crossed that more positive (or at least more mature) response to the WiiWare version will be enough to change minds so we get to see Rose Princess and Star Thief!

The game was not complete when it was released. Most of the game seems like it could be good but the controls really did ruin it. It seemed, to me, completely unplayable.

Unplayable games warrant ratings like that. I have yet to see Luc address any of the games actual issues though, just making up more excuses as to why the game doesn't deserve a horrible rating. Not really addressing the very real problems. What good is a level editor when the levels will be unplayable as well? Along with that, what professional developer gets in arguments on the internet over reviews of their games? That's entirely unprofessional and while the comments where also uncalled for, you sort of brought in on yourself Luc by trying to get involved. People can be mad that they wasted money on such a crippled game and when you step in there to defend it (not by addressing the issues bothering them) you're just opening yourself up to attacks.

And in all honesty, I'm not buying this whole "oh wait! No, it wasn't because of the reviews" post hoc explanation. Its pretty obvious this is why you're leaving the industry. You took criticism as a personal attack instead of seeing it as the very people who bought your game voicing their concerns to you. You really abandoned your fans and did kinda come off as unprofessional and immature. Have fun in the graphic novel world, its going to be just as rough for you.

If I refused to take criticism in my career path, refused to listen to my professors/peers/etc. I would be on my way to being a horrible psychologist.

As it is, I'm no longer interested in EC for WW, I don't know how the game will be on the console but I know the support it will get will be mediocre at best, if I have a problem with it it seems it wont be addressed but instead I'll be told how wrong I am for not looking into other aspects of the game.

I invite you to correct me here, but I haven't heard anything from you or anyone defending your actions to convince me this isn't the case. It's really sad though, I had high hopes here.

@ Bigby
Now THAT is constructive criticism! Good show! Here have a cookie.

I've given this topic some more thought, and I'd like to say one more thing. You did well, Luc, and you're still doing well.

Throughout the day, I thought how much of my comment was hypocritical. I too am working on a project in which I have little skill compared to others. I've placed blood, tears, and several cuss words in my project, but I love it. I've reached the stage where I'm presenting my project to others and I don't know how I could take criticism either since I've spent so much on it. It'd be hard I guess.

What I'm trying to say is what you did and are doing is admirable. I may not agree with everything you did, but your untiring work should be a model to everyone even if your end project won't be. Keep it up; your determination (though it may not be in the same field) is amazing. Good luck once again.

Luc,
It is disappointing to hear that you're quitting the business, but I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavours. Just try not to let the jerks on THAT site get you down too much... = /

They laughed at Loui Armstrong when he told them he was gonna make it to the moon, and now he's up there laughing down at them...

The point is don't give up >.<
I'll be getting Eternity's Child though, it's the only other game besides MM9 on WiiWare I'm looking forward to.

btw... EC manga, anyone?

It's OK to retire, just come back in a bit, like Jay-Z!
Sucks about the bad press, though, it seems like they're being haters just to be haters. The artwork oozes quality, I can't imagine the game being a big letdown. 1/10!? That's putting it on the level of like a Pixar movie game or like a Zack & Cody game, ridiculous

I saw this in the morning but couldn't comment because I was supposed to be doing something else >.>

Sad to see you go Luc, hopefully this isn't the end we see of you.

If I'm not mistaken, Hideo Kojima's first game was totally rejected by the people at Konami, and the people he worked with treated him badly for his lack of inexperience. After completing Metal Gear, everything turned around for him. I think Luc should have stuck it out a bit longer, and proved that he was capable of making a good game. Quitting his job only reaffirms the beliefs of all those jerks that had it in for him.

I have to just ask.... All of you who have said he should stick it out longer, have you made something and get it ripped to pieces like this?

And I really do mean made, not done ... made. Gone through the entire planning stage, getting all the publishers excited, going through all the problems and elations. Trust me, it is really easy to make the mistakes that he made in his comments at D-Toid. Way too easy.

And yes Im sad to see him go, but if it means he can focus his creative juices in an industry that will appreciate them more and then come back to games when he has the unobtanium armor to do it what have we lost?

@Luc: Good luck man, thanks for the ride, I hope you blow my mind with some awesome graphic novels and then get me back to gawking at your art in a animated medium.

He's completely right, people just love to bitch, and you have to be able to take the crowd if you wanna work in the public eye. There's just no pleasing some people...

I guess it's a shame to see this happen. I never wish anybody harm(in this case failure), however, your art is good, so I'm sure you'll fit in somewhere doing something you like.

There are a lot of bumps on the road to making good games. Although I'll look forward to Bernard's graphic novels, I wish he wouldn't give game development up so easily. You gotta learn to take negative criticism once in a while.