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[Xfire] matteox: Hello, and welcome to the Star Wars Empire at War Forces of Corruption chat with the developers from Petroglyph & LucasArts. The team will now introduce themselves and start answering your questions.
Petroglyph Chris: My name is Chris Rubyor and I'm the Lead Designer for FOC
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: My name is Michael Fetterman and I'm the Producer for FoC
Petroglyph Chris: Working on questions now.
Petroglyph Pat: hehe that's better - hey guys I'm Pat Pannullo story designer and other misc stuff :)
Petroglyph Chris: Question: -GDI-GeneralZ: I've heard FoC will have Mirror games support, so Empire can play against Empire. Will there be a limit to that or will it be dependent on the number of teams there are? Will it be possible to have 2 Empire teams and 1 Rebel teams on 1 map, but with every team fighting for itself?
Answer: Yes, we have created a new system that will allow up to three teams on various maps. These maps will support empire vs empire vs REBEL or Rebel vs Empire Vs Consortium
Petroglyph Chris: done...
Petroglyph Pat: Question: krellum: How are SSDs going to work in space battles, will it have an effect on reinforcements, or will it be something along the lines of the Death Star?
Answer: The SSDs will work much the same as any other space unit, closest to an Imperial Star Destroyer. It has a whole lot more hard points and a fairly large garrison.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: djchooch: How many developers did you have on your team?
Answer: We had approximately 14-18 people on the team throughout the process.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: SS2 Maximilian: We've heard that their will be battle replays. Will we be able to easily access these?
Answer: Yes! We will have a replay system that is easy to access for the game. =)
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: Xanatos: Judging from the screenshots, the game does seem to have a few revamped visual effects, Will the system requirements be the same as the first Empire At War?
Answer: The system requirements will remain the same (or at least very close) to the original EAW. In developing the expansion we took a LOT of steps to optimize the game itself in every game mode, so most users (even the min spec users) should see a general improvement in game performance
Petroglyph Pat: Question: Schrödinger: How long did it take you to make FoC?? And did George Lucas help you with story?
Answer: We started thinking about the expansion before the original EAW was released, but work mostly started in December and January. While George didn't have any direct input into the story (that I know of) it was a team effort.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: Riddick: IN the expansion there has been alot of circulation that there will be new heros, new units, and new planets which on the Lucasarts website you have laid out some details. What characters from the gigantic star wars universe do you plan to add to FOC?
Answer: Expect to see Bossk, IG88, Bel Garm Ibilis, Thrawn. In addition we have added new heroes to the mix, such as Tyber Zann, Urai Fen and Silri. As for new planets, expect to see Kamino, Honoghr, and a floating platform map on Bespin. For the expansion we have 12+ new planets for players to explore.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: DS_SGT_Rerunn23: How will the expansion pack effect the map editor? Will it add new units there too?
Answer: The map editor will be getting an update after the expansion is released. We've added several new features and support for all of the new units. It will basically work the same, but will have more stuff.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: Schrödinger: Are you going to add new abilities to existing heros, or make new heroes??
Answer: Some heroes have been tweaked like Obiwan. All the new abilities can be found on all the new units for all three sides.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: {AG}AA_2300{SGT}: In what language did you create FoC ??
Answer: We will be localizing FoC in Spanish, Italian, French, German, Polish, and Russian and English of course ;)
Petroglyph Chris: Question: -=(WAR)=-Dudekil}E{: Have you used the same AI skills or have you changed the way the AI plays slightly?
Answer: OH Yes! We made some HUGE improvements to the AI system. It should prove to be a challenge for even the most skilled now.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: DS_VespidBat: What is the biggest, meanest ship the third fraction going to have? What kinda firepower is it packin? Is it spawning ships? What kinda ships?
Answer: The Consortium has two capital ships - the Agressor Destroyer and the Keldabe Battleship. Both are pretty powerful in their own way. The Agressor is basically a huge gun with engines, while the Keldabe is a more conventional ship. Neither one spawns fighters - the Consortium works more like the Rebellion in that respect.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: [LNY]Jedi AKA Foshjedi: 4. What are your opinions of the Mods that are currently in Development?
Answer: We LOVE our modders. There are some really exciting mods that we've seen that we have been really impressed by. We really can't wait to see what they come up with next. The original EAW was created so that it was a very data-driven game. FoC is no different, and should allow for some more great mods.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: {AG}AA_2300{SGT}: In what language did you create FoC ??
Answer: Ah, ok.. I think you meant programming language for this question? We use C++ for anything that is hard-coded, along with a mix of LUA and XML for anything related to scripting or data.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: [LNY]Jedi AKA Foshjedi: 4. What are your opinions of the Mods that are currently in Development?
Answer: I think they are all great! It's good to see a community so active and passionate about creating new content and ways to play. With FOC, I think we give modders even more power and flexability due to the code tweaks and additions we have made. So tweaks such as moving abilities around to other units, not possible with EAW, now are.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: Heroes have been an integral part of current RTS games. How does Empire at War use the concept of heroes to create a unique game-playing experience?
Answer: The Heroes of EAW are recognizable and powerful units. Each has unique features and abilities that when added to an army or fleet can make or break the battle. In FoC, the heroes drive the story campaign - most of the missions will center on one of the three new Consortium heroes.
kevinyusage: Question: Schrödinger: What do you think of some big total conversion mods like Ages of Star Wars, Legacy of War, Ultimate Empire at War or Project Mars??
Answer: The conversion mods will definitely keep the game fresh with innovative user content. We hope to support you guys by continuing Community Spotlights on projects you guys are working on. Be sure to email at sageking@petroglyphgames.com about community projects you'd want considered for spotlight interviews.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: =ElitezFromHell=Sanders54: Why did LucasArts create a new, fictional third side - the Underworld - as opposed to using the Black Sun, which already has an established story and role in the StarWars universe?"
Answer: Two reasons. First, we wanted to tell a new story; many of you already know the story of the Black Sun, and retelling a story is not as much fun as hearing a new one. Second, Prince Xizor dies halfway through the story campaign's timeline, and a dead hero is not much fun :)
Petroglyph Pat: Question: djchooch: Are all the developers big Star Wars fans?
Answer: I can't speak for the others, but I've been a Star Wars fan since I saw the original on opening day (showing my age... :)
Petroglyph Chris: Question: djchooch: Are all the developers big Star Wars fans?
Answer: We love Star Wars! How can you not enjoy working with such great races as the Klingons and Vulcans.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: ^Toy.: What was the most difficult challenge when developing FoC?
Answer: From a production viewpoint, I think the biggest challenge was the sheer amount of content that we created. We added a LOT of content in the expansion. Managing all of the new fewtures, art, and audio was definitely a challenge considering that the entire expansion was developed over the course of 9-10 months.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: :) that's *features
Petroglyph Chris: Question: ÍŴĘČ)íƒ yâ stôφ yσú diÆ: Is there a system for toggeling between EAW and FoC or do you have to start them seperatly?
Answer: FOC will run off its own executable. Similar to other expansions out there. You will need the full product to play though.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: Foshjedi2004: Who Is Tyber Zann>? What Drives Him?
Answer: Tyber's main interests are money and power. He's not much interested in politics, noble goals or ruling the galaxy from a throne, but he does want to control it from behind the scenes. He's a manipulator and, when the occasion calls for it, a ruthless killer.
kevinyusage: Question: Foshjedi2004: Who Is Tyber Zann>? What Drives Him?
Answer: Tyber Zann > Chuck Norris
Petroglyph Pat: Question: GDI-GeneralZ: -If the underworld does have the Eclipse, then the Underworld as well as the Empire will be capable of destroying planets. Will the Rebel Alliance have a way to counter the death machines?
Answer: The Eclipse is only available in the solo player story campaign, so the Empire's monopoly on planetary destruction is safe. Both the Rebellion and the Consortium will have ways of destroying the Death Star II.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: Kharan: How will orbital bombardements work?
Answer: orbital bombardments become available when capital ships are in orbit above a planet, similar to bombing runs except with cap ships ;) Our orbital bombardment effects are pretty cool... the Consortium bombardment effect was drawing crowds in the art offices when it was first created
Petroglyph Chris: Question: It says you can customize land bases, How so?
Answer: We created a new layer at the galactic level called Advance Base Layout. When accessed, players will see a top down view of the battlefield. To move structures and units around click on the icon and move to a location. It is very simple. You now have control in where and how your bases will be defended.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: SS2 Maximilian: One of the types of corruption is rumoured to be 'Black market' which allows you to 'buy' new technologies, much like the Rebels stealing it from the Empire. However, this suggests that you can get high levels of corruption before you have a lot of technology. Does this mean that Zann Consortium has less invested in technology?
Answer: The Consortium does not have tech levels - everything is available from the beginning. However, they have pre-reqs for their units, and most of their units are very expensive. The black market adds the special abilities ot the units. The ones you can purchase are dependant on the tech levels of the Empire and Rebellion, but you can buy them ahead of time if you have the cash.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: darktitan665: is there any new music if so who composed the new music?
Answer: Yes! There are at least 6 new music tracks. All of our new music for the expansion was created by Petroglyph's own Frank Klepack, with a lot of influence from John Williams, naturally.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: GG]Deathmachine_xX350: Why didn’t you start working on a Clone Wars rts instead of FoC?
Answer: Because we wanted to stay within the time-line. Now for the future, who knows. =)
Petroglyph Chris: Question: Julimbob: what kind of games do you yourselves play?
Answer: RTS games of course! I'm currently lovin COH, and I am looking forward to Supreme Commander. =) When time permits I do attend Halo LAN parties on occasion for some change.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: kaisermcfly: What is Zahns connection to Jabba?
Answer: Early in Tyber's career, he partnered with Jabba on several occasions as a way to quickly build his power base. Once he felt secure, he took advantage of Jabba's trust and stole something highly valuable from Jabba. Unfortunately for Tyber, the object he stole was meant to be sold to the Empire, and Jabba had Tyber hunted down and put on Kessel with a life sentence.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: DS_FiReBaLL: So, ok you guys have spent countless hours developing and testing this expansion, what are you most proud of?
Answer: From the design side I am very proud of the fact that were were able to implement 40+ new units, a corruption system that allows the player to build and tailor their criminal empire at the galactic level, and still have time to build a very compelling story campaign that brings players into the world of the Zann Consortium.
Petroglyph Chris: IN ADDITION
Petroglyph Chris: We overhauled the multiplayer system to support three sides added 12+ new planets that are highly detailed.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: DS_LGEN_Droidekas: Will there be any considerable changes in the User Interface with this expansion?
Answer: The UI remains pretty much the same, with additions such as the corruption menu (and all the support information), a few new filters and the base layout screen.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: EFG* ben.m.rules: are there any significant base defense changes?
Answer: Tractor beam turret anyone? How about a repair station in space combat. These are just a few of the enhancements we have made.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: -GDI-GeneralZ: -Will FoC have clan support, like another column for displaying clan tag status in the games lobby? Because I've had problems with people playing under the GDI tag even though they're not in the clan.
Answer: YES! +) We have a new clan system intergrated into the game.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: PsyGuy: What aspects of the game did you target when creating the expansion pack, to increase the gaming experience for the players?
Answer: We focused a lot on trying to give players a new experience within the Star Wars universe. Once the Corruption theme was established, we then targetted each game mode to play on that theme as much as possible. In addition, we took a lot of time to make improvements on how the original game played, based on comments from fans.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: [-tAoD-]b3nE: what is the counter to tie scouts, and invisible units of the corruptions for rebels? rebels can't attack unnoticeable ...
Answer: Several units on the Rebel and Empire side can now detect stealthed units. Also some structures (such as the sensor nodes in ground tactical) can detect stealth.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: Ninja Joe: What is the difference between the DS II and the DS I? Is there any major change?
Answer: The Ds2 can now target capital ships or space stations during tactical combat.
[Xfire] matteox: Ok, 10 minutes left in the chat.
Petroglyph Pat: Question: Kurzon: I am just starting in the game design industry and am increasing my skill in the moddeling area, is there anything you would recommend that would help me get a job in a company like yours?
Answer: First, stay in school. I know that sounds cliched, but it's true :) I'm not an artist personally, but modding games such as EAW is a good way to get experience doing basically what we do all day to make it in the first place. Not just ships either - well rounded is good :)
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: I would also recommend creating a portfolio of your best work. Don't forget to playtest your mods and maps - devs are a critical bunch. ;)
Petroglyph Chris: Question: man117: How much will the expansion pack cost?
Answer: All depends on where you live, but in the states, you can get all the Corruption goddness for 29.95
Petroglyph Pat: Question: Heavy "D" (RS_David): Will there be a campaign editor released with FoC so that we can make use of the custom campaigns section of the game? If so, will it be able to integrate custom made fround/space maps built with the map editor, and will there be a story-line option?
Answer: Wow, I'd love one of those too! :) The tools the modders currently have for GC campaigns are the same ones we use here - GC campaigns are written directly in XML and LUA, not part of the editor. I would assume that.... making such a tool will likely be something for a new title, not an expansion.
Petroglyph Chris: Question: ^Toy.: Who is the best EAW player in the development team?
Petroglyph Chris: Delphi
Petroglyph Chris: is the best
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: SpaceYeti FTW
Petroglyph Chris: Torpid makes a great captain though.
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: SS2 Maximilian: We've heard of the apparently new planetary deployment system which appears just before planetary fighting begins. Just how flexible is this? Does it appear for both sides, or just the defender/just the attacker? If both, then how does it determine where you can deploy your resources?
Answer: I think you are referring to the path-finder slot? This new feature allows you to specify which space or land unit starts each battle... afterwards reinforcements can be brought in separately
Petroglyph Chris: Question: DS_SGT_Rerunn23: What kinda buildings will the new faction have in land? What about Space?
Answer: They will have a new Palace which generates income on worlds, a Droid facility to produce Droidekas, and their space station is armed to the teeth with new weapon types. We do have more, but I can't spoil it for ya. =P
Petroglyph Pat: Question: SS2 Maximilian: There appears to have been an expansion on the original galaxy in terms of planets and areas for combat. Are these to be added to certain non-storyline campaign maps, thus possibly making the massive 'Empire at War' and 'Galatic Conquest' maps even larger?
Answer: The new planets appear in both the story campaign and in the new galactic conquest campaigns. Some of the new skirmish maps will use them as well. Yes, the galaxy has grown larger! :)
[Petroglyph] MFetterman: Question: NobleArc: Will there be the ability to either delete or upgrade units in Forces of Corruption? I often find in Empire at War that I run out of population room too quickly, and wish I could delete some of my old Stormtroopers to make room for AT-STs, or what have you.
Answer: If running out of room in a Galactic Conquest game, you can sell any units (except heroes) by right clicking on them at the planetary view. As far as upgrading units - we've also added a lot more upgrades...for both the single player and multiplayer modes of the expansion
[Xfire] matteox: Ok, that concludes the chat. Thanks again to the Devs from Petroglyph and LucasArts!
Petroglyph Chris: Thanks for coming everyone, expect to read more great previews and game details soon.
[Xfire] matteox: But for 10 lucky people we also have the prizes!
[Xfire] matteox: 10 signed copies of the Empire at War Game and the Forces of Corruption Expansion:
[Xfire] matteox: And the winners are:
[Xfire] matteox: 10. [81st]sithssdironfist
[Xfire] matteox: 9. NobleArc
[Xfire] matteox: 8. Froshjedi2004
[Xfire] matteox: 7. Schrodinger
[Xfire] matteox: 6. willyhog
[Xfire] matteox: 5. dragonem
[Xfire] matteox: 4. Bryant Zuki
[Xfire] matteox: 3. DS_FiReball
[Xfire] matteox: 2. Kharan
[Xfire] matteox: 1. SS2 Maximilian