Gun: The Randall Jahnson Interview

IGN: The Wild West had several parts, several chapters to its development. There is the Gold Rush in California, the American Civil War, the connection of the West and East by railroad, and the establishment of many, many towns due to mining, herding, farming, etc. Does the story reflect American history in an accurate way, and if so, could you give us some examples?

Jahnson All those chapters are represented in "Gun" in one way or another and that was by design. Do they reflect American history in an accurate way? Not entirely. "Gun" is still a videogame, let's remember, not a history course. But I do think it effectively represents the greed that was present in the form of robber barons, mining and cattle operations, and other power structures. And the violence, of course. ("Gun's sound effects, by the way, are awesome!)

But I do hope it sparks curiosity in the minds of its players to investigate those real-life chapters of the West's development. Maybe a player, for example, will be surprised to see Chinese present in the game on several occasions and will want to find out why.

IGN: What's the coolest part about writing about the Old West? You know the part that was simply the most fun?

Jahnson: I really loved the dialogue. It was fun writing the over-the-top stuff for the villains. I've collected a few books of cowboy slang and Western words over the years, and it's been very amusing plumbing them for period phrases and vernacular language. "Bucking the tiger" (playing faro, a 21-like card game) and "monkeying with the deadwood" (peeking at the discards) are a couple of my favorites.

It's also been a blast to be in the studio when the actors come in to record their lines. Tom Jane and Lance Henriksen recorded their climactic scene together and that was a treat to watch. They both really got into their roles of Colton and arch-villain Magruder; they exited the studio drenched in sweat!

IGN: Is there anything else about writing the story for Gun that we haven't covered or that you feel is crucial to telling the IGN faithful?

Jahnson: That feels like enough blab outta me for a while. Play the game - and we'll talk some more.

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