<ImmortalImaging> Jeff, quit letting Noltar push buttons!
<ladydawg> Yes unfortuantely including the cute ones
<FireDust> :P
<Mknzy of Calhoun aka Archie> eek! I have a permit for that!
<FireDust> hehe
<Sarissi> bye
<Gflady> when is the drawing for the shopping spree, anybody know?
<DAZ_SSS> For those who aren't familiar with the routine, you can queue up questions for Joe by clicking on 'QuestionBot' on the right hand side and sending the questionbot your question as a PM
<The Crow> Hi everybody welcome to todays featured chat. We like to welcome back Joe Shoopack - Sony Online Entertainment Studio Art Director.
<shoop> Hi everybody, it's good to be back!
<shoop> I'm here to talk about the newest expansion for Everquest II...
<shoop> "Echoes of Faydwer"
<shoop> and to andswer questions about game development in general
<shoop> *answer
<shoop> ;)
<shoop> first off...
<shoop> about "EOF" in general...
<shoop> for those who have never played EQII before...
<shoop> this latest expansion is a great way to get introduced...
<shoop> it has content all the way from level one to level 70 and a brand new player race called the Fae!
<shoop> *E*
* shoop waits for Fae applause to die down
<shoop> we'll start off with some concept and production images...
<shoop> and then I'll show you some screenshots from the game a little later on.
<shoop> one other thing I'd like to add...
<shoop> about EOF in particular is that it contains not only the expansion, but the base game and two previous expansions as well... so there's tons of content
<shoop> while we wait the last few minutes for the images to be uploaded, I'd be happy to answer an couple initial questions...
<Naunet> what graphic programs do you use for Everquest?
<shoop> on EQII the 3D program we use is Maya
<shoop> and most of our texture work is done in Photoshop
<shoop> we also use the 3D paint program called BodyPaint
<The Crow> http://artzone.daz3d.com/chat_images/wuoshi_concept.jpg
<shoop> and we have a number of in-house systems...
<shoop> For example our effects system was built in-house
<The Crow>
<shoop> clicking on that image will show a larger version
<shoop> I'm posting images here that show some of the concept work on EOF
<shoop> everything is designed in detail before we do any 3D work
<The Crow>
<shoop> oopsie
<your_master> for a person totally new to the game can you tell us some basics about it...whats it about...whats the aim...
<shoop> EQII is an MMO...
<shoop> Massively Multiplayer On-line Game
<shoop> we have hundereds of thousands of people playing the game from all over the world
<shoop> in EQII you create a character...
<shoop> meet friends on-line
<shoop> adventure with them or alone
<shoop> explore
<shoop> there are collection quests
<shoop> dungeons to explore...
<shoop> creatures to fight
<shoop> you can acquire rewards and armor (what we call phat loot) ;)
<shoop> it's a very immersive game
<shoop> you're really in control of your total game experience
<Valandar> How viable is it to play EQII solo? Or with only a single partner?
<shoop> it's a subscription based game...
<shoop> the first 30 days are free to play...
<shoop> as far as playing solo...
<shoop> there are plenty of solo quests in EQII...
<shoop> however the most enjoyable part of the game is meeting new people and teaming up...
<shoop> there is power in numbers...
<shoop> plus it's just lots more fun to meet the other players and go on quests together, etc...
<shoop> In fact, my wife and I have been regular players for the last two years and plan on making new Fae characters once the new expansion launches...
<The Crow>
<The Crow>
<shoop> these are images of one of the bosses...
<shoop> this mechanical creature was built by the Gnomes...
<shoop> they have steam and clockwork technology :)
<The Crow>
<The Crow>
<shoop> These are some hairstyles for the Fae...
<shoop> The Fae is our 17th player race.
<DAZ_SSS> For those who aren't familiar with the routine, you can queue up questions for Joe by clicking on 'QuestionBot' on the right hand side and sending the questionbot your question as a PM
<shoop> You have lots of choices as far as what type of character you want to play...
<Amarak> I have played the EQ games since the EQ1 Beta and I must say that I am very impressed with it all. In fact I still play EQ1 as well as EQ2 LOL you have made me into a gamer ! I would recomend EQ2 to anyone.
<your_master> what sort of specs do ya need? cos i have some games that won't play no matter how many time ya swear at em :)
<duncan-blues> What are the minimum (really playable) hardware requirements to play EQII?
<guandalug> What are the minimum hardware requirements for EOF (and EQII)?
<shoop> glad you're enjoying it... If you're and EQII player, you already know that we're always adding new and interesting things. :)
<shoop> as far as specs go... (want to quote you the correct info) :)
<shoop> ...
<shoop> windows '98, 2000, ME, XP...
<shoop> 1GHz processor or greater
<shoop> 512 MB RAM
<shoop> DirectX 9 compatible video card
<shoop> *compatable
<shoop> that's the minimum to run the game
<The Crow>
<shoop> Here's a shot of one of the Fae
<shoop> They are our most customizable race thus far...
<shoop> plenty of different hairstyles/colors and lots of different wing colors/ combos
<maartenvs> hello Joe, any plans for a Macintosh version
<shoop> no plans at this time for a macintosh version of EQII, though the original EQ DOES have a Mac version
<shoop> for any tech questions, you should visit our website...
<shoop> there we have forums to address tech issues
<shoop> the url is...
<shoop> *E*
<lilad> do the fae characters in the game walk or have the option to fly? flying would be neat ^_^
<shoop> they hover... :)
<ryverthorn> are there different types of wing styles and colors to choose from?
<shoop> yes
<shoop> there are both different shapes...
<shoop> the shapes all have different patterns and tint combos
<shoop> you have the ability to create very unique characters in the game
<The Crow>
<The Crow>
<The Crow>
<shoop> here are some screenshots from the game
<The Crow>
<shoop> click on the pic to see a bigger version
<Valandar> Are Normal Maps becoming the, err, Norm for MMORPG's, or are those just bump maps (or texture tricks) on the fae?
<shoop> EQII uses normal maps and specular maps on the characters
<shoop> it also has an in-game option depending on how buff your machine is...
<shoop> so if you're computer is really high-end, you'll see all the 'bells and whistles'
<Maraich> This new expansion appears more colorful than past expansions. Will we see that filter down to the older zones?
<shoop> good question. :)
<shoop> yes, we have selectively been revisiting some areas in the game
<shoop> a few months ago, we made some changes to one of the starting zones...
<shoop> called 'common lands'
<shoop> and we will likely continue to do that kind of thing in the future
<Valandar> When does all this go 'live'?
<shoop> I believe the official release date is Nov. 14th
<shoop> In fact...
<shoop> as part of the featured chat today, Sony has generously offered to give away 5 free copies of the game...
<shoop> which will be shipped to 5 random attendees here as soon as they're delivered to Sony. :)
<shoop> and the winners are... drumroll...
<The Crow> and the winners are...
<The Crow> Risika 75, Btara Ktahn, Johnlepinski, Maars Girl, and Psycha Durmont
<shoop> If you weren't lucky enough to win the box today... Here's a link to where you'll be able to get a free taste of the EQII experience...
<The Crow> Try EQ2 free http://www.trialoftheisle.com/
<shoop> in addition...
<shoop> concept artist Dok Whitson also recently published his own sketchbook...
<shoop> it was published in a limited numbered run of 150...
<shoop> The copy we have to give away is one of the limited run, numbered and signed by Dok
<shoop> and the winner of that is...
<Dixie Rose> crosses fingers
<The Crow> SqueekyWoo
<shoop> Congrats to all the winners... :)
<Ranec> With the release of PS3 with that muscle processor power, will be there a version of
<shoop> a PS3 version?
<shoop> EQII is a stricly PC MMO, but SOE has a PS3 launch title called Dark Kingdom that you'll want to check out
<shoop> that's a pic of one of Dok Whitson's art pieces that was recently featured in 'Spectrum 13' Fantasy Art Manual...
<shoop> well... coming up...
<shoop> lol, the image is pretty big... sorry for the wait
<shoop> *Annual, not Manual...
<The Crow> http://artzone.daz3d.com/chat_images/EQII_LORE_CHAPTER_SIX.jpg
<shoop> Here's a link to the image... It's not laoding properly for some reason...
<shoop> and here's a link to the EOF website...
<The Crow> Game Websitehttp://everquest2.station.sony.com/expansions/echoesoffaydwer/
<The Crow> Thanks to everyone for coming today. We're going to turn of moderation now. After a short delay Joe when come back and join you for open chat.
<shoop> Thanks for having me... It was my pleasure. I hope you all check out the game, I think you'll really enjoy it. We're really proud of what we've done and it contains some of the most fantastic content that has ever been released in EQII! Thanks again!
<FireDust> Congrats winners!! Thanks for the chat shoop!
<Nester751> Thank you Joe, and congratulations to the winners!
<Valandar> So NOW can we ask about the industry and not just this game?
<maartenvs> thanks Joe I enjoyed it
<PsychaDurmont> Thank you!
<Ranec> thank you ver y much for the info
<ImmortalImaging> Thanks Joe
<duncan-blues> Thanks
<Valandar> Yes, thank you! But I have more questions! :D
<phuoclam24> Thnx Joe! Those are some great images!
<darthuv> Thanks
<Faerie Fanatic> Thanks
<SqueekyWoo> Hooo wow -I won a prize !!!! Thanks for the chat - that was great !
<Kuanbyr> Thank You for an interesting talk.
<maars_girl> Thank you for the game snoop
<katibabi> Thanks! And congrats to winners
<duncan-blues> congrats SqueekyWoo
<maartenvs> congrats Squeeky
<Nester751> Congratulations SqueekyWoo!
<SqueekyWoo> *E*
* SqueekyWoo runs up the wall and across the ceiling
<Valandar> Congrats, Squeeky!
<Maraich> Congrats to the winners and thank you Joe for stopping by.
<shoop> HI I'm back
<Ranec> WOOHOO Squeekywoo
<duncan-blues> was hoping to get dibs on the book ;)
<rhidragon> Thanks for the chat, sorry I was late, i forgot about the time difference change as the Uk clocks went back last week
<Ranec> hello joe
<Risika75> Thanks Joe :)
<l33tace> thanks!
<Flak> guess we're not ever gouing to see you again either Risi
<Maraich> Gotta get to work, but I really appreciate you stopping by and giving us a glimpse at the new expansio.
<Ranec> Question... me been the guild tailor ...how does the cloak hieraldic stuff works? Can you say something about it?
<Risika75> you aren't getting rid of me that easily flak :)
<Risika75> I already have 2 addictions ..AZ and Poser :P
<maartenvs> Risika wants to win some more now
<Valandar> SHOOP: Okay, so which is harder - maintaining a consistant artistic vision among a large team of disparate artists, or coming up with that vision in the first place?
<Risika75> no I don't
<Nester751> Excellent question!
<Risika75> shush maarten
<Risika75> evil evil maarten
<shoop> Hi Valandar they both have challenges
<maartenvs> I will go to bed now
<maartenvs> see you again tomorrow Risika
<maartenvs> bye all
<Risika75> nite maarten
<duncan-blues> I'd like to ask the daz team when they will update the monthly galleries ;)
<shoop> creating an initial vison for any title is probably the more challenging of the 2
<Nester751> bye!
<Ranec> If player created grahics will be avaliable on the new cloaks, can I hope to see one day my initials on my creations, like a tag?
<Nester751> Goodnight everybody!
<shoop> The critical bit is geetin the right concept artist involved early on
<Valandar> Cool. My other major question was if one has an idea for an MMORPG, how does one go about making a proposal to a company? Should one have 'stand-in' art assets and use a freeware engine to make a sample of it? Or just create a written proposal with concept art?
<shoop> Cloaks will have a number of customization options like central logos and trims
<shoop> Many larger companies won't accept outside proposals in just written form
<Valandar> I ask because I do game art as a hobby (character meshes and animation) and have two MMORPG ideas.
<Mknzy of Calhoun aka Archie> Interesting chat....see ya folks...
<shoop> too many people will say "hey I was the one who thought of the post-apocalyptic cyborg game" !
<shoop> A larger company like Sony occasionaly entertains publishing games that are being developed by 3rd parties
<PsychaDurmont> Oh I mean to ask... Joe are the rumors of the Cat Mounts included in this expansion?
<Valandar> Hrms. Guess I'd better find a development team and an engine and start to work... not to mention contact Hasbro / Takaratomy about one of my two ideas. :D
<shoop> It was fun chatting with you all
<shoop> The cat mount rumor is untrue
<PsychaDurmont> Awe... ok thanks
<shoop> However we have completly re-done the horse mounts
<Valandar> Cheers I guess, Shoop... but I wish I had a place to find out more about getting involved in the Industry
<Ranec> how redoone?? heh Increased the price of them too?
<shoop> New meshes, new animations
<duncan-blues> Valandar> A friend of mine was toying around with developing his own game engine just for the heck of it ;)
<kokuryu> hehe - how much are the horses in EQ2? (still cant run it on my machine yet)
<Ranec> do you have any pics of cloaks to share?
<shoop> Hope to see you all in EOF I play on the Unrest server
<Ranec> depends..horses are from 1plat to hummm...10plat?
<PsychaDurmont> Blackburrow here. Nice meeting you Shoop
<Ranec> Everfrost
<shoop> bye all
<kokuryu> is like plat super rare in EQ2 or something?
<Btara Ktahn> byebye :o)
<Ranec> later Jow..thanks again
<Eliza-Beth> bye and thanks :)
<duncan-blues> bye Shoop
<kokuryu> bye shoop
<Ranec> difficult to make ..plat dont grow on trees.. hehe
<PsychaDurmont> horses in the court of coin are up to 14 plat
<Ranec> been lvl 70 tailor I only got 11 plat to call my own..hehe.. I also only craft for guildmates...very little sell
<PsychaDurmont> But they are specific mounts with buffs
<kokuryu> wow - amazing - totally different than EQ...
<Ranec> played EQ1 from 1999 till the release of EQ2..still got my warrior 55 parked in Qeynos
<PsychaDurmont> I played EQ1 for about a half year before EQ2 came out and I jumped over.
<kokuryu> havent had a machine that could play EQ2 yet - all my friends are on EQ2 - bites
<duncan-blues> bye all
<Ranec> I just recently upgrades my pc..I have been playing game with all high res for about 3 months now... its a tattaly different game now
<PsychaDurmont> Oh high rez... I can play balanced ok but can only take screenshots on high rez without freezing
<kokuryu> because I need to be portable I only use laptops for the past 8 years - very hard to keep up with the graphics and memory requirements for games if they keep changing them - and im not buying a laptop every 3 months just to keep up
<Ranec> okies...time to hit the world.. Guild has a raid planned for today...if any of you wish to join a guild, Envy is recruiting on Everfrost...later all... great chat.. awesomee pics
<kokuryu> later ranec
<PsychaDurmont> GL... have a good night Ranec
<kokuryu> i have to go and pick my corpse up out of Hate on regular EQ
<PsychaDurmont> Have a good night all.
<Skydancer917> dang...forgot it was Thursday and missed it!!
