Official Icewind Dale chat of June 22, 2000 in #baldursgate on the planetquake.gamesnet.net server. Moderated by Silverdawn. Edited log created by Cobby of GameSpy (http://www.gamespy.com) and Silverdawn (http://www.bgchronicles.com). 230 participants were present in the chat at its peak. In attendance from Black Isle Studios were: BIS_JESawyer - J. E. Sawyer (Designer) BIS_Kihan - Kihan Pak (Technical Designer) BIS_Malavon - Richard Finegan (Programmer) BIS_Parker - Chris Parker (Producer) BIS_Reginald - Reginald Arnedo (Designer) BIS_Proxi - Primo Pulanco (Division Coordinator) BIS_SteveBokkes - Steve Bokkes (Designer) BIS_Willow - Jake Devore (Scriptor) BIS_ScottW - Scott Warner (Designer) BIS_Jason - Jason Manley (Artist) BIS_Pete - Pete Meihuizen (Character Animator) Welcome to today's official Icewind Dale chat being hosted by BGC. This chat is moderated. Only Black Isle, moderators and the person asking the question will be able to speak. Multiple or offensive nickname change [18:13] how about Bob? Bob Finegan? [18:13] hmmm... [18:13] who?....bobert [18:13] And skullz will be crushed! [18:13] thats better [18:13] WHERS NY MAGIC HAT?!?! RAWWWRRR [18:13] Would our guests from Black Isle please introduce yourselves [18:13] bobert malitosis [18:14] I'm a designer. I make pretty monsters and happy maces. [18:14] I'm Scott Warner and I'm a designer... I think. [18:14] If you'd like to talk with others, please join the #bgchronicles room. [18:14] Pete animates monsters and stuf. [18:14] programmer, been working mostly with spells and effects in Icewind [18:14] Malavon also plays in a five piece funk band. [18:15] pete m: animator [18:15] My name's Steve... and I'm a designer. Going on four years here at Interplay. One day at a time... [18:15] We have enough questions for the time being...Please hold on to them until later in the chat. For everyone that has contacted me, you question has been added to the list and if you are selected I will voice you to ask it [18:15] Pete crushes. [18:15] Pete crushes. [18:15] Ok first question: [18:15] * MageDragon drum rolls [18:15] is being omitted until Darren or Chris gets here ;) [18:16] swarner supplies tha rad tracks [18:16] Go ahead Black Adder [18:16] Does IwD have a aicomipiler program to go with it ? Will you be making one available for download if one isnt shipped with the IwD Cds ? I know that BIS wont be supporting ai scripting by the players but will you have a good through scripting document to go with it ? What new functions have been added that you think players who make scripts will like ? [18:16] As far as I know, all enduser scripting will remain the same in IWD as it was for BG. [18:17] where's Jake! He knows all this stuff [18:17] Not that I'm aware of... [18:17] we've added a bunch of scripting commands... [18:17] nice hook shot, Malavon [18:17] JAKE!!! [18:17] such as ? [18:17] JAKE!! [18:17] Jake knows... [18:17] I did a total of one script in IWD. hahaha [18:17] Jilznake added scripting commands, but the process of using scripts remains the same. [18:17] Sorry I can't be more specific. Our script master is busy right now. [18:18] Jake Devore aka El Scriptor [18:18] I am wondering if there will be an option to make the game run in video modes higher then 640*480 [18:18] Axler> Nope. Sorry, dude. [18:18] Jake says he's joining [18:18] or maybe a secret way to do it? [18:18] Tom handled the majority of ze scripting this time around. Did some wonderful things in that department. [18:18] Axler> Nope. We removed the functionality for it. [18:19] Hey party people. [18:19] Manley! [18:19] ya made it [18:19] PARKer! [18:19] CPPD! [18:19] Sorry, some of us are still a little busy. ;) [18:19] Hi everyone [18:19] Parker lays the smack down! [18:19] ya...tony hawk! [18:19] Bokkes! [18:19] Reg! [18:19] Youre not sleeping steve... [18:19] Thanks SD :) [18:19] I've been sampling various bottles of malt liquor all day long. [18:19] now that we have a producer; [18:19] As everyone is curious about when Icewind Dale will be ready, has it gone gold and when can we expect it on shelves? [18:19] he beat me to it..you changed your nick too soon ;) [18:20] JE's been pouring them out on his desk for the homies [18:20] * BIS_JESawyer points at Parker. [18:20] OK...here is the word... [18:20] hey josh you didn't invite me [18:20] As it currently stands, Icewind Dale is not gold. [18:20] proxi :) [18:20] We are currently in the finalling process. [18:20] scott :) [18:21] are we actually doing anything right now? [18:21] Knitting [18:21] That is, it will be gold shortly. That's about all I can say, we are still targetting this month for release. [18:21] Done. [18:21] Go ahead Asmodei [18:21] woo hoo [18:21] Was the team ever scared that a release so close to Diablo 2 might harm sales and/or appreciation by the public? [18:22] Manley... don't answer that [18:22] no [18:22] lol [18:22] Well, Diablo 2 is going to sell about a billion units, so that will cut into any other title's sales that releases anywhere near it. [18:22] rofl [18:22] hahahaha [18:22] I, personally, am. However, what are you going to do? We just made the game as well as we could and as fast as we could. [18:23] its part of being in the business... i guess ;) [18:23] So yes, its a concern, but we figure that if we just make the game awesome, the folks would buy it later rather than sooner if we released at the same time as D2. [18:23] we did a good job too [18:23] We haven't given it that much thought. You can't allow something like that to enter into the finaling process. I think we're confident our game can stand up against anything out there. [18:23] oh my [18:23] The way we figured it. If we make a good enough game, people will play it. [18:23] Then only big question I have is regarding the multiplayer aspect... Is it handle the same way as Baldur's Gate I, where there is a party leader, and that leaders controls pretty much everything? ie. party treasure, npc talking, etc That is the only thing I disliked about BG. [18:23] you said it scott [18:23] Weazel, the host can still control just about everything the host wants to control... [18:24] however, there is no 'protagonist' in Icewind Dale, so it doesn't revolve so much around the one person. [18:24] Done. [18:24] Heyaz, First of all cant wait for IWD to be released, and dont listen to nitwits who bitch about prosponing the release, I rather have an bugfree game released later then one early released dutch cheese filled with holes :) [18:24] Way to go, guys, and thanks for brings AD&D closer to everyone. [18:24] And one cheer for pyaray, good luck with youre future career :). [18:25] My question is whats the final say on the amount of CD's?, and is this compareable with compression techniques which was used in BG, TotSC, PS:T?..The final boxed set, will it come with maps, booklet and other goodies? ;) [18:25] The boxed set comes with a free ninja. (j/k) [18:25] The game is on 2 CDs. We spent some time on compression so that you install off CD1 and then play off CD2. [18:25] hahahahah [18:25] ha ha ha [18:25] we toyed with the idea of including IWD snow globes [18:25] The first copy comes with Josh [18:25] The data is compressed heavily compared to BG and TotSC. [18:25] ha ha jason [18:26] Richard [18:26] jason [18:26] Will there be more or less movies in IWD than BG? and How has the spell effects been enhanced made better in IWD than BG? P.S. All of you staffers make an old D&D player glad he bought a computer [18:26] BIS is going to start a low rock band called "Heavy Compression" [18:26] The box will come with manual, CDs, a map, and the usual box insert junk. ;) [18:26] Pete [18:26] sorry BIS_ScottW [18:26] sniff off) [18:27] spell effects are alpha blended now [18:27] There will be less movies in IWD than BG. The spell effects are in our opinion significantly cooler than they were in BG thanks to code changes done here and at Bioware. [18:27] cool stuff too... [18:27] john2> I think we have about the same number of movies. The spell effects are cool looking and can utilize translucency code. [18:27] We have less movies, numberwise, but I think we have more in terms of overall length. Right Parker? [18:27] Overall, I feel that the art in Icewind is definately a step forward in CRPGs over anything you have seen before. [18:27] thanks chris [18:27] a number of the spells have been revamped to "aid" gameplay and more closely follow the AD&D rules [18:27] One might even say that it is "jawsome." [18:27] Length-wise, we are comparable on movie length in minutes, yes. [18:28] hey allroy...you like the desendants? [18:28] oops descendants [18:28] we stripped out most of the travel animations so you would get a more immediate response from the spells [18:28] Damn right =) [18:28] BG might have had 12 minutes, IWD has about 10 or so. I dunno, I could be off by a bit on these numbers... [18:28] is that the Canadian spelling? [18:28] NICE! [18:28] i just atrted listening to them again. they crush! [18:28] after all, you stand around casting them for 4-5 seconds, you'd probably prefer if they went off instantly rather than travel to their destination first... [18:29] Agreed. [18:29] Our Fireballs are on the last train to Clarksville. [18:29] ya my typing licks okay [18:29] You need to ask your question Allroy :) [18:29] Two part, 1) How many Magic/unique items are there in the game and 2) How much effect will we have over the look of our player Via customization and items? [18:30] Heh D'Rek... thanks for the candy you sent us... [18:30] Boatloads... [18:30] everyone here is still running around on a sugar high! [18:30] 1) Unique magic items: about 120. New magic items: about 200. [18:30] TONS [18:30] 2) The same amount as BG. [18:30] Josh went a bit nutty. [18:30] nutty josh [18:30] In a the best possible way, of course. [18:30] I went on a quest to return the nuts to Dee. I failed. [18:31] ha ha ha [18:31] hahah [18:31] LOL [18:31] me like hammers... crush enemies ;) [18:31] Josh made a funny. [18:31] first of all i'd like to say hello to all the loyal IWD messageboard homies. Here is my lame question: [18:31] Kihan! [18:31] ok..have you fixed the maul [18:32] and will it be in Iwd? [18:32] Trevis> Nope. Sorry, dude. [18:32] hello everyone [18:32] ok [18:32] thanks [18:32] hello Kihan [18:32] It makes crashy crashy bang bang. [18:32] 2h axes still work, though. [18:32] hehe [18:32] Have you been play testing the game as much in multiplayer as in single player? [18:32] How is the multiplayer doing is it immproved greatly over BG?? [18:32] P.S>Thanks for all of you participating so much in your forums!!! [18:32] Hahahahaha... to elaborate on JE's answer, we just ran into problems with the 2H hammers and wound up cutting them from the game. Sorry. testing. [18:33] we've been testing quite a bit in multiplayer [18:33] Producer Veto [18:33] Parker is the Man. And I'm sick and tired of being hassled by the Man. [18:33] A lot of testing. WEll, I watched testing as I was killed within the first five minutes of gameplay the other night. [18:33] FIGHT APARKHEID. [18:33] hahahaahah [18:34] What are the number of areas that you can visit on the map? are their hidden locations [18:34] No 2-Handed Hammers! No Gnome bits! What's next? [18:34] Man, I was so bummed that I couldn't get GnomeBits(tm) into the game. [18:34] NExt you're gonna tell us there's no plasma blasters in the game!!! [18:34] Dragonsyt> Hmm. Number of areas... maybe Parker knows the exact number. About 15? Maybe? [18:35] There are 11 main areas in the game. With all of the sub areas the total different 'areas' is something like 105 or 110. [18:35] Will directx 7.0a work with icewind dale? [18:35] there are 10 areas accessible via the world map... [18:35] no plasma blasters [18:35] blasma plaster is in there though [18:36] no jet either [18:36] DX7a=good=IWD [18:36] all of them are hidden until a specific quest leads you to them [18:36] Look for the secret SuperMario Level. [18:36] Super Icewind Brothers [18:36] hee hee [18:36] * BIS_JESawyer needs fillz badly. [18:36] You touch water! YOU DIE!! [18:36] OK, this is not really Icewind Dale related because I don't have too much questions about the game (I already have a beta version) but my question now: The majority of the people on our Torment fanpgae would like to see more 2D-Infinity-Engine based games. Will you do somemore Infinity engine games in the future? [18:37] JESawyer shot the food! [18:37] you can't say that ONLINE scott! 8-) [18:37] * BIS_JESawyer points at Parker. [18:37] Shots don't hurt SAWYER... yet. [18:37] ? [18:37] Long live the Battleground Infinity! [18:37] sorry [18:38] Well, my guess is "no," but what do I know? [18:38] malavon "LOVES" the infinity engine ;) [18:38] thats what I want to know Josh [18:38] Malavon wants to do another five games using the Infinity engine. [18:38] I know how to shoot Jason with a blowgun dart. [18:38] ouch [18:38] What does the finalling process entail? How much time are we looking at here? [18:38] Sermon, it is not likely that BIS will be making any other games with this engine after BG2 and any expansions that may be made for IWD or BG2. But who knows. [18:38] I believe the standard PC answer is: we have no plans at this time to do another Infinity engine game [18:38] btw, thanks [18:39] I've enjoyed my stay in the Infinity engine. [18:39] buh bye [18:39] Seanly> It involves giving Final Candidates to QA and having them smash it up until they can't break it (basically). [18:39] So has Rich, haven't you Rich? [18:39] I'm sure Parker has an official answer from the embassy, though. [18:39] Seanly, basically we make a final candidate and do paperwork and stuff. The only comment on time is that we are still targetting this month for release. [18:40] The infinity engine is a little old, a similar engine would nicely serve to make future 2d rpgs [18:40] C++E reset by peer) [18:40] Everyone shut up. Jake's here to answer ALL questions. (Signed off) [18:41] Jake will now speak for the entire Icewind Dale team. [18:41] Go ahead rath [18:41] Wait, let me get Jake a few beers first. [18:41] So he will turn into Phil. [18:41] PHIl!!! [18:41] Phil doesn't know how to script though :-( [18:41] *** BIS_Willow is now known as BIS_Phil [18:42] Phil is caged... Newcastle will unleash Phil. [18:42] BIS. What is your opinion of what TeamBG has done with editors and DSotSC as it could potentially affect you baby as well? [18:42] i'm curious as to what team BG has accomplished, i haven't checked out DSotSC yet [18:42] JAKE!!! [18:42] I don't know BIS's official stance on TeamBG. I do know that we actually use their BAMworkshop in house. ;) [18:44] Thank You Silver [18:44] I've been playing RPG since before POD, but one thing I miss, which I consider to be a HUGE stradegy in the game is training... Not that it will be included here, but, in future games, will there be the training requirement to advance levels?? Let's face it, that Fighter should not be allowed extra weapons skills unless he is TRAINED on how to use them... You don't exactly get that with experience alone. [18:44] Bizkit> dunno. Some people like those systems, some don't. Only time and experimentation will tell. [18:44] Bizkit> dunno. Some people like those systems, some don't. Only time and experimentation will tell. [18:45] that would probably depend on how 3rd edition ad&d rules portray the situation [18:46] will alignment have much affect on multiplayer games? [18:47] macbee> It will only have a greater effect if players choose to role-play their characters according to their alignments. [18:47] Wow, all these BIS people, I feel like I'm in the presence of celebrities. Anyway, question. With all the questions I've seen about Drizzt, is there a chance for a future game centering on him? [18:47] Well, Reg was upset at how i Was role playing the other night, so he chunked me. [18:48] LOL [18:48] Party discension. [18:48] Yeah... and maybe I'm a Chinese jet pilot [18:48] :) [18:48] doc> A future game, perhaps. [18:48] We dont have any plans for a Drizzt game at this point ...maybe eventuallly [18:48] But nothing is certain in the dark/pink/yellow halls of Black Isle! [18:48] Hmmm...I am not sure about Drizzt. Since he is RAS's character, he might not want other's messing with his storylines. It could happen though...who knows. [18:48] josh...they are purple [18:48] Are the spell effects more like BG (overlayed animation) or Planescape (where you had to wait for an animation to complete)? [18:49] Or purple. [18:49] purple too that is [18:49] see, not even the color is certain... [18:49] i'm not sure i understand the question? [18:49] Noran> Like BGs. [18:49] Well, there's certainly some beautiful spell effects in the game. [18:49] Spells do not pause the game or go to cutscenes. [18:49] ah, i see now [18:49] Although they lean closer to BG most definitely. [18:49] and are definately "purty" [18:50] SS_Goku_X4 had the dfollowing question but had to leave: Hey, I was wondering if BG would be released on any next-gen consoles such as Dolphin, X-Box or PS2. Thank [18:50] we started from the BG code base as opposed to Torment's, so that should give you an idea of what the game will "feel" like [18:50] Currently I believe there are no plans for that platform but things always change. (Signed off) [18:50] Silverdawn> Dunno. [18:50] Errr. SS_GokU> Dunno. [18:50] I am not sure if there are currently any plans to port BG to any of the next gen systems...I haven't heard of any, but that doesn't mean that much... ;) [18:51] gameboy color? ;) hehe [18:51] too bad Trish isn't around anymore... she'd know [18:51] lol! [18:51] Nintendo 8 bit? [18:51] gameboy networked using the cable :P [18:52] i wanna go surfing [18:52] oh hey, Dr Dray! [18:52] Dray in da house?? [18:52] I'm a teeny goat. [18:53] are the cd's going to be in jewel cases? and are you guys drunk right now??? [18:53] baaaaa [18:53] hahahahahahaha [18:53] no i really wanna go surfing [18:53] Not drunk. Dunno about the packaging. [18:53] no and yes... or is that yes and no [18:53] it's beautiful out [18:53] I wish I was drunk right now... but I'm not. However, the CDs will be in a jewel case. Hooray! [18:53] drunk??? eh... who's drunk?? no one's drunk here?? ;P [18:53] we'll be sloshy soon [18:53] That would by my question for you BIS_JESawyer .. what does that mean ??? :) Lots of people want to know :) [18:53] mmmmm [18:53] just like phil [18:53] Is there going to be an expansion pack to IWD like in BG? And when is IWD II coming out? (jk) Also, will it ever be possible to go head to head with other IWD players in multiplayer mode... 6 vs. 6? And finally, WHEN are we going to be able to buy IWD? [18:54] It means that I think goats are rad and people should have them as pets and jump around on cars with them and start bridges on fire. [18:54] Or something. [18:54] thank you sir ;) [18:54] WEll my local EB guy says I can buy it today! [18:54] * BIS_ScottW gets into the car... [18:54] There is currently no plan for an official expansion for IWD. We are thinking about it however. You can only connect 6 players in MP, so I guess you could only go 3 vs 3. [18:54] wait up!!! [18:55] Finally, we are still targeting this month for release, so hopefully within the next 8 days. [18:55] mmm... beer and peanuts [18:55] Hi Guys. Are there any "easter eggs" in IWD? Any little secrets in the game that normally wouldn't, or shouldn't be there that we may find along the way? If so, give us a bone and tell us about one. :) [18:55] YESS THERA ARE EASTR EGs KND SIRR! [18:55] just be sure to look closely [18:55] then it wouldn't be "secret" anymore [18:56] i think Malavon left his railgun somewhere in the game ;> [18:56] welcome David Ray sir [18:56] haha, ready to die proxi? 8-) [18:56] Thanks Mage, hi Gang. [18:56] Rich has questionable Quake skills. But his ability to harness THE FUNK is never in question. [18:56] quake....sheesh [18:56] Don't you have anything better to do DRAY? ;) [18:56] Umm i got my question answered it not something BIS can answer i think [18:57] DRAy... where's our copies of VAMPIRE?? hehe [18:57] it died march 15th 2000 [18:57] but here it is anyway ;) [18:57] would you guys concider opening up the inifinity engine to the public for non-profit use if you decided you where not going to use it again for any future products [18:57] Believe it or not, I'm compiling. And I ordered mine today. :) [18:57] but i know thats a BIO Q [18:57] you're ALWAYS compiling [18:57] * BIS_ScottW looks around for Ray [18:58] i think there are difficult legal things that go on with releasing source code to games - lots of people have to agree to do it [18:58] Fyndlorn... The Bioware Infinity Engine belongs to Bioware, we licensed it for IWD and Torment. You'd need to ask Bioware if they ever wanted to release it for public use... I think. [18:59] Will the infamous, star studded "JeffK" really make a secret, cameo appearance as a "cyclops" in Icewind Dale? [18:59] :D [18:59] RRAAAARRRWWRRR [18:59] hahahahaah [18:59] lol [18:59] I don't know. He wasn't very happy with me in that interview. [18:59] the cyclopse is John Holmes [18:59] lol [18:59] Dethroned> NO BECAUSE THE MAN (PARKER) SAID IT WOULDN'T FIT AND HE MADE ME CRY. [18:59] [18:59] easter egg maybe?? hehe [19:00] His lawyer wants a year's supply of Del Taco in return for putting him into the game. [19:00] We tried to negotiate 711 cheeseburgers... [19:00] Rath> I believe there is a quick load feature. [19:00] I am evil. And I like making Josh cry. Hehe. [19:00] lol [19:01] awe [19:01] all producers are evil 8-) [19:01] Yes, there is a quickload and quick save features in the game. [19:01] ..lawful evil... [19:01] THAT WIL MAEK JEFFK! VARY DIPSLEASD SIR! [19:01] er are :P [19:01] were is french [19:01] in france?? [19:01] mmmm [19:01] he's smashing a little bug [19:01] After a character dies, will you be given the option to xreate a new one instead of raising from the dead? [19:02] wear r dah qwesteeons [19:02] you can always go into the character permissions screen and create a new char [19:02] Sure! Of course, adding that 1st level character in with you 9th level party may not be the best choice...but you can! [19:02] There is a character arbitration sceen where you may nuke a character and create a new one on the fly. [19:02] And they do go up levels real quick that way if you can keep em alive. [19:02] wb silver [19:03] Cool [19:03] Mencar! [19:03] First off, let me say......NO 2-handed HAMMERS?!?! Mencar needs a BIG hammer. [19:03] What is your favorite area in the game? Give details. [19:03] Thanks for all you have done BTW> [19:04] My favorite area is definitely . Wow, there's this amazing in !! [19:04] Oh...we have big hammers. Gus made some super-feargunator-world-crushing hammers... [19:04] My favorite area is the part where the party has to pick up pipes and break apart a horse-drawn carriage. [19:04] Oh wait, that's Final Fight 0. [19:04] Tom is smokin' [19:04] One of my favorite areas is one called "Dragon's Eye". [19:04] Or, "THE Dragon's Eye." [19:04] Hammer of The Hick +12 [19:04] There ya go :) [19:04] Or, "El Ojo de Serpiente" [19:05] My favorite part of the game is where you push this button and stairs form on top of your character so you can't mov... errr [19:05] i like the look of kuldahar. [19:05] what about the part where you build a boomgate with straws and ticky-tacky? [19:05] Candyman! [19:05] Easthaven looks great too. [19:05] all the areas look fab [19:05] bravo BIS art team [19:06] danka [19:06] Do you guys get a vacation after release? If so how long? (Seems like some of you could use some time off). [19:06] Dragon's Eye mah fav.... after going through that level, you can make tons of snakeskin boots ;P [19:06] Jeffy has entered the room! Give it up for Jeffy! [19:06] they give us a week i think [19:06] i sure hope so. I WANNA GO SURFING!!!! [19:06] We're gonna roll down Crenshaw in Pete's dream Audi. [19:06] wurd [19:06] I already took a considerable break so I'm taking like, a day... [19:06] I'll be a taking a LONG vacation filled with many beer runs :) [19:06] yeah... we all get a week in our fabulous BIS rehab facilities [19:06] yAH! [19:07] will the dream audi become reality? [19:07] did someone mention beer?? [19:07] Guys, how much would i have to pay you to put me in as a minor NPC in your next game [19:07] soon... [19:07] only the bankers know... [19:07] Guys, how much would i have to pay you to put me in as a minor NPC in your next game [19:07] Hmmmm....vacation. Yeah...I will be working on BG2... I might get a week off or so. [19:07] tsk [19:07] No board nepotism. *crosses arms* [19:07] Depends how interesting an NPC you are I suppose :) [19:07] Guys, how much would i have to pay you to put me in as a minor NPC in your next game (serious) [19:07] with a name like, it'd be tough, n3groj3sus [19:07] * BIS_JESawyer realizes that "borad nepotism" doesn't really make sense, but is hungry, and doesn't care. [19:08]