The upcoming Star Trek video game is the feature cover story for the latest Game Pro Magazine, which also includes and interview with Star Trek co-writer/producer, where he talks about consequences, canon and more
Orci talks about Star Trek game and Star Trek sequel
The latest issue of Game Pro Magazine has a cover story feature about the upcoming Star Trek videogame (see TrekMovie first impressions). There is also an interview with Roberto Orci, which is available online.
Here is an excerpt where Orci talks about Star Trek II, consequences and the Star Trek sequel:
Kat: We’re both Star Trek fans. What do you think goes into the perfect Trek story?
Orci: I think all fans know that one of the perfect stories is Wrath of Kahn . It was a perfect Trek story because it had a great science fiction plot but it also maximized the friendship and the family feeling among all the characters.
That was the first movie I saw. It was the perfect Trek story because, to meet everyone at the height of their friendship, and the height of their knowing each other and loving each other. To me the perfect story has a great sci-fi concept, but also covers the personality of the characters that we know in the most real way. Whether it’s Spock as Mr. Logic, Kirk as Mister Leader, or Sulu as Mr. Help the Crew, everyone is their best self. It’s good sci-fi and good family.
Kat: So if Wrath of Khan is the perfect Trek story, does this mean that you’re going to kill Spock in the game?
Orci: In the game? Maybe. Both in the game and in the sequel that we’re doing – and by the way we consider them both very seriously together – we know that audiences are thinking of it as Star Trek II of the new universe, so we are aware that of preconceptions about who might die and what the sacrifices are. And we’re aware of those things as we generate the story for both the game and the movie.
Bob also explains how the new game fits into their new Star Trek universe and with the sequel:
Orci: So I would say that what’s going to be different about this game is that it’s going to fit into our new universe. It’s going to fit into the Star Trek that we were lucky enough to generate, and it’s going to be a story that happens within that universe and that story is not going to be fan fiction. It’s going to be a story that fits into our movies, and fits into between the first two movies. The things that we are thinking about for this game very much fall into what can happen between the two movies, and that’s exciting for me as a fan.
Kat: So when I watch the second movie. will I be rewarded in some way for having played the game?
Orci: Absolutely, that’s exactly the point. We would not allow a game to go out if it was not somehow a part of the continuity.
He also weighed in on if the game will be part of "canon":
Orci: True fans will tell you that canon is only what’s filmed. I’m not an authority on what is canon. However, I will tell you that this may be the first game that falls within the parameters of the people who are in charge of canon for now; the “supreme court,” as we call ourselves because we are the ones in charge of Star Trek for now. We won’t be in charge forever, but for right now we’re deciding what canon is, so I can tell you this is the first time where the game itself is generated by the people who are deciding canon and we generated the game to fit within canon.
Much more good stuff to read at GamePro.com
“We won’t be in charge forever, but for right now we’re deciding what canon is” ….
I’m waiting for the comments about it… anyway I’m supporting the Supreme Court for now…
…but I want news about the sequel… PLEASE… SOON!
:-) :-)
“We won’t be in charge forever, but for right now we’re deciding what canon is…”
C’est tout.
:)
Canon? Shouldnt that be FIRED!!!!
Reminds me of what the Matrix did with the rewards via cross platforms, comics, cartoons and video games.
Would love a synopsis and teaser trailer for the sequel :)
No. It is a caNNon that should be fired!
This is the only game I have any interest in purchasing once it gets released next year. Probably cost an arm and a leg, but it will be for my kids’ birthdays (all three born in April/May) so it should be worth it. Oh… and to hear that lovely Pine/Kirk voice…sigh!
That was the pun. Woosh.
Ah, screw canon. I’m sick of everyone arguing about canon all the time. Just enjoy the show, game, or movie you’re about to see.
I bought that magazine at the supermarket a couple days ago. The cashier gave me a weird look as it rolled towards him on the conveyor belt. My nerdiness rules.
And it honestly never once entered my mind that they would perhaps actually kill Spock in the game or the sequel. I am hoping that they don’t. Please don’t.
kill spock! it’s been done. been there, got the tee shirt.
I want to play as shatnoy!
I could easily be accused of damning with faint praise, where the last film was concerned. But I would just like to say that the EV suits were among the details that were absolutely right.
They looked considerably influenced by those in “The Tholian Web” to me. Updated and considerably less bulky than those in ENT or the first couple of Star Trek films. Making them specifically department colours was great… and obviously helped keep the red shirt joke alive, where Olson was concerned.
I’m curious… are the actors of Star Trek, also involved with the game?…?..some information about it?
:-) :-)
I don’t mind waiting, but at least please come up with a good title so we don’t have to call it Star Trek 2 because new universe or not, its NOT the 2nd Star Trek movie, its the 12th, Star Trek 2 came out a long time ago, so please STOP calling it Star Trek 2.
#10 I’m curious to, I’m playing the Back to the Future game and a number of the actors are involved with the game so that increases enjoyment, but you don’t have to have original actors, you can get actors like the guy who did Marty McFly and probably sounds closer to McFly in the movies than Michael J. Fox does now. As long as they don’t do what Lucasarts did and get voice-overs that are so bad that it distracts you (like in X-Wing Alliance back in ’99) because you’re paying attention to the fact that those are NOT the characters you saw in the movie…
Please stop messing with Spock. He’s been through enough. Kill Kirk…LOL. Seriously, why kill anybody? It’s been done before, and will only feel like a rehash if done again. Do something wild, different, and crazy fellas. That’s what you freed yourselves up for.
Looking forward to the Star Trek game. I’ve seen a comment on another site that says it looks like a Mass Effect clone. Hey Star Trek should look up to the quality that is in Mass Effect. Intelligent and exciting at the same time. Look at the cover for GamePro, it features a Mass Effect 3 story too. I also wonder if they are going to use Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto’s voices. I hope there’s also a healthy dose of the troika’s third party and that’s McCoy! Sorry, Uhura. In Mass Effect 2, Mordin has all the funny lines. Just think of all the funny stuff we can get from McCoy.
Anyway, if this game comes out in 2012. Assuming it’s going to be a good game, that will keep us happy until 2013 for the new Star Trek movie.
As Kirk said.
Sounds like fun!
As Spock said.
Fasinating!.
As MCcoy said. Dammit!.
As Sulu said.
Oh My!.
As Scotty said.
EYE!.
As Checkov said.
NUClear! Wessel!!!.
As Uhurah said.
Channel open.
They already have said Star Trek 2 / #12 will not be about “Khan” and William Shatner announced this week he is not going to be in the next movie. So if the video game (I assume) is about Khan, then cool I will buy it for the PC format, then the movie must be after Khan.
Well, I don’t really know. I hope they keep the story TOP SECRET. Eon Productions won’t even let the women who are auditioning for a role in the next James Bond movie, see the script during auditions. They have to read from the prior movie. Now that’s Top Secret.
JJ Abrams better get off his lazy *** and approve this new script and why is it only half-finished? Don’t they start filming this August 2011? If JJ does not feel like directing, then get someone else who will. Waiting 3 to 4 years for a new Star Trek movie is ridiculous. I would rather have a Star Trek movie every 2 years with a director who gets it done. Stop the laziness.
As Dee said
Do not kill anyone
… my condition to support the supreme court…
:-) :-)
Enough with the silly game — I want to see some progress on the script and movie.
“Orci: True fans will tell you that canon is only what’s filmed. I’m not an authority on what is canon. However, I will tell you that this may be the first game that falls within the parameters of the people who are in charge of canon for now; the “supreme court,” as we call ourselves because we are the ones in charge of Star Trek for now. We won’t be in charge forever, but for right now we’re deciding what canon is, so I can tell you this is the first time where the game itself is generated by the people who are deciding canon and we generated the game to fit within canon.”
Usually agree and support Orci, but this is the most ridiculous thing I have heard out of the Supreme Court to date…this is right up there with Star Wars planking. I also really don’t appreciate this new and unexpected tad of arrogance here…”we’re deciding what canon is… the game itself is generated by the people who are deciding canon and we generated the game…”
Sheesh, this is bit of “holier than thou” attitude that I could do without, especially given how the script is now 1.5 years later and JJ still can’t commit to directing.
Its a rebooted franchise, alternate reality, anything goes, screw cannon/canon.
Wreck Havoc
@ 18 MJ
That’s tough love. I’ve read a bunch of your posts and you do support Bob Orci. So for being critical of Bob, I commend you for being even handed.
I see your point. Bob’s comments don’t bother me as much as it does you. Maybe because I’m still waiting for the next movie and say, news that the script is done. Oh, and news of who is going to direct the thing. After they announce the delay, what are we going to talk about? No TV series. No new Star Trek DVDs.
This game,I think,is going to be great! But,I must say something about what Bob said about said game and Trek 12. About killing Spock. Bob. I beg you. Don’t do it in Trek 12 for the sake of all things holy!!!! We saw it once,and I don’t think I could do it again,Spock’s my favorite,I don’t want to see him go and come back ‘again’;what would be really bad? To see him go,and not come back!! I’m begin’ ya Bob,don’t do it!!
18. Sheesh . Not trying to brag. Let me re- explain. As far as my understanding goes, canon is defined by whatever is FILMED. and right now, we are choosing what is filmed. Am i missing something?
I’m a huge Halo fan, and I’ve never had any interest in playing any Star Trek game. But that it’s within the continuity between pictures and I like the experience of being part of the story — AND I like the first story — makes me seriously interested in trying a Star Trek game for the first time. I hope the story is good!
Bob is is right.
Bob, also really enjoyed 5-0, great job there as well!
Only thing I hope to see is Kirk’s love of the enterprise to become more obvious. In TOS he seemed to have a love affair with her, and it was cool when every now and then he would actually talk to her as though she could hear him…
I think is was the episode “naked time” when he swears he would never lose her.
In the new movie he didn’t seem that impressed with her or mention much about it.
24. Good note.
The whole scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR0F4l4_lK0
All I want is for the ships bridge to be re-worked a little bit. On the closing shot before ST2009 ends – you can see everyone in that shot clearly–except for Uhura. She’s hidden somewhat behind the computerized panel. When a shot like that takes place; I would like to be able to see the core members without obstruction. Otherwise–no complaints.
#18
I read that as a pretty straightforward reality. The JJ team are in charge, they decide what’s what. How is that arrogant? He even admits they won’t be in charge forever.
24. agreed. although the movies kind of did the enterprise worship to death. In TOS he seemed to be especially aware of the lives he was responsible for… I dug that.
@22. Bob, thanks for the explanation. I retract my remark. Just getting a little frustrated that the next movie is now likely to get pushed back significantly and it is tainting my comments here.
Bob
.mr.spock has already payed his dues.& given his life once for his ship in star trek:the wrath of khan. so please go.kill some one else this time . a red shirt!
hum, Bob a question I wonder if you have the nitpickers guide for the classic trekkers?
Orci: True fans will tell you that canon is only what’s filmed.
yes your darn right on that count.
I’m not an authority on what is canon.
um. ok
However, I will tell you that this may be the first game that falls within the parameters of the people who are in charge of canon for now;
cool!
the “supreme court,” as we call ourselves because we are the ones in charge of Star Trek for now. We won’t be in charge forever,
maybe not forever, but keep up the good work
but for right now we’re deciding what canon is
who’s we?
, so I can tell you this is the first time where the game itself is generated by the people who are deciding canon and we generated the game to fit within canon.”
whos making those desisions fellow writers , fans
I am a true trekker, I’VE been a fan sense day one (1966) this is what i perceive as what a canon is or is not:
when the content of a scripe or book is not put in a Movie Or Episode is consitered by us fans as a non canon.(i could be wrong about his)
when ever a scripe or book content is filmed in a movie or in any trek episold is written in stone & excepted as trekdome.
that is my personal opion of what a canon is .
@31. Well, as fun as the game might be, I for one, would never consider a Star Trek game as canon. This is Star Trek for Christ’s sake, not Halo.
It’ll be just like the Matrix video game that explained some of the story that they couldn’t get to in the sequels. If done properly, this could work very well.
Star Trek 2009 had the prequel comic to tell the Prime timeline story of Nero and Spock, and this time it’ll be an upgrade to a fully interactive medium.
@33. Ah, the Matrix game that 95% of the people who saw the trilogy never played…that Matrix game, right? :-))
#29 – “although the movies kind of did the enterprise worship to death. In TOS he seemed to be especially aware of the lives he was responsible for… I dug that.”
Yes, I agree. This “love affair” with the Enterprise on the part of Kirk was/is just so hinky/kinky/icky. Please no more. For the love of everything, allow Kirk to have a life outside of the Enterprise as well. Don’t let the three get to where they were in Star Trek V, where all they had were one another because…sheesh. Honestly, TOS Kirk/Spock/McCoy all needed to “get a life”! They are not monks and many priests and monks manage to have a more balanced lifestyle than those TOS guys did. I suspect that living and working in outer space could be difficult, but those ships are big with lots males and females…
“In TOS he seemed to be especially aware of the lives he was responsible for… I dug that.”
I totally agree with this. This is what needs to be shown in the sequel. This is one of the reasons why Kirk is “my captain”.
BTW Bob Orci – you have not missed anything…:)
I think one reason why generally only those things which were filmed are considered canon is also, that other media don’t reach so many people. Much less people read Star Trek books and comics. The computer game will also reach much less people than the movies. A lot of people simply don’t play computer games/console games at all. For example my mother don’t even know how to start a computer, but she will still watch the new movie.
In my case I won’t be able to play the game, although I would really like to. I just don’t have one of the newest consoles and my computer is very probably not good enough for that game. I have a very old graphic card, which is more than enough for small flash games I like to play, but not good enough for other bigger computer games. Those big new computer games unfortunately always require an up to date hardware. :-(
I am completely against killing of Kirk, Spock and McCoy. The first two were already killed in a Star Trek movie and I like all three character too much to see them dead. ;-)
If you kill any of the other characters (Scott, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov), it would be sad, but I won’t mind it much as long as the character stays dead. Bringing back dead people is just so lame and it was already done with Spock in Star Trek III.
#22 – “Sheesh . Not trying to brag. Let me re- explain. As far as my understanding goes, canon is defined by whatever is FILMED. and right now, we are choosing what is filmed. Am i missing something?”
Mostly not, Bob. “Canon” was always a fairly arbitrary term anyway, and it’s been used more by fans arguing with each other than by the producers. The thrust of it all, of course, is to define what counts within an overall continuity.
These days of course, with everything that’s happened, the definition probably has to be amended somewhat, to something like this:
Canon – Whatever is filmed, in live-action, by the property-owner (i.e., CBS/Paramount)
Under the original definition, TAS counts (it became a point of contention because Mr. Roddenberry tried to back away from it, years after the fact). Also under the original definition, the fan films would count, too, and I’m pretty sure nobody’s really arguing for them to be considered canon. ‘Course, since nothing is likely to contradict the ones set in the Primeverse, they could theoretically be *treated* as canonical. For that matter, the same is true for the licensed books and comics set in the Primeverse, too.
And that takes us back full-circle. “Canon” is an *operational* concept, to wit, what we consider as “having actually happened”. And if Bob and Alex K. and JJ and Damon and the others who are writing and producing the movies at the moment are treating the game’s events as actually having happened in the continuum they are presenting to us, then the game is functionally canonical for that universe, irrelevant of the medium in which it’s being presented.
#7 – “And it honestly never once entered my mind that they would perhaps actually kill Spock in the game or the sequel. I am hoping that they don’t. Please don’t.”
I agree. Of course, I also felt exactly that way about Vulcan (even if it is a planet/civilization, rather than a person), and look what happened. :(
Where is the reporter, who will ask Orzi and his friends about a NEW ST TV SERIES ???
boborci, if there is any room for the solicitation of opinions, I as a long-term TOS fan would vote against anything other than filmed content to be considered “canon.” Right now, “canon” allows for at least a general sense of continuity in the broader Trek universe. If that definition becomes too broad, I fear the creation of a wedge that would imply *anything* could be canon, from every book that’s ever been written to any piece of second-tier fan-fiction. Canon defines the core universe around which the reality of Trek structures itself, warts and all; if expanded too greatly, the inherent and inevitable inconsistencies among all the pieces of Trek lore “in the wild” become impossible to overcome.
Keep it simple, keep the video games and books out, and just tell a good Trek story. Somehow, I think “canon” will take care of itself.
Any hope of any kind of announcement on movie status in the offing?
Everyone –
In most video games, the character “dies” at some point, thus forcing the player to restart the level, mission, scenario, etc.
Think about it. Kirk and Spock in the game WILL die, particularly at the hands of a lousy player. ;)
I would expect “reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated” from someone in the next movie. Super-fuel the drama, have the audience realize how important these characters are, how much they mean to one another, provided it’s an organic process.
boborci – many of us, IMHO, know you’re fully capable of delivering excellence. I’m looking forward to hearing updates on your guidance with the IDW ST comic books. And yes, I did understand that you meant “canon” as in what appears onscreen.
Enjoy the weekend, everyone! Happy birthday, America! Land of the free, home of Star Trek’s birth, too! ;)
41. Hey, it’s the weekend of Canada’s birth too (yesterday). ;).
Bob Orci, no comment (that will quickly become news) on the whole delay thing? ;)
Are they going to rip off Star Trek 2 The Wrath of Khan and cover it up as silly nods instead of doing something complete “NEW”??????
There was no need to make the last movie and screw up the time line (NO IT IS NOT A PARALLEL UNIVERSE) if you are not going to do anything new and just rehash what came before it.
I thought they would just do another Star Wars rip off and call it Star Trek XII: The Revenge Of The Nero.
43. Yeah, it is a parallel universe.
40. I agree. The rules of what s canon existed before i arrived on the sene, and that s what i mean when i say i am not an authority on canon. We cant jus change the defenition. So thpugh thegame and comics may be consistent with canon, as far as my understanding goes, they are not canon.
38. Good points
I assum(ed) prime-Spock will assist in locating a new planet Vulcan, and take all the survivors there. That would be a GREAT concept for a novel or graphic novel. The Enterprise and crew can be included, to what extent, who knows…
47 – oh, and Bob, if you want to hire me for that idea, I’m available. I’m good with a broom. I make a decent cup of coffee, and I do windows. :)
It is not a parallel universe. Where in the film does it state that? Spock himself states that he is from the future, not a parallel universe.
Nice try!
Canon is not that difficult and if the writers find it to be too much trouble then it is time to find new writers who can do it!