Chat with the Creators of MechAssault
Xbox Moderator in Xbox_Live says: Hey all! It's time to get started. Welcome to the February Xbox Live MechAssault Developer Chat. A few ground rules before we start: 1. If you repeatedly submit the same question, we will most likely not respond to you. 2. Please limit the questions that you submit. Relevant and unique questions will be more likely to get answered. 3. Be patient! TJ and Mike will be answering questions as fast as they can. 4. Be polite! We will be kicking people from the chat room and if necessary, banning. Please don't make us do that.
XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Day 1 Studios have been gracious enough to join us today, TJ from Chicago and Mike from Baltimore . XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Let's say hi to our guests... Here's some background information about them, in case you missed the www.Xbox.com/Live info.
TJ Wagner - Producer, Day 1 Studios FaveGame: Counter Strike Mike McDonald - Lead Programmer, Day 1 Studios Fave Game: Zelda
XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Alright - let's get started...keep your eye on the top room for the chat questions and answers! Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Hello Everyone Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Hey!
Guest_XboxXboxXboxin Xbox_Live asks: what new downloads will be out next and when? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: CTF should be the next release
Guest_StoOgE in Xbox_Live asks: I know a lot of times actors will go to movies and sit in the back to see peoples reactions… have you ever hopped on MA incognito? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Yes, team members from both MS and Day1 often jump into games to see how things are going.
Guest_Crusher13 in Xbox_Live asks: when will we expect the 2 package of DLC? (with CTF) Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: They are in testing right now but I cannot give out release dates.
Guest_SUPERGHOST in Xbox_Live asks: Why does the host of a room have an advantage (or does he?) Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: They don't have an advantage.
Guest_NickZ93 in Xbox_Live asks: Are you at day 1 going to have more mechs to download in the future after the loki and hellbringer? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Too soon to tell right now. I can't talk about what has not been already released to the public.
Guest_Triz in Xbox_Live asks: While in games, are the devs impressed by the skills of regular people? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Yes, when jumping into games, we are always impressed by how good everyone is becoming at this game, especially when you get beat in a match after you have worked on it for two years!
Guest_Evil in Xbox_Live asks: will there be in fixes in the future to stop the double shot guass shots. If you fire a guass then walk over a yellow power up you fire another shoot with out a delay Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: That will work with any weapon. Since you can't lay down powerups yourself, it is pretty hard to exploit this too much.
Guest_Mike in Xbox_Live asks: What programming language did you start with? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: MechAssault was written mostly in C++/C. Although, there is some assembly in a few places
Guest_NickZ93 in Xbox_Live asks: Are you making any new gametypes for download besides capture the flag? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Yes, but I can't say what.
Guest_Starsfan11 in Xbox_Live asks: How long did it take to make MechAssault? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: About two years
Guest_Reanimated in Xbox_Live asks: When are we getting CTF, and when will the lobby issue be fixed? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I already answered the first part, CTF is next and in testing. The drop issue is largely due to incompatible routers and modems and not MechAssault. We are looking into doing hardware compatibility checks in a future release. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Note: In the very near future, we'll have an official Router Logo program to help you guys keep track of the Xbox Live compatible routers and network gear.
Guest_Scar in Xbox_Live asks: Can we expect any changes to the scoring system or the lobby interface? Can these even be "patched"? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: We are looking at adding newLive features in a future release. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: But would not call it a patch as they are new features we are adding that didn't exist before.
Guest_Evil in Xbox_Live asks: Is there any true behind muting your mike or unplugging your headset to help with drops Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Nope, this will reduce overall bandwidth, but not help with drops.
Guest_Sabotage177 in Xbox_Live asks: were did the idea for MechAssault come from? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Giant walking tanks blowing up things on the Xbox?? We had to do it.
Guest_GOffJoe in Xbox_Live asks: Could you make any predictions on when production of DLC halt? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I have found that I am completely unable to predict what will happen next in game development.
Guest_Vlugs in Xbox_Live asks: First off, thanks for the DLC, well worth the wait. When are you going to give Hosts the ability to boot problem players? This is a HUGE problem in "Not It" Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Glad to hear you liked it. Booting annoying players is top on my list for features to add. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Yea, trust me, this is going in. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Especially anyone using voice masking.
Guest_Jesus in Xbox_Live asks: do you plan on making a less arcade-style mech game for Xbox? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: There are a ton of different games that can be made for the Xbox in the BattleTech universe. We are just getting started.
Guest_MENACE in Xbox_Live asks: Will there be an official MechAssault XboxLive tournament at all? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I was amazed to find people are already starting their own. No official tournaments set up yet.
Guest_outsider in Xbox_Live asks: how will future premium content affect those without it? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Good question. We haven't any premium content announced yet so I have no idea.
Guest_NickZ93 in Xbox_Live asks: Are their any easter eggs in the game? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Keep looking
Guest_voden79 in Xbox_Live asks: What is Objective Raid really? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Objective Raid was an internal command description for our tool that we make maps and gametypes with. It was never a real gametype but got snatched out of a development doc and ended up in a press release.
Guest_Dudemeister in Xbox_Live asks: What software did you guys use for your screens/graphics? 3D Studio VIZ or something else? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: We used 3D Studio Max for our modeling tool, Photoshop for texture creation/painting, and then our own custom renderer for displaying the visuals.
Guest_KitFox in Xbox_Live asks: Will anything be done about small mechs being able to get stuck inside buildings?-justin s Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: We are going to let you blow up the buildings. How's that. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: and yes, PAINGOD that posts in the Live forums is real.
Guest_Digigamer in Xbox_Live asks: What was the most challenging part in coding MechAssault? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Making sure you can destroy everything and the building destruction.
Guest_bnut in Xbox_Live asks: What is your favorite map? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Of the ones we release originally, River City Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Hell's Kitchen for the new ones Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Stone Cold
Guest_SLaYeR187 in Xbox_Live asks: Hey, I would like to know if you are planning any 4+ legged mechs. If not, are they a possibility for future downloads? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I can't say never, but I won't say anything else.
Guest_Frostbane in Xbox_Live asks: Are there any plans to make the elemental a viable mech choice, such as giving it null sig or target jamming, or possibly the ability to lay mines for other mechs to trigger? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I am glad that people found the Elemental fun. We are definitely looking at making him more of a star player.
Guest_SuddnDeath in Xbox_Live asks: what's your fave mech? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Catapult Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Probably will always be the Thor
Guest_deadfire43 in Xbox_Live asks: just wanted to say great job on the DLC!! Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Thanks, great job to you all for bringing down the Live server trying to get it all at once XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Note: theLive servers did not really go down during this time.
Guest_watchtower in Xbox_Live asks: Do any of you know Bill Gates? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I saw him for about 10 seconds once. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: I saw him on TV
Guest_loco_nick in Xbox_Live asks: How did you manage to keep the servers from crashing while at least a million people were downloading it? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Give credit to the XBoxLive guys...they have done a great job anticipating the load requirements. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: A very high quality operations team. =)
Guest_loco_nick in Xbox_Live asks: how much do you get paid? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: by the time the game ships, less than a dollar an hour that I have worked on it
Guest_bnut in Xbox_Live asks: Do you intend to implement a feature to display which player is speaking? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Stop reading my mail.
Guest_GodCoolin in Xbox_Live asks: Do you plan on releasing anymore large mechs???????????? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Do you think we really need any more?
Guest_Otis in Xbox_Live asks: Do you use life size Mechs or is it all Graphical images? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: So you have seen the 50 foot mech in Baltimore ? XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: I think it's next to the aquarium in Baltimore .
Guest_definity in Xbox_Live asks: Can you talk about the rules for CTF, can defense be used, flag respawn? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: You can use defenses yes. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: You can capture the flag even if your team's flag is contested Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: We did this to make the game high scoring and fast paced. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Livesays: It is really fun, you should try it...oh, sorry.
Guest_voltran222 in Xbox_Live asks: did the downloads change the current mechs? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Nope, they all have the same stats.
Guest_Jeebus_McChrist in Xbox_Live asks: Will Capture the Flag use lengthy maps and be two-team oriented? A team of two players defending a flag would be pointless and difficult (in my opinion). Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Two teams, both small and large maps
Guest_TMurda2003 in Xbox_Live asks: Other that CTF, what other game modes can we expect to see available to us? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Damn, did I just say there would be more than one?
Guest_punkdawg182 in Xbox_Live asks: what is your favorite weapon Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Fully charged PPC Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Good one Mike Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Now they will all think it is too powerful because the Dev Lead likes it.
Guest_NegativeZero in Xbox_Live asks: I WANT YOUR BABY PAINGOD!!!! Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: STOP THAT Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: You people that say that scare me.
Guest_XboxXboxXboxin Xbox_Live asks: what does the feedback really do? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Ask the other Livefolks here that. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: We are watching. ^^ XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: we would tell you who we've banned, but unfortunately those names are usually censored. =)
Guest_The_Myrddraal in Xbox_Live asks: What programming language did you learn first. What aspired you to make it a career choice? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Assembly.
Guest_Aleistor in Xbox_Live asks: what ideas have been going around for possible new ideas for MA and/or possible future titles? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I would really love to talk about new ideas with you all. You see.................... XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: that's all the time we have for today! XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: ok just kidding. TJ? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Ha. I'm not allowed but please rest assured that I read the forums regularly. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Now please bring my monitor back.
Guest_Reanimated in Xbox_Live asks: Why did you give us 2 crappy mechs Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I didn't. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: They work great in CTF.
Guest_XboxXboxXboxin Xbox_Live asks: will there be more maps to come in the future? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: One I can answer. Yes, definitely.
Guest_Indpendent in Xbox_Live asks: Is there anyway a PC version can be linked online with an Xbox Liveversion? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: No, sorry.
Guest_StoOgE in Xbox_Live asks: what challenges were presented to you when making MechAssault? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Taking a really popular PC game and bringing it to a new audience on a brand new platform.
Guest_GOffJoe in Xbox_Live asks: What makes a mech fall down? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: B. Gravity.
Guest_Crusher13 in Xbox_Live asks: what weapons and stuff do you think the hellbringer and loki may have? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Hellbringer will have the Flamer.
Guest_ShadowPanther in Xbox_Live asks: What causes a Mech to become crippled and limp? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: A lot of damage, being close to death.
Guest_bnut in Xbox_Live asks: Are there any plans to add missions for single player mode? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Is there really a demand for that?!
Guest_Starsfan11 in Xbox_Live asks: Will we every be able to get the DLC without Xbox Live? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: They are looking into way to accomplish that.
Guest_deadfire43 in Xbox_Live asks: what are your gamer tags? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: PAINGOD Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: bigmac
Guest_JuS in Xbox_Live asks: what about mechs with nuclear weapons Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: You found the easter egg?! XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: counter with the duct tape mech... Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: They do have fusion reactors.
Guest_definity in Xbox_Live asks: In your honest opinion is the MADCAT overpowered? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Honestly no. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I think they are deadly when used in groups though.
Guest_ZombieCat in Xbox_Live asks: Without "lip service", what is being done about the MechAssault lobby conditions? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: No bull, it has been posted in a lot of places. It is a hardware compatibility issue.
Guest_GodCoolin in Xbox_Live asks: Do you think you can beat me in a game of Not It??????? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I would hope so, I helped make the game. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: And I can beat PAINGOD, so then I guess I could beat you.
Guest_JasonF in Xbox_Live asks: Is it true that Xbox Live support was added to MA only 2 months before shipping? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Not bad for two months =) Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Luckily Mike didn't program the Live stuff.
Guest_SLaYeR187 in Xbox_Live asks: Hey TJ, When was the last time you got a haircut? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Every 3 months, why?
Guest_waveracer305 in Xbox_Live asks: Will we see the old levels in Capture the Flag or just new ones? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: All new
Guest_StoOgE in Xbox_Live asks: any regrets about how the 'rooms' work on XBL, and any plans to make any changes in the future? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I wouldn't say regrets, I think we gave the appropriate amount of focus to gametime and UI time.
Guest_WLDViper in Xbox_Live asks: Will multiplayer allow mechs to lose limbs like single player? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Nope, loosing limbs meant loosing weapons, which just was not fun when we tested it.
Guest_daplumber in Xbox_Live asks: I think I have found a bug with a Ragnarok and Mission51, who do I report it to? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: You can find a link to customer support at www.fasastudio.com website.
Guest_XboxXboxXboxin Xbox_Live asks: why are you guys resetting the stats every month? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Because we wanted to give new people a chance to get on the boards even if they didn't buy the game on the first day.
Guest_Mechwarrior in Xbox_Live asks: Is there going to be an option in the future to make your own Mech? XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: I believe the 50 foot mech in Baltimore was built by a little 6 year old boy.
Guest_Jebis in Xbox_Live asks: Many people consider the Mad Cat to be too powerful because of its PPCs. Do you plan to limit their power with some type of DLC? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: No.
Guest_Salvatoris in Xbox_Live asks: what are the chances of getting a first person view option in future versions of the game? Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Hey Salvatoris Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Maybe just for you I will consider it. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Thanks Salvatoris, now I am working nights!
Guest_The_Myrddraal in Xbox_Live asks: How did you get the Live! experience to be so "Lag Free"? The packet size must be tiny. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: They are real tiny....we really went out of the way to keep the bandwidth down and to send a minimal amount of data. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: So everyone could use voice.
Guest_derek in Xbox_Live asks: the main game would frustrate me because you would get to the end and die, have you guys thought about save points Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Yes we have. Sorry if it frustrated you.
Guest_Dudemeister in Xbox_Live asks: I know this is kinda crazy, but...any future discussion to turn MA into a movie later? It might have a large enough demographic now...;>) Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: We talk about it all the time. No one has given us 200 million dollars to make one though. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Better yet, what celebrity would play TJ and Mike?
Guest_derek in Xbox_Live asks: Do you guys enjoy playing the game, or are you so sick of it you never want to see it again? Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Still enjoy playing it. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: I still like it, especially the new gametypes. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: 1 more question each, and we'll wrap up!
Guest_Rabin in Xbox_Live asks: Is there any connection to River City and the musical "The Music Man?" Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: You would have to ask mantis, he named them all.
Guest_cRusad3r in Xbox_Live asks: How long is the dev cycle on a MAP/MECH. --- THANKS FOR THE GREAT GAME -- Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Map, at least two week, more if there are a lot of new objects. That's just to make it first pass to play it. Fixing bugs and tweaking is a couple of more weeks. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: 'Mechs are literally months.
XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: Ok, that's really all the time we have for today's chat. =) Let's thank TJ and Mike for taking time out of their XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: busy schedule (making DLC and more for you guys) to come chat with us. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: No really, let's hear it. XboxModerator in Xbox_Live says: And now for some last words before they depart.
Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: Thanks Everyone - have enjoyed it. Day1_TJ in Xbox_Live says: Thanks everyone for showing up. I wish we could have gotten to all of the questions. Thanks for playing MechAssault. See you on the field. Day1_Mike in Xbox_Live says: See you in Hell's Kitchen! |
