Session Start: Thu Sep 14 20:14:36 2000 [20:15] The following is a presentation of The Realm of Mortal Kombat (TRMK). [20:15] The Realm of Mortal Kombat - Bringing complete coverage of the Mortal Kombat series. [20:15] -= http://mk.hotweird.com =- [20:15] For a transcript of tonight's event, please visit http://mk.hotweird.com after the event. [20:15] Hello everyone and welcome to the online chat with the development team of Midway's hot new arcade arena shooter, The Grid. My name is Jeff Greeson from TRMK and I will be your MC for tonight's event. [20:15] For those of you who are just now finding out about The Grid, please visit the Official The Grid Site at http://www.thegridgame.com for further detailed information. [20:15] If you are already addicted to The Grid, you can check out TRMK's The Grid Guide at http://mk.hotweird.com/thegrid/ for the most comprehensive compilation of The Grid codes, arcade locations, and multimedia. [20:19] TonyGoskie: Please say your name and a little about your role in developing The Grid. [20:20] Tony Goskie Backgrounds Characters FX [20:20] Ok since I can type I will start... [20:20] Thanks.... [20:20] Go head Ed [20:20] I was one of the software/design guys on the GRID. [20:21] Along with Todd, Mike Boon, Alan Villani and NIgel Casey [20:21] We are all going to be working together again on MK5 [20:21] I did a lot of the character animation, a few backrounds, special effects, and a lot of the menu screens. [20:22] We ALL collectively contributed in terms of characters, backgrounds, supermoves and Game design [20:22] A very collaborative team effort [20:22] Yeah it was a big team effort [20:22] How about a question for someone? [20:22] im back [20:23] Please, one question at a time [20:23] yeah not to fast [20:24] Welcome everyone to The Grid developers chat. Tonight's event is in moderated listen-only mode. Please send all questions for developers to McCarron by typing: /msg McCarron [20:24] No questions ? [20:24] ed... they can't... [20:24] Vogel: you want to tell everyone what your involvement in the grid was? [20:24] zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz [20:25] they have to be sent to mccarron [20:25] Welcome everyone to The Grid developers chat. Tonight's event is in moderated listen-only mode. Please send [20:25] all questions for developers to McCarron by typing: /msg McCarron [20:25] How about you guys tell everyone what The Grid is, for those here who haven't heard about it yet. [20:26] its clevelands hottest gay bar [20:26] IT's a multi-player game set in the future [20:26] no its also a great game [20:26] Half way through and no questions? [20:26] the grid is a multi-player FPS [20:27] for more information on the grid visit http://www.thegridgame.com [20:28] how did you guys come up with this game? [20:28] (I just got flooded with messages) [20:28] The Grid is a combination of many elements [20:28] the theme of the grid is a futuristic game show. [20:29] We all enjoyed playing Quake and other FPS pc games but knew [20:29] the whole concept blends elements of Stark Trek's Holodeck, The Matrix and first person Shooters like Quake,l and adds a very funny light game show theme in the future [20:29] we could make a much faster more intense game with our arcade system [20:30] xxx [20:30] ed cant see what im typing [20:30] yea fixing that right now [20:30] ok [20:31] Did working with the Zeus II help or hinder the development of The Grid since MK4 used the original Zeus [20:31] graphics chip? [20:31] The grid is an arcade game that can link up to 6 cabinets together for multi-player quake-style action [20:31] quake-like game with a funny side to it [20:31] we chose the Grid from over 100 names over about 1 year of development [20:32] i would say that Zeus 2 was a great challenge, but we welcome it [20:32] The ZEUS II chip let us get the high polygon counts needed to have 6 [20:32] Zeus2 has it's pluses and minuses... it can blast out tons of polygons, but is limited in real-time lighting [20:32] high polygon count players at a time [20:32] we originally wanted to have 8 players linked, can you imagine!!!!!!!!!!!! [20:33] ** QUESTION ** BCRT2K asks Why did you decide to break from MK for awhile? Did you feel you needed a fresh start? [20:33] ZEUS made us really design the game for performace [20:33] We originally started on MK5 and the Grid together [20:33] yeah... needed to try something new and different for a while [20:33] this was my first game and i never worked on anything like Zeus 2, but i would say it does the job pretty damn good [20:33] ok I am back. [20:34] But everyone seemed more interested in the Grid because it was new [20:34] YES it was nice to do a different themed game [20:34] yea i was getting tired of working on mk4 lol [20:35] Joke = Mike Didnt work on MK4 [20:35] I am a big fan of first-person shooters and was way into the idea of doing this game for a change [20:35] We all love first-person shooters [20:35] who doesn't? [20:35] Welcome everyone to The Grid developers chat. Tonight's event is in moderated listen-only mode. Please send all questions for developers to McCarron by typing: /msg McCarron [20:35] ** QUESTION ** DArqueBishop asks What made the team decide to go for Zeus II as opposed to other chipsets such as the 3Dfx chipset which is so polular with games like HydroThunder and the Gauntlet series? [20:36] No one had really done an FPS in the arcade yet and it was an interesting opportunity to be the first [20:36] tipper gore and lana chaney sure dont like the [20:36] I think we underestimated the difficulty of doing a linked game [20:36] LINK GAME HARD [20:36] It took the entire team to get this game out which is why MK5 was put on hold [20:36] Tony Smart [20:36] We used the zeus 2 to make the game cost less, as i recall.. [20:36] lol [20:37] Actually we have quite a few obstacles throughout the course of the game development.... [20:37] Yeah it was really cheaper than other systems [20:37] Hardware issues, delays, this game took longer than it should have [20:37] Yes, ZEUS II allowed us to use a very cheap CPU and a simpler system [20:37] I guess it works out better to make it cheaper for a linked game, requiring more cabinets [20:38] totally [20:38] ** QUESTION ** FatSatan asks what's everybody's favourite character on the game? [20:38] yes the guys that did Zeus 2 created something that loads of people at 3dfx worked on and they did it for less cost , so hooray for midway!!! [20:38] Mine is karasu [20:38] Same here [20:38] Mine is Trom [20:38] I'd have to say Wes [20:38] Mine WAS Flint, now its Noob. [20:38] I like IKE not just because I did him [20:38] Flint is my fave because he can really collect the money fast and i always go for THE BOMB [20:39] Trom = Cheapness [20:39] Followed closely by Trixi [20:39] EdBoon: hint hint? :) [20:39] tony you are sick [20:39] i like karasu's supermove.. the jet kick.. it's a blast knocking people down [20:39] Every char that I've liked I would abuse until Ed would wimp them out [20:39] I used to love Scorpion with his super fast teleport [20:39] STUP UP [20:39] Thats actually kind of true. Todd was the best at finding the "unfairness" of characters [20:39] todd will find the weakness and exploit it to no end (cheater) [20:39] "stut"? [20:40] "stup" [20:40] okokoko [20:40] st... [20:40] I think Ed's favorite is Cameraman [20:40] link game hard [20:40] Noob is now my favorite, but that will be fixed by Monday.. [20:40] I like Cyrus over the rest [20:41] If you are playing with one of the artists.....watch your back [20:41] trom is really hard to defend against [20:41] Trom is way cheap [20:41] MikeT: Trom is just cheap [20:41] Welcome everyone to The Grid developers chat. Tonight's event is in moderated listen-only mode. Please send all questions for developers to McCarron by typing: /msg McCarron [20:41] yep [20:41] cyrus rock ass [20:41] just gotta keep the distance [20:41] The cheerleaders are pretty tough too. [20:41] Nigel type [20:41] I like Cyrus's supermove because it is a quick way to attack the opponent and get up out of the firing range quickly [20:41] For annoyance, you can't beat the Lawyer. [20:42] yeah they can blast you 1000 meters [20:42] use the lawyer to steal trom's money. dont get too close to trom. watch your radar especiallyt in the smaller arenas [20:42] ** QUESTION ** Everyone wants to know what Home Systems The Grid may be slated for already? [20:42] It is also super satisfying to get the BOMB with the Lawyer.. [20:42] so do we [20:42] ToddAllen: it doesn't take much to do that tho [20:42] It sounds like PS2 will be first [20:42] My vote is for dreamcast... [20:42] Good question, most LIKELY the PS2. I think a kool version could be made for Dreamcast with online play [20:43] I want Dreamcast/PS2 and PC [20:43] my vote is for all the systems that have online play [20:43] I think the XBox will be the best system for the Grid [20:43] This game would lend itself well to online (kid and) play [20:43] The more the better [20:43] PC would probably be the best version [20:43] people own dreamcasts? [20:43] WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO the more the better [20:43] Stup up Paulo [20:44] heh [20:44] PauloGarcia: some people, not many tho :) [20:44] I'll get one soon... [20:44] i like the dreamcast over PS2... [20:44] Ed, tell about the Chicago tournament planned for the Grid [20:44] Yea, cuz Johns played alot of PS2 [20:44] JohnVogel: I'd lend u mine if I come back out there, it's just collecting dust for now [20:44] I have... [20:44] ** Question ** Where did the game's subtitle, "That's What you Get," come frome? [20:45] John Vogel [20:45] John Vogel would taunt us with that phrase [20:45] There is going to be a tournament, right now the tentative date is Sept 30. [20:45] john vogel's dog niko [20:45] that'd be Vogel's Question [20:45] At Gala West (Brunswick Lanes) [20:45] "What You Get" is what i used to type when i would frag someone in quake 2 [20:46] vogel even has WHAT YOU GET on his door at work!!!!!!!!! [20:46] It was one of the few taunts "clean" enough for a tag line [20:46] Nigel keep it down, OK? [20:46] about what time Ed? [20:46] Yes Nigel [20:46] I'm working on a lisence plate with WYG onit [20:46] JohnVogel: awesome! [20:47] I am not sure, probably in the afternoob, like 2 or 3 [20:47] John also did the WYG weapon (the blue backpack blaster) [20:47] ** Question ** Badrock wnats to know if a "wins in a row" type system will be added to The Grid, and why it's not there yet [20:47] actually amfreind of mine in prison is working on your WYG license plate [20:47] Stup Paulo !!! [20:47] Yeah, ed... [20:47] heh [20:47] brian gloats [20:47] I think wins in a row would be cool, but we dont have much time [20:48] for more tweaks.. [20:48] Another happy person has left [20:48] Ed wants to know: WHy does Paulo Cheat so much in the GRID [20:48] YEah [20:48] Yeah [20:48] haha [20:48] thats his job [20:48] st... [20:48] stup [20:48] ** Question ** Was there any plan to intergrate the Midway Tournmanet Network into this game? [20:49] hahahahahahaha [20:49] i think there was a one point [20:49] It was great when Paulo abused Kevin in the tournament here.. [20:49] We talked about it, but right now there aren't fast enough connections to sustain 60 frames per sec [20:49] Yikes [20:49] what about for nationwide rankings? [20:49] That would be cool. Certainly for the home game [20:50] ** 30 Minutes have elapsed ** [20:50] well MTN is just rankings [20:50] not online play, keeps track of who's got most points nationwide, etc [20:50] it's too much to ask arcades to set up, i think... [20:50] and it would add cost + development time [20:50] Another happy person has left [20:50] many arcades/bars are going to Touchmaster and Rush 2029 with MTN [20:50] Stup Tony [20:51] haha Tony [20:51] ** QUESTION ** Will a new version of "The Grid" be released yearly like sports titles. Example - NFL Blitz 2001 . The grid is "sorta" sports related, but extreme like NFL Blitz. [20:51] Tony's breath is scaring them away [20:51] that was from Scott of MK5.org [20:51] ?? [20:51] Rankings in a multi-player game only have meaning with the group you play against [20:51] If the GRID does well... there will probably be sequels [20:51] Perhaps for the Home , although if we kept doing GRID games we would NEVER start work on MK5 [20:52] There isn't a plan for an arcade sequel, although a home game will definitely have [20:52] new features and might almost qualify as a sequel [20:52] It would certainly be nice to do a sequel! [20:52] Oh my!! Alan, I forgot you were here? [20:52] Nigel says hi [20:52] Nigel> [20:52] Where is he? [20:52] ** QUESTION ** Shiny asks is it possible to change account information? [20:53] ORSMAB [20:53] steve beran hates us [20:53] no [20:53] Nigel [20:53] Change your name? Sans [20:53] No... you can't CHANGE your stats... [20:53] you can start over, tho. Not the best choice [20:54] how about an update to allow people to change their names [20:54] Its 7:50, time for some MK5 questions? [20:54] you guys were late...there are 25 minutes left in the event =) [20:54] lol [20:54] give 'em what they want... MK5.. [20:54] mk5 for 25 minutes? [20:54] R U sure? [20:54] ** MK5 QUESTION ** will MKV be using the same numbering keypad to enter codes or even make your own MK character? [20:54] we were working on the grid [20:55] We are considering a keypad. [20:55] Ed popped the cherry on MK5... there's no turning back now [20:55] Stup John [20:55] stup [20:55] and two trackballs (joke) [20:55] you stup [20:55] haha [20:56] When you said you were going to change the control panel you weren't kidding eh? =) [20:56] ** MK5 QUESTION ** MK5 Question for 7:50 - Ed, when we last talked you said Scorp was still the only confirmed character as far as you knew. But is there any ideas yet of who else will make the roster? [20:56] and in "The GRID" you can... aw, never mind.... [20:57] We have models of Scorpion, Jax, Raiden. Although we haven't decided EXACTLY other than Scorpion for sure [20:57] I would be surprised if we did an MK game sans Subzero [20:57] I think badrock said it best about MK5 player profiles [20:57] walk up to the machine and have it say 300 WINS 4 LOSSES [20:57] and make your opponent wet himself [20:58] Everyone is wanting to know if another preview picture will be coming anytime soon (thats like every message I've been getting) [20:58] ** MK5 Q ** what can we expect to be really innovative in MK5 [20:58] Sure, we will be doing preview pics and movies. I would imagine the next time would be in a month or 2 [20:59] The characters look totally different... the way they are sculpted [20:59] the style.. [20:59] who did the modeling? [20:59] Well we can safely say that the entire button layout will be completely different than any previous mk game [20:59] Luis Mangubat [20:59] We are planning on doing much more detailed models with good joints, hair, cloth, etc. [20:59] you guys will FREAK OUT when you see the new scorpion........ [20:59] just from the shot of Scorps face I could tell that [21:00] ** 40 Minutes have elapsed ** [21:00] Tons of effects [21:00] Actually I am sure Tony, Steve, John, Mike will all be doing models [21:00] Characters, backgrounds, weapons, etc.... [21:00] if you know what i mean [21:00] We will also likely have more specific animations for each character [21:00] Nigel has been researching different martial arts for us [21:00] GROUND BREAKING SHIT [21:01] ** MK5 Q ** What about doing some dynamic animations for hit detections, etc. So when someone gets hit in the arm his/her arm reacts. [21:01] Steve? [21:01] that's a great idea! [21:01] yes thats been talked about [21:01] I would like to add those capabilities to the animation system [21:01] me and Vogel talked at Length about that at one time I remember [21:01] but you wont [21:01] It would require inverse kinematics which is a new topic for us [21:02] We theoretically should now have the horsepower to do it. [21:02] W-I-D-E-S-C-R-E-E-N [21:02] Don't worry todd will figure it out in the next 5 minutes [21:03] widescreen? [21:03] it should be trivial [21:03] Ok everyone Alan is a math genious too!!! Happy? [21:03] yes widescreen [21:03] yeah right... [21:03] Dynamic Damage [21:03] Dyanamic textures would be nice also, get stabbed, red mark on clothes [21:03] retroactive particle influx detection [21:04] shang is having a bad day [21:04] ** MK5 Q ** Are plans still on for a Quantum/3dfx-based graphics system? Are you looking at using the next-generation of chips or are you looking towards 2 generations ahead? [21:04] I've been wanting to do dynamic damage too. Made a little stab at it on the [21:04] grid but ran out of time to do it right [21:04] we want to try everything we can [21:05] yea someone reminded me that Goldeneye had it [21:05] We do have some cool new dismemberments that will be in the next update of the Grid [21:05] that's an alan question [21:05] I would be surprised if MK5 still used the 3dfx chip set, too much cool new chips have come out [21:05] We are looking at all of the available graphics systems and evaluating them right now. [21:05] Sup smoke? [21:06] But isn't Quantum pretty much the only 3rd party arcade solutions company out there? [21:06] We are considering doing home versions of MK5 first [21:06] ** MK5 Q ** What about the levels, will the be single planed levels or multi-platform? [21:06] With the Grid we've learned how to do ramps, multi-levels etc. [21:07] We have not decided, but we certainly want to do stuff like slanted floors and stairs [21:07] ed what about this question? [21:07] However, it will be Ed's decision whether it plays well [21:08] bye tonyyyyy! [21:08] finally ! [21:08] ** MK5 Q ** Will the movement be 3D walking like Soul Calibur or totally new for MK5? [21:08] now we can get to the nitty gritty [21:09] It will most likely be more "jumping" in mk5 than Soul Calibur [21:09] ** 10 Minutes are now remaining ** [21:09] yea gotta keep the jump [21:09] the movement will start out as motion captured actors and be altered from there... if that's what you mean [21:09] Todd brought up a good point... In doing the Grid do you bleive you guys learn some really important things that will make MK5 an even better game than if you started development on it right after MK4? [21:10] John: no talking about the control movement [21:10] We all learned a lot from the GRID since we all did a little of everything. On MK4, we each had our specific jobs. [21:10] Sure, Todd wrote our animation systems and with each interation there is more and more sophistication [21:10] We are constantly learning. For instance linked play will be an option that [21:11] we have a good understanding of what's involved [21:11] Somebody wake up Alan [21:11] ** The Grid Question ** What can players expect in the upcoming updates to The Grid? [21:11] we learned a lot and did a lot of multiple tasks. All that helped us grow individually and as a strong team [21:11] DR SMAB is in the HAAAYOUSE! [21:11] He was hmm awake [21:11] Steve did a Noob Saitbot character and Mike T is working on a new character [21:11] A couple new chars, new secret moves, dismemberments, better tweaks on single player [21:12] there are also new codes int the GRID update [21:12] HI TONY ! [21:12] i should be done sometime in november [21:12] Somebody say something? [21:12] alan= zzzzzzzzz [21:12] something [21:12] I was not connected? [21:12] ** The Grid Q ** Someone asked me about their players getting randomly erased in The Grid, any knowledge of a problem like this currently? [21:13] Nigel? [21:13] I think Nigel got erased [21:13] Hehehe [21:13] If the game they inputted their name in is turned off... their stats won't show. [21:13] hoho [21:13] The players stats are distributed across the games [21:14] if one of the games is pulled or has it's info reset [21:14] that could be it, so each machine stores different stats [21:14] then all the players in it will be gone.. [21:14] Yea, each one will share with the others thenames that are stored on it [21:14] If you plug the machine back in you should come back [21:14] heheh [21:14] if you input your stats on the left most cabinet (for example) and that machine is turned off, your stats won't be there. [21:15] ** The Grid Q ** Are there any plans for a Nationwide tournament of The Grid in a few months once the game expands across the country more? [21:15] O-doyle rules ! [21:15] rofl [21:15] if you turn that machine back on... your stats should return [21:15] NO YELLING ON THE BUS! [21:15] I'd love to see it, but I expect will be too busy with MK5 to do it [21:15] Yea, we are talking with Cyberstation about a BIG OLE TOURNAMENT [21:15] The wheels on the bus go round and .... [21:15] oops [21:15] That would be very kool [21:16] that would work out great I think [21:16] Cyberstation RULES!! [21:16] they are spread across the nation pretty well [21:16] You could organize a local and then regional tournament in each part of the country and have the regional winner come to Chicago and fight of the championship [21:16] surprised Namco is being so warm towards The Grid since they own Cyberstation [21:16] Yea, it will probably start at the GOlf Mill Cyberstation [21:16] oops [21:17] ** 3 Minutes are now remaining ** [21:17] I plan on keeping tournament events updated on thegridgame.com [21:17] make a new movie called The Wizard Conquers The Grid [21:17] Can I get a drumroll please ....... [21:17] *drum* [21:17] rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooooooooollllllllllllllllllllll [21:17] DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM DRUM [21:17] and the winner is [21:17] And the player with the most total points is..... [21:17] lol [21:17] ORSMAb [21:17] *rim shot* [21:17] ORSMAB [21:17] Dr. Smab [21:18] NAH [21:18] loser smab [21:18] No one has questions about ORSMAB? [21:18] te hee [21:18] annamaria [21:18] ** 2 Minutes are now remaining ** [21:18] what is ORSMAB? [21:18] Anyone wonder what ORSMAB is? [21:18] shhh [21:18] All will be revealed soon.................. [21:18] secret [21:18] we have to have our secrets [21:18]