Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is remembered for many reasons, but perhaps best of all for its Nemesis system, an incredible mechanic for generating memorable Orc encounters. According to a former executive, the Nemesis system came about from trying to solve a different problem: secondhand sales.
In a new video, Laura Fryer — former vice president of WB Games who oversaw the publisher’s Seattle studios at the time — talked about her time with Monolith. While discussing the way trend-chasing affects the industry, Fryer mentioned that chasing trends is what “literally led to the Nemesis system.”
Well, it is really old news from a game that launched in 2015, but the summary of it is a feature that allows enemies in the game to remember you, and evolve with the player. You killed an Orc chieftain, his right-hand orc is now the chieftain, and thanks you for clearing the way for him. Lost a battle to a miserable orc archer? Next time he sees you he jokes to your face and tells you how shit you are. It is a great system, but it was patented.