LDespot: The delay in release will inevitably help gamers in that we can be gauranteed that Firaxis is making sure the product is ready before it hits the streets. Can you possibly describe what the delay was for? Was it an engine overhaul, just a case of things taking longer than expected or something else?
Tim Train, Alpha Centauri, producer: It was really more of a case of making sure the game environment was just right. We have been working hard on revamping the terrain and interface designs in order to create a more cohesive feel to the game world. Basically, you’ve seen the new look if you’ve visited our website recently and we’re extremely pleased with the current "look and feel" of the game. For more details you can check out the most recent edition of designer notes, Oct 98: Notes on the New Interface at http://www.alphacentauri.com/mainframe.htm. Our artists are now concentrating on the finishing touches including updating the units and cool new animations. Of course, we’ll continue to fine tune the game right up until it goes gold.

LDespot: What can we expect on the lines of user editing and distribution of user created content? Will the editing be similar to what need to be done to modify SMG? 
Tim: Actually, you will have quite a bit more editing options then we offered in Gettysburg! In Alpha Centauri you will be able to edit and customize just about anything including unit types, technology tree, text, rules, faction portraits and just about all artwork. There will also be a full scenario and map editor which will allow players to edit the AI, game objectives and various aspects of diplomacy.

LDespot: Will we be able to save units we create and give them to the players?
Tim: No, I’m not sure that would be a fun element in Alpha Centauri. What’s cool about the design unit workshop is that you’re creating cool, powerful units based on the technologies you’ve discovered and researched. So it would have no effect to send someone a unit who had not researched the specific technology needed for that unit type. The other important thing to keep in mind is that Alpha Centauri is so well balanced that there is really no "killer unit" that can blow everything away. So we’re not really sure there is a need for saving off units in the game.

LDespot: Is there going to be a way to meet people on MS' Zone, Won.Net or similar online gaming services?
Tim: We’re planning on setting up our own Alpha Centauri matchmaking area on the Electronic Arts site, similar to the JanesCombat.net. You’ll be able to meet people, chat and set up matches. We plan to support SMAC tournaments and contests within the site as well. As far as supporting the game on additional gaming networks, Electronic Arts will make the decision regarding which sites we will support. We’ll keep you posted as we get more information.

LDespot: Any more details on how the sentient planet is going to factor into the game?
Tim: As you probably already know, from the moment your expedition lands on Alpha Centauri, you are reminded that you are on an alien world. Your explorers become entangled in strange Xenofungus, while your bases are attacked by Mind Worms and Isles of the Deep. As the game progresses, it becomes clear that all these life forms are being controlled in a co-ordinated way and Planet itself is responding to your presence. Also, recently we’ve added a few new twists to the sentient planet aspect of the game including the ability to capture mindworms and then use them against your enemies and the ability to extract resources from xenofungus. The bottom line is the more environmentally conscious and aware you are towards planet the less planet will try and hurt you.

LDespot: How did the idea for the weekly story updates come about?
Mike Ely: We were looking for something cool to do with the site to entertain people while they waited for the game. Given the rich sci-fi context of the game and the personalities of the seven factions, the idea of showing what happened on the Unity before the game seemed a natural. The thought of getting weekly transmissions from the ship and watching the story unfold as if you were following it from Earth seemed very compelling, and so we built the site around that idea.

By the way, the original idea was to have the story happen in real time, so that a week between episodes would equal a week of time on the Unity, sort of a real time deep space One Life To Live. But in the end we decided a little more flexibility in storytelling would be a good thing, and hopefully it has entertained people during the wait for Alpha Centauri!