Beyond Earth's SMAC Connection at Gamespot

[Aeson]

New article is up:

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/beyond-earth-the-alpha-centauri-connection/1100-6418924/

On Alpha Centauri, [Mike Bazzell] created a couple of 2D sprite-sheet VFX explosions. Back then, there was only enough memory for two sprite sheets and we swapped 256-color palettes in order to use them for different weapons. On Beyond Earth, after concepting, Mike moved over to creating modern real-time particle VFX. There are astounding differences in technology across all aspects of game development between then--15 years ago--and now, but right there, the difference is amazing!

Nothing much new about BE, just some comparisons of who was doing what on the games and how technology (and eye-candy) has changed.

[Lorizael]

Are you guys intentionally conflating Gamespy and Gamespot?

[Aeson]

I have no idea what you're talking about

Spoiler:

(Thanks for spying ... er ... spotting that error)

[Lorizael]

Tomorrow there's supposed to be an interview with Sid on Gamespot. Hopefully that will be a little meatier.