PlanetSide Universe visits SOE Next Week!

[Hamma]

Jennyboo and I will be going out to SOE on Monday the 21st to to get some game time with PlanetSide 2 and interview the Devs! We will be in studio all day long.

I will be representing the community on this trip so I want to make sure that I represent everyone well. This means I want your feedback! What do you want us to ask? What do you want me to look for?

Please stay on topic in this thread with any questions and requests you have. Keep in mind some things will probably be off limits (Sorry!) I will do my best to accommodate everyone but obviously we won't be able to get everything you guys want.

We will be doing some live Tweeting from the event so be sure to follow us!
https://twitter.com/#!/psucom
https://twitter.com/#!/cdlhamma
https://twitter.com/#!/cdljennyboo

We will likely be doing a video interview that will be released the following week.

Get your questions and requests posted by Saturday at Noon CDT because I will need to get prepared to fly out the following day to San Diego.

[Jennyboo]

Super excited and honored for the opportunity :brow:!!!!

[Toppopia]

Will lights be toggable on guns/vehicles etc?
Will engineers beable to place spot lights on the ground to set up awesome ambushes at night by blinding/illuminating the enemy so you can gun them down while they stagger around blindidly.

Can infitrators kill the lights in a base/tower/building by hacking a terminal? And if they can't then could you add it so an infiltrator could kill the lights in a base/tower/building?

Edit: I wish i had more questions. Oh wait. I have some requests :D

Requests:
Could you make it so when aircraft get damaged to a certain extent, the aircraft becomes disabled and much harder to control depending on hit location, then give skilled pilots the opportunity to crash land and sometimes survive the crash. (Depends on speed, angle of decent, how damage you took etc)

Maybe give soldiers the option to either equip 1 syringe to heal during battle or if a medic has a cert, when the medic heals soldiers it gives them 1 syringe so that they can heal themselves, maybe make it so they can only receive 1 at a time or something to stop spamming.

I think thats all from me.

[Graywolves]

I was hoping for beta on the 20th (Planetside's 9th anniversary)

[JPalmer]

Coolbeans.

How long does night last?

[CrystalViolet]

Extremely jealous. Can you guys skype us some live video similar to the AGN behind the scenes stuff?

[DayOne]

Oh, wow! You lucky people!

Question: Can we get any more specific details as to how infiltrators will work. Aside from the sniper role what else can infiltrators be used for. Hacking? Sabotage? General sneakyness and destruction?

[Hamma]

Extremely jealous. Can you guys skype us some live video similar to the AGN behind the scenes stuff?

Sadly we won't be able to do any live video - but we will hopefully be doing a recorded video interview. We will be able to Tweet some pictures similar to what the Devs Tweet :)

[VelRa]

Great news! I'm interested to know what to expect from leadership. Presumably it will be a large cert tree, what other things are in there aside from what they've been over again and again?

[CuddlyChud]

Congratulations!

[CrystalViolet]

Sadly we won't be able to do any live video - but we will hopefully be doing a recorded video interview. We will be able to Tweet some pictures similar to what the Devs Tweet :)

Cool. I'm glad it's you guys since I'm sure you'll be able to wring some new stuff out of the devs. Scythe cockpit? :D

[NCLynx]

HolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHo lyshitHolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHolyshitHoly shitHolyshit

Grats guys, don't really have anything I'd like you guys to ask aside from the obvious lol.

[SixShooter]

That is so cool! I'm glad to hear that the two of you get to go

Now that we have more info on the fog effect, what other kind of weather effects can we expect to see?

We haven't really seen any water features yet, will there be rivers and lakes and stuff like we saw in PS1 or would that counter the idea of having more territory to capture?

[Brusi]

INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!
INCOMING MAX UNITS!!!!!

[Sledgecrushr]

Any news about max melee would be cool with me.

[Stardouser]

1. Although the answer is already known ( I think) I like to hear it again: VOIP. Automatic for squads without any hoops to jump through with adding people to friends lists, etc? I just like to hear that as often as possible since it's one of the major ways they crush BF3.
2. Resources. In Higby's words, I would interpret them as meaning that all vehicles cost resources, but some people think basic unspec'ed vehicles(ie, basic tanks, basic Reavers, etc) are free and only the specializations cost resources. Which one is correct? Can we actually deny the enemy vehicles by denying them resources, or only spec'ed vehicles? Using tanks as a specific example, are tanks free or if you don't have the resources will you be unable to pull one?
3. Are resources serverwide for an empire, or continent specific? Example: If your empire gets booted all the way back to your foothold on continent X, and therefore, you have no resource producing land on Continent X, can you use Continent Y and Z resources on X?

And, I know this is perhaps a very early question but:
4. Are megacontinents being considered either later in the 5 year plan or for Planetside 3? By this I mean...if our current continents are 8km X 8...a mega continent would be something like 30 X 30. I ask this because of World War 2 Online, mostly, and also because I assume that many MMOFPS, should they start appearing because of PS2's success, would not use the island-continent approach unless forced to by tech.

[headphase]

Awesome! Could we get some details on voice communication integration in PS2? (For example, how flexible/robust will the system be? will we be able to set up channels and subchannels on-the-fly? Will outfits have persistent channels? Will there be some sort of vehicle intercom system for all occupants of a vehicle to talk to each other with a dedicated hotkey?


Will lights be toggable on guns/vehicles etc?
Will engineers be able to place spot lights on the ground?
Can infitrators kill the lights in a base/tower/building by hacking a terminal?

Seconded!! Would love to know more about lighting systems and how players may interact with them. Being able to control vehicle lighting would be excellent and incredibly enhance gameplay.

Edit: Also, nightvision equipment? (yes/no)

[Kurtz]

grats.

[Evil Redrum]

Make sure you say hi/ I say hi while you two are here :D

[Graywolves]

Make sure you say hi/ I say hi while you two are here :D

Oh yeah tell everyone 'Graywolves says hi' too.

[Johari]

Since E3 is going to have a hands on demo for everyone to play does that mean the VS MAX ability has been settled? Discover what it is and if at all possible let us know what it is before E3.

VS MAX FOR GODS SAKE!

ps Congratz for getting the invitation.

[atone]

awsome!! congrats!

[Sardwyn]

swipe higby's diary!!

[Vanir]

Here is a quick yes or no question you can ask. Can a driver of a prowler or any other MBT be able to give control of the main gun to a "main gunner"?
The last bit of info that was given on this issue was that the devs were considering on having a cert that will allow this.

[MonsterBone]

We WanT a rEport on HANDS ON GAMePLAY. THATS WHAT WE NEED BABY. Give it To US bAAbyyy. Hand on GAMePPlaayaya NooowOOOW.

[CyclesMcHurtz]

You'll get a chance to make a donation to the jug!

[Baneblade]

I want an official weigh in on my Outfit Air Cruisers (http://www.planetside-universe.com/showthread.php?t=41198) idea. It has been eight years in the making after all.

[kaffis]

Keep your eyes open while hands-on-ing for any information about how missions are currently implemented. Use that to inform questions for Higby about where they're going pre- and post-launch with the mission system and how it plays into the command structure.

Hopefully seeing where it's at will give you the perspective needed to prod Higby into revealing new details on the subject.

Oh, also, broker a deal for an exclusive window on the beta announcement. ;)

[Toppopia]

Ask Higby what his take on any form of artillery is? Maybe he has an idea of what to do? Maybe he is already coming up with an idea and has started making it or any info on that. Even the info of 'he won't do artillery' is better than no info.

That will answer lots of questions and maybe stop all the artillery ideas, which i do like, but its hard to find 1 perfect idea because everyone can't agree, shame on you all for agreeing on 1 idea :p

[Rat]

Steal as many coffee cups as you can!!!

[That one noob]

My only question would be whether or not we can change the minimap between terrain (blue with outlines) and satellite (color).

[Carbanu]

See! Good things come to those who wait! Congratulations guys.

ASK ABOUT CAVES! PLEASE!

[Senyu]

If you see anything labeled "Beta" snatch it and run for your life. As long as you post it online before they assassinate you, your sacrifice won't be in vain.



Srs, get some video footage to make a montage of the fun these guys have making this game and the family part of it.

[Ailos]

I want some live clegged up footage. Its the next most hilarious thing after watching Mythbusters fail. Preferably, with the master himself at it.

[Hamma]

That's not a bad idea...

Make sure you say hi/ I say hi while you two are here :D

You'll get a chance to make a donation to the jug!

Done and Done!

[Higby]

Bring barbecue.

[Naz The Eternal]

Great news! I'm interested to know what to expect from leadership. Presumably it will be a large cert tree, what other things are in there aside from what they've been over again and again?

Most definitely interested in cert trees info...

Awesome to see you guys heading there, bring us back some juicy info :)


Bring barbecue.

Now I'm jealous..

[NCLynx]

Actually I do have a question that maybe you'll be better able to clarify (if someone can't already) after having played it yourself. Assuming of course you CAN tell us about this part. The quote below is how I explained to someone how I had come to understand certs/customization/learning skills would work in PS2. I could be totally wrong though, so I'd like to get that ironed out.

The way I understand it is:

You can learn EVERY possible thing there is for a class/vehicle given you put enough time into it. However each one of those things cost a specific amount of certs.

So say I have an allotted 20 total certs to use and I've trained EVERYTHING in a class. I can only use however many will fit into that 20 cert range.

Customization 1= 5 certs
Customization 2= 10 certs
Customzation 3= 10 certs
Customization 4= 15 certs

I've trained all of them, but I can only use either 1&4 or 2&3 (etc) at the same time.

I figured that we're going to have loadouts similar to the original. So lets say I've trained a ton of things for Heavy Assault and I have two loadouts for it.

Base Assault
Base Defense

They each have their certs allowed maxed out but with different things, one being more offensive one being more defensive.

EDIT: I could be 120% wrong on all of this, it's just the way I've come to understand it so far but I could be totally missing something somewhere that I didn't read.

[NCLynx]

Bring barbecue.

Can I come too if I bring the Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce?

[Kran De Loy]

First. I hate you, both.

Second. I love you, both.

Third, I did a little happy dance in the living room thinking about all more neat stuff they may let you two walk away with.

Edit in: Some stuff I'm curious about is the same as a few other people posted.
-Map system: Toggle between monochrome and color?
-Scythe cockpit screenie would be nice.
-Do Vanu get an ES sniper or if it will have a good possibiltiy of being in post launch at some point or if Vanu/TR just have to make do with the NS variant. Also anything new in regards to the infiltrator's expected jobs not directly related to sniping, like how do they expect that an infil will be use knives, if he gets explosives or other saboteur related stuff.

[duomaxwl]

Can you get a locke of Higby's hair for us?
I wanted to ask for some when I got my magazine signed but
I didn't wanna come across as a creeper.

No, but seriously, have fun, and get us some information! :)

[SniperSteve]

Yeah! Glad to hear you both get to go. Sure deserve it. :D All I want to know is when is beta!

[Danicia]

Can you get a locke of Higby's hair for us?

We should totes run a contest for this. Hey Higgles...when's yer next haircut?

#CommunityNotCreepersReally

[Zulthus]

We should totes run a contest for this. Hey Higgles...when's yer next haircut?

#CommunityNotCreepersReally

I believe everyone agreed he gets one when beta starts :D

[Timealude]

can you ask higby if he plans to do a model cover for the cover art for planetside 2?

and also can you ask him about How OS strikes will work in planetside 2?

[DirtyBird]

Mine is a simple question, will release be in 2012 or 2013+ ?
Need to know if I have to save up my annual leave or not.

[Purple]

I would like to know that if i buy something with station cash in game, will i be able to use it if i decide to switch servers , or will i have to rebuy it?

[MacXXcaM]

Now that we have more info on the fog effect, what other kind of weather effects can we expect to see?

This

Keep your eyes open while hands-on-ing for any information about how missions are currently implemented. Use that to inform questions for Higby about where they're going pre- and post-launch with the mission system and how it plays into the command structure.

And this.

Can you maybe ask if there are any plans on flying bases / flying islands (post release maybe) ?

http://clgamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/AvatarFlying_gallery_primary.jpg

This shit got me excited :D


Bring barbecue.

Wait wut? He is here? O_

[Korvin]

Personally I'd like to have some more details about Command/Squad/Recon tools you can use. Specifically for communication, leading, coordinating with team.

[Mechzz]

Gratz guys, you both deserve this for all the time and effort you both put in.

Questions
What forms of hand-held Anti-Aircraft weapons for infantry will be in the game?
If there are any, will there be ES variants and which class can carry them?

Thanks!

[Athanasios]

@Hamma, while you guys are there stretch your ears & eyes to gather info about (btw, you could also try to directly ask the devs :D):

1) Hit-registration (responsiveness, hit-boxes etc)
2) Model animation (movement, any "parkour" stuff like BF3, gun sway under fire, reloads)
3) Gun design (something to stop and watch or just a tool throwing bullets)
4) Sound quality (footsteps, echo, deafening from nearby explosions, ambient sounds)
5) Graphics quality (volumetric clouds/dust, fauna details, line of sight, explosion effects)
6) Gameplay (destructive environments/stuff, structure/map design, weather conditions, kit layout)
7) PS2 out of game (events driven from SOE, clan tools, empire tools, patch support etc)
8) Development phase (alpha/beta, bugs encountered etc)

Well, i think that's all, i'll update the post if anything else comes in mind :)

[Graywolves]

Will "Clegged-Up" be an Achievment you get when you land a galaxy sideways/upside down?

[Purple]

Will "Clegged-Up" be an Achievment you get when you land a galaxy sideways/upside down?

this is a must.

[SoNaR]

If you see anything labeled "Beta" snatch it and run for your life.

Double check to make sure it doesn't say Betta instead. :D

Anyways congratz! ^^

[TerminatorUK]

Brilliant opportunity - hope you two enjoy your day :)

Some things I'd like to see reported on / pictured:

- MAX units / different weapons configs (if ready)
- Heavy Assault AV weapons - what are the like?
- Ask T-Ray why the vanu HA model is so silver and make sure he changes it to mostly purple before you leave :)
- Screenshot of Lighting AA cannon in action
- Ask devs again about boarding / exiting animations and do they feel 'guilty' for not having them in yet? :)
- First person screenshots of every weapon in the game

[SteinB]

Congrats on the honor.

Any new information in the areas of outfits and missions would be awesome.

[SoNaR]

Here are my questions:

Apart from knives, pistols, and shotguns... Will infiltrators get any other types of close quarter weapons (preferably those of the automatic kind)?

Will there be prone, and if not, why?

Will aircraft fly like they did in the alpha footage at launch, or will their engine physics be changed? Tell them to fly the 2142 gunships if they are looking for inspiration!

Can we get more aircraft gameplay footage? (Galaxies and Liberators in particular)

Will a player be able to change seats within a vehicle or will they have to get out before entering that seat?

How many camera views will a player have, in vehicles and as a soldier, and at what angles (no-hud, 3rd person, rear-view, fly-by, free-look, etc)? Will you be able to cycle through these camera views with a keyboard or mouse binding (c button perhaps)?

Deploy-able Shields, how will they work, what will they look like?

[The Admiral]

Ask if the Galaxy can do (slow motion) barrel rolls :P

[The Kush]

Congrats! This is awesome for the community. I will think of some questions.

In the meantime please ask about how many players max can be in one hex? IE how many players could I potentially see in one screen? What is the desired number?

[MacXXcaM]

2) Model animation (movement, any "parkour" stuff like BF3, gun sway under fire, reloads)

Oh yes, you mean like manteling over walls? That'd be great.



Will there be prone, and if not, why?


+1

[Sabrak]

I'm so jealous I'm about to shout at my screen.

[Kipper]

Well deserved I'd say.... Enjoy the visit, but not so much you forget to write shit down and take photos ;)

pics:

What about:

1) More about the strategy/resource game, how you do it, how its organised, what it looks like.
2) Modular damage on vehicles? Can you shoot out tyres/headlights?
3) Weather effects - in? cosmetic only? play-affecting?
4) General pics of vehicles in game that we haven't seen much of yet.

:wantbeta:

Edit: Oh yeah.. uh... stat feeds. Just to know if they're out with beta or post-release.

[ringring]

Fantastic for you both and fantastic for us as with you and Totalbiscuit we have people viewing the game who really do know Planetside! :)

I imagine there will be things you ca't show as the Devs have reserved those particular reveals for someone else / E3.

The things you should look at if possible:
Cert trees - if possible a full screen shotted explanation in depth of at least one, perhaps the leader tree.

VIOP - capabilities around channels, those you allow in channel and those you don't, setting up whispers.

Aircraft physics - video (if possible) from a chase plane showing another doing impossible (for ps2) such as loops and barrel rolls.


ps seems the Devs are ramping up publicity, surely beta is only weeks away.... ;)

[PlaceboCyanide]

Outfit customization options? specifically insignias and visual options. How detailed can we get? are there a finite number of options to choose from or could we upload an image or use an MS-paint like mechanic to create our own? :D

[sylphaen]

Wow... Great news, Hamma ! I'm glad SOE offers you the chance to visit them in their lair.

Can you get Everquest Next pictures ? I'm thinking about all-pass.
:love:

Hamma: :eek:
Hamma: :huh:
Hamma: :evil:

Naaaah, just kidding. :D

Any info about COMMAND/OUTFIT STRUCTURES and optionally, resources is welcome. Some concept art about the buggies would be awesome too.

We count on you ! No pressure.
:thumbsup:

I hope Jenny has some first aid certs, jaw drops are not out of this scenario.
:D

Above all: have a good time with the team !
:groovy:

[Bruttal]

This



And this.

Can you maybe ask if there are any plans on flying bases / flying islands (post release maybe) ?

http://clgamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/AvatarFlying_gallery_primary.jpg

This shit got me excited :D




Wait wut? He is here? O_

IDK about any of that but engineers should totally get a drone chopper like the one in that pic!

[FIREk]

Are voice macros in yet?
Can commanders set quick waypoints and targets on the fly during combat?

[MyMeatStick]

I was hoping you guys would go, Have fun guys :D

[CardiffGreens]

Great news! Enjoy your time there!

Only question I have off the top of my head right now is whether the global map will be returning (preferably along with showing where the weather fronts are right at that moment) in same sorta style as PS1 at release?

Edit! Oh, and whether there's any plans for seasonal changes on the continents? (And seasonal wear to be made available from the shop =P)

[MacXXcaM]

Edit! Oh, and whether there's any plans for seasonal changes on the continents?

Doubt it. There are different continents to have these effects.

[Kran De Loy]

Doubt it. There are different continents to have these effects.

Agreed. Wasn't one of the Cont's hinted to be an arid urban winter wasteland? Wouldn't it be weird to see the snow pile up than melt away every once in a while. Too much work imo. Would much rather have B/E animations.

Anyway, man there are a lot of good Q's in this thread. I hope you both get to answer even a tenth of them once you're through with all the giddy lightheadedness of actually being in the nerve center of PS2. :)

[kaffis]

Bring barbecue.
Ransom the Barbeque for beta (announcement?), Hamma!

[Snipefrag]

I have a question. I'm guessing asking when beta lands is strictly off limits, with that in mind my question is:

Q) When does Higglesworth plan to have his next hair cut?

Innocent enough question IMO.

[Logri]

#1 Music of Planetside, I always enjoyed the music while playing. Old remasterd music or brand new original inspired? How about some samples?
# 2 Update on female avatars?

[Boomzor]

Fist of all, grats on the invitation and I know you're gonna provide us with buckets of PS2 candy.

Here's what I'd like to know more about:

Mission and reward system

1) What are the rewards for successful missions, both for the commander assigning them and the squad/troopers completing them?
2) Can you give an example of how they scale with different command tiers?
3) Can multiple squads take on and complete a mission or will there be some form of squad competition?
4) How do these rewards compare in relation to kill farming for XP?
5) How do you intend to encourage players to stay and fight a losing battle instead of just packing up and go for another continent?
6) Is the support xp making a return? As in the form of getting bonus xp for any xp scoring actions the person does *after* I rez/heal/repair him (or whatever support action it may be)?
7) Is the driver or pilot getting a share of the kill XP his gunners are scoring? The pilot is after all the one providing (and probably paying for) the platform of the killing.

Resources

1) What will actually cost me resources and what can I always get when times are tough, such as when my empire is on the ropes on a continent?
2) How can the crew help a designated pilot keep the galaxies and liberators rolling out of the production plant? Are there any form of resource trading between players?
3) The "rich get richer" has been massively debated here on PSU, what are your thoughts about it?

Vehicles

1) How long do you expect a deployed galaxy to last once the enemy has compromised its location?
2) With the introduction of the Galaxy Gunship, what is the intended role of the Liberator? Why would I prefer one above the other?
3) Is there any chance of making the two man tank crew the standard and make the combined gunner-driver an unlock (and a rather steep one at that) instead of the other way around?

Oh, and you need to crash a toy galaxy on Arcleggers desk.

[MacXXcaM]

5) How do you intend to encourage players to stay and fight a losing battle instead of just packing up and go for another continent?


Fighting is fun...


Question:
What about entering/exit animations?

[Baneblade]

Hamma, don't forget to take video of the entire thing.

[Hamma]

There will most certainly be a video and video interview - though I doubt I will be recording the entire time. :D

[Oryon22]

You mother fuckers

[Baneblade]

There will most certainly be a video and video interview - though I doubt I will be recording the entire time. :D

Make Higgles hold it while you frag TRay with an inverted Galaxy.














There video camera, silly.

[Cosmical]

Excellent, im glad youve been allowed to go.

As far as questions go. Specifics on resources and how the general day to day battle will play out, i know thats effected by alot of random factors, but its what im interesting in hearing about.

And more importantly than anything, once optimised. How many units will we see on screen. And im talking maximum rendering ability. I will take any ballpark figure.

[Kran De Loy]

Why would asking about beta dates off limits? Like half the interviews, many done by major gamer sites, asked the question. They didn't get an answer either, but if you don't ask they have no obligation to tell you.

[Dahmon Myncar]

Will there be any effect on players from explosions aside from damage to an area? I.e. players get thrown aside or such.
And congrats on getting to go.

[Baron]

(Locke of Higby's Hair) + (Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo) = Beta for ALL !!!!

[Miir]

This is the best news I've heard in a while. Have fun guys!

As for questions. Nothing specific.

I trust that you guys will accomplish more in your visit there than most game sites would. Can't wait to see what you get.

[TheRagingGerbil]

That's awesome, can't wait.

And would you all give up on the entering/exiting animations, FFS.

[RadarX]

It's an exciting time to go so close to E3. The team looks forward to seeing you Hamma.

[EVILPIG]

Have a great trip Hamma. Is this exclusively SOE or do you have other plans? How long will you be in town? I could hook you up with DarkFate.

[Skepsiis]

Congratuations! Should be a fantastic experience for you both.

I would love to know more about the following:

Resources - How does the overall game economy actually work? Whats free and what costs? How are resources generated, harvested and distribted to players?

Certifications - We still arent clear on how the system works so information on this would be great and maybe a few specific examples of the ways some trees or higher level certs work.

Map design - Some pics of the insides of the bases is something im interested in. Also how do the maps play out place to place? Are they loaded with content and feel interesting and different at seperate locations? Can you see battles raging all over the entire map instead of just focusing on bases and the areas directly between them? Are there varrying incentives to capture different areas? Do the conts interact with each other at all?

Classes - I am hoping they will each have a very unique flavour and playstyle to differentiate each type, do you get this impression? How do the classes compliment each other? What are some of the unique abilities and perks you can specalise into with them?

Vehicles - What are the various vehicles like to drive/pilot? Do they feel arcadey or more slow and powerful? Are you a fan of the customisation of vehicles? Is it an intuitive interface? Are the customisation options quite rich and deep or more gimicky? How different are the ES vehiclesin terms of gameplay? How well balanced do you think the different vehicles roles seem?

Teamplay - Any infomation on the squad system? Like how similar to ps1 does it work? Are there tools implemented to aid squad leaders on a tactical level like dynamic and contextual squad commands? What are your thoughts on the mission system? Do the devs have any plans outside of the misson system for the command and control of the meta game at empire level? Are non combat support roles properly rewarded for their service and actually fun to play?

Outfits - What new outfit features are we likely to see in ps2? What sort of customisation options can we typically expect to see in both visual and ability terms? Is there any ingame system to allow outfits or interact with each other? Like coordinating with friendly outfits for bigger operations or setting an enemy outfit as a rival thats gets highlighted as a priority target?

Game engine - How are the dynamic lighting effects? Especially at night. Are the game physics impressive? How scalable are the quality options? Can you really crank up the effects if you have a monster gaming machine? And on the flipside can you lower them enough that an oldish PC will still be competitive with a respectable framerate? What sort of draw distance can we get? And would we be able to watch a huge battle from high altitude? Your thoughts on hit detection? Bullet balistics? Latency problems? Anti cheat? And something else i am curious about is the ingame bodies of water. Also how crazy are they going to go with weather? The different types, visulisation, player ability to track it and gameplay impact.

And i am another person who was a big fan of the enter/exit animations so this is a +1 to see them come back into the game at some point.

I know its a big list but hopefully you can take a few ideas from it and tbh i would be happy if you can get just a few of these answered.... Good luck and have fun!

[LightningDriver]

My question is the following.

Will there be things like weather effects (rain, sandstorms, etc.), and will there be events like meteor showers and earthquakes? I sure hope there will be.

[Red Ketchup]

Please ask about the weird perspective effects that were noticed in some screenshots. (Magriders looking way too small compared to others vehicles/troops in the same image, infantry being as tall as the Sunderer next to it, etc.)
This was discussed in this topic (http://www.planetside-universe.com/showthread.php?p=685597#post685597).

Is it a bug with the Forgelight engine?

[Shogun]

congratulations, mr. and mrs. hamma ;)

it´s about time you get your exclusive interview! and that it´s taking place in the lair of the devteam is the best icing, the cake could ever get ;)

now pimp your clothes with as many little spycams as possible and let them run the whole time ;)

and i think it´s appropriate, that you two get the first "hands on time"! you deserve it for keeping the community alive since 2002 and doing so much for all of us! have fun, and try out as much stuff as you can, to tell us about!

[Aaron]

Congratulations, Hamma! You deserve it!

Let's see, what I want to know most is how much depth the mission system will have, and how specific you can make missions to give to people. How will the instructions of the mission will be communicated to the player? Will it just be "Go here and destroy/capture X" or can there be more depth added?

[Attackmack]

With ANTs and NTU silos gone, will there be any other means of keeping a base/facility running? Like, will a facility consume resources when players respawn, buy equipment, vehicles and so on?

And if so, does it mean a facility can deplete a resource and thus become shut down/offline/neutral?

Is there ANY situation a base/facility will drop to neutral state?

[Shogun]

oh, if you get your hands on the game and the devs ask you, if you think the game is ready for beta... for gods sake say yes! ;)

[Satexios]

Congratulations on going there and good luck.. and for the love of god don't ask "When is beta?" with your first question. :p

[Ruffdog]

Fair play. I'm guessing you and the missus sacrifice plenty for the cause, so some payback is sweet!

[Gonefshn]

Ask if becoming a dedicated driver for MBTs is available in the cert tree classic planetside 1 style!!!!!

I don't want to drive and use the main cannon I want a gunner who uses the main cannon so I can focus on driving!!!!

I heard them mention that this might happen! I want to know! It's one of my biggest fears!

[SurgeonX]

That's amazing.
Nobody deserves it more.

[kaffis]

Congratulations on going there and good luck.. and for the love of god don't ask "When is beta?" with your first question. :p
Of course not. You have to lob some softballs to establish a subconscious rhythm in Higby's head of "answer the question" before you slip in a beta question.

[laelgon]

I'd love to know how heavily they're controlling the graphics options. I know they said they don't want to have options people turn off for an advantage, like flora in PS1, but how are they going to accommodate players with lower end systems? Also, what about settings like brightness? What's going to keep people from just cranking up the brightness setting during night time so they can keep all their normal attachments and bypass night vision and flashlights?

[SurgeonX]

I hope you guys are taking extra beer to fill the beta jar.
I'd recommend a Leffe Blonde and a Duvel for Captain Higgles.

[Nephilimuk]

congrats : )

[Baneblade]

I hope you guys are taking extra beer to fill the beta jar.
I'd recommend a Leffe Blonde and a Duvel for Captain Higgles.

I don't always put a cap in the Beta Jug... but when I do, it says 'Dos Equis'.

[Xyntech]

How did I miss this thread? Getting senile at 25.

Bring us back some infiltrator stuff Hamma, and have lots of fun for us!

[SoNaR]

Moon phases? Will some nights be darker than others?

[Khrusky]

Coolbeans.

How long does night last?

http://drawchan.net/dc/test/src/133539650988.jpg



What's going to keep people from just cranking up the brightness setting during night time so they can keep all their normal attachments and bypass night vision and flashlights?

The fact that night-time affects contrast in a way that hampers you more than simply the brightness, and also the fact that it would make bases and flashlights blindingly bright.

#1 Music of Planetside, I always enjoyed the music while playing. Old remasterd music or brand new original inspired?
Well we know Don Ferrone's back and I think he said it was new tracks, but in much the same style as the original.

[SurgeonX]

I don't always put a cap in the Beta Jug... but when I do, it says 'Dos Equis'.

I've only had that a couple of times, but good call, it's really nice.

[Xyntech]

They could do stuff like treating players who no lights turned on who are at a certain distance the same as fully invisible cloakers are treated. Completely transparent, possibly without even sending packets to players who are outside of a certain range.

This distance could vary depending on the brightness, with the brightest nights having the same viewing distance as daylight, but the darkest nights having players count as invisible until they are within several dozen meters. Perhaps with a certain shader on them so that they count as invisible except when passing in front of bright light sources, to mimic the real life effect of silhouetting.


Obviously anyone using an active light source would be visible at long range still.

They could also do other effects like atmospheric fog and other post processing effects to blur and restrict vision on more distant objects at night.

Shaders and game technology in general have gotten pretty advanced lately. We are a long way ahead of the times when gamma correction could destroy any attempt to conceal things in darkness. It will certainly be something that the devs will have to pay attention to though.

[Toppopia]

They could do stuff like treating players who no lights turned on who are at a certain distance the same as fully invisible cloakers are treated. Completely transparent, possibly without even sending packets to players who are outside of a certain range.

This distance could vary depending on the brightness, with the brightest nights having the same viewing distance as daylight, but the darkest nights having players count as invisible until they are within several dozen meters. Perhaps with a certain shader on them so that they count as invisible except when passing in front of bright light sources, to mimic the real life effect of silhouetting.


Obviously anyone using an active light source would be visible at long range still.

They could also do other effects like atmospheric fog and other post processing effects to blur and restrict vision on more distant objects at night.

Shaders and game technology in general have gotten pretty advanced lately. We are a long way ahead of the times when gamma correction could destroy any attempt to conceal things in darkness. It will certainly be something that the devs will have to pay attention to though.

Just do what Splinter Cell did, i think they did this. When you were in a pitch black corner and turned up the brightness, it didn't get any easier to see, but all that happened was instead of hiding in black you were hiding in grey :lol:

[DirtyBird]

May have already been answered but will the game (at launch) support Crossfire & SLI?

[cellinaire]

1) Max view distance.

2) Their plans/precautions on implementing wildlife to make the game world more alive.

[Mechzz]

May have already been answered but will the game (at launch) support Crossfire & SLI?

In the "TotalBiscuit visits SOE" thread there was a picture of TB's boy playing on a laptop which drew this comment:

That laptop uses 2 power cords and has SLIed cards in it, it's a beast.

So, yes, I guess.

[Noivad]

With all you have done for the community, it would be nice for SOE to pick up the tab. Have a great time

[MonsterBone]

Ask for permission to take a few screenshots while playing so that you can use them while writing a huge post about the gameplay!

[Tatwi]

Awesome Hamma!

My main question is this:

Will the ships have YPR, top speed, acceleration, booster top speed / duration and other performance and handling modifiers/sidegrades (like engines/boosters in SWG had)?


The reason I ask is because there are some fun play style choices to be had here. Do you want to trade some top speed for better roll, pitch, and acceleration so can you roll out of a pursuit and boost away? Or do you want to drop some YPR for more top speed and acceleration? How about a booster that has a lower top speed, but faster acceleration? Or maybe booster that has a really long burn time, the highest top speed, but the lowest acceleration? All of these choices have a time and place they would be useful for any player, but more importantly, this level of customization allows a player enjoy what works for them.

Given how dynamic and random the battles will be, in a lot of cases it just wont even be possible to say, "this is the right way to fly", so I hope in PS2 there will be more than one way to fly.

[Hamma]

Sadly folks we aren't going to be allowed to do any direct capture. Totalbiscuits footage will be what you guys will have to feed on for the near future.

I will be doing video in studio though of what is going on as well as a video interview with the devs based on your feedback in this thread. :D

[Baneblade]

I want an official weigh in on my Outfit Air Cruisers (http://www.planetside-universe.com/showthread.php?t=41198) idea. It has been eight years in the making after all.

Sadly folks we aren't going to be allowed to do any direct capture. Totalbiscuits footage will be what you guys will have to feed on for the near future.

I will be doing video in studio though of what is going on as well as a video interview with the devs based on your feedback in this thread. :D

I just want to reiterate, my OAC idea is gaining ground, and we would all like one or more devs to weigh in on it. No firm commitments needed or anything, just been so long since the advent of this and never once has any SOE dev commented on it.

We appreciate your limited time for questions.

PS: Don't forget to Cleggfrag TRay.

[Vashyo]

not sure if asked or answered allready, but

I would really like to know more about how they're going to do mission/command-system for outfits/squads/etc. Meaning what kind of stuff are leaders capable of doing.

for example, can they still draw on the map like in PS1 or how and who gets access to orbital strike? It was spammed bit too much for my taste in first game.

[Jennyboo]

Ok everyone we are starting to get the question list in order :) Please get your questions in!

Also any request you'd like us to try and see while there :) we will try but no guarantees

[DirtyBird]

not sure if asked or answered allready, but

I would really like to know more about how they're going to do mission/command-system for outfits/squads/etc. Meaning what kind of stuff are leaders capable of doing.

for example, can they still draw on the map like in PS1 or how and who gets access to orbital strike? It was spammed bit too much for my taste in first game.

Our guild, AlterElectus, are also interested in the command tools. :groovy:

[Bruttal]

Don't know if its been mentioned but see if the quick voice chat commands are in yet. like "INCOMING MAX UNITS" and so forth

[SuperMorto]

Its about time!!

Have fun and get what you can out of them! :)

[Jennyboo]

Will thrust pads be in extensive use throughout the game?

Got it! added to the list

[Marsgrim]

Is there any intent to implement some form of strategic win condition such as continent locks to prevent stalemates where the fight does not move from a base/area for days?

[DSxGIIR]

1. Will there be Orbital stikes?
2. Will there be adv hacking?
3. When lvling up command rank will their be a visual change to the gear like in PS1?
4. Since the AMS isn't in the game and the Galaxy has taken up the position of mobile respawn unit. Will there be a cloaking dome over the Galaxy, because a Gal is HUGE and easily can be hacked out blown up. So if there isn't cloaking dome over the Galaxy how will this provide a low key detection.
5. Will PS1 soundtrack be in PS2?(Really want that planetside 1 nostalgia)
6. will any of PS1 bases make a appearance in PS2?

Pick either of the 6 to ask, or more.

[Logri]

This question has undoubtedly been asked, but I haven't seen an answer to this one yet although I have read alot of questionairs already.

Armor restrictions to drive/pilot vehicles?

[Shogun]

we got enough questions, i think ;)

my wishes for you to try out:
engineers and their cool stuff
flying and deploying a gal
if available get your hands on nc or vs max ;)
and if you two get to play on seperate computers at the same time remember to record the 3rd person view of the maxes in action ;)
a liberator in action would be cool, too!
and take some time in the menus! the sidegrade and cert windows and such.

and of course have some fun! try to find an area with some bigger battle.

[Roidster]

im sure its been asked,this is more a hardware related question

will PS2 support eyefinity?? and will we be able to render 3 screens separately??

[kaffis]

Keep your eyes open while hands-on-ing for any information about how missions are currently implemented. Use that to inform questions for Higby about where they're going pre- and post-launch with the mission system and how it plays into the command structure.

Hopefully seeing where it's at will give you the perspective needed to prod Higby into revealing new details on the subject.

Oh, also, broker a deal for an exclusive window on the beta announcement. ;)

Re-quoting my question suggestion.

[Stew]

My Questions Please !


1: Do we have a chance to get a 360 degre angle compass around the minimap to make coordination faster and quickers on the pace of the battle !

2: How many continents the game will have in nears futur not post launch !

3: IS the weather effect are implemented and if yes wich ones ?

4: Finally how many players exactly is the official goal is it 1000 or 2000 ?

5: is the team are going to show a real team effort at E3 demo i mean showing up the roles and comunication between the Squad members ?

6: Whats are you going to do to prevent mass murder hacking ? Punk buster isnt efficient enough

7: Is their any plan to make a kinda black market where few empire specific weapons are avaiable for sale for a short amount of time at very high cost ?

8: Is their any plan to make some buggy with turrets etc.. and JEEP like truck with few anti personal vehicules or air 3 seat etc...

9: How the voip will work is their going to be Proximity chat , leaders tchat , squad leader tchat , broadcast etc.

10: I know their is Headshot bonus so how many shot in the head to kills ?

[Crazyduckling]

Stop by the sound design area. I bet listening to the sound effects there would sound amazing, seeing as thats where they are created and mixed.

I don't have a question for them though.

[Baneblade]

1. Will there be Orbital stikes?

Yes, there will be.

[Hamma]

That is definitely on the list of questions. :)

[Unforgiven]

will there be medpacks, and will they be useable in combat or out. (i hated the in combat medpack users!)

[capiqu]

1. How many continents at launch.
2. How many bases per cont.
3. How long will the day/night cycle will be. 12,8 or 6 hours.
4. Weather effects.
5. Seasons Cycle?
6. Body of water: Lakes, rivers shores.
7. Lunar mission lol, Go Newt.

[capiqu]

Oh I forgot what type of CE, will spitfires be in?

[Irish]

more of a selfish question but might impact a small group.

i played for around 3 years back in 06-09, kept a sub lasting for the duration, when i stopped playing they did the character wipe of "inactive players" so my char but most importantly my name got deleted.

i have heard of some preference given to older veteran players but feel somehow i am in a loophole.

i just want my name =D

**also the payment card, and email associated to the account would not be the same for ps2, as they are both dated.......how ever you could answer that dilemma would be super..thx

[Thomas]

1. Is there any sort of basement fighting like in PS1, maybe sections of tunnels that connect various places in the base that could be great for fighting in?

2. Can we get an explanation of the Lore of Auraxis? As in, is it all one planet again or has the 'Bending' been retconned.

[Logri]

Again, might already have been asked, but there are so many questions and answers around it's starting to get difficult to find original things to ask lol.

#1 Will there be visual recognition on the minimap/map/UI that indicates the location of dedicated medics or do they get a means to easily and quickly locate fallen troopers to revive?

Still remember convo's in /tell of people trying to direct me towards them for a revive, that was very difficult at times.

[proxykalevra]

maybe ask them a nice general question like what percent do they think of the game is to beta or launch (which ever they want to compare progress to)

how about asking if... since we aren't going to get an eta on beta could we possibly get planetside 1 made f2p to keep the core community that is returning busy until there is a ps2 beta?

ooo i almost forgot ask if people driving takes and flying vehicles who only want basic repair functionality will be forced to use the engi class

and a follow up if yes, will pilots who bail from air cav aircraft as an engi simply plumet to their death... or will they get a 1 time use jumpack/ejection system...

sanctuaries were excellent for grouping up before picking a battle and moving out on an outfit's raid night... are the sanctuaries completely gone as it appeared from early interviews? or are you able to simply bypass them?

ask if they could expand on the resource system... if a fight is going bad for the nc does that mean they will be penalized by not being able to pull vehicles? wouldn't this basically eliminate them from the field forcing them to hide in their base until they are kicked off a continent?

what is the most important positive and negative thing soe has learned from running planetside 1?

plz get a look at some character customization (if it is available) it looks like they are planing on having a great many visual options!

ask if there will be any vehicle hacking/faction specific weapon stealing like there was in planetside 1...

if so, might it be confusing if a tr hacks a mag and equips it with desert cammo to hide most of its new red/black colors? will iff system be up to reducing the confusion?


.... and as a pilot plz ask every aircraft related question you can find/think of.


are you guys sending a list of questions ahead on say sunday so that soe can green light which questions they like and are ready to answer?

[Hamma]

are you guys sending a list of questions ahead on say sunday so that soe can green light which questions they like and are ready to answer?

Not really no - but I am reviewing it on my own and having a few others check it out. I have a pretty good idea myself by now what I will get answers to and not. But so far most of it has been fair game ;)

[Hamma]

Question list is officially locked - thanks guys!

[Baneblade]

Can you post it, then edit in the answers when you get them?

[Graywolves]

Will the glun gun return?

[Hamma]

Can you post it, then edit in the answers when you get them?

I am doing the interview as a video feature and cannot release it till next week sadly. :(

[Baneblade]

Alright, maybe I'll transcribe it when we get it.

[Aaron]

Have a nice trip, Hamma and Jennyboo!

[Xyntech]

So sometime this week we get more footage from TB and sometime next week we get the Hamma interview? Sweetness. Even though we have still be getting a lot of new info, it's felt kind of odd ever since they stopped doing the bi-weekly updates.

This feels like we are getting something like that again. Something concrete to look forward to.

I'm still wondering who got the MAX exclusive. Will TB still not be able to post any (non first person) MAX footage?