http://www.computergames.ro/articole.ph ... index.html
With the summer already kicking in and HL2 release approaching, we decided to ask Doug Lombardi from Valve Software a few
hot questions, hoping for some interesting answers:
1. Computer Games Romania: First of all, can you tell us what shape Half-Life 2 is in? Still standing for a summer release or should we fear a delay towards the end of 2004 or spring 2005?
Doug Lombardi: Things are progressing very well. We are planning to deliver a release candidate to Vivendi in August and we're hoping to see the product on store shelves this fall but we do not have a confirmed ship date at this time.
2. Computer Games Romania: What about the Half-Life 2 SDK? Will it still be available before the game ships?
Doug Lombardi: We don't have an exact date for release of the SDK, but the first version should come very close to our completing development on the game itself.
3. Computer Games Romania: Will you ship Half-Life: Source and Counter-Strike: Source in the same time with Half-Life 2?
Doug Lombardi: Yes, we plan to make them available at the same time.
4. Computer Games Romania: Does Half-Life: Source include multiplayer as the original Half-Life did?
Doug Lombardi: Not at launch.
5. Computer Games Romania: More important, will Counter-Strike: Source be free for Half-Life 2 owners?
Doug Lombardi: It will be included with Half-Life 2.
6. Computer Games Romania: What part will Steam play in the distribution process? Do you plan any improvements for Steam?
Doug Lombardi: Half-Life 2 will be available via Steam at the same time it is available at retail stores.
7. Computer Games Romania: After its release, many players will hurry to get their copy through Steam first. Can Steam handle such a load?
Doug Lombardi: We're taking several steps to accommodate the demand, and we'll soon find out if our guesstimates were accurate.
8. Computer Games Romania: Do you plan to release a demo of Half-life 2 when the time comes?
Doug Lombardi: Most likely - but not until the full game is done.
9. Computer Games Romania: Do you expect Half-Life 2 to start a new era of modding?
Doug Lombardi: We hope so. With Half-Life 2/Source, we are planning to continue our support for the MOD community (MOD Expo, releasing the SDK, etc.) and extend that support by working with partners such as Softimage, ATI and others. A great example of this is the release of Softimage XSI EXP for Half-Life 2, the free version of our modeling tool that was created and released explicitly for the Half-Life 2 MODding community.
10. Computer Games Romania: Should we expect a Collector's Edition of Half-Life 2 close to its release date? Can you give us some details about its contents?
Doug Lombardi: It is my understanding that the Collector's Edition willbe released at retail at the same time as the standard edition. I do not have the final contents, but I can tell you that it will include a mix of extra playable content as well as some collectable type of items.
11. Computer Games Romania: Are there any anti-cheat measures in Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike: Source?
Doug Lombardi: Yes. VAC will be extended to Source and activated upon launch.
12. Computer Games Romania: For most of us summer is already here and, usually, this time of the year prices for hardware do tend to go down. What would you recommend as an upgrade for players who would like to experience the best gameplay and graphical details possible? Many of us would feel better if we were prepared when the time comes.
Doug Lombardi: Having the best hardware is always going to be a plus. And we've designed the Source engine to take advantage of both today's leading components as well as those on the horizon. Having a fast processor and lots of RAM is always recommended for fast-paced 3D applications. However, in the case of Half-Life 2, the number 1 upgrade I can recommend is the latest GPU from ATI - that will result in more enhanced detail and superior framerate.
For reference, here are the system requirements - obviously the recommended does not represent the highest possible configuration, just one that should provide most if not all the detail at over 30 frames per second.
Min:
1.2 GHz Processor
256MB RAM
DirectX 7 graphics card
Windows 2000/XP/ME/98
Mouse
Keyboard
Preferred:
2.4 GHz Processor
512MB RAM
DirectX 9 graphics card
Windows 2000/XP
Mouse
Keyboard
13. Computer Games Romania: Codename: Gordon was a huge success. Do you plan a sequel or another Jump 'n Run game inspired by the Half Life universe?
Doug Lombardi: Nothing to announce right now in terms of another platformer. However, the team at Nuclearvision does have more Codename: Gordon content on the way.
14. Computer Games Romania: DOOM 3 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. will be also released this year so you've got some competition out there (and there's the already released FarCry also). How do you feel about it? Do you find competition in this industry to be the engine which powers its progress?
Doug Lombardi: Maybe I'm just an old timer, but I really believe that it makes no difference whether you drive a Porsche or a Vette or a Beetle to the party. At the end of the day, the game experience is what matters. Regarding competition, we're gamers like everyone else and are very much looking forward to playing DOOM 3 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. And, if all these games turn out great, it's better for the industry.
15. Computer Games Romania: What do you think will happen after Half-Life 2 will be released? Will it really take you that long to develop Half-Life 3?
Doug Lombardi: Unfortunately, we never stop working here. For instance, our work on TF2 will continue and I'm sure we'll be working with the community as HL2 takes off. That said, the very first thing happening after the release of Half-Life 2 involves much tequila.
dance:
And erm, heres some other stuff:
Microsoft has announced that Halo 2 will be released in Europe on November 11th, only two days after the November 9 U.S. launch of the game.
Another Half Life 2 interview...
Another Half Life 2 interview... -
07-13-2004, 03:33 PM
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