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`BHG` IN MARKET FOR PROGRAMMER
(2 December 2003, 22:36 | Misc) Game developer Big Huge Games (BHG) is presently on the hunt for a 3D programmer to join their personnel.
This [person`s work] will involve extending the current engine in mind-blowing and scalable ways. In particular, multi-resolution terrain rendering and unit animation are hot topics, the job description reads on the company`s website. Various combinations of skills may be acceptable, but you must positively prove that you can do the job and work well with the Big Huge team. Shipped projects, demos, and/or code samples are huge plusses.
Specifics on the position`s requirements, considered bonuses and where to direct resumes are also provided on the site. BHG` debut title was Rise of Nations which was released earlier this spring. - DanQ
CALL FOR PLANNING INPUT
(2 December 2003, 22:30 | RoN) A call for input into the planning of a new Rise of Nations tournament for the weekend of December 20th, 2003 has been put out for Rise of Nations Revolution`s `Nox`. It is an inquiry being purused by the fansite`s French-language division.
Thanks to RonR itself for the news tip. - DanQ
FRAMERATE OPTIMIZATION TIP
(2 December 2003, 22:25 | RoN) A tip designed to improve framerates in Rise of Nations has been distributed by Big Huge Games (BHG) Community Relations Manager Graham "Thunder" Somers via several fansites, including Apolyton Civilization Site.
[Y]ou may or may not have noticed a new addition to the rise2.ini file after applying [RoN] patch 3. ForceAGPVBs=0 was added for the patch, and resolves an issue where the game wasn`t using AGP video card memory very efficiently. It is turned off by default, but when changed to ForceAGPVBs=1, framerates can improve for players using AGP cards.
This optimization is unsupported to be used at one`s own risk. On this front, Somers adds that it should be disabled if you experience any issues with the game to verify that they are unrelated before going to technical support.
BHG is RoN`s developer house. Thanks to Somers for the note. - DanQ
MORE FIRST EXPANSION SCREENS
(2 December 2003, 22:20 | RoN) Eight Rise of Nations: Throne and Patriots screenshots were published last Monday on ComputerandVideoGames.com.
RoN: T&P, RoN`s first expansion pack, is set for commercial availability next spring. - DanQ
1/C3C/MPT: SWISSY & SNOTTY ON THE SEMIFINALS
(2 December 2003, 11:49 | Civ3 | 66 comments) 
The games continued on the 1st Apolyton C3C Multiplayer Tournament as Snotty won BigFree on Game III.
Check out the after action report on the game, as well the one on the Saturday Wittlich vs notyoueither game.
On Semifinal I Wittlich will play Swissy(who passed on without a fight after GhengisFarb dropped out) and Snotty awaits the outcome of the heysewa vs lameduck998 game. - MarkG
THE PROJECTED FUTURE PATH
(1 December 2003, 23:52 | GalCiv) A lengthy post by Galactic Civilizations Proejct Lead Brad "Frogboy" Wardell looks to explain where his company, Stardock Systems, is going in the continuing development of the game. It was published yesterday on the official GalCiv website.
First, on `base title` freely available updates: version 1.12A is scheduled for release sometime this week, and version 1.2 either late this month or January. The latter will feature the introductioon of logistics, [a] new ability that determines how many starbases you can build. This month will also see the first beta of the Altarian Prophecy expansion pack, the first pay-for add-on and second overall in the PC-based series. It will be distributed exclusively via Stardock`s Drengin.net subscription service. Due to low pre-orders for AP, however, some features are being cut most likely extra ships and events from the planned feature set. What will remain is mainly... [two] new races plus the map editor, scenario creator, and campaign creator plus the campaign. It is also with this add-on that future GalCiv patches will find their foundation. [W]e do plan to release a 1.3x series, Wardell says, where AP will upgrade GalCiv copies to vesrion 1.3.
The "Metaverse" will also see some revisions come its way. [It] will reward top players, keep monthly, quarterly, and yearly stats, give Empires their own specific awards and medals, provide alternative "Dimensions" to conquer... Winning players and empires of different dimensions will also get additional bonus points that will be factored into the Metaverse itself. As for the sequel to GalCiv, no promises are being made on the estimated time of arrival for its first beta. Probably won`t happen for a very long time so don`t ask, the Project Lead adds. He does confirm that while GalCiv 2 will not have multiplayer capabilities, if followed through on Galactic Federations with similar game mechanics will be multiplayer-enabled. This would come out about a year after GC2. - DanQ
