The original pitch for Arkane Studios' Dishonored was simply "ninjas," the game's co-creators Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith tell PlayStation Official Magazine UK.

The idea evolved quickly, according to the interview, shifting from ninjas, to supernatural assassin in a steampunk city to its final, more nuanced state.

The developer duo also talk about their inspirations for some of the game's iconic elements, like the tallboys, in the story, as well as why they decided to leave the game's anti-hero, Corvo, a blank slate.

Make sure to check it out here, and if you're interested, read up our in-depth piece on the talent behind the epic title.