What is going on with SE:V?

[thorfrog]

Hey, what is currently going on with SE:V? The Malfador web just doesn't say anything. Then you have have to dig thru tons of web pages on the net just to get a tid bit of info. What is the status of the project? What is going to be in the game? I'd like to see more screenshots and stuff too. How about a designer diary that we could read on what happening. At this point I'm just getting fed up with the lack of info. Is there a web link that maybe details what is being worked on? I'm just looking for a responce that is better then it's going well.

[Suicide Junkie]

What can I say... not much.

I have begun work on a CarrierBattles style mod...

[thorfrog]

At this point I feel like giving up on this one. I think it is time to start giving out details of what to expect. Something organised, not notes from a chat session. As a long time supporter I feel I'm getting gipped. I'm just done with secrets on the project.

[Suicide Junkie]

Have you seen the screenshots and the viedo?
That says a ton about what it is going to be like.

You've just gotta relax, and let Aaron do his coding.
Rome wasn't built in a day.

[jeffel]

I can't speak for atomannj, but for my own sake, I don't mind waiting.

I'd just like to have them update the site so I have a better idea of just how long I'll be waiting.

A short line saying that "Beta exposed some issues and we are going to spend xxx time fixing those issues" or some other informative note would be really nice.

If it makes the game better, I'm perfectly willing to wait till June (or longer), but I just want to know. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Atrocities]

Getting Aaron to keep his web site updated is an up hill battle.

[Captain Kwok]

Keep in mind Aaron is just one guy making the game, so for him to take time out to write diaries, post info, do PR, etc. cuts directly into the time spent on SE:V.

Another factor is the additional support he had to make for SE:IV and Star Fury for their launches with Strategy First.

I think once the game is nearing completion, you'll begin to see more concrete information.

Fyron keeps a good record of screenshots and a record of game previews etc. by other sites on SE:V here:
http://www.spaceempires.net/home/gameinfo-SE5.html

I also maintain an update list of purported features at my website:
http://www.captainkwok.net/se5info.php

There's plenty of information you can use to project what the game is going to be like, particularly if you are knowledgable of how things work in SE:IV.

[Renegade 13]

I'm sorry, but we honestly can't say anything more than "it's going well" due to legal obligations. We say anything more, we get kicked from the beta. Sure, it'd be great if Aaron would update his website a little more, and I'll bring it to his attention that people are getting antsy, maybe he'll update. But I seriously wouldn't count on it, since he's a busy busy man.

[Kamog]

It's all right, I'll wait as long as it takes, even though I want it now. I'd rather wait a bit longer and get an excellent game later than get a buggy game sooner.

[boran_blok]

I think less info is good. look at what's happening now with TES4 Oblivion. they released a video showing a feature that was now cut. and everybody is screaming bloody murder about it. but cuts happen. and once you've seen something is in it you really expect it. so less info = less dissapointment.

[thorfrog]

I have no problem waiting for this game to be finished. If it takes till the fall so be it. But I'd like to know where things are going. I don't think it is to much to ask what features are going to be in the game. Even if something is taken out I would like to know. It just feels like there is a big disconnect.

[Captain Kwok]

You know I keep a list of purported features for SE:V at my site, and since I'm a tester, it might even be a little biased...

[Q]

Your list is extremely interesting Captain Kwok and if most of these features are realized, SE V will be a fantastic game!
IIRC the first version of SE IV had some serious bugs, that made me return to SE III until the first patch was released. IMO it is better to wait longer and get the best game possible. So my choice would be that MM works on the game rather than publishing preliminary infos.

[vanbeke]

Hopefully he does not do as other (not-to-be named) publishers do - release the game / software in a form that has enough functionality to go to a web site and download the first "patch".

Of course, that would shorten the wait time by months

[narf poit chez BOOM]

No, never.

We have always had to get the patch using our browsers.

Give the guy a break. He's one man. He's always gotten it done. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

* Added smiley so it doesn't sound growly, which isn't how I meant it.

[Norlion]

Impressive Kwok. I am excited about SE:V and I hope that Star Wars, Star Trek and Babylon 5 mods are easily convertable.

Maybe the SE:V Star Trek mod will be better than "Birth of the Federation" and SE:V Star Wars mod will be better than "Star Wars: Galaxies At War"

[Captain Kwok]

MM has posted an updated about SE:V here:
http://www.malfador.com

Check the SE:V page for a little features list and a new target date...

[Will]

June?

Well, at least school will be over. If it came out during midterms or finals, I would be seriously screwed.

[Caduceus]

Okay... [Deep breaths] After "Oblivion" is released (Mar '06), after the new baby is born (May '06).

[Exhales]

I'm ready.

[Anguille]

Norlion said:
Impressive Kwok. I am excited about SE:V and I hope that Star Wars, Star Trek and Babylon 5 mods are easily convertable.

Maybe the SE:V Star Trek mod will be better than "Birth of the Federation" and SE:V Star Wars mod will be better than "Star Wars: Galaxies At War"



I hope this too...it's going to be great fun http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Wolfman77]

New baby in May? You won't have time for SE 'till next year. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[AMF]

I do hope that the statement "Large Galaxy: 100 solar systems with 15 planets each. " does not mean that 100 will be the maximum limit. I was really hoping for a much larger galaxy option...

Oh well, minor point, I'm sure it will all be most excellent!

[Suicide Junkie]

100 systems/15 planets sounds a lot like the SE4 *defaults*.
Fun for an average game; not too large not too small.

In case you don't know, all the modders know that SE4 will operate just fine with 250 system maps, but not with very much more.

Now, consider the first entries in the list at CK's site:
http://www.captainkwok.net/se5info.php

Also note the following very basic computer facts:
- Computers store numbers in multiples of one Byte.
- One Byte can store the whole numbers zero through 255
- Two Bytes can store the whole numbers zero through 65,535
- Three Bytes is almost never used
- Four Bytes can store the whole numbers zero through 4,294,967,295

Now, one of those numbers probably looks familiar. One of the numbers is damn big. And the other is unfathomably huge.

[Renegade 13]

SJ, shame on you! Trying to give stuff away without actually giving stuff away! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Kamog]

Thanks for the info. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Now, I know beta testers aren't allowed to say anything about SEV, but are you allowed to NOT say something if it doesn't exist? I mean, all those possible features mentioned in Captain Kwok's list, if you happen to know that SEV is not going to have one of those features, you can quietly remove the item from the list, right? NOT saying something isn't against the rules is it? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Fyron]

We really can't say anything one way or the other...

[Captain Kwok]

The list is based on a number of sources including Aaron's chats and other posted SE:V info, with a few 'screenshot' inferences. For items that might be tenious as suggested by MM in chats, I'll tend to put 'might include' or not post it until we get public word that it'll be in or out. And don't be sad if something looks to be out that you really liked, because we all know what happened to ground combat in SE:V.

Whether things on the list disappear or not is really up to those keen observers who want to check my site everyday. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/stupid.gif

[Kamog]

Thanks, I'll be checking the site on a regular basis! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Looks like SEV is going to be a wonderful game, well worth the wait. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif