The BBC tackles the photorealistic challenge facing video game developers dubbed "the uncanny valley", that uncomfortable feeling one gets from looking at a digital recreation of a human being that looks... almost human.

While the team behind the tech demo for Heavy Rain, pictured above, may nail it sooner, Obsidian Entertainment producer David Kunkler says traversing the gap may take more time.

They look strange - they're too close to real, but not quite real. Give us another year or two, and we'll be able to completely get across that uncanny valley.

Update your calendars, new-gen gamers! No more creepy robot faces are scheduled for 2009. Watch for it. Michael McWhertor

Real game characters 'next year' [BBC]