Released in 2011, LA Noire remains a unique and beloved title in the world of video games. Set in a meticulously recreated 1940s Los Angeles, this neo-noir detective game was a groundbreaking blend of interactive storytelling, open-world exploration, and innovative facial animation technology. Developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar Games, L.A. Noire has a rich history and some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that even dedicated fans might not know. Here are some fun facts about L.A. Noire that might surprise you!
1. The Game Was Originally Conceived as an Open-World Adventure
Before L.A. Noire became the detective-focused narrative that we know today, it was initially conceived as an open-world adventure game with a broader scope. The original vision involved a much larger map of Los Angeles with more free-form gameplay elements, similar to other Rockstar titles like Grand Theft Auto. However, as development progressed, the focus shifted to a more structured, story-driven experience centered around solving crimes and interrogating suspects.
2. The Facial Animation Technology Was Revolutionary
One of the most talked-about aspects of L.A. Noire was its groundbreaking facial animation technology, known as MotionScan. This technology involved filming actors with 32 surrounding cameras to capture their facial expressions from every angle. The result was some of the most realistic facial animations ever seen in a video game at the time, allowing players to analyze suspects’ expressions during interrogations. The process was so detailed that it required actors to remain almost perfectly still during filming, as even minor movements could disrupt the capture.
3. It Took Seven Years to Develop
L.A. Noire was in development for seven years, a lengthy process marked by numerous challenges and delays. The project began in 2004, and during its development, the scope and direction of the game changed multiple times. The long development period was partly due to the ambitious nature of the game, the innovative technology involved, and the time required to meticulously recreate 1940s Los Angeles.
4. A Star-Studded Cast of TV Actors
Many of the characters in L.A. Noire were portrayed by actors recognizable from popular TV shows. For example, Aaron Staton, who plays the protagonist Cole Phelps, is best known for his role as Ken Cosgrove on Mad Men. Other notable actors include John Noble from Fringe and Lord of the Rings, Michael McGrady from Southland, and Greg Grunberg from Heroes. The game’s use of established television actors helped to enhance its cinematic feel and brought a high level of performance to the characters.
5. The Realism Extended to 1940s Los Angeles
Team Bondi went to great lengths to ensure that the Los Angeles depicted in L.A. Noire was as accurate as possible to the real city in the 1940s. The developers used period photographs, maps, and even aerial footage to recreate the city’s streets, landmarks, and architecture. The attention to detail is evident in the game’s environments, from the iconic Hollywoodland sign to the bustling streets of downtown Los Angeles. Many of the buildings and locations featured in the game still exist today, making it a virtual time capsule of the city’s history.
6. It Was the First Video Game to Be Shown at the Tribeca Film Festival
In 2011, L.A. Noire became the first video game ever to be officially recognized by the Tribeca Film Festival. This was a significant milestone, as it highlighted the game’s cinematic qualities and its potential to be appreciated as a form of interactive storytelling akin to film. The game was featured in a special panel at the festival, where the developers discussed its innovative features, narrative, and the future of storytelling in video games.
7. The Game Was Initially Set in Chicago
Interestingly, L.A. Noire was originally planned to be set in Chicago before the decision was made to shift the location to Los Angeles. The developers felt that the vibrant, post-war culture of Los Angeles, along with its connection to the golden age of Hollywood and the noir film genre, would provide a more compelling and visually striking backdrop for the game’s story. This change allowed the team to explore themes of corruption, crime, and glamour that were prevalent in 1940s Los Angeles.
8. The Game Features Real-Life Cases
Many of the cases that Cole Phelps investigates in L.A. Noire are based on or inspired by real-life crimes from the 1940s. For example, the game’s infamous Black Dahlia case draws inspiration from the real-life murder of Elizabeth Short, a case that remains unsolved to this day. The developers took creative liberties, but the use of real cases added an extra layer of authenticity and intrigue to the game’s narrative.
9. There Were Plans for a Sequel
Due to the game’s critical and commercial success, there were plans for a sequel to L.A. Noire. However, these plans were never realized due to the dissolution of Team Bondi following allegations of poor working conditions during the game’s development. Despite this, Rockstar Games has expressed interest in revisiting the L.A. Noire universe in the future, and fans continue to hope for a potential sequel or spiritual successor.
10. Hidden Newspaper Collectibles Unveil a Side Story
Throughout the game, players can find hidden newspapers that, when collected, reveal a side story involving corruption, drug trafficking, and conspiracies within the Los Angeles police department and city officials. These newspapers provide additional context to the main narrative and uncover a darker layer of the city’s underbelly. The hidden story is one of the game’s many nods to the noir genre, where corruption and deceit often lurk beneath the surface.
L.A. Noire is more than just a detective game; it’s a richly detailed, immersive experience that blends history, technology, and storytelling in a way that few games have done before or since. From its innovative facial animation technology to its painstakingly recreated 1940s Los Angeles, L.A. Noire continues to be a landmark title in the gaming industry. These fun facts highlight the dedication and creativity that went into making the game, offering fans a deeper appreciation for this modern classic.
Photo by Rockstar Games
