*** Topic of #apolyton: Firaxis/Apolyton Civ3:PtW Release Party - November 1, 4pm est

<EyesOfNight> Someobdy ask Morris why PTW has ridiculous lag with even high bandwidth connections.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Eyes: The system operates at the connection speed and processor speed of the slowest participant.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Eyes: Not to say there isn't a weird host slowdown sometimes...one of the things we're looking into.
<EyesOfNight> We're talking 30 seconds to even get the City screen up.
<EyesOfNight> This is machine and internet lag.
<EyesOfNight> Which tells me that Civ3 isn't optimized for internet play.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Eyes: We're seeing a host slowdown while all the players are doing fine...It also seems that the number of players has an impact...more so on the net than on lan

<TuomeRehu> Help clueless newbie -- > When it'll be in EU?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Tuome: Shortly...the localization is mostly complete.

<ACS_MarkG> moderated mode
<ACS_MarkG> Welcome to one more Apolyton chat, the first on our own irc server!
<ACS_MarkG> The topic is Civ3:PTW

<ACS_MarkG> please welcome Jeff Morris of Firaxis
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Hey!
<ACS_MarkG> We probabnly wont have more of them(firaxians) as the team is busy working on... jeff?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> A patch...
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Let me start by saying
<ACS_MarkG> the magic word 
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> We're aware that the gamespy connection stuff is problematic right now and it's the focus of our team
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> We've got a list of things that will be fixed in this patch and that along with host slowdowns are on the agenda.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> So far I haven't heard of any single player issues, editor or LAN/PBEM/Hotseat issues so right now we're focused on internet performance. END

<ACS_MarkG> let me get on with some of the obvious questions....
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Fire away.
<ACS_MarkG> firs the idiot's question :D what's with the first day patch?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Simply the lag time between signing off and it hitting the streets. Testing continued and we made some good fixes. We also wanted to get the autopatching stuff implemented pronto so it seemed like a good idea.

<ACS_MarkG> and second the crucial question: didnt you see the gamespy problems earlier?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Not to the degree we're seeing...some of that involves getting that number of simultaneous people hitting the servers..

<ACS_MarkG> Jeff what's the fastest way to report problems and what are you looking in reports?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Email me directly at jmorris@firaxis.com.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> We're looking into a list of about 5 major issues related to internet play right now. One new feature of the patch will be a direct connect IP options. END

<ChaotikVisions> Jeff, about the auto-patching thing, will we be able to download patches from say Firaxis or Apolyton still? No updates that are strictly done through gamespy?
<ACS_MarkG> chaotic, yes
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chaotik: Sure, though we'll be doing micro patches through Gamespy. So for instance, if you have v1.04f and v1.05f comes out, the autopatcher will have a small update. From the fan sites it will be only 1 patch, that will update any version. END

<EyesOfNight> Why does Civ3 take up so much bandwidth and system resources for a game that doesn't have that indepth of graphics?
<EyesOfNight> For example, Age of Mythology runs better than Civ3 does and AOM is a much much larger game with better graphics and more units.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Eyes: Better question for the programmers but my understanding is that it isn't an issue of bandwidth. It's one of keeping all these different machines that operate at different speeds in sync. END

<astrologix> I don't understand why all the reviews dont report MP problems
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Astro: MP on a LAN for instance isn't having the connection problems that it is on the 'Net. END

<ChaotikVisions> Once the various multiplayer problems are worked out, will there be further enhancements? Like tweaking of balancing and such, and maybe adding diplomacy and scripted events to the editor?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chaotik: It's certainly possible. END

<Dominae> Jeff, are there any plans to change the Multiplayer Lobby?  As is, chat and stuff through GameSpy is a lot better than through PTW itself.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Dom: Some. One we're adding is a kick option to the staging window. END

<Dominae> What about a player list?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Dom: No plans right now simply because of screen realestate. Never say never though since gamespy provides that info anyways. END

<ChaotikVisions> Jeff, is there any ETA on when we can expect the patch?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chaotik: We have an internal deadline, which is ASAP, but nothing to announce yet. Not long at all.

<Jaguar_Warrior> the keshik and the ansar warrior seem very similar. why did you make "unique" units have such similar stats?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Jag: The KEshik's ability to treat mountains as clear makes them pretty radically different.

<Trip> Jeff, you might or might not be aware of this, but myself and many other people have a problem when loading up a game through GameSpy, that it crashes every time once PTW gets to a 100% load... every time
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Trip: We are aware and are close to having it addressed. It WILL be an element of the next patch.

*** Warpstorm (Warpstorm@va-spotsy-cuda2-c6a-143.frbgva.adelphia.net) has joined channel #apolyton
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Hey Warp.
*** Mode change "+v Warpstorm" for channel #apolyton by ACS_MarkG
<ACS_MarkG> i guess a celeb like warpstorm deserves a voice :)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> I want to thank all the public testers helping out on the forums and lobbies. Thanks a million. Swag on the way.. END

<Trip> Are there any things you can tell us about what future patches might hold beyond the fixing of the problems with MP?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Trip: Since we want to get it out asap, not a great deal other than SP fixes we encounter. 

<Dominae> Will the whole firewalls issue be fixed, or does the readme tell us everything we need to know?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Dom: The readme talks about how to configure it so I hope that covers it. We think it's a gamespy issue so that maybe the direct IP connect method will bypass it.

<Chieftess> BTW, the lobby chat apparently has a lot of talking.. (which scrolls by fast). Will there (or is there) individual rooms for hosted games that you can chat in?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chieftess: Not right now. Maybe in the future. END.

<my_opinion> Jeff, can you address this supposed "warez version" and how it is affecting internet play.  Also if you have another to add regarding the attutide of some people thinking they are entitled to MP, dispite the fact they pirated the game, thanks
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> My_Opinion: Well the biggest problem with the warez version is it's a pre-alpha. If you apply v1.04f to it, I'm amazed it works at all. Anyone having a IFC.dll error is in this situation.
<EyesOfNight> Wrong, it's not alpha.
<notyoueither> Yes. It is alpha.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Eyes: The one that came out before we signed off was. I'm not sure if there's been a new one since it's hit the stores. END

<rflagg> Jeff - don't have PTW yet, but I just want to say I'm glad to see that Firaxis continues to do all they can through chats to find and fix problems and make the game better.  I hope when I do get it the next patch will be out and I can enjoy playing MP on my home Lan with direct connect.  I yield the rest of my time to Trip. :)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> rflagg: Let me know if you have problems over LAN. We've not seen much. END.

<notyoueither> Jeff, will there be a similar run of patches and improvements? Or just fix MP and that's it?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> nye: Probably a run though it's hard to say for certain. END

<Lionel> Will the Oringinal Civ3 be required too play the expansion, and will the new editor give us more control over unit and building functions?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Lionel: You do need Civ3. There is some increased functionality in the editor like flat map support, search paths for assets, things like that.

<maxskillz> I'm sure it was already asked but I just got here, are you guys aware of the multiplayer issues people are having ?
<ACS_MarkG> max: yes
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> max: Yes. Right now it seems localized to internet play and that's where we're spending our time... <maxskillz> can I ask if you can at least try to make it playable on 56k for classic turn based please?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Max: That's our goal! END.

<ChaotikVisions> Jeff: Just noticed I worded it wrong again. Has there been any reports of sound problems for PtW? The music plays choppily for me, but I have onboard sound that usually gives me trouble.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chaotik: Sometimes but nothing new with PTW. Monte Carlo cards started acting up but we could never find a driver that addressed it. END

<mb> what will you do at firaxis after having fixed this addon? another civ3 addon?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> mb: Top secret.
<ACS_MarkG> Jeff i thought you were supposed to announce the next game in october... :)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> MarkG: I think Sid said that somewhere but thats not part of any plan I've seen.
<mb> hm there was no END at the end of my answer ;) will there be an alpha centauri 2?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> mb: Never say never. END.

<Solver> Jeff: Did the Hebrews have a chance of being in the game? 
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Solver: Sure, but because of the asset requirements for each civ we had to cap it at 8.
<ACS_MarkG> Solver: yes, but there was the usual conspiracy :)
<Solver> I know theres a conspiracy, guess Ottomans and Arabs are a bit too much... 
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Solver: I liked the non-western feel of the civs selected. To each their own. END>

<maxskillz> nice music btw
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Max: We have 3 original scores in the game which made our composer very happy. END.

<Yin> Why add Korea?  (great choice BTW)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Yin: Because they're a fascinating civ...and it doesn't hurt they're a huge market..

<maxskillz> being of hispanic decent I just wanted to say that I think next time firaxis should realize south america is a continent and should not be ignored ;)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Max: That was the only thing I thought wrong with the civ list in hindsite. I would have loved to add the icans. END

<Solver> Also Jeff: Why no serious changes to Modern Age tech tree? Spaceship still VERY easy to build (and early so) without mods 
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Solver: I didn't want to alter too much the work Jeff and Soren did in the original. END.
<notyoueither> What if you did an expansion with that as a focus? *He asked hopefully*
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> nye: Could be! END

<Yin> Did the huge thread at Poly have anything to do with it?  I suppose NOT, but the cupcake I just ate is clouding my thoughts...
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> yin: I read a lot of them and they linked to good resources on the net.

<Ass_Wise> Is any one else on the way?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> ass_wise: From firaxis? They're busy on the patch. END

<Yin> Is there talk of a Gold Edition?  I've waited so (mostly) patiently this time. =)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Yin: I always see an xp as 2 products, the xp and the gold. Nothing on the radar right now but there is talk. END

<Whohangs> Are there any plans in the future of implementing a more robust matchmaking system (ie. battle.net)?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Who: Well Warcraft III is state of the art so they instantly made all others look weak by comparision. I'm sure gamespy will implement more features so possibly. END

<maxskillz> gamespy has some good features
<maxskillz> I say focus on what happens after we launch rather than the matchmaking =)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> max: Gamespy launches 3 games a month so it's hard not to like their expertise. But if they're firewall issues proves unsolvable it might play a roll in our decision. END
<Ass_Wise> WHos Idea was it to use gamespy?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Ass_wise: Infogrames.
<Whohangs> They published NWN also didn't they?  :)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> whohands: Yep.
<Ass_Wise> Will we be able to see who we are chatting with while in the lobby after the patch?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> ass_wise: Not in the next one. END
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Gamespy is an interesting biz because they're relatively cheap but we distribute their software on our CD. Interesting model. END

<maxskillz> oh big question someone please... is the United Nations changed in any way in multiplayer?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Max: No.

<Yin> Were there any new in-house patch methods used this time around?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Yin: We're using gamespy autopatching if that's what you're asking. END
<Yin> Just curious how the patching process has evolved over the past few years at Firaxis.  Boring topic, I suppose.  Please ignore. =)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Yin: You always hope you don't need them but plan for them anyways. END

<thekid> Jeff, what was/is the size of the beta testing force on PTW?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> thekid: 8-20+ IGS. 2 on site. 50 on the public beta team. END

<Monkspider> Jeff- Is there any chance we could see the Byzantines as a civ in the future?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Monk: Sure, though with the latest editor you can add them pretty easily. END

<Gacel> what about the copy protection, i only have a dvd/cd-rw combo in my computer and i heard there might be problems?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> gacel: Contact customer service if it's a problem. They can fix you up. END

<Whohangs> Is it possible, using the game editor, to come up with new game modes (adding custom triggers, victory conditions, etc) or is it basically a scenario editor?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> whohangs: No, though we're aware of how desireable those kind of featuers are to the mod community. END

<JTrip> Jeff: we're all aware that MP is having serious problems (I can't even get the game to work for more than 15 minutes, ask Monkspider or NYE), how much improvement do you see for the next patch?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> jtrip: Siginficant. END
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> jtrip: Right now the problem seems to be though Gamespy. That's where we're focusing. END

<Trip> Jeff: might we ever see any Firaxians around to play MP against some day? :)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Trip: We've been up there constantly...just incognito. END

<notyoueither> Jeff. Is the lag expereinced by many due to Gamespy as well?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> nye: It's hard to say. Lag could come from the 'lowest common denominator' syncing or from an actual bug. A question we're thinking about a lot. END

<Matrix> Jeff, were there any changes to the AI, and if so, what were the big ones?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> matrix: No bigs ones. They mainly dealt with the meta-games like regicide and using the new city improvements and units. END

<Monkspider> Jeff- Is there any particular reason why you chose not to give the H'wacha lethal land bombard?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> monkspider: To dominating. It would have to be so expensive that it'd be rarely used. END

<Trip> Jeff: so you see a massive improvement in IP connection when that becomes available?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> trip: Not sure what you mean. END
<Trip> Jeff: You mentioned that we would be able to connect directly instead of through the GameSpy server, do you think that will solve a lot of the problems?
<ACS_MarkG> trip: yes

<Jaguar_Warrior> In which situations will the AI use the new terrain improvements? Does it use them a lot?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> jag: Somewhat. Radar Towers have a huge impact so the AI is agressive about building them. Since they can see the whole map anyways, most of the outpost AI involved destroying those of their enenmies. END

<Neotek> Hey I liked the concept of little national flags over our cities... there was a mod for that in civ2, any way to add flags with the editor?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Neo: The map cities assets are pcxs but I'm not sure about the team color aspect. END

<Jaguar_Warrior> For Spain: Why the Conquistador instead of the Tercio?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Jag: Tercio's were groups of units rather than a single type so it didn't quite fit. I was also desperate to create a unique unit based on the explorer. END
<Monkspider> Jeff- On that note, why the Sipahi instead of the Jannisarry?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Monk: Jannisarrys were christian units and could be construed as the guys who helped unravel the empire. Sipahis were the muslem soldiers and I liked the pistol horse backed unit. END
<Chieftess> A follow up to the UUs... Why does the Viking have the Beserker and not the Longboat?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chieftess: I wanted to get the under used civ ability of amphibious attacks out of the industrial age. END.

<Nuclear_Master> This question is to any of the staff. What is the status of PTW coming to the mac?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Nuc: No word that I've heard. Very much an Infogrames call. END

<Jaguar_Warrior> Does the AI build airbases?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Jag: I believe so, though the way the AI plays there usually is a city anywhere it would build an airfield. They do use them in sccenarios though that have them already built. END

<Gacel> why can the ai see the whole map? it always feels like the ai is cheating... is it the only way to get the ai strong/good/intersting eough? (as a programmer i know how hard it is to get somthing like that working good)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Gacel: I'm not sure, though I think it was to increase the challenge. END
<Xuenay> Jeff: If the AI already sees the entire map, then does trading world/territory maps with them have any real effect? Why do they value the maps so highly?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Xuen: Not to sure about that. Maybe to facilitate the illusion of a human opponent. END

<Nuclear_Master> Will the lag be fixed on mp? I heard it was very bad.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Nuc: It depends. If you're on a P4 2.5 gig machine and someone you're playing with is on a p2 400 it will seem slow. END

<Jaguar_Warrior> what uses did you have in mind for the conquistador?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Jag: Combat explorer. Pillager par excellence. END

<Neotek> Jeff did people at firaxis play the game over a modem (not LAN) and get it to work with decent lag?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Neo: Definately. 
<Neotek> oh that is comforting... so that means it is supposed to actually work with much less lag there's just some problem with gamespy then right
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Neo: That's the thought, though it depends on what's causing the appearence of lag. END 

<Whohangs> I was under the assumption that GameSpy just launched a game and once it did that, its job was done, is there actual data being sent through GameSpy while the game is going on?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Whohangs: I'm not an expert so I'll refrain from going into much detail. People who understand the problem far better tahn I do are working on it as we speak. END

<Monkspider> Jeff: Who is your favorite of the new civs?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Monk: Celts.

<Monkspider> Jeff: Beside the Inca, if you could choose one civ to appear in a future XP, who would they be?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Monk: Mayans.

<Trip> Jeff: what's the makeup of the Development team look like?  # of programmers, artists, etc.?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Trip: 3 programmers, 7 artists, 1 sound engineer, 1 producer.

<Trip> Jeff: what will the artists be doing while the programmers are working on the patch?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Trip: Some fixes require art changes so they'll be doing that. Most are assigned to other projects.
<Trip> other projects eh? ;)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Trip: You'll love our next slate of games. END

<Chieftess> Will the player limit of 8 in MP be increased for PBEM?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> chieftess: No plans. END

<Jaguar_Warrior> jeff: what games do you enjoy playing other than civ?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> jag: I'm a first person shooter guy after strat games. Battlefield 1942 is dominating my life right now. END

<Solver> Jeff: how is anyone supposed to counter a rush of Carthagian UUs? 
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Solver: VOLUME! END

<Lionel> In Single player, will the civilizations all be able too play at once, or only the same amount?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Lionel: You can set the max to 32 in the editor, though you'd need to come up with 8 new ones. END

<Solver> Gallic Swordsmen, pah 
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Solver: gallics are great with the new offensive upgrade path. Especially since they can retreat. END

<Nuclear_Master> What are the new scenerios in PTW? And will there be anymore?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Nuc: You bet. Though I'm waiting to see what the fans can come up with. END

<Jaguar_Warrior> What's your favorite scenario
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Jag: I play a lot of the industrial and modern era start ones. END

<Chieftess> Will you be accepting any more modpacks to include in patches?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Chieftess: Definately. END

<ACS_MarkG> jeff have you found what that force-feedback feature actually does? :)
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Markg: Makes your mouse wiggle and shake. END

<Lionel> Are there any plans too enhance the editor or an expansion for the editor, too give us more control over our mods?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Lionel: Nothing to report right now.

<Trip> Jeff_Morris: What would you say are the favorite mods/scenarios over there?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> trip: the ones you play in the industrial era. I'm a sea battle fan. END

<Monkspider> Jeff: What would you say the likelihood of another XP for Civ III is at this point?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> monk: If this one sells well, pretty high. END

<Nuclear_Master> jeff: What are the features for clans?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Nuc: Nothing built in though it's a great idea. END
<ACS_MarkG> what kind of clan features could there be?
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> markg: Team setup options. Find opponents. Rankings. END

<Monkspider> Jeff Can you tell us the rough total sales figures for civ III at this point
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Monk: Over a million.

<Wise> Did IG set the release date you had to follow:
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Wise: more or less.

<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Alright guys...thanks for everything. Look for the patch real soon. Thanks for coming.
<Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS> Cya
*** Signoff: Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS (Quit: Leaving)
