Baldur's Gate II Official Chat
Edited chat log prepared by Silverdawn of Baldur's Gate Chronicles (http://www.bgchronicles.com)

Held at chat.ign.com #ignvault on June 6, 2000.
Approximately 100 people in attendance.

In attendance were:

BioWare:

BenAtBioWare -  Ben Smedstad (Producer)
Nathan_BurningCD - Nathan Plewes (Line Producer)
KevinM_atBio - Kevin Martens (Co-Lead Designer)
Luke_BioWare - Luke Kristjanson (Senior Writer/Designer)
Dave-at-Bio - David Gaider (Designer)
Zarth_BioWare - Michael Geist (Designer/Scriptor)
Dean_Bioware - Dean Andersen (Senior Artist)
DonMAtBioWare- Don Moar (Lead Tools Programmer)
MarcA_BioWare - Marc Audy (Tools Progammer)
RobB_BioWare - Rob Boyd (Programmer)
QARayAtBioware - Ray Prach (Quality Assurance)
ScottL_Bioware - Scott Langevin (Lead QA)
Derrick_BioWare - Derrick Collins (Quality Assurance)
Brad_BioWare - Brad Grier (Communication Manager)
RayAtBio - Ray Muzyka (Joint CEO)
JohnGBio - John Gallagher (Director of Conceptual Art)

Black Isle:

LisaB - Lisa Bucek (PR Manager, Black Isle)
Wolf-BlackIsle - Doug Avery (Associate Producer, Black Isle)

[ka] Mode change "+m" by Valen
<Valen> Well it's about that time so lets get this thing started. On behalf of the RPG Vault, I'd like to welcome you all hear tonight.  As you've probably noticed, the room is being moderated. If you'd like to ask a question of the Baldur's Gate 2 team, message me with it ( type "/msg Valen <and your message goes here>").  That said: Welcome BioWare! Could you briefly introduce yourselves before we get started? 
<Derrick_BioWare> I am Derrick Collins, a member of the BioWare Quality Assurance team. They make the games, we break 'em. :)
<BenAtBioWare> My name is Ben Smedstad, I am the Producer at BioWare on BG2.
<LisaB> I am Lisa Bucek, PR Manager at Black Isle
<Wolf-BlackIsle> Doug Avery, Associate Producer for Black Isle.
<DonMAtBioWare> My name is Don, lead tools programmer for BioWare.
<Dean_Bioware> Dean:  Senior Artist on BG2.  Responsible for the terrain and other art tasks
<MarcA_BioWare> I'm Marc Audy, I'm a tools programmer, and have the distinction of being the (currently) newest employee at Bioware
<BenAtBioWare> As with the other chats, when a person sees a question they  want to answer, call it, so we all don't just sit there=)
<RobB_BioWare> I'm Rob Boyd, the second newest programmer at bioware..
<QARayAtBioware> Ray Prach, quality assurance. 
<Luke_BioWare> I'm Luke Kristjanson, writer and designer for BG2
<ScottL_Bioware> Scott Langevin,  Lead QA
<Brad_BioWare> Brad Grier, BioWare's Communication Manager
<Zarth_BioWare> Michael Geist, Designer/Scriptor
<Valen> Looks like we have everyone covered.  Our first question comes from  Thornfox: "What changes to multiplayer have there been, beyond conversations?"
<Valen> Don't everyone answer at once :)
<RobB_BioWare> haha...Beuler....Beuler.....
<Dave-at-Bio> We're conferring.  :)
<Jonric> a slight design change is being made   8-)
<Luke_BioWare> Ben, is there a programmer in the house that can get specific?
<BenAtBioWare> sorry was afk =(
<BenAtBioWare> got it
<Dean_Bioware> blink....blink
<DonMAtBioWare> MarkD just said that it crashes more...;^)
<Wolf-BlackIsle> +o RayatBio
<RayAtBio> Ah...
* Valen grins
<RayAtBio> Long time no chat!  (for me at least...)
<BenAtBioWare> The gameplay essentially the same, as in style of gameplay.  Issues such as stability, support and other "lower level" issues have been delt with
<DonMAtBioWare> I believe that stores and dialog have been improved...
<BenAtBioWare> With the dialogue change, the flow of the multiplayer game is far smoother .. and just plain fun
<RayAtBio> Still waiting to install it Ken.
<BenAtBioWare> done
[ka] Guest18669 is now known as Drizzt
<Valen> Will the hair and skin color palettes be better in BG2 (more colors)????
<BenAtBioWare> Got it
<Dean_Bioware> Yes
<Valen> Oops that came from Ken :)
<Valen> Jace asked  Luke, what is your inspiration for writing the scripts the characters speak? Are there particular books you read or from playing D&D games or....?
<Dean_Bioware> They sure will :)   Done
<BenAtBioWare> Absolutely.  We are going over the palettes to make sure that you have a wide selection of GOOD colours to choose from
<BenAtBioWare> done
<Luke_BioWare> got it
<Luke_BioWare> Characters come from all sorts of inspirations. They have to when you are dealing with some 1500 speaking roles of varying sizes. 
<Luke_BioWare> I've done some specific references to Jack Vance characters, and other story classics, as well as D&D references from old campaigns. All over, really. Too many to name specifics
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Valen> JimVersus asked, "I've heard (and read) quite a bit about BG2 and the "Strongholds" that go with each character class. What exactly do these accomplish, and how long (appox.) will it be before most players get a chance to interact with them?"
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> Basically, the strongholds are extended quests that are unique to each of the major classes.
<KevinMatBio> The strongholds are designed to offer additional depth to the class and allow the player a chance to do specific role playing for said class.
<KevinMatBio> I don't know the exact length of the strongholds but in realtime  I would guess 5-10 hours, or a couple of weeks in game time. Not everything happens at once.
<KevinMatBio> Wait
<KevinMatBio> You said how long until they start, not how long are they
<KevinMatBio> You can get them within a few hours of gameplay if you know where to look. Not too far into the game a character will gently direct you in the general direction of the plot that leads to your stronghold
<KevinMatBio> Done
<Valen> <Lovidican> How does the main quest path in BG2 compare to that in BG1 (length, quality of storyline, etc...)?
<Dave-at-Bio> got it
<BenAtBioWare> quality of storyline??? lol, what are we supposed to say....heh JK
<RayAtBio> The storyline in BG2 is better, I'd say.  I'm playing the game almost every night at home right now and am really into it.  The storyline in BG1 was ok but had moments where it was less compelling - some inconsistency.
<Dave-at-Bio> The main path through, in my estimation, is a much deeper storyline overall.  As far as length goes, I'd estimate it is a minority according to all the side-paths and side-quests that are optional.  For the player who wants to extend his time in the game and do everything, there is easily at least enough to do that makes the game several times longer than BG.  If all you want to do is the critical path, though, the game can be much shorter.
<Dave-at-Bio> done
* BenAtBioWare watches Dave type very slowly
<Valen> <JackCrow> What will happen to the items I have when I import my character from BG1/TotSC?
<Dave-at-Bio> Hey, I've seen you type, Mr. Hunt-and-Peck.
<Dean_Bioware> DAVE.....settle
<Derrick_BioWare> All items go *poof*
<Luke_BioWare> got it
<Luke_BioWare> You soon learn that your items have been stripped when you begin the game. There are in-game reasons as well as balancing concerns. You had a pretty impressive load-out at the end of BG1. That's not to say that everything is gone for good though.
<Luke_BioWare> Some things will be recoverable fairly soon, though most will not. You'll soon have opportunity to more than compensate for what you have lost though.
<Luke_BioWare> Some are no longer in BG2 at all, removed for balancing reasons and conflicts with some of the chages we have made in the way the game functions.
<Derrick_BioWare> Sorry for 'steppin on your toes' there Luke. Fastest typer wins, hehe.
<KevinMatBio> Save it for Boot Hill, cowboy!
<Valen> done? ;)
<Dave-at-Bio> Nope, he's still clacking away.
<Luke_BioWare> But we have gone to great pains to make sure that the *hundreds* of new items are just as cool as anything you had in BG1
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Valen> <Chemnok> Has the new reputation system been set yet? Will it be dual system for reputation and Paladin/Ranger status?
<Dave-at-Bio> got it
<Dave-at-Bio> The reputation system, as it existed in BG is being tweaked.  But there is not going to be a 'new' reputation system, as you seem to be mentioning.
<Dave-at-Bio> Reputation is akin to karma in that it is a measure of your good and/or bad deeds.  Paladin and Ranger status will still be affected by this.  You do have the opportunity, in-game, to regain lost Ranger and Paladin status.  But only once.
<Dave-at-Bio> done
<Valen> <monty> i have a ? regarding the Ranger class . I would like to know if you are adding the two weapon style to the arsenal and what if any restrictions are on it??
<Wolf-BlackIsle> Mine
<Wolf-BlackIsle> The two weapon style is being given to all Warrior classes.  The Ranger starts way ahead of the game in terms of proficiency slots granted.  Done.
<Luke_BioWare> not done
<Luke_BioWare> Other classes will be able to do it in limited measure as well, though rangers and fighters have the ability to be more proficient in it. 
<Luke_BioWare> rangers are the best, as was said :)
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Valen> <Drizzt> Will there be any beta, demo, or some sort of interactive preview (for the public, a specified number perhaps) that will be out before the game?
<Luke_BioWare> ben?
<BenAtBioWare> Got it
<BenAtBioWare> Although we have no set date for a "demo" creating one would be fairly easy...
<BenAtBioWare> creating one you can download isn't however, and it will more than likely be done AFTER the game is done
<BenAtBioWare> done
<Valen> <Wizall> Will we be able to play through the game with a full party of characters we created(Using import, export, and transfer of files w/in the director)?
<RayAtBio> We're very interested in creating a demo, and will announce more details on this later on in the summer.
<KevinMatBio> got it
<KevinMatBio> Yes, like BG you can start a multiplayer game and create up to 6 characters. The process will be identical
<KevinMatBio> Done
<Valen> <figment> <Many of us would like to know much more detail about the kits and new classes...even if these are subject to change, it would be interesting to know what you have so far...can you expand on the new classes and kits?>
<BenAtBioWare> A designer?
<Luke_BioWare> got it
<Luke_BioWare> We're not going to be releasing intimate details on the kits and such, mainly because they are so subject to the whims of balance and testing. Releasing details about something that turns out to be overpowered turns our fans into a frothing hoard. A fun hoard, but a frothing one, nonetheless.  Besides, there's too much to go into on this forum. We'll release more info closer to ship and such.
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Luke_BioWare> horde... doh
<Valen> <Rocinonte> Can you impart any information about the Barbarian class?
<Valen> Sorry, was cutting and pasting :)
<BenAtBioWare> Designer?
<Luke_BioWare> see previous answer. Doubly so, because the barbarian is a 3rd edition implementation using 2nd edition rules, and we can't really talk about how 3rd edition functions.
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Valen> <Black_Adder> Example + The question---- "I'm sorry but my inventory is Full"---- speech can be annoying if repeated often enough.   Will it have a toggle switch so certain players "like me" dont have to listen to it. Or any other sounds that get repeated often, have a togglable switch to prevent the player from being annoyed, otherwise the player may just turned sound off.
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> At present, I am aware of no such option but the programmers will take a look at it. Hope that helps :)\
<KevinMatBio> Done
<KevinMatBio> Done
<BenAtBioWare> lol
<BenAtBioWare> WB Valen
* Valen sighs
<Valen> Thanks ;)
<Valen> Did you answer the last one? :)
<Dean_Bioware> yup
<Valen> <Jim[Versus]> <I've read various articles stating that the BG2 engine allows for much larger monsters to be onscreen. With that stated, can we expect there to be Dragons in the game?  I realize this has probably been asked a BILLION times already. :)
<BenAtBioWare> I got it
<BenAtBioWare> Well.. there are monsters that are VERY big in the game.. some of them VERY tough.  Why, just today Brent (a designer) was balancing a VERY large creature.  It slaughtered the party PDQ.  I think it is about tough enough.. for whatever it is ... << insert evil laughter here>>
<BenAtBioWare> Done
<Valen> <oberonschild> When importing our character from the first game, what files of BG1 will we need to keep?
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> You will need either the character file or a save game. Done
<Valen> <archvile> I've heard characters don't start at level 1 like in BG 1 ... what level do the characters start at and will you be able to choose their skills from their levels, etc.?
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> If you import from BG or start a new game, the character will be jumped to 89,000 xp, level 7-9 depending on class. If you import from Tales of the Sword Coast, you can start with as much as 161,000 (level 10 for some classes). Done
<Valen> <Dennis> Will Rogues 10th level and above be able to use spell scrolls?  That feature wasn't added in BG TOSC even though Rogues could get to 10th level.
<Luke_BioWare> Thieves do not currently have that ability, and I don't think it will be implemented for BG2. Unfortunate perhaps, but they will have many other things they can do that make high-level thieves indispensable.
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Valen> <monty> are you going to break down the races a little more in BG2 -- such as breaking the elf race into wood elf or high elf??
<Luke_BioWare> got it
<Luke_BioWare> No, that distinction is up to the player to conceive. It will not be a title that is displayed on the character sheet, as the NPCs in game would not refer to it anyway. It's already interesting enough getting them to identify with your basic race, let alone variants.
<Luke_BioWare> We are, however, including a Biography that you can customize. It's a page off your character sheet where you can write whatever history you prefer, and in multiplayer, other players can read it and see just what you want them to. Be as specific as you like :)
<Luke_BioWare> done
<Valen> <s> how are specialist mages being implemented and will there be any items only for mages?
<KevinMatBio> got it
<KevinMatBio> Specialist mages are being tweaked as problems and discrepancies arise. There are, indeed, items that only mages have access to. Done
<Valen> <oberonschild> Will the selection of character portraits and voice sets be expanded from BG1?  Are some of these being reused from BG1?
<KevinMatBio> got it
<Valen> Along the same lines <KEN-TeamBG> Are the custom portraits going to have the same requirements in BG2?
<KevinMatBio> The selection of portraits will be expanded. We plan to have approx. 20 new portraits and all of the portraits from BG. If you like, you can still put your own portraits and sounds in. We're also doing new sound sets. Done.
<BenAtBioWare> And they are the same size =)
<Valen> <KEN-TeamBG> How many CDs will BG2 be on?  And, will they come in jewel cases instead of the cardboard holder that has ruined MANY BG CDs to date???
<BenAtBioWare> Got it
<BenAtBioWare> We are using a new compression technique that really saves us space..  BG2 was on 5 CDs, it is currently on 3 CDs with compression.. once we add all the audio, it may slip to 4..
<BenAtBioWare> this means that it will fit into a real jewel case.. we really want all aspects of BG2 to be top notch, even the packaging =)
<BenAtBioWare> done
<Valen> <Fenrisulvr> will the pathfinding system be improved in BG2?        
<BenAtBioWare> Got it
<BenAtBioWare> Pathfinding has been improved in 3 ways. 1) we have tightened up the algorithm itself. 2) we have fixed it from a design aspect, no narrow hallways to fustrate the player. and 3) Character bumping.  Characters will "bump" out of the way of other characters to let them by.
<BenAtBioWare> done
<Valen> <JackCrow> How about a DVD ROM version?
<BenAtBioWare> got it
* BenAtBioWare is hogging the questions
* Zarth_BioWare is working. :)
<BenAtBioWare> It is up to our publisher when and where it is done.  But from a technical standpoint we can do it.
<BenAtBioWare> Many people have asked this, and the more that do, the more likely it will happen
<BenAtBioWare> done
<Valen> <Golgotha> approximately how long will take to get through BG2?
* QARayAtBioware wants a DVD version!
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> Critical path will be about the same as BG. However, there are tons of subplots! If you want to play for 200 hours, you probably can. If you don't want to put in that kind of commitment, you don't have to :)
<KevinMatBio> Done
<Valen> <erk> Part of the fun in DnD as you advance in level is using your increasing power to battle larger groups of enemies. Will there be lovely larger scale skirmishes and enemy hecatombs in BG2?
<Jonric> Just to let everyone know, we're going to go for about 10 more minutes, then we'll let the team go eat - or get back to work   8-)
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> There will be some larger battles with larger creatures and, in addition, many of the areas are scaleable in difficulty. If you'
<KevinMatBio> oops
<BenAtBioWare> Nice working of Hecotomb into a sentence btw =)
<KevinMatBio> If you're higher level, the area will have bigger, tougher monsters. Not everywhere, but in many areas. Done
<Luke_BioWare> a plethora of hecatombs
<Valen> <Gromnir> Gromnir wants to know... can demi-humans play the new 3E classes, (e.g. sorcerer, barbarian, monk) in BG2?
* BenAtBioWare can spell goodly
<KevinMatBio> got it
<KevinMatBio> Actually, only chaotic evil halflings can play the new classes.
<BenAtBioWare> ones with 34 GP.. any more than that, they lose their status
<Valen> Beware the chaotic evil halflings!
<KevinMatBio> But seriously, the sorcerer restriction is the same as mage, only humans can be monks, and barbarians are close to fighter.
<MarcA_BioWare> So, nobody in this room actually knows what a hecatomb is, and I'm sure some of the fans don't either, could someone explain
<KevinMatBio> Done
<BenAtBioWare> lol a Mass slaughter
* BenAtBioWare had to look it up too =)
<Valen> <JackCrow> How will the graphics differ from a PC with 3d Accel to one without and what is the best Accel to use with BG2?
<Zarth_BioWare> Mass Slaughter = James trying to beat my new mage just now. :)
<Valen> Oh and yes, could someone explain what a Hecatomb is? :)
<KevinMatBio> Got it
<KevinMatBio> The 3D support works on Open-GL capable cards. Basically, the spells have 2 versions of effects (you don't have to have a 3d card). There is a speed boost and assorted cool 3D goodies with all of the effects but, again, there are 2 versions so the 3D card is not required.
<KevinMatBio> You'll probably want a 4MB card or better for the 3D features. A 2mb card is required, as in BG, to run the game in 2D mode.
<BenAtBioWare> done?
<KevinMatBio> Done
<Valen> <Vash> question for Bioware "seems you guys have been touching on most major spots in the Realms. Amn, BG, Sword Coast, and now north to Neverwinter... any plans for delving into Underdark?"
<Luke_BioWare> got it
<Luke_BioWare> We'll be subjecting you to... er... introducing you to many exotic locales. That will include islands, ships, elven forests, cities of assorted sized, and an expansive trip through the subterranean areas of the Realms.  That would include the homes of your friends and mine, the Drow.
<BenAtBioWare> and mind flayers
<BenAtBioWare> and sahaugin
<BenAtBioWare> and...
<RobB_BioWare> don't forget the mind flayers.....
<KevinMatBio> kuo-toa
<Luke_BioWare> yeah, pack a mining helm, you're going deed deep into the Underdark.
<Dean_Bioware> eeeeeekkkk!!!
<RayAtBio> yikes!
<KevinMatBio> yippee!
<Luke_BioWare> and maybe coming back out.
<Luke_BioWare> maybe
<Luke_BioWare> done
* Valen chuckles
<Valen> And finally, the question asked by more people than I can count- What's the expected release date for BG2?
<KevinMatBio> got it
* Wolf-BlackIsle puts on Mining Hat.
<BenAtBioWare> Got it
<KevinMatBio> Ben has it.
<KevinMatBio> No really.
<RayAtBio> The answer is: when it's done and damn good.  This should be this Fall.
<KevinMatBio> I thought ben had it
<BenAtBioWare> We have always said fall, and we want the game to be solid, bug free, balanced, and most of all fun.  When it's done is appropriate, but fall is less vague.
<RayAtBio> Took too long :)
<BenAtBioWare> lol
<BenAtBioWare> doh
* BenAtBioWare is suffering from lack of caffeine
<BenAtBioWare> typing speed reduced
<BenAtBioWare> done
<Valen> I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for joining us!
<Wolf-BlackIsle> Take care all.
<BenAtBioWare> Thanks for having us
<KevinMatBio> I'll see you all on the message boards!
<Jonric> Thanks to all of the team for coming out this evening, and of course to allof you fans for some great questions.  Maybe if you ask them nicely, they'll do this again next month.   8-)
<Valen> Unmoderating, beware the horde!
* BenAtBioWare braces himself
[ka] Mode change "-m" by Vale