Delphine Software
Cinematic ambition
French studio Delphine Software created Another World and Flashback, games that elevated interactive storytelling through rotoscoped animation and cinematic presentation.
Overview
Delphine Software brought cinematic ambition to 16-bit gaming. Founded in Paris by Paul de Smedt, the studio became synonymous with atmospheric adventure games that prioritised narrative and visual storytelling over twitch gameplay. Another World and Flashback remain landmarks of game design.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1988 in Paris, France.
- Key figures: Eric Chahi (Another World), Paul Cuisset (Flashback).
- Signature style: rotoscoped animation, minimal HUD, environmental storytelling.
- Notable titles: Another World (1991), Flashback (1992), Fade to Black (1995).
- Closure: 2004, after several unsuccessful later projects.
Another World (1991)
Eric Chahi’s masterpiece:
- Solo creation: Chahi designed, programmed, and animated almost everything.
- Vector graphics: distinctive look from polygon-based visuals.
- No interface: immersion through minimal UI.
- Influential: inspired Limbo, Inside, and countless indie games.
Flashback (1992)
Paul Cuisset’s response:
- Rotoscoped animation: motion-captured movement for fluid gameplay.
- Sci-fi mystery: amnesiac protagonist in a cyberpunk world.
- Commercial success: over 2 million copies sold.
- Genre blend: platforming with adventure game puzzles.