Jane’s letter
Dear adventure game community,
I know there are a lot of questions out there about the Gray Matter project, so I wanted to give a status update. We changed developers last year and lost a good 9 months in the process. Yes, that sucks. However, the new dev team, Wizarbox, is a very tight, experienced team. They’re raising the quality bar on the project in a way that’s exciting for me personally. And the commitment to the project, and getting it to market, is absolute from dtp entertainment, the team and myself.
So the bad news is, the game has been delayed. The new team is still working (or reworking) all that infrastructure stuff that means you don’t see characters doing backflips on screen right now. Without something big and visible to show, we did not want to talk about Gray Matter at Leipzig again this year. But the good news is, it IS going to happen and happen well. As soon as we can show you a build, we will.
I totally get that this news is not going to be satisfactory. By now, you want the game IN your hand and that’s the end of it. There’ s nothing we can really do about that except keep working and hope that once we have a game, you’ll love it.
I’m looking into a way to put more regular updates out there myself so that it’s all not quite such a black hole. In the meantime, here’s some cool new concept art from Wizarbox that I hope you’ll like.
Jane Jensen
September 15th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Thanks,
Finally some updates.. Looking forward to more.. concept art looks cool!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Fantastic! The artwork is atmospheric, intense, dramatic.
It is also great to see an online diary from you again! My best wishes to the whole team.
September 15th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
It’s great to hear from you that, despite the delay, the game is still well alive and coming along. And the screen-shots are really amazing: the sepia-colored ones have such a gloomy, eerie mood about them that totally beguile me, especially the one with the tree and the heart engraved in the bark. I’ll stay tuned for any further entry in your blog, and - in the meantime - I thank you again: when I read “Jane’s blog” on the main page my heart bumped up!
September 15th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I loved the Grabriel Knight series and I am confident you will top it with Gray Matter… good to hear from you again. All the best wishes…
Tom
September 15th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Really, no comments?
Anyway, I didn’t even know this game was coming, but I loved Gabriel Knight so I am looking forward to see where this is going. Delays I can live with as long as the finished product i good.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I guess this is a bitter sweet news. At least the project is moving forward even there are setbacks. I am looking forward to playing it when it is release
I also love the concept art 071, I think it personify her character really well.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Hello,
nice to see that there is a blog about the adventure I am most excited about since after the releases of So Blonde and Geheimakte 2. I like the whole style which has been shown the last time and also these.
I am a patient gamer, so i hope after the change all goes it ways, I do not need the game now and in this moment. The only thing I want is a good, flawless game with soul and if I need to wait 4 years - no problem. But of course, I hope I can buy Gray Matter a little bit earlier
I will pursue the progress and hope we can see more in the near future.
Greetings from Berlin =)
September 15th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
A day with info (and beautiful art) about Gray Matter is a pleasant day, even though it’s sad to hear all the problem the team went through. I guess it’s better to have a delayed game than a rushed one, and the best works (of art) sometimes have the more painful births.
In the meantime, I’ll signal this blog to people using my trusty rada drums.
Good luck!
September 15th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Nice hearing from you after so long, JJ!
I was excited about this project (Gray Matter, duh) from the get-go (which means somewhere around 2003, when just a generic project coming from you was announced) so you can only imagine how my anticipation grew only to culminate in more than one anti-climax (as the game kept getting delayed).
I really didn’t care how long it was going to take for it to get released, but I have to admit that the huge drought of info kinda caused my enthusiasm to wane. But I never lost hope, and I totally understand that sometimes things can’t always go our way and that’s ok.
Right now I’m just glad the game is still in development (yeah, the info surrounding the game was that obscure, or non-existent that I and many others started to doubt its eventual release). Of course I know this is none of your fault and frankly I’m not looking for someone to blame, as I think I don’t have the right to do that, and that we should respect everyone working on the game we’ve been waiting for for so long.
I thank you so much for this update, the art is beautiful and intriguing, keep up the great work and GOOD LUCK!
Best regards,
TC (Israel)
September 15th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Hi, I am very interested in this game, but especially the gameplay. How much are you involved in that? Are you making sure we won’t have to hunt for pixels, and things like that?
September 15th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
No comments yet?? I’m very surprised!
Anyway, if previous efforts are anything to go by, this game is going to be brilliant! But I do miss Gabriel… how about some GK re-releases on consoles?
September 15th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Amazing! I didn’t realize you were doing more adventure titles in games again Jane. I anxiously await Gray Matter’s release. My favorite adventure titles were the Gabriel Knight series. Your mixture of historical facts, geography, myths and legends, and historical figures is why I love your work.
Please keep putting out more titles!
Sean
PS- I hope someday we see a return of Gabriel Knight?
September 15th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Delays suck, but I’m just glad to know the project is still on. What a rocky development cycle this game has gone through –must be incredibly frustrating to a designer. What wonderful concept art though. Any chance of getting it high-res? Would make great wallpaper…
Glad to have this blog. Go, Jane!
September 15th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Hi.
Wow, I didn’t know about that game at all, until I read about this blog on Kotaku. *makes bookmark* But the concept art is really great, and it’s been a long time since I played a really good adventure.
I just hope it comes to hardware I already own…
September 15th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Very excited you have a blog! I love your work, and because you have a blog, Ragnar Tornquist has nothing on you!
September 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Are the background screens also concept art? They look awesome, and it would be great to seem in game like that.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
So glad to hear it’s not dead! I’ve been waiting for this game so anxiously that I was beginning to lose all hope. My friend and I (we still love our adventure games!) still have this at the top of our list of games to get. We’ve been patient all this time, we can wait a while longer. Having read your novels and played most (?) of your games, I can only believe it will be definitely worth the wait. Good luck!
September 15th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Jane Jensen on Gray Matter…
So the bad news is, the game has been delayed.
Those of you who do not know who Jane Jensen is need to catch up on their video game education.
Message to Jane:
Bring it to consoles. Publishers will tell you there is no room on consoles for adventure g…
September 15th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Looking forward to read your articles, Jane. Perhaps you can read mine
September 15th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
On the bright side at least it’s going to be released. I’ll be one of those fans that wants it “right away”, but I’ll *try* to be one of those fans that can wait until next year.
September 15th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
It’s great to hear some news!
The concept art is tantalizing; it stirs my interest and makes me wonder where the game is going.
Don’t be so hard on you’ll selves,
it’s better to take one’s time and do it right the first time…than to hurry up, make mistakes, and release a mediocre product.
A long delay is better than a short coming after all.
- Timbo
September 16th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Apart from the delaying issue, I can see that the graphic style has improved. Very good.
September 16th, 2008 at 12:04 am
I’m sad that it’s been delayed. As one of the “old” gamers I am delighted to see you back at it again though.
I’m anxious to see any new adventure games, and especially from you.
Just any small update is better than no update
Mattias, Sweden
September 16th, 2008 at 12:11 am
I do hope the dev team won’t fall under the pressure of the marketing department to show “a lot of flesh” and big boobs. (the concept art makes me a little worried) I hope this will be a mature game and not an immature one
Mattias, Sweden
September 16th, 2008 at 2:34 am
It feels so good to hear from you Mrs. Jensen! I am very excited to learn the game is still in development, and that your confidence hasn’t suffered in the transition over at Wizarbox. I wish you and your team the best of luck in facing the numerous challenges that obviously lurk in the shadows. I’ll be eagerly watching, waiting, and… dreaming.
September 16th, 2008 at 2:52 am
This looks really fantastic! For quality and seeing a vision fulfilled correctly my opinion is that its always worth the wait. Would you mind if i set up a fan page for this over at a small grass roots community site I have just launched? I might be able to get you a few more eyeballs.
September 16th, 2008 at 3:39 am
First, a big sigh of relief.
What a wonderful surprise to wake up this gloomy and rather, uh, gray Monday morning to find that Gray Matter is still going strong. Believe me, as far as I’m concerned, that is more than satisfactory! The new artwork and trailer are icing on the cake, but best of all is this new blog that you’ve started. I think it really means a lot to many of us who are very excited about the game, and have felt in a state of limbo over its status, especially lately. Let’s just say that you put those apprehensions to rest.
Personally, I don’t mind saying that I’ve been looking forward to this game like I haven’t looked forward to any game, book, movie or work of art since about 2000, which is when I completed Gabriel Knight 3. When I first heard whisperings about “Project Jane-J,” as it was then known as, it was like a roller-coaster set in motion. But through all the ups and downs, I’ve always tried to balance my excitement with plenty of patience, knowing full well how these projects often go. I’ll happily wait as long as it takes, because I have no doubt that the end result will be more than worth it.
Let me leave off with a big Thank You, Jane, for the status update, and another Thank You to dtp entertainment and Wizarbox for the artwork and website updates. I really appreciate you taking the time to reassure those of us who are eagerly anticipating Gray Matter.
All the best,
James
September 16th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Hey Jane,
Thanks for the heads up. I think we all needed a little bit of reassurance. I’ve got to tell you, though. The new concept art is stunningly awesome!
Dan.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Good to have you back , been waiting for so long, we at adventuregamers forums thought the game is dead.
Have to say the concept arts are really cool, these concepts have recharged me again for this game, take your time and i hope you will stick to prerendered highquality backgrounds(woreks well for adventure games) than 3D one.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Good work!but in the second trailer i dont like characters!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Ciao Jane,
sono un avventuriero italiano. Ho amato tantissimo Gabriel Knight. Devo ringraziare Adventure Productions che con la riedizione di Gabriel Knight 2 – The Beast Within ho potuto apprezzare anche questa bellissima avventura in italiano. Spero tantissimo di poter apprezzare Gray Matter in Italiano. Mi dispiacerebbe tantissimo non poter giocare a questa avventura. Scusami per il mio pessimo inglese.
Saluti dall’Italia.
English version:
Hi Jane,
are an Italian adventurer. I have loved as Gabriel Knight. I must thank Adventure Productions that with the reissue of Gabriel Knight 2 The Beast Within I have been able to also appreciate this beautiful adventure in Italian. I hope as to be able to appreciate Gray Matter in Italian. I would be sorry as not to be able to play to this adventure.
Excuse me for mine bad English.
Greetings from Italy
September 16th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Every night I pray for this game to re-prise parts of old sierra VGAs’ game mechanics… even a teensy crumb out of them would make a masterpiece.
Features like in Laura Bow, understanding things more important than proceeding in the game, puzzles skippable (missable) or doable wrong(with negative outcomes in the end naturally)… so basically a score that rates your actions and assigns points based on your cleverness to spot every detail and use everything in a situation.
Naturally I realize players aren’t keen on this stuff anymore, games costs have tripled so to expect an income games need to be enjoyable for a vast slice of players. So I wonder if it’s possible somehow to make a game which easy and hard parts cohabit happily in.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Holy freaking god! I saw this story on Joystiq, and until then I had no idea Jane was involved in a new game. I’m very excited and 9 months to wait isn’t so bad at all. This will be on my must buy list. Thank you J.J for hours and hours of great games and great characters!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
“how about some GK re-releases on consoles?”
I second that! GK 1, 2, and 3 for XBLA please!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
The only thing that matters for me is that you’re back in the game industry with a new classic adventure game. Take your time, I can wait until it’ll be done.
Welcome back Jane, I really missed you !!!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
The art style is amazing!
I wasn’t so enthusiastic about the screenshots that were released when Tonuzaba still worked on the project, since the art direction wasn’t very special.
But those concept arts ooze of atmosphere and character!
They already give me the feeling of a true Jane Jensen story!
I’m playing GK3 at the moment, so I have nearly finished this series now. Out of all the aspects I enjoyed the writing the most. It’s not just stellar compared to other games (and amazing on its own), but also so unusual. I find the explorations of the various relationships the most interesting. Of course the banter between Grace & Gabriel springs to mind first, but von Glower also is a very interesting character, not to forget Mosely and the whole treasure hunting group in the third part.
Gabriel Knight himself is such an unusual character in the hero role and plays a big part in my perception that the series is so refreshing. I’m curious how your new game will hold up to your old ones.
Personally, I didn’t think that the gameplay of your games were the strongest part. The puzzles were so-so, especially the second part was pretty weak in this regard. Liked the ones in the first one, though a few were too far fetched or difficult. I still have to see how good they hold up in the third part, but so far they are just okay.
In the end, I’m excited about Gray Matter and have high anticipations for it!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Jane! You’re back! We missed you!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Good work! Thanks!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I’m disappointed to see Gray Matter isn’t going to be released soon, but I’m really excited to see that you have a blog up!
I’m hoping for lots of information about the game and your design philosophies in general.
I love the elegant and stylish concept art.
Write often!
Salaryn
September 18th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Hi,
I’d loved the Gabriel Knight’s adventures and I wait your new series “Gray Matter”. I’m very happy to see a new point&click game from you.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Yes! I’ve been waiting for a new Jane Jensen game for ages. I hope there will be regular updates on this blog.
I’ve been a fan of Jane Jensen’s work for some time now. I recently manages to get my hands on a copy of the first Gabriel Knight novel! Sins of the Fathers was my first exposure to truly fantastic story telling through a video game.
Gray Matter is going to have to live up to some high expectations from us old GK fans. However, I have little doubt that this game will be fantastic.
P.S.: I know this is a blog for Gray Matter but I hope there is a new Jane Jensen novel in the works too. Dante’s Equation was superb.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I knowed you with Phantasmagoria. It was on seven CD and a very beautiful box. I was a really little italian adventure gamers and I passed a lot of very scary nights with this game. I adorated the Gabriel knight’s games. Now I’m 30 years old and I’m again here to wait your game. Excuse my english but I hope you understand how I love you and how I love your games.
Fra
September 20th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
The game looks good. I will definitely play it.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Since Wizarbox is porting “So Blonde” to the Wii could we expect the same with Gray Matter?
I’m gonna get it on PC first, of course, but I want it on Wii too - the console made to bring back the Point’n'Click genre!!
September 20th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Great news. Hopefully once this is done we will have some information about a new GK game? GK was my favorite series.
I really want to see what happened with Gabriel and Grace. Will it ever be coming?
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 am
Great news. I am fun of you miss Jensen. I love Gabriel Knight series and i live with that game every day of my life. I hope you doing fine. I developed FMV games too in my free time for hobby. It’s really difficult for the writer. Give my regards to your husband his write really great music. Take Cure. Bye and Good Luck.
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Heck, I’m just happy knowing there’s another Jane Jenson adventure game coming my way. What can we expect by way of system requirements though?
September 24th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Good news… I feared the game was put on hold
Thanks Jane for sharing
September 24th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
The game looks gorgeous so far! Of course, I would play any Jane Jensen game knowing that it will be nothing short of brilliant. I can’t wait to play it!
September 25th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Hi Jane,
The concept art is beautiful, it makes me hope the game will be released with a graphic novel GK style perhaps?
In all seriousness though the art is just a bonus, we’re all here because we love what you write. The characters look enigmatic to say the least. I just love the fact that female characters in your games are really smart and as opposed to the usual dumbed down eye candy. Don’t devs understand that women play games too?
I don’t think anybody cares how long it’s going to take, we’re all just relieved that you’re still writing and making games. Anybody would be forgiven for quitting because it’s labour of love making games the way you do. If anything has your name on it people understand that it’s going to be something creatively unique.
I’m 33 and I’ve been playing the GK games every year like a lot of other people have. The games don’t age, but I’m so looking forward to something new!
I’m such a fangirl, my son is 13 soon and he’s called Gabriel. It’s probably a good thing that Duke Nukem wasn’t my favourite game at the time hehe
Keep doing what you do. We need more women in the games industry, You’re inspirational and your work is legendary- never doubt it.
Sandi (UK)
September 26th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Francesco! Phantasmagoria where by Roberta Williams and not by Jane! They both create King’s Quest 6 but not Phantasmagoria. BTW it is a completely different style.
September 27th, 2008 at 12:23 am
So great to hear from you Jane! Can’t wait to play the game - I LOVE Gabriel Knight to death
September 29th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Jane, this news is more than satisfactory - of course, I’m just as impatient as the rest of us to play Gray Matter, but the main point is that the game is still going to be completed and to the high standard that your writing deserves. The concept art is beautiful. I’m just so glad we’re really going to get another game by you.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Thank you Jane for this update! The artwork looks exciting and the game looks fantastic! Do keep the updates coming. I´ll be keeping this on top of my RSS list!
October 4th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Hi Jane!
Thanks for doing a blog on the Gray Matter site - totally cool!
I’m looking forward to this new game, it doesn’t matter it’s going to be a bit delayed, as long as it will be out sometime in 2009. Stay on it, and do the best you can, and I’m positive it will be great in the end!
I love the GK series - and I’m proud I got to greet you in Seattle in 2000 on the GK Conclave meeting in July of that year. Never to be forgotten!
Regards, Tore
October 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Thanks Jane, the concept art looks fantastic and I’m too happy that the game is coming at all to care that it’s been delayed.
October 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Dear Jane,
I loved the GK-Series and after playing lots and lots of other adventures I can say that I have never played anything as demanding and fascinating as GkIII…
Please keep this up! A wonderful story can still be a bit boring as an adventure if the interaction sucks…
And take your time - I prefer waiting 5 years for a great game that takes me weeks and nights to finish than 1 month for crap 
What I loved about that Game is that it does not live from the Grafics or the “take spoon and use with bottle”-quests but from the perfect detailed story and the riddles that are so much integrated in the storyline! I loved to analyse fingerprints and to listen to phonecalls
Therefore please keep the genious way of integrating the riddles!!!
A big fan
October 6th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Any update? Some little words each week will be nice; it is allways a peasure to read you.
October 10th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Truly can’t wait for this one, hope to get at least an update a month from Jane (please??? ^__^)
October 13th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
In my opinion these are just great news. Of course, I would love to play Gray Matter asap, but quality is quite rare in this times. And I’m convinced Gray Matter will be just a brilliant game, so it’s painful but definitely worth it waiting for it.
The artwork is so fantastic, detailled and full of atmosphere!
I love your work, the storylines are always of high intense, mixed with historical facts and myths and the riddles are never unfair. With Gabriel and Grace, e.g. you’ve created characters, which are just “real”, and can’t be forgotten. The gamer just have to think about their “life after GK3″. That’s the specific about them.
I’m looking forward to 2009, and hoping to hear from you again in your blog. Thank you!
Greetings from Bavaria
PS: I know, we are now waiting for GrayMatter, and we will love it, but maybe - as an insider - you can give us customers and fans of GK a hint, what we can do to convince Vivendi (I think it’s Vivendi?) to publish a new GK series or to sell the rights to someone who wants to publish it? I mean, we’ve started so many petitions and stuff, without success. But GK will never be dead. You always find people who keep it alive, I mean, there’s no other game I think, with which it’s the same. I hope you see what I’m trying to say … We would be very thankful for every tip!
October 18th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Hello,
I’m so sad GK’s adventures stopped… And I’m not the only one. I’m waiting for Gray Matter, but it certainly won’t replace Gabriel Knight in fans’ heart.
Greetings from France
October 20th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Hi
I´m glad to hear that…looking forward to the release. Will it be released in Austria? Yes, AUSTRIA, not Australia.
The last blog entry is over a month ago…would you please give me some more information?
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 am
The concept art looks interesting, it’s slightly reminiscent of the GK games (prolly because of the duo). My fave has to be the part with the comic story - people voting for someone to stay/go ? Sounds eerie to me.
January 11th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Greetings from Finland!
I just finished playing the GK trilogy and now I’m craving to see how it continues! I’ve played the third GK for at least three times allready and finally got hold of the first two also. And I loved them! Please, please, please continue the GK series! In the meantime while I’m waiting for the GK 4 I just might play Gray Matter. It looks interesting also.
February 13th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Jane who are you…..please speak with us!!!!!
New new new about Gray!
February 13th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
i still have all the gabriel knight games with their orginal covers and the books to go with them, wish there was a gabriel knight 4 coming out. sins of the father was what inspired me to take a holiday in New Orleans, and the beast within started me off on learning german. i cant wait to hear more on gray matter and see what that will inspire me to do. keep up the great work and dont ever stop Jane.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:35 am
I’m still enjoying all the games you have created, Jane.
What surprised me just lately was the discovery of a section about the Essenes that were included in the SIDNEY archives..
You know, if you ever liked “weird” ideas you should check out The Essene Gospel of Peace! You will love it. But not because it’s still all hocus pocus, it’s because it actually explains the abra cadabra. THE abra… What THIS is - reality that is. Let me just pitch it for ya: “God” is the Sun (our Soul) and Mother Earth (our bodies), Life is simply a connection between Light and Sound. Remember in biology on school even, how we’re all atoms and electrons. Well… There you have it:D Oh, and Jesus used the name “Satan” as a common description of intestinal parasites! Haha, that’s right. This might make you think twice about everything from now on, like medicines, religions, politics… Wow.
I’m looking forward to Gray Matter! A game about the mind OUGHT to be great…;)
March 20th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Hi, just saw all the new art and backgrounds. In particular, the character models look a lot better than the previous versions because while those looked technically okay, they lacked expression and the renders looked kinda ancient: I could expect that for a much older 3d game and not a recent one.
March 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 am
Oh and also, about the game:
I hope that the various technical aspects like dialogues, the inventory items, the skills, etc. will give you audio/visual/text/etc. feedback(clues, hints, information, etc.) when solving puzzles. It’s a great pity that many adventure games have advanced in terms of graphics, sound, etc. but they’ve not made good use of those technical aspects.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Hi Jane, been looking at your new game, and it’s looking good so far, I’ve seen though that everything in the game is in german, will the game have an english version?
Best wishes.