Director of Control: Resonant explained why there is no yellow paint in the game: "Players must find the path themselves"

Director of Control: Resonant explained why there is no yellow paint in the game: "Players must find the path themselves"

Remedy Entertainment has chosen to forgo yellow paint navigation in its new open-world action title Control: Resonant, a decision game director Mikael Kasurinen described as intentional during an interview on the Dropping Frames podcast.

Rather than relying on bright markers that indicate ledges, doors, or chests, the studio guides players through lighting and objects placed within the game world. Kasurinen said the choice stems from a wish to preserve player autonomy.

It is very important that players feel that they figured everything out themselves. If it looks like "come here," it is no longer the player's decision. Someone has already decided for you.

He contrasted this with Marvel's Wolverine, which employs a "gas trail" that leads toward objectives. In Kasurinen's view, that method is too blatant. He conceded that some players may find the opening of Resonant difficult, unsure of where to head, but argued that this isn't automatically a problem. His goal is for players to "participate in the gameplay" rather than remain outside observers.

There is nothing better than the feeling that you found the path yourself. I want people to doubt, to come back, to check whether they could have done it differently. It is like life. It is what makes a game memorable.

Control: Resonant is out now on consoles and PC. It serves as a larger-scale open sequel to 2019's Control, and while the scope has expanded, the approach to navigation has stayed the same: no yellow paint, only trust in the player.