You missed our livestream during Gamescom? Worry not, I got you, here’s a recap of what was discussed and answered by the Narrative Directors from Tactics and Siege.
On the left: Barnabé Anglade. On the right: Peter Lavoie.
First of all, let’s introduce our key speakers who joined us during this first Community livestream: Barnabé Anglade for Tactics and Peter Lavoie for Siege! They both took the time to answer our questions during a conversation about the creative collaboration between both production teams and how it shaped the vision for Tactics. Ok, now let’s get into the meat of it.
What’s the role of a Narrative Director?
As both Narrative Directors, Barnabé and Peter told us that they work in cohesion with their respective teams and together to craft a memorable experience for the players. Their goal is to heighten our experience and immersion, while making sure that everything always makes sense.
What is Rainbow Six Tactics?
Tactics is a brand-new game from the Rainbow Six franchise that was just announced at Opening Night Live show. It's a turn-based tactical game where YOU play as Six, the boss of the Rainbow organization. And you get to deploy iconic operators in high-stakes missions to stop a massive conspiracy. It's one big epic campaign full of twists. This is also the first big solo and narrative experience since Rainbow Six Vegas 2.
Both Siege and Tactics are set in the same universe, meaning that what happens in Tactics will happen in Siege. During the conversation, Peter interestingly mentioned that key story developments will only be shown in Tactics.
John pointed out that Vegas 2 was released 18 years ago already. Some of us players might have played them, others such as me were too young. So, it’s definitely been a while!
Where are we in the Rainbow lore?
The terrorist organisation called Keres, led by Deimos, has been planning attacks against Intelligence organizations, including against Hereford, Rainbow’s HQ. They directed their efforts on Hereford with the aim of destroying. Keres was successful in its endeavors as Hereford has fallen, it meant that Rainbow had to be disbanded.
When was Tactics introduced in the timeline?
We arrive in a world without Rainbow. During this time, 9 intel agencies undergo attacks on the very same day. The world is in shock while the attacks keep coming. This is what leads to the urgent reactivation of the Rainbow unit with the appointment of its new Six: Paul Bishop.
As the player, YOU are Six. Your mission is to stop the terrorist threat while finding answers to questions such as: Who’s behind the attacks? Why are they launching them?
How was the collaboration between the teams planned?
The teams wanted Tactics to be canon, and they mentioned how important it is for them that players who both play Tactics and Siege will be rewarded with additional value. The story line has been enriched with big answers while keeping narrative timelines complementary. Peter confirmed that crossovers will happen, we might see new characters from Tactics being introduced in Siege. Barnabé and Peter told us that this collaboration has been in the works for years and both teams have benefited from the other’s experience, knowledge, and expertise.
Where did the idea of turned-based tactical game come from? And why Rainbow Six?
The Tactics’ team not only love Rainbow and its lore, but also its tactical DNA. With their expertise in tactical games, they saw a great pairing between the series and the turned-based tactical genre. This genre also allows them to bring new gameplay experiences, new mechanics, new twists in narration, while staying true to what makes Rainbow what it is.
On the Siege team’s side, they saw in Tactics an opportunity to tell a longer-form Rainbow story which they haven’t done in over a decade (Frog’s note: Vegas 2, 18 years ago, oof). Peter told us that there are so many stories that can be told in this universe, so many ways to entertain the players, creating a tactics-style game in the Rainbow universe was too good an opportunity for them to pass.
How do you adapt Siege operators to make them work in Tactics?
Barnabé explained that they had to assess which operators to select for Tactics based on several criterias. Those criterias include their roles, the players’ appreciation, and more, but most importantly the gameplay opportunities the operators and their gadgets offer. A great metaphor used was that they wanted to translate the operators while keeping the same meaning.
Did you encounter any constraints during your collaboration?
Peter jumped in to answer this question, as for him and both the Tactics and Siege teams, constraints aren’t negative. They’re an opportunity for creativity and are even necessary. Barnabé said that what could have been considered as constraints turned out to be the perfect turn of events when it came to the narrative direction. He gave the example of the fall of Hereford being the perfect time to introduce the new Six, and therefore introduce Tactics in the Rainbow Six franchise. On top of that, both mentioned that having access to resources, knowledge, and experts was key to their collaboration.
Q&A SECTION
We then had time for a quick Q&A! We picked questions from the ones shared by players on social media, Discord, and even in-person a Gamescom.
Is there a perma-death mechanic or something similar to it?
Yes! Though it's called differently. If one of your operators has fallen during a mission, they'll be a coma which means they won't be part of your roster anymore. It's not called perma-death per se, but it has the same effect.
Will we get to know Bishop better throughout the game?
Yes to that too! In Tactics, the story is not focused on the operators. It's about Six, the staff, and Rainbow as a whole.
Will we see more on how Rainbow is managed?
Definitely! In Tactics, you are Six. So not only you'll be able to experience that first-hand, but you are in charge of managing Rainbow and make the decisions.
When can we get our hands on Tactics?
Tactics is set to release in 2027. BUT! We published an article about an upcoming Closed Test and the registrations for it are already open. Since this is a Closed Test, the available spots are limited, so I recommend to you go ahead and read that article cause it contains really important information about the test and of course the link to sign up! https://ubi.li/R6T-DevBlog002
Have Barnabé and Peter piqued your curiosity? Want to submit your own questions for future livestreams? Come and join the official Rainbow Six Discord server to let us know! See you over there {-}7
FrFrFrog