Planescape: Torment chat. Held at jester.dreammyst.net #torment on June 30, 1999 at 6:00 - 7:00 pm PDT. Editted log file prepared by Silverdawn of Baldur's Gate Chronicles (http://www.bgchronicles.com) In attendance were: Striding Dragon: Guido Henkel, Project Director, Torment BIShop_Sawyer: Bishop Sawyer, Web Coordinator, BIS KrysAtBIS: Krys Card, Public Relations, BIS BIS_Tim: Tim Donley, Lead Artist, Torment BIS_Dan: Dan "Pinchloaf" Spitzley, Lead Programmer, Torment BIS_ScottW: Scott Warner, Scripter/Designer , Torment BIS_Aaron: Aaron Meyers, Artist, Torment Big_Tuna: Greg Peterson, Head of Marketing, BIS BIS_Adam: Adam Heine, Scripter, Torment BIS_Colin: Colin McComb, Designer, Torment BIS_Willow: Jake Devore, Scripter, Torment BIS_StevieB: Steve Bokkes, Designer, Torment BIS_Dave: Dave Maldonado, Designer, Torment BIS_EricStuntDouble: Eric Campanella, Artist, Torment BIS_Jim: Jim Gardner, Programmer, Torment === Mode change "+m" by KrysAtBIS Welcome to the Planescape: Torment chat! If you have a question for the team, here's how to get on the list: Type "/msg KrysAtBIS addme" without quotes. You MUST be in #torment when your turn comes up or you will be skipped. mmmmm.....moderation..... BIS_Colin> What's the release date? This is a moderated channel. You won't be able to speak here until it is your turn to ask a question. All things in moderation. If you want to get on a mailing list for Interplay press releases and event info, drop Krys a line at kcard@interplay.com and let her know whether you want to receive info on Black Isle Studios' upcoming titles, PC titles, console titles, or all three. She will not share your email address with anyone else! BIS_Colin: hey bro Please do NOT ask when the release date is. Torment's projected release date is late summer/early fall 1999. Please don't ask questions that are answered on the website (check out the FAQ located at www.planescape-torment.com)! Also, please refrain from profanity or vulgarity out of respect for our younger attendees. If you use profanity, you will risk being kicked from the channel. Release date? I can't tell you that. Ask Guido. This is a moderated chat. You won't be able to talk until it's your turn. Please DO NOT change your nick to make a comment or ask a question. Repeated nick changes will get you banned from the chat. Hey, Jonny! If you're waiting in line to ask a question, now's a good time to type it into a text editor like 'notepad,' then hit cntrl C to copy it to the clipboard. When it's your turn, hit cntrl 'v' paste it in. alright If you'd like to be added to the queue to ask the team a question, type "/msg KrysAtBIS addme" without the quotes. * BIS_Adam hasta eat his pizza....he'll be back shortly... I now leave this channel in yer hands, kids I've got a movie to catch * JFinite waves Bye, homeslice. take care Later JFinite I'm outtie see yez, Jonny! Everyone on the Torment team visit www.shhhhh.com for a second so we can get started. Everyone ready? Let's take the first question. I AM READY! === Mode change "+v numb" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, numb Got him, thanks - Sorry, Guido =) Okay, in Baldurs Gate there were a load of movies that you had to watch every darn time. Will you be able to skip them in PS: Torment? dans got it You WILL be able to skip them if I have anything to say about it. Good, thanks. May I ask another question? (sorry) Sure sure, go ahead ;) Will you be confined to the 18(?) item slots in your inventory here too? * BIS_Adam is back with a pizza :) Approximately. Adam should keep to himself about the pizza ;) I believe so, although we are expanding stackability a bit. Okay, thanks then. :) sorry, Krys :) I don't know how many slots there are, but you can equip on your character like in BG, so that will extend your slots. /ga You shouldn't have much trouble finding space for stuff. Thank you, numb. Go ahead, DarkStar No one is next. Hey, guys! First off, let me thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to host this awesome chat! I've been looking forward to PS: T for quite some time and can't wait to get my hands on it! I'll give your brains a break from the tough questions for a moment and pitch ya just a few simple ones... 1) With what rating do you expect PS: T to ship with (i.e. 'T' for Teen)? 2) What upcoming games are you guys most looking forward to? What games are you playing now? 3) Hmmmm....Coke or Pepsi 1. Mature 2. I'm playing MM7 right now 2. Torment. And I'm playing Aliens vs. Predator and Kingpin. 2. Also Ape Escape on the PSX 2. Team Fortress 2...currently playing Stonekeep one and Master of Orion! 2. messiah I like Kingpin. And Q3A. 3. Pepsi 2) EVERQUEST... (the expansion) 3. Mr. Pibb! 3) Mt Dew 3. Neither. I'm off caffeine. 3. It's all dependent on the mood. Heh...I'm Coke all the way! 2. I'm looking forward to "My Little Pony 3: Stables of the Deathstalker" :) 3. RC Cola GA 3. definitely Coke 2. Freespace is looking pretty cool. (I don't want to shill for IP, but we have some cool stuff coming out) ga Thanks! Coke is a GO! Ain't nobody in the queue folks - anybody got a question?? I've got a question! all right then! Go tuna! Ga, Greg. What is the manual going to look like? MC Guido knows that! Colin? Bound in human flesh! Hoody-hoo! Oh....When is the release date? ;-) Thanks C We are currently looking into the manual... Hooooooooooody hoo! Howdy Folks Is it going to big like Baldur's Gate? Or smaller? We will not have a manual as extensive as Baldur's Gates because much of the information... will be relayed to you as you play the game... Part of the fun in Torment is that you are almost learning abvout "Planescape"... as you go along - together with the Nameless One. growl Still the manual will cover the most important aspects required to play the game. ga Go ahead, Transeer No one is next. === Mode change "-v+v DarkStar Transeer" by KrysAtBIS 1:How are NPC's gonna act in combat? Scripts like BG or more individually? 2:Also how's the theoretical cat Colin? 3:Who does Annah's Hair? Did that come up? 3: Eric Campanella did Annah's hair 2. Still falling. We took it a looooooooong way up. 1. NPCs as in monsters, or other party members? Party members They will mostly be under player control. Sigh, Oh well, I'm sure it will be fantastic anyway I'm done Thanks. Thanks, Transeer. === Mode change "-v+v Transeer BIShop_Sawyer" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, BIShop_Sawyer Yo yo yo! I gots a question. What are some of the higher level spells you gots in line for the game? Colin? Rob? You mean actual spell names? Tiltowait * BIS_Adam really liked Swarm Curse Yeah...pretty much. Any we recognize? I'm not certain of the level, but Clock of Warding is pretty rad. Sorry Cloak. Gee... I'm not sure I want to spoil the cool things. Artists? Can I spoil your stuff? That's cool. Thanks. I was just curious since I never bothered to ask before. uh Ken lee would kill us but watch the updates for some spells to trickle out In that case, sorry. :\ ok, Thanks Josh... np, homeslice. === Mode change "-v+v BIShop_Sawyer numb" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, numb But they look really good! Will pausing be as easy (and necessary) as in BG? REALLY REALLY GOOD! Yes, pausing is just as in BG. It will be as easy, and yes, probably as necessary. You hit the space abr and the game freezes... Thanks again then :) And when the action gets fast and furious, you'll be glad of it. well, pretty much. It also pauses when you open the action menu... ga Although we don't have as much combat, it is all much closer to home because of the size of our characters. that way you can always take your time to make your choices without having to fear someone is stabbing you in the back. Thanks, numb rowwrr Go ahead, Greywolf No one is next. === Mode change "-v+v numb Greywolf" by KrysAtBIS We also will have the whole AutoPause thing from Baldur's, possibly with some new options. Hi again! First, thanks for the rad poster from the last chat! My question is...have you put any work into making the game a little smoother? Even on my 450 it was jerky sometimes. Second, will you be able to pause in the inventory screen? That's all I can think of...you guys answered all my questions in the last chat :) Thanks! Those are Dan questions. :) Dan is typing away! Smoother than.... ? Leaving the main game screen will always pause the game in Torment.... Sorry! Smoother than BG :) Was typing like crazy :) We are looking to do some serious optimization as well. Thanks! Yes, we've been talking about that a lot, actually. We should be as smooth or smoother than BG. GA I have a question =) Hmmmm ?? When you enter a coma within the game, will your body be looted and will there be any other consequences for dying? Sure, Krys. Go Ahead! Colin? Your stuff should remain. Although it's not necessarily realistic, it would be a pain gameplay-wise. That's a design issue we're still trying to figure out. On the one hand, you should be penalized for dying; on the other, it really sucks to lose all your loot. ga ok, thanks - been lying awake nights on that one... Go ahead, Krison No one is next. === Mode change "-v+v Greywolf Krison" by KrysAtBIS These questions may have been asked before... at another date, but, I haven't kept as posted as I should be on a game I have a HUGE interest in. On to the questions: 1. Will your PC have to choose a faction before gameplay, like in the original Pen and Paper game, or, will your faction be chosen as you roleplay your character, and develop the PC? Colin? 1. Factions are not chosen at the outset of the game. 1. Will your PC have to choose a faction before gameplay, like in the original Pen and Paper game, or, will your faction be chosen as you roleplay your character, and develop the PC? No, you will not choose before the game. You choose during the game. Errr...nm that one...sorry... 2. What areas of the multiverse will the PC be allowed to explore? Will it be confined to Sigil, and a bit beyond? If so, has there been talk of an expansion to expand the planes? Well, since they spilled all the secrets last time... You will venture outside of sigil Sigil. The Outlands. Baator. and more! ALLRIGHT! one more 3. PS team...what do you prefer? Boxers or briefs? As for the expansion... we'll see. Briefs. Depends on my mood 3. Depends on the mood. :) ga briefs are cheaper that was scary, c Thanx guys...this game is gonna Kick :) 3. Boxers Go ahead, Transeer Big ones. No one is next. === Mode change "-v+v Krison Transeer" by KrysAtBIS I didn't think BG was particularily re-playable, fun the first time, but not replayable, what steps have you taken in Torment to make it more replayable, are there alternate endings? And when you get up in the morning do you button then zip aor zip then button? I have a question I didn't think BG was particularily re-playable, fun the first time, but not replayable, what steps have you taken in Torment to make it more replayable, are there alternate endings? And when you get up in the morning do you button then zip aor zip then button? Hang on, Tuna. Colin? Thanks, Krison! * BIS_Aaron chord.wav Transeer: There are alternate endings. The choices you make WILL have an effect on how people view you. GOODIE Zip then button. ga definitely button then zip.....and the parts of the game I've seen involve lots of different ways to solve things too /ga Thanks, Transeer Really? Most people are button then zip thanks The time is now 6:30pm Pacific TS: I do it that way so I don't forget the zip. Well put Adam. Then there's the dillema of a button fly okkkeeee. very educational... === Mode change "-v+v Transeer DarkStar" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, DarkStar Hello again! Here's a few assorted questions for ya: 1) What is the main thing you've learned about computer game design from working on Planescape: Torment? 2) What projects do you guys have lined up next after the completion of Planescape? * BIS_Adam thinks Colin is a wise man * BIS_Colin thanks Adam. me thinks so too! 1. hoo boy. That's a loaded question. 1. You can't please all the people all of the time. :) 1. You can't even please one person all of the time. Dan, you please me all of the time =) 1. (cont) ... that's a really tough question. REALLY tough. ... 1. I've learned what computer game design is all about! (I've only been a part of the company, and the game industry, for about 2 and a half months :) It looks to me like Big Tuna and Sarevok must be on the same server or something. Thanks, Krys! 2. No projects lined up yet. 1. That a computer game design is always ALWAYS more complicated than it looks. I've learned that sleep is not an option. 1. I myself have learned to keep quiet, hide in my office, and avoid questions like that. Yep, I think so, Colin I'm always waiting for a new Black Isle game! 2. We don't have anything officially lined up yet. But there are possibilities we can't really talk about yet because they haven't been announced. 2 No projects that we can announce..... yet. Expect more on this soon. A lot more. I've learned that a good idea is only about 1% of the amount of work involved in design. ga Thanks guys! I'm really looking forward to PS: T! 1. Interface is God. Thanks! 1 Dan is god I agree with Steve&Colin. === Mode change "-v+v DarkStar Keylaeris" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, Keylaeris will the faction be determined by the actions of your character? or will the faction be a "join this group" type of determination? Will all bonuses/minuses due to factions be implemented or is it on a "triage" thing, as in adding the most important, then the ones of medium import, and then the trivial? sorry if this was answered before - just got in! g/a - meanwhile make an FO3!!!!!! for the next project! Thanks, Darkstar. thanks Krys Steve has it right. g/a Colin? Factions will be more a "join us!" kind of thing. You can screw them over or stick with them. The benefits you'll get are the most important benefits of the faction, plus you'll get access to their stores and spells. ga ok Hello Colin? will you be attacked if you decline joining the faction? or shunned? btw: Fallout 3? I'm sure I've never heard that kicked around here. Can ANYONE hear me? I can yes dan I cac hear - im just not listening ;) Anything else? * Keylaeris hands Dan some PEZ since JFinite isn't here (once again, Giancarlo Esposito voice) "Man, Fallout 3 is a _myth_!" will you be attacked if you decline joining the faction? or shunned? It's really slow Steve, Dave, you guys can jump in any time you like, you know. We're going to go until 7pm, since the server is a bit freaky. Everybody hang till then =) Neither, really... the problems come when you *quit* a faction... especially to join another. ok Thanks, Keylaeris. Mmmmmm. Pez..... You won't be attacked if you decline for most of them. However: sometimes you might. GA so there is that option? of dropping and joining a new faction? I take the silence for a yes - thankee all I'm done for now Yes, there is. Of course, when you run into your old faction buddies, they might be more than a little ticked... Oh, it's an option... but it should be considered very carefully. GA Keylaeris - hang on - Going stag on your faction will definitely have consequences our server's running really slow and takes a bit to update =) sure Sorry for any delay. sorry I'm done Everybody's playin' D3. ga "YOU'RE GOIN' DOWN!" ok AGAIN! === Mode change "-v+v Keylaeris numb" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, numb When you played Baldurs Gate alone, NPCs still spoke to you as if you were a whole party. Will this happen in Torment too? Any more questions? Yup. Party interaction will be handled simiarly with insults, compliments, the works. Must one join a faction? Nope, we've resolved that. Only the main character will talk to people... NPC seeking to converse will approach him alone. They'll only refer to other people if they're actually present. Numb: We check to see who is in your party; if no one is, NPCs will act like you're a single person. I think the question was... will NPC's OUTSIDE of the party recognize if you are by yourself? Nope. It's an option, but as far as I know none are required to complete the game. Colin? You don't have to join a faction. ga Well, will they? :) BTuna: Yes, they will. No, it's whether people will speak to you as if you were a whole party even when you're alone. We apologize to everyone for the lag - not sure what's up :/ === Mode change "-v+v numb k" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, k Will there be a systematic process where the players will learn more about "his" compatriots, ie NPC's, as the game progresses? In other words will there be communication between our player, and the NPC'S who are in the party which slowly evolves? Second question. How long, if any, is the timeframe if present? Will "TORMENT" be in days, hours, years, or will time be unimportant, or not apparent in game play? hee hee Party members will talk to each other. And again, people can and will react differently depending on your party members, so they make a real difference in dialog. There will be perks for joining each indiv faction, enough to make the prospect tempting. Decisions, descisions. But you do not HAVE to join one I think the server needs some roughage. k: Yes. (Sorry, late... GA) Time will not be too important. ga First question, more info: You will gradually learn more about your party members as you travel with them. whoa with the npc interaction will we learn everything at once tho abouut say Morte ...? ga The amount of time that passes is not really important, but things like Journal Entries keep track of which day of your quest you are on. ah : I see You don't learn everything at once. It's an evolving thing. ah I see double :) j/k that;'s cool thanks :) Hey, Greg... your piggybacking is getting weird! k's 1st question: Yes, certain events and the manner in which you speak to your party members can reveal background info about them, change their feelings towards you, etc. :) ...while treating them poorly will generally get you nowhere. GA Thanks, k === Mode change "-v+v k Transeer" by KrysAtBIS Go ahead, Transeer Has there, or will there be name stealing from the message boards? Someone brought this up somewhere on the Wigwag but it was never answered. It would be pretty cool. :) What Music are you guys listening to for 'inspiration' (if any)? Did that get thru? underworld :) Pink Floyd gets me mellow === Mode change "-o+b KrysAtBIS *!*kcard@*ip-raptor.interplay.com" by Striding_Dragon === KrysAtBIS has been kicked from #torment by Striding_Dragon (| TeMPTaTioN | BK) And what the hell Are Big tuna and Sarevok doing? We are splitting because jester is misconfigured. Name stealing: Not yet... but it's still possible. Music: Just about anything under the sun. I'm thinking about banning them... ;) I would like to apologize for Kicking and Banning Krys here! Steal my name PLEASE I was just pressing a button and ooooppssss..... there she goes. You kicked AND banned her? Tsk tsk. Yes... can you believe it? heh === Mode change "-b *!*kcard@*ip-raptor.interplay.com" by Sarevok Good cover story, though :D Hey Jonric, did you see that? Take a note... You want me to steal your name, Transeer? Well, well, well... * Transeer wanders around confused, not sure what's going on yes How about your soul? Can I steal your soul? I'll give you $5 for your soul, Colin No, you have to pay for that privelege Adam: You got a deal! sweet! You're cheap Colin. Colin! You're not to reveal yourself until the last days! Remember? Scott: You already knew that. * Transeer realises that BIS_adam got a bum deal Eric: Sorry, sorry. Break the seventh seal already, would you? no way, I can sell Colin's soul back to Satan for a great price! Yeah, $4.50 No thanks, I don't want it anymore. If that! Whoops, I mean, I'm sure he wouldn't want it anymore. Krys is coming back soon, I hear. Krys's second coming! Dave! Don't make me exercise you! Okay, let's hope.... yea!! Yessss.... she's back! Dance of joy! ha ha ha ha Hello, little vacation ok, here we go === Mode change "-o Striding_Dragon" by BIS_Colin ha ha... revenge! Are we ready for the next question, I hope? === Mode change "+o Striding_Dragon" by BIS_Colin Sorry about all this! STRIDE STRIDE ROAR STRIDE STRIDE stomping across the chatscape!