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by Fussbett 03/30/2005, 5:05pm PST |
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[ThorBlackHammer] All right, I guess we're going to start this chat - I don't know if anybody from Matrix is here
[ThorBlackHammer] but I'm Thor Jensen, I was Assistant Producer / Writer on Supremacy
[theswitch] dibo has been here for awile
[ThorBlackHammer] I noticed, but hasn't said anything
[theswitch] mabe matix mabe not?
[ThorBlackHammer] As for your question, ber88 - I would disagree. Although the rise of MMO games has changed the landscape of PC gaming in recent years, I don't think they're the only solution
[ThorBlackHammer] For one thing, they are incredibly expensive to develop
[theswitch] :D
[ThorBlackHammer] and when they flop, they can severely damage a developer and publisher
[ThorBlackHammer] We were contracted at blackhammer to do usability and conceptual design proposals for a few MMORPGs
[ThorBlackHammer] and for the most part, we told the same things to all our clients: this is going to cost 10 times what you think it will and there's no guarantee it will succeed
[theswitch] do you think technology will change how mmorpgs, no fees etc
[theswitch] how they work
[ThorBlackHammer] I think MMORPGs are coming into their own as fun, successful games (as opposed to grindy hardcore-only obsessed-fan fests) in recent years with WoW, CoH, etc - where you can play more casually - but they still have a way to go
[ThorBlackHammer] oh, of course - but one thing people are realizing is that bandwidth isn't as cheap or free as we thought it was, and that's what it comes down to at the end of the day
[ThorBlackHammer] especially for an MMORPG, you need to move that data
[theswitch] satalites
[theswitch] off topic I know
[ThorBlackHammer] a no-fee MMORPG is a great idea but keep in mind that would severely limit the developer's ability to create new content - the good thing about most modern MMORPGs is that subscription cost gives the developers time to constantly add to the game
[ThorBlackHammer] Nah, it's OK. Obviously, I'd rather talk Supremacy but the world of game design is a fascinating and weird place
[theswitch] actually I have always dreamed of a coputer generated univers the is randomly generated like rogulike games but 3d stuff, yes I'v had to much coffee late at night I know
[ThorBlackHammer] no, i love roguelikes! i am very excited for SPORE, which is an interesting step in that direction
[theswitch] anyways
[ThorBlackHammer] procedural content is the way to go, pre-scripted stuff is reaching its limits
american_dream has joined the chat.
[theswitch] do you know of what black hammer is currently focusing on?
Iliketoplaygames has joined the chat.
[theswitch] patch etc
[american_dream] I am a big fan of gaming.
[Iliketoplaygames] Hi!
[ThorBlackHammer] Well, right now we're working on the patch for Supremacy, in answer to people's comments about the game. The patch will fix some AI tweaks to make the computer a little more aggressive, will alter some unit balances
[Iliketoplaygames] I love to play games.
Chalkdust has joined the chat.
[ThorBlackHammer] make snipers more powerful, etc, and fix one weird bug that slipped by us
[ThorBlackHammer] Hello, new people.
[theswitch] :D
[Iliketoplaygames] Thor, how did you get to be such a genius?
mobiustrip has joined the chat.
[ThorBlackHammer] I suppose it was when I moved my brain to be completely spherical
[mobiustrip] woo!
[american_dream] Was the inspiration for this game taken from your childhood?
TheraphosaBlondi has joined the chat.
[theswitch] no it was hard work
[Chalkdust] I wish I had money to try these games out, they look pretty slick
[mobiustrip] yes
[ThorBlackHammer] As you may or may not know, circular forms are the most difficult to understand
[Iliketoplaygames] This is so exciting! Thor just spoke to me!
[mobiustrip] if Kthor made it, it must be good
[mobiustrip] cause he is awesome!
JasonMcMaster has joined the chat.
[ThorBlackHammer] Chalkdust, Supremacy is only $25, pretty value-incensed. Incentive
[Chalkdust] I have no job at the moment, you see
[TheraphosaBlondi] What platforms is this game available on?
[ThorBlackHammer] And it was developed by a staff of complete spheres.
[Chalkdust] and just shy of 25 dollars in my bank account
[ThorBlackHammer] PC only at this time.
[american_dream] Will I be able to shave this game?
[american_dream] I mean save.
[ThorBlackHammer] Yes and yes
ygurts has joined the chat.
[Iliketoplaygames] Thor, do you prefer pepsi or coke?
[TheraphosaBlondi] Okay well I have a PC. Is it reasonably light on system requirements?
[mobiustrip] I prefer Thor!
[mobiustrip] because he rules!
[theswitch] Im excited about the patch, hows it coming along. . . date etc
[ThorBlackHammer] I can't drink soda when it's not paired with whiskey, but I prefer Coke in that case
[Iliketoplaygames] Did you drink whiskey and coke while working on this game?
[ThorBlackHammer] The patch should be in under a month, we hope - depending on the number of changes
[theswitch] k. . .
[mobiustrip] so I have heard bits and pieces about this game
[Iliketoplaygames] Is multiplayer available?
[ThorBlackHammer] The map editor should be released next week - the tutorial is just about finished. It'll be available for download from supremacygame.com
[theswitch] yes
[mobiustrip] someone give me a short synopsis
[ber88] nowadays game must be brutal and controversial to has good sell?
[ThorBlackHammer] Yes, the game supports multiplayer via LAN, our Internet matchmaking service or hotseat
[theswitch] its like advance wars period
[mobiustrip] ooo
[theswitch] but is good
[Iliketoplaygames] Internet Matchmaking Service? is it going to find me a date, as well?
[mobiustrip] that would be cool
[mobiustrip] I am lonely
[theswitch] only a lobbie
[Iliketoplaygames] Thor, will I be able to order pizza while playing this game using a simple command?
[theswitch] yes
[JasonMcMaster] That sounds like Everquest hippie talk
[ThorBlackHammer] yes, the command is call your mom into the room and tell her to microwave you a Jenos and stop nagging you about your grades
[JasonMcMaster] you have to hit tilda to get the command window
[theswitch] so back to supremacy
[Iliketoplaygames] I don't even know wht a Jenos is
[ThorBlackHammer] YES, back to Supremacy
[ThorBlackHammer] maybe
[ThorBlackHammer] or other Black Hammer products
[Iliketoplaygames] Dijourno makes microwavable. Can I opt for that while playing the game instead?
[theswitch] I like your game. . . .alot
[theswitch] but too easy
[ThorBlackHammer] Thanks! We worked really hard on it
[ThorBlackHammer] it's interesting, the AI has recieved a lot of feedback
[ThorBlackHammer] Some people say too easy, others too hard - nobody says just right!
[theswitch] perhaps it has to sence when to use good start and when to be easy
[Chalkdust] so what exactly did you contribute to this, Thor?
[theswitch] strat
[american_dream] If I take apart your game can I use it for other things?
[ThorBlackHammer] It's hard to say - difficulty-adjusting AI is very, very difficult to implement, especially in a game liek this where planning is so important
[american_dream] Can I sit on the game, and if so, will it feel good?
[ThorBlackHammer] Chalkdust: I am an Assistant Producer - I managed the development procedure, contributed to game design, wrote all the text in the game and manual, built the website
[theswitch] only to americans
veronica has joined the chat.
[ThorBlackHammer] hired and supervised the voice acting, etc etc
[american_dream] If I touch your game will it get bigger? Or harder.
[Iliketoplaygames] Thor, can I edit the game to put in my own voice acting?
[ThorBlackHammer] it depends on the tenderness of your touch
[theswitch] no
[ThorBlackHammer] iliketoplaygames: actually, yes, you should be able to do that
[theswitch] oh
[theswitch] ok
[ThorBlackHammer] i'd have to check the executable
[american_dream] Let's say I am stranded on a deserted island with this game, will it be my wife?
[ThorBlackHammer] if it has no other choice
[Roentgen] I want the Fvost chick to sound like Cher.
[theswitch] maby in the future
[veronica] Can I put liketoplaygames' voice into the game?
[mobiustrip] If I could turn back time
[ber88] why are you using ogre engine?
[mobiustrip] If I could find a way
[ThorBlackHammer] but since two of the game's characters are male, one is female and one is creepy and nearly dead, you would be 1/2 gay and 1/4 necrophile
[theswitch] I wish I could havefvost hair style
[JasonMcMaster] but fully sweet
[veronica] Are you saying that there is something wrong with being gay?
[american_dream] or a necrophile, i mean, jesus
[ThorBlackHammer] We chose OGRE for a number of reasons - one, it works under Linux, which we are very comfortable with - second, it has great particle support, and the game has a lot of cool particle effects. And third, it's free.
[JasonMcMaster] you mean, other than sin?
[Iliketoplaygames] Thor, will there be a sequel?
[veronica] Do you speak for all of Black Hammer when you say that you disaprove of gays?
[theswitch] thor is not anti gay
[ThorBlackHammer] We are in discussions on putting together a sequel with more narrative elements, more units, etc
[Iliketoplaygames] I write for the nyt. Can I quote you on this disapproval of gays?
[ThorBlackHammer] Black Hammer is a company that encourages a community of tolerance and respect for all people
american_dream has left the chat.
[veronica] Oh, whew.
[JasonMcMaster] Gamespy hates gays
[ThorBlackHammer] That made him leave, that's sad
american_dream has joined the chat.
[Roentgen] saying that you WOULD be gay if a male character turned you on is not anti-gay. I guess it's just factual.
[Roentgen] Black Hammer stands for the facts, lol
[theswitch] he was ameriacan
[veronica] The American Dream LEFT. That's deep.
[american_dream] if thor was anti-gay, why would his game be giving me a rim-job? (hint: i am a guy)
[ThorBlackHammer] and he dreamed
Joe_Lieberman has joined the chat.
Joe_Lieberman has left the chat.
[ThorBlackHammer] Mr. Lieberman!
[JasonMcMaster] Hey, what's up Joe
Joe_Lieberman has joined the chat.
[ThorBlackHammer] This chat is politically volatile!
[Joe_Lieberman] Hey everyone, sorry I am late, internet trouble
[theswitch] anything else about the game, what made you create such a game
[veronica] Where can I warez your fine game, sir?
[JasonMcMaster] Hey, Joe, long time.
[Iliketoplaygames] :o
[american_dream] I have worked in a development house before, thor, and I was wondering if you also wear socks with sandals
[theswitch] mute the american
[Iliketoplaygames] *meow* Thor, what sort of merchandise is available for the game?
[ThorBlackHammer] We wear sensible footwear at Black Hammer
[veronica] I was working on a game called "Four Bikepaths to Power".
[veronica] But when Supremacy came out, I canned it.
[mobiustrip] this chat just meowed at me
[ThorBlackHammer] It is very dangerous to bicycle in New York
[mobiustrip] I nearly peed myself
[american_dream] theswitch, do you hate america?
[ThorBlackHammer] I got into an accident last year, while we were developing SUpremacy
[Iliketoplaygames] *evil* What are you talking about, Mobe?
[theswitch] yep
[ThorBlackHammer] I think it was reflected in the game
[american_dream] *choochoo*
[mobiustrip] will matrix games compensate me for a new pair of underpants?
[ThorBlackHammer] iliketoplaygames - there is a promotional comic associated with the game, email me your address and I will send you one!
[FABIO2000] Did the accident delay your path to power?
[mobiustrip] yes
[ThorBlackHammer] Delayed but did not completely derail
[Iliketoplaygames] *whip* Thor, that is exciting! I will do so.
[FABIO2000] if so, how many of the four?
[veronica] Is Supremacy better than Gary Grigsby's World at World? If so, how much better?
[ThorBlackHammer] And I have now achieved - power
[mobiustrip] *beep*
[ThorBlackHammer] I have yet to play World at War but from what I understand it is a much more resource-oriented, complex game, as opposed to Supremacy's direct, combat-focused startegy play
[american_dream] i hear that this game is only available to white people and asians, how does your company justify discluding the latin and black market in this time of increasing diversity?
[Iliketoplaygames] *bird* *harp* *evil* *choochoo* *bleep* *slap* *meow* *harp* *evil* *welcome* *whip* Forgive my curiosity.
[veronica] Follow up question: Who the shit is Gar Grigsby?
[ThorBlackHammer] Gary Grigsby is a very well-known wargame designer
[theswitch] the god of wargamming
[veronica] Psh, whatever.
[theswitch] untill balck hammer came along that is
hezron has joined the chat.
[ber88] is he developing combatleader?
[ThorBlackHammer] Combat Leader? I don't know
[veronica] His game costs $15 more than Supremacy. Is Gary Grigsby full of himself?
[ber88] i mean Combat leader, the Duke Nukem forever of wargaming :P
[Iliketoplaygames] guys, do not click the eraser button whatever you do
[ThorBlackHammer] He does a different style of game than we do
[american_dream] Thor, if you had to choose between this game and having mole chicken, what would you choose?
[theswitch] is the map editor only for. . . map editing. . .or is there some more stuff we can screw up?
[Joe_Lieberman] Ok everyone, may I have your attention :-)
[ThorBlackHammer] The game, by far, although the mole sauce, rich with Mexican chocolate, is a close second
[FABIO2000] Gary Grisby is also a greedy mofo. $39.99? I choose the cheaper path to power
[FABIO2000] thanks for stealing my joke, V
[veronica] I stole it in the past.
[Joe_Lieberman] Normally I make sure these chats are nice and organized :-) Unfortuantely my ISP had other plans for me today
[american_dream] if i had said chicken colorado, would you have answered so confidently?
[FABIO2000] you deleted my original joke
[theswitch] kick em kick em
[ThorBlackHammer] Yes, some organization would be lovely
[ThorBlackHammer] Perhaps we could divide incoming questions into four paths?
[Joe_Lieberman] So, if I could get everyone to quiet down before I start using the silence command :-)
[Iliketoplaygames] I would like to learn more about this game, which is available for the PC, but the disorganization of the chat has confused me and I do not know where to begin.
[Joe_Lieberman] Thor, that joke was so bad im going to pretend that one of the players said it
[veronica] That smile is very condescending.
Erik_Rutins has joined the chat.
[Joe_Lieberman] Hi Erik
[ThorBlackHammer] Erik, good to see you
[Erik_Rutins] Hi Joe, Hi everyone
[american_dream] if i click on the game to look at it will i be removed from the chat room
[TheraphosaBlondi] Maybe moderate the chat? I don't know.
[Joe_Lieberman] right click and open a new window
[Erik_Rutins] Hi Thor!
[Joe_Lieberman] Yes I am now moderating this chat. Let me lay down some rules :-)
[american_dream] joe, can i kiss you with my tongue
[FABIO2000] rule 1: Nobody talks about chat
[veronica] Like some kind of Joe Lieberman.
[hezron] rule 2: no talking about video games
[veronica] I'm so excited about these upcomign rules.
[Joe_Lieberman] First of all, I would like to really thank Thor for being here. Thor, have you had a chance to introduce your game in general?
[Iliketoplaygames] Joe, have you ever had a nice slice of pizza
[veronica] Rule #1 is thank you?
[ThorBlackHammer] I think I've been talking a bit about Supremacy, but a summary follows:
[Iliketoplaygames] to be fair to Thor, who as far as I can tell is genius, I arrived a bit late
[Joe_Lieberman] Please keep your chatter down, I will start silencing people
[ThorBlackHammer] Supremacy is a turn-based strategy game that lets players struggle for dominance in space and on the surface of planets using over 30 unique units, science upgrades, multiple gametypes, ad infinitum to infinity (forever) and it's available now
[veronica] Enough with the chatting already, gosh.
[ThorBlackHammer] also was an IGF finalist and is very, very fun
[american_dream] If I buy this game will I also get a strategy guide?
[Iliketoplaygames] I mistakenly believed I was in a chat room.
[american_dream] joe lieberman is a roots radical
[Iliketoplaygames] *choochoo* *choochoo*
[ThorBlackHammer] American Dream: there is no strategy guide, but the official Matrix forums are ripe like ripe fruit with strategy tips
ygurts has left the chat. |
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