[AV-Brian] Welcome Everyone to the Adrenaline Vault's Baldur's Gate Developer's Chat!
[AV-Brian] This chat will be moderated. To ask a question, just /msg an AV Operator. 
[AV-Emil] I'd like to welcome everyone to AVault's Buldur's gate chat!!  we'd like to thank Bioware for taking the time out to do this, and juding by the turnout it will all have been worth it!  We're going to start the actual moderated chat now.  In order to ask a question, you need to ask one of the "AV" guys, either myself or Brian, and we'll pass on your question to the Bioware guys.   As you can see we're a bit short-handed because of the holiday, so please be patie
[AV-Emil] because the chat is moderated, questions MUST be asked through an AV staffer.  And yes, if you act in a rude or offensive manner, you will be banned.   Soooo..without further ado, let the chat begin!!
[AV-Emil] Note that I took some time typing that (sorry for the typos!) AV-Chris is also on hand to help out!
[AV-Brian] <Punisher|> Are all North American pre-orders@Interplay Web Store getting their games with Fedex or ?
[AV-Emil] <Biggest Tuna> Can we realistically expect to see the game in stores tomorrow?
[AV-Chris] <Biggest Tuna> Q.How long does it take to complete the game?  can you give an estimate in hours?
[bio_ray] Well, to the best of my knowledge yes.  However, frankly we (BioWare) are the developer of the game, and IP is the publisher...so Chris at BIS would be a better person to answer
 [LukeAtBio] As for the game, 140 and up or so, depending on how much you explore. Ray did it all in 160 ish
[bio_ray] It took me about 160-180 hours to finish the game doing most of the subquests (second pass), including reloads
[AV-Emil] <NeD> Will the expansion add new arms/armor/items, or just new areas to explore?
[LukeAtBio] There will be new items/armor/spells/etc, though likely not ones that require new character animations
[AV-Chris] <Anevarais> Q. Will there be a free connection server for the game like Battlenet
[bio_ray] We support GameSpy as well as Heat.net
[Brian] <[JsT]> question for Ray, - When do you think work on BG2 will begin?
[LukeAtBio] Brian: We've been tossing around ideas for potential sequels, but we've a mission pack to concentrate on first
[AV-Emil] <Barney> Will sequels to BG see a switch to a true 3D engine?
[bio_ray] BG2 - should start soon.   I.e. within a month or so I hope.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I had a question about themes....  Some are available already.  Full themes are being worked on...at least the materials have been delivered.
[bio_ray] Not planned for at present...
[Brian] <[Platypus> hi,when Baldurs Gate will be released in Europe?Asking today to my usual software store,they told me January,is it true?
[AV-Chris] <Venom> Are there full grown dragons in the game?  can you tell us more about them?
[LukeAtBio] full grown dragons? you have a deathwish, don't you :)
[bio_ray] No dragons...per se.  There are some variants of them though.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] No dragons....  We do have wyverns...  they are more than enough to challenge a party of the level you will achieve in BG
[AV-Emil] <Rippa> I'm a computer science major -- any advice for getting started in the gaming biz?
[Brian] <Rippa> Hi. I am currently a computer science major in Ohio State. It has been a life long dream to program mainstream computer games, and I
[Brian] was just wondering how you guys got started and any advice you might have for me. Thanks.
[bio_ray] Depends on the role you want.  As a programmer, we tend to look for mature people with degrees, and preferrably industry experience.
[bio_ray] Sorry...as for programmers, I meant.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Programmers usually are in one the roles that are usually in demand in the gaming industry.  The other is 'quality' 3d artists.
[AV-Chris] <AASpawnS> will there be a french version of the game?
[bio_ray] Yes, French version was localized at same time as the other versions.  Full speech and text translation.
[LukeAtBio] yes on a french version
[Brian] <Skee> Will the game support 3dfx? If not, re there any plans for a patch?
[bio_ray] We have discussed implementing the 3D card support to improve spell/performance, and this might happen in a patch or in the mission pack.
[AV-Emil] <Quelreth> In multiplayer, must all players have a full version of the game, or will there be a spawning option?
[bio_ray] No spawning option  - you need full version to ensure that CD data is available.
[Brian] <Gabe> Is there gambling in BG and, if so, how does it work? What gambling games? Is cheating preventing? (reloading until winning)
[bio_ray] Gambling, yes.  Reloading until winning - we spawn in a random number that will be the next result, so yes.
[LukeAtBio] Brian: there is gambling, and like all games of chance you win some and you lose most. You could reload a billion times, but why bother. you're not betting millions here.
[AV-Chris] <Yoshua> What happens to your charatcers when you finish the game?  Can they be used to play the game over again? Will you be able to do anything with them?
[bio_ray] We do a final save right before the final battle and as well export all of the PC characters with the XP from the final battle added to them, for use in MP, sequels, etc.
[LukeAtBio] Yoshua: When the game ends your PC is exported automatically, so you can import him into multiplayer or potentially start a new game with him if you like. Might be more interesting to try a new character though
[Brian] <DrFreeze> Q: How are the fire effects in the game done? are they sprite
[bio_ray] Fire effects - yes, sprites.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Fire effects are sprites.  Many of our effects are sprites.
[AV-Emil] <DrulD> Can NPC thieves steal from you if they are in your party?
[bio_ray] NPC thieves - no they don't steal from you if they are in your party.
[Brian] <Spanky> When is BG gonna be in stores for those who didnt pre-order??
[bio_ray] Chris?  Greg?  Any firm ship dates to mention?
[Big_Tuna] Spanky > I think the game will start to show up tomorrow - I don't expect to see it in broad distribution until next week or later
[Big_Tuna] Spanky > part of the problem is that so many are reserving copies that stores are re-ordering before they even get the product in stock
[Big_Tuna] Spanky > Baldur's Gate is setting pre-order records with EB, Babbages and Interplay (at least)
[AV-Emil] <NoName3D> Why the decision only to have characters go up to 6th level?
[bio_ray] Luke?  Want to answer the XP cap question?
[LukeAtBio] NoName: AD&D characters go through a lot of changes at higher levels, and require different levels of challenges. To properly balance, and to give those changes the tr4eatment they desearve we would need a separate platform for higher level characters
[AV-Emil] <Korbundar>  Are there really hidden spells?  I thought I heard something about "Cowkill"....
[LukeAtBio] Korbundar: shhhhhhh
[LukeAtBio] :)
[bio_ray] Heh.  Yes, but you'll have to find that one for yourself :)
[AV-Chris] <Mihoshi> Have you noticed any significant lag in the game, can you tell us more about Internet performance etc.  How exactly does the Gamespy option work, like Q2?
[bio_ray] Gamespy: exactly like in Q2.  
[Brian] <SethGecko> Is there anything you regret that you couldn't include in the game due to time constraints?
[bio_ray] We wanted to put in an editable journal, which showed the completed quests.  Unfortunately this wasn't possible as it would have required restructuring all of the journal entries from the entire game. Will be in future expansions (i.e. sequels, but not the mission pack).
[LukeAtBio] SethGecko: oh there could always be more to add. AD&D has a huge base to draw from. 
[AV-Emil] <Bap> Do you think the game's system requirements will increase with each expansion pack?
[bio_ray] No, system requirements should stay constant with mission packs.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I don't expect the system specs to increase for the expansion packs or BG2. 
[Brian] <|imbo> someone said just now that everyone has to stay in same screen in multiplayer , is that true ?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] No, multiplayer lets you roam.. 
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] you need to stay within an 'area' though.  One outdoor area is 10x10 game screens.
[bio_ray] You can wander all over a 10x10 area of 512x384 screens (10x10 of these) in MP.  Large area to roam in - only when you leave these 10x10 areas do you all have to be together.  You can enter buildings separately as well.
[LukeAtBio] You do not have to stay on the same screen. You have to stay on the same 8/8, which is 8 screens by 8 screens. 
[bio_ray] 10x10 actually of game area Luke.  8x8 of 640x480.
[LukeAtBio] true, my bad
[Brian] <gone_fishn> What is the max resolution/#of colors the game can use?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] 32-bit color is available to folks with 4mb video cards
[[Brian] can you install BG on one drive, and have it use another partition for cache space?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] You shouldn't need to.  If you have a big partition, do a full install, and it won't need the cache space.  
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Of course... it does need like 2.6 gig of space...  :)
[Brian] <Brother_Amos> What effects will Bards and their Music have in BG?
[bio_ray] Bards raise morale.
[AV-Chris] <Mihoshi> can you give more specific details about Internet performance?  Will people need cable modems to play?  How will it play on a 56k modem etc?
[bio_ray] Min spec for modems is 28.8
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] We've done quite a bit of testing on modems down to 28.8, they all work well.
[Brian] <Pestilence> Any word on that email many people got from digital river about ALL orders being sent FedEx
[bio_ray] Greg?  Want to answer that one.
[Big_Tuna] yes...
[Big_Tuna] It sounds like all FedEx orders have been upgraded to overnight
[Big_Tuna] however UPS still is shipping UPS
[Big_Tuna] Digital River shipped out all the FedEx orders by 7:00 CST (with the last FedEx truck)
[Big_Tuna] They will have all the UPS orders out by midnight
[Big_Tuna] Ray - there was a question on the informal chat about bard's instruments in BG - will there be different instruments?
[bio_ray] No, instruments are undefined - i.e. bard uses whatever kind he wants.
[LukeAtBio] A bards song will also steel you against such things as magical fear somewhat. Very useful I have found
[AV-Emil] <bubba> Will the game be just as fun for all character types?  For example, can a thief hide in shadows, pick pockets, etc. Or is it focused more on combat?
[bio_ray] The game plays quite differently depending on what type of characters you have in your party.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Very differently.
[Brian] <Anevaraias> will any of the characters we know and love from the Forgetten Realms novels make an appearance in the game?
[LukeAtBio] Anevaraias: certainly, there are a number of familiar faces making cameos here and there
[AV-Emil] <Greenslevees> can your characters sit in chairs, like in Ultima 7?
[bio_ray] No sitting in chairs.  No going to the bathroom or picking up forks either (sorry)
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Other NPCs sit in chairs.  Your characters are too busy heroing.
[LukeAtBio] Greensleeves: no, they are too busy adventuring to sit around :)
[AV-Chris] <Fantom> Is there a multiplayer save game feature?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] You can save in mp the same as you save in single player.
[bio_ray] Yes, MP save is there of course.  Save games are transferrable if you want to change servers/leaders.
[Big_Tuna] By the way - I am still checking into the UPS thing - several people have received notices that UPS orders may be upgraded - I have left messages with people who will know for sure - I will update when I have the info
[Big_Tuna] This may have been a special treat from our VP of Sales ;)
[AV-Emil] <Zoss the Padre>  Is TSR strict in what they allow you to build for the game, as far as regions, etc? (Watredeep, et al.)  What kind of input did they have?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] WotC is not too strict.  They support us a lot and offer helpful input.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] We asked to use the Sword Coast because it is hasn't been used in the past.  They thought that was a great idea.
[Big_Tuna] Zoss > TSR wants to make sure that 1) we uphold AD&D quality and 2) we are consistent with what has already been designed
[bio_ray] Very nice people over at WOTC.  Great help.  Sent us a lot of their manuals as well recently - big help.
[Big_Tuna] Zoss > that is why we refered so much to Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast
[LukeAtBio] Zoss: TSR has aproval of storylines, though we could pretty much build wherever we wanted. We could not interfere with ongoing storylines or established figures too much, however. It is unlikely we would go to waterdeep or anotehr hugely traveled area, as we couldn't shake the place up too much :)

[AV-Chris] <Neurotic> Are there any video card incompatibilities you know of?  Specifically have the Matrox issues been fixed?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] All video cards that we have tested work.  
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] There are some directx problems with some cards....
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] in those cases, we have options in the game to turn off some directx hardware calls...
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] using these you can clean up any graphic problems...
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] at least as far as we know.  We've tested on around 40 of the more popular cards.
[bio_ray] We implemented software driver support to allow cards that aren't 100% DirectX compatible (naughty naughty) to work.  Albeit more slowly.
[AV-Brian] <Lothar{SotE}> how are you preventing something similar to the hacking of Diablo happening with mp?
[Big_Tuna] Lothar > we can't prevent hacking, but we CAN prevent hacked players from getting into your game
[Big_Tuna] Lothar > as game leader, you have the option to allow players to join your party and play a character that exists, create a character, or import a character
[Big_Tuna] Lothar > if you let them import a character, you decide if they import the character with stats only, stats and experience, or stats and experience and inventory
[AV-Brian] <Thermopyle> if you install the whole game, do you need to have the cd in to play the game?  or just to start it up?  i tend to listen to other music
[AV-Brian] and the game's sfx while playing.
[bio_ray] To start it up, yes.
[bio_ray] Cd needs to be in to start game up.
[AV-Brian] <EricV> Big_T: Did all the pre-orders make it out by 7:00 CST and if so, are they all going overnight? And if so, when should we be able to get
[AV-Brian] tracking order #'s?
[Big_Tuna] EricV > Last I heard all FedEx orders made it out by 7:00 CST and are in overnight.... but since I can't confirm the info, I don't want people getting too excited
[Big_Tuna] EricV > I CAN say that at least SOME of the pre-orders will get the game tomorrow ;)
[Big_Tuna] EricV > hopefully more than some...
[AV-Chris] <GreenSleeve> Does the music play from the CD - Rebook Audio?  is there 3D sound support, if so which chipsets?  or is the music midi? 
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I wouldn't recommend playing the game with music CDs, unless you've done a full install.  On recommended install, you only need the CD for transistions and start up, but that still means you have to kill your CD music.
[AV-Brian] <Biggest_Tuna> was there ever a point in the development cycle when you stopped, or were forced to stop, and consider whether the game should
[AV-Brian] continue?  Or was the momentum incredibly strong?
[bio_ray] No, we had a lot of support from BIS/Interplay (our publisher) and we shared the same vision of the game.  Chris P has been a huge support as my co-producer down at BIS - hat's off to him for his hard work on the game.  
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Momentum for the game has always been strong... at least at Black Isle.  We always had extreme faith in Bioware and BG.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Thank you, and hats off to you.  Even if you did send me that xmas card....   :)
[bio_ray] You remember to pay me off after this mind you Chris ;)
[bio_ray] Hope you liked it (bwahahahaha!)
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Oh...  I'll pay you back...errrr...off.   :)\
[AV-Brian] <[JsT]>  Can you explain how it will be possible to move characters from single to multi play and back and what it involves
[LukeAtBio] JsT: As for swapping characters, exporting a character to use in multiplayer is as easy as hitting the "export" button. You can then import that character into any game you join. He's only updated when you export again. Characters can only be imported into a SINGLEPLAYER game at the beginning though. Anytime in multiplayer
[AV-Emil] <Mihoshi> Can you tell us what your next non-BG game will be/
[bio_ray] We're working on MDK2 which has been announced already.  Another game is secret...for now.
[bio_ray] We're also working on the BG mission pack.  As well as animation for television/film in our animation division.
[AV-Brian] <spooky> Where are the Drow???   This is Forgotten Realms!
[LukeAtBio] spooky: as player characters they are not appropriate to the story.
[LukeAtBio] As NPC's, well, I never said there were NONE :)  keep your eyes peeled
[Big_Tuna] Oh - quickly one other thing - the snowstorms on the East Coast have been caused as an evil plot by Interplay to increase anticipation of the game even MORE ;)
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I admit it.  IP did in fact alter the weather to increase anticipation for the title.   :)
[AV-Emil] <Azreal COT> How big is the full install?
[bio_ray] 2.4 Gig, I believe
[AV-Emil] gack!
[bio_ray] I know the full install cause I tested it with every rev of the game (gack...takes a long time to install, but well worth the space in terms of fast loads)
[AV-Emil] :0
[AV-Brian] <Moonlight> What is the funiest/weirdest bug have you found during development?
[AV-Emil] <SethGecko> Anything you regret leaving out of the game due to time constraints?
[bio_ray] The SUPER FIREBALL is my fav.  It cast a fireball and spawned in like 7 more fireballs from the central one.  Fried anything nearby.  Including you.
[bio_ray] Almost a feature.  Not quite.
[AV-Brian] <Azrael_CoT> I'd like to ask what Black Isle and BioWare think of towards Diablo II and if they feel that it serves any competition once D2 is
[AV-Brian] released in 99?
[Big_Tuna] Azrael > I will buy Diablo2 in a heartbeat
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Daiblo is a great game.  I loved it anyways.  But BG and Diablo (II) are different games.
[Big_Tuna] Azrael > I think they are very different games
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I will be playing D2 as soon as it comes out.
[Big_Tuna] Azrael > If anything, I hope Diablo gets more people interested in RPG's
[bio_ray] D2 looks very cool.  Got a great demo from the Blizzard folks - very nice people over there.  I love their spell system in D2 myself.
[Big_Tuna] Blizzard lives just down the street from us (in Southern Cal)
[bio_ray] Just down the street from you, 1000 miles away from us.
[bio_ray] Maybe 2000.  Dunno.
[Big_Tuna] (Greg wants Ray and team to move to Orange County)
[AV-Chris] <Jaguar> with 5 cds is there going to be a lot of disk swapping?  How does that all work?
[AV-Brian] <Jaguar> Apparently BG is 5 cds, therefore how often would one have to change CD's?
[LukeAtBio] Jaguar: that depends on how often you are travelling between 1/5th of the world
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Question on cds....  The game world is set up so that you don't have to switch CDs within large areas.  The CDs share some data so that you don't have to switch very often.
[AV-Emil] <DrulD> How many towns are in BG, and how long does it take to travel between two of them (on average) in game time/real time?
[bio_ray] There is one major city and about 5 smaller towns.
[bio_ray] If you've been to the towns before you can travel to them quickly, though we check for random encounters between large areas.
[AV-Brian] <DataStorm> What are the plans for upper level in the series of BG? Level 20 max? 30? Unlimited?
[LukeAtBio] DataStorm: that's all conjecture at this point.
[AV-Chris] <Flame> Does the in game music change periodically?  Is it location specific?
[LukeAtBio] Flame: yes and yes
[AV-Brian] <kry> When will the strategy guide for Baldur's Gate be available?
[Big_Tuna] Kry > It should be available when the game first shows up at store
[Big_Tuna] Kry > maybe slightly later
[Big_Tuna] Kry > It is totally done
[AV-Brian] <MindSpike> If you can keep your character from campaign to join another campaign. What happens when you are in a campaign it is saved, you
[AV-Brian] join another campaign, then later go back to your first... how does this effect the growth of your character??? do you suddenly resume the game
[AV-Brian] with your new beefed up guy??
[LukeAtBio] Mindspike: when you export a character you are exporting a snapshot of him. he is still in the game you left, and you can return to that saved game. If you wish to update that game with a character you have taken elsewhere, you will have to re-import him and replace the existing one. Be sure you don't erase any mission critical items if you do. This can only be done in multiplayer, by the way. You can only import characters into singleplayer at the beginning
[AV-Brian] <_Ishamael> Is there any chance that other parts of the Forgotten Realms universe will be developed (ex. Ice Wind Dale, Menzoranzan,
[AV-Brian] Dragonlance, etc..)
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] That is really a question of our license with TSR.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Our license is for the AD&D world of the Forgotten Realms, which exludes those other campaign settings.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] IP is working on another RPG which uses Bioware's Infinity Engine... the Baldur's Engine... to create a game for the Planescape campaing setting
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Bioware's been helping us with Planescape Torment quite a bit.  It looks gorgeous.
[bio_ray] Yes, Planescape has me quite jealous.  I can't wait to play it myself.  (I love RPG's - am playing F2 <patched> right now)
[AV-Chris] <Elgynn> How large of an area is the game?  How large will the expansion be in comparisson?
[bio_ray] The game world is about 10,000 screens large.  Scrolling areas...there are about 70 large 10x10 (512x384 areas) to walk around in and a number of smaller ones.
[Big_Tuna] Elgynn > I was trying to lay out the game world on the map of the US the other day
[Big_Tuna] Elgynn > it is something like Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts all togethre
[Big_Tuna] Elgynn > totally mapped out
[Big_Tuna] Elgynn > (you are travelling on foot after all)
[AV-Chris] <Designer> How will the Logon process work?  How will people go about finding games/people that they know?
[AV-Brian] <FLaME> So exactly HOW LONG do u think the game takes to finish? I'm hoping past the christmas break at least! :)
[bio_ray] Can take between about 50-75 hours (bare min) to about 180 hours (nearly everything).  Depends on how many subquests you want to do.
[AV-Emil] <Platypus> will there be a support patch for the SB Live! or A3D ?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] BG supports SBLive right now! On ship.  It has EAX support, but not A3D.
[AV-Brian] <Stiletto> when you restore a multiplayer game, do you have to have the exact characters ready to play on?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] The characters are saved on the host system and the clients system.  If somebody is missing from the group, the rest can play on without them.
[LukeAtBio] Stiletto: no. the other player's characters will still be there and the host can assign control of them to someone else, or just boot them out
[AV-Chris] <Nevar> Can you tranpose single and mp games, start as one and go into another?
[LukeAtBio] Nevar: yes, you can export your character and use him in multi
[AV-Brian] Elb> Is there a way to spawn the game for multiplayer only use over a lan from 1 copy of the game?
[AV-Brian] <Nick> Will expansion and future games include character class kits??
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] All of the players in a mp game must have a copy of the game.  You need the CDs to play because of the data that the game reqquires.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] requires even.
[AV-Chris] <mXNinja> will there be a MAC version?
[bio_ray] We are in discussions with MacSoft (spoke to them last week).  nothing definite yet, but they are interested.
[AV-Emil] How big is the manual? Will it have all the stats and stuff?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] The manual has all of the stats and rules that are relevant to the game.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] It was tough compiling it because we were working with volumes of AD&D rules.  Thanks to Ray for the original compilation!
[bio_ray] And to Chris/GregP for a LOT of reworking.  Plus help from WOTC for suggestions.
[LukeAtBio] Manual is around 150-160 pages, and has more stats than you need to know :)
[Big_Tuna] We have just received confirmation - someone has obtained a copy of the game today
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Thanks to Big_Tuna... that is, Greg P for his cleaning up of everything at the end.
[bio_ray] And to Luke, James for a lot of the original content.  Luke in particular edited large sections of the manual as well.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Anyhow, the manual really came together.  Its worth reading... and I hate manuals.
[AV-Emil] <Brother Amos> concerning Charisma. How will it affect buying? In order to get the best deal, will you have to have the character with highest charisma do all the buying, and then trade items around?
[bio_ray] No, the character who does the talking is the one who needs the high charisma (i.e. the leader of your party)
[AV-Chris] <Pred> what has taken up 5 CDs?  Is it Redbook Audio, is there FMV, why so much space used?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] The game is basically 5 CDs of background art.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] We only have about 13 minutes of fmv, and our music is using a compression scheme... so there is no red-book.
[bio_ray] The background art, animations, and sound take up the space.  Animations as in animations of the monsters and characters.  Most of the space is th 24-bit backgrounds (they are non-tiled - i.e. each area is completely unique)
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] The data is primarily the pre-rendered 16-bit areas.
[bio_ray] 24-bit actually Chris.
[AV-Brian] <Elf> Is it true that trees interfere with visibility in combat and that most battles are over before you know it?
[bio_ray] No, you can pause the game at any time, so combat can be as slow or fast as you like.  Autopause as well is helpful if you are a fan of the turnbased style of games.
[AV-Chris] <Fantom> How does chatting work in multiplayer?  Like UO?
[LukeAtBio] Fantom: nope, there is a chat window. text does not appear over characters as in UO
[AV-Brian] <WarPig> Are you concerened that the hype of this game and the expectations people have of it could actually have a negative effect on the final opinions people will form once they play it?   I"m sure this game will be great but you know how people can form their own expectations and be let down if they are not met.
[bio_ray] Well, people will have to play it and see for themselves.  All we have ever done is to try and make a game that we would want to buy and play ourselves.  I think we have done that.
[AV-Brian] <Elf> Is BG as good or alike as Betrayal at Krondor? (which is the best RPG ever)
[bio_ray] One of the few games I played twice actually (BaK)
[LukeAtBio] Elf: since you have such a high opinion of krondor that will be for you to decide. please let us know (BAK was a great game)
[bio_ray] I loved BaK.  Great plot line, great writing.  We certainly hope to be able to live up to that high standard.
[AV-Emil] <Warlock3> I preordered from EB, and then told me everyone who preordered on Monday would get a copy when they come in tomorrow UNLESS Interplay ships a couple extra. I preordered yesterday -- will i be able to get my copy (did Interplay ship a couple extra to each store?)
[Big_Tuna] Warlock > we do not control what goes to the stores - the stores do...
[Big_Tuna] Warlock > we do not randomly send 'extra' copies out - most likely they'd be returned (in every case but BG)
[Big_Tuna] Warlock > so the stores will be getting EXACTLY what they ordered
[AV-Brian] <Red_streak> what are the names of the 5 small towns, which you may visit in BG
[bio_ray] Towns: CandleKeep, Friendly Arm Inn, Nashkell, Beregost, Gullykin
[AV-Chris] <Imajica> Is there LAN support, or do you have to connect to a service?
[bio_ray] We support IPX and TCP/IP as well as serial cable and direct modem to modem
[AV-Brian] <Nick> Any idea on the question of New Zealand release dates that was unanswered?
[LukeAtBio] Hey Big_Tuna, any idea on NewZealand release?
[AV-Emil] <Azrael> How did the beta test go? As good as expected?
[bio_ray] I think we have one here...can't remember the name, but maybe he can message Emil?
[AV-Brian] <CANADA> With the heavy AD&D content, did you ever sit around the offices and play some good old pen(cil) and paper games?
[LukeAtBio] CANADA: Lead Designer James still DM's his own campaign (several years old now). I'm currently in a Champions campaign, myself.
[AV-Brian] <eug1> Do you have to spend alot of time with the game every sitting? Can the game be played for around 15-30 minutes at a time?
[bio_ray] Sure
[AV-Emil] <Belboz> If you're playing a multiplayer game and someone gets disconnected, can they rejoin the game in progress?
[bio_ray] Yes
[AV-Brian] <WarPig> With the initial rules work of TSR down.   Could you forsee this used as a platform for future products where users could design their own campaigns like DM's do in the traditional pen and paper game?
[bio_ray] The editors are not that easy to use...they require a lot of work to make a game.
[LukeAtBio] WarPig: BG is a little unweildly for such a purpose, but we have seen the demand in this area and are taking step to address it, if not in BG, then other areas. Stay tuned :)
[AV-Brian] <Xenogear> will it support Voice Transmission ??
[bio_ray] No
[AV-Brian] <dominic00> Will they have their own free internet , example battle.net which allows people to play free
[bio_ray] Yes, we support GameSpy as well as Heat.net
[bio_ray] And Ministry of Sound in the UK
[AV-Brian] <Lefthand> does it go as far east as Iriaebor?
[bio_ray] Wood of Sharp Teeth is the easternmost area.
[LukeAtBio] Lefthand: no BG is entirely on the sword Coast. BG south to the couldpeaks, east to the wood of sharp teeth
[bio_ray] Cloudpeaks?
[AV-Emil] <ORBZ> Can player characters fight other player characters?  How will characters of different alignments react to one another?
[LukeAtBio] ORBZ: players in the same party can fight as they wish. It is up to you to roleplay your alignments with other  PC's
[bio_ray] Probably pretty co(u)ld too I imagine :)
[Big_Tuna] Oh - another update - it seems like the person who got the game may have driven to Digital River and personally picked it up.... ;)
[Big_Tuna] Everyone is gonna be playing this game before me... man - I tried to reserve an order at EB today and they just laughed ;(
[AV-Brian] <Mihoshi> Totally unrelated to BG but a question to you Ray, Have you ever gotten a look at the L5R (Legend of the Five Rings) RPG and just courious if so would your team ever consider basing a RPG off of it?
[bio_ray] I think I played that a LONG time ago.  Was that on the AppleII?
[AV-Brian] <Mihoshi> No, it is a CCG and a paper and pen based RPG currently, produced by Alderac.
[bio_ray] Ah.  I think there was an RPG on the Apple II with that name as well
[AV-Brian] <Jamboree> I'm getting confused with this shipping deal.  I preordered BG a week ago from EB, will I recieve it Thurs. or Mon.?
[bio_ray] A question for BIS/IP I think...
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I think you will receive the game tomorrow from EB.  But you should call and ask them.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] You cannot save the game if you are in comabat or in a couple special situation.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] situations.
[AV-Brian] VeNoM> I'm loseing the battle, god forbid... can I run away to fight another day?
[bio_ray] Yes.  It's wise to run away if you are being wupped.
[bio_ray] You can always run away.
[AV-Brian] <dominic00> Will there be a anywhere save game?
[LukeAtBio] you can save anywhere as long as there are no hostiles near you.
[AV-Emil] <siliputti>  Will BG eventually make its way to the Dreamcast?
[bio_ray] Can't talk about that :)
[AV-Brian] <eug1> Is there a possibility of this game making it unto a console such a Dreamcast or PSX 2, which all will have network capabilities. Would it be compatible with the pc version?
[bio_ray] Can't talk about that either :)
[bio_ray] Yet.
[AV-Brian] <AAASpawnS> The translation(for the french version) is very good or the english version is better????The french version will be out in store at the same time that the english version????
[LukeAtBio] AAASpawnS: Can't really say how good the french version is as I cannot read it :) I know we had talanted and persevering translators, so it should be just as good as the english
[AV-Emil] <Greensleves> what's the music in BG like? Modern? Medieval? Techno?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] The music is a medieval classical theme.  Its very...big...
[AV-Brian] <Skee> Question: Will monsters follow you into towns? If so, will they attack villagers?
[bio_ray] Yes, sometimes.  But the guards will help.
[AV-Emil] <Skee> For an AD&D newbie, what's a good staring class/race/alignment?
[bio_ray] They're all good classes/races/alignments. Depends on what you want to do.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I would say the easiest to the hardest classes to play are :cleric or fighter, theif, mage.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Mages are definately the most difficult unless you know where you're going
[AV-Brian] <Toronto> once we finish the game will it regenerate a new world for another network game session like in Diablo ?
[bio_ray] No, the game world is not random
[AV-Brian] <Gaijin> in what way is MP different than single,  I thought it was just the same storyline, played with your friends.  If you can export a char into
[AV-Brian] multi, wouldnt it be possible to get above the 6-7 level by playing through multiple times?
[bio_ray] No, there is an XP cap
[bio_ray] Which I only reached in about 150 hours of gameplay
[bio_ray] Maybe 140...can't remember.
[AV-Brian] <Belboz> Thanks Bio,BI,and Interplay for creating a game that will occupy mine and my friends online time for quite awhile. (And tick off my wife!)
[AV-Brian] <dominic00> Will each non player character have a different respond to each character?
[LukeAtBio] Dominic00: yes, different NPC's will react in different fashions
[AV-Emil] >Hawthorne> Can you explain the role of Bioware/Black Isle/Interplay in the whole BG creation process?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Ray, you start... I'll add in from IP's standpoint
[bio_ray] BioWare is the developer.  Black Isle/Interplay is our publisher.  The game content - art, writing, programming, animation - was done at BioWare.  QA, sound, music, and distribution was done down at Black Isle/Interplay
[AV-Brian] <VeNoM> I screwed up... a goblin has killed me, whats the odds for resurrection?
[bio_ray] You can be resurrected if you pay the fee at a temple
[LukeAtBio] The main character cannot be ressurected though. If he dies, the game is over.
[bio_ray] I.e. you reload
[bio_ray] Note that there is an autosave feature which is very handy as well as a quicksave feature
[bio_ray] Save often, trust me.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] You do need to save very often.  With DND, you just never know when somebody is going to critical on you.  Hehe.
[AV-Emil] <MindSpike> Are there any alignment-specific places, items, quests -- available only to a character of a specific alignment?
[bio_ray] No.
[AV-Emil] <Neurotic> any idea when an *interactive* demo will be available?
[bio_ray] ID is under discussion now.  No timeframe available yet.
[AV-Emil] <spooky> How will the game satisfy those gamers disappointed by Descent to Undermountain?  Will you guys revive the D&D license?
[LukeAtBio] spooky: how will it satisfy? by being really really good.
[bio_ray] We had nothing to do with DTU.
[AV-Brian] <Gugo> What are the chances of BG being made into an online game like UO?
[bio_ray] Can't talk about that :)
[Bio-JohnG] Can't talk about that :)
[Bio-JohnG] On-Line I mean
[AV-Brian] <Nick> How important is religion will the Gods from Forgotten Realms take a active part in the BG world, ie. clerics choose patron deities?
LukeAtBio] Nick: the PC will not be choosing a specific deity in BG. There are many NPC's that reflect the beliefs of specific gods however, and they will act accordingly.
[AV-Emil] <Korbundar> How stocked is the game with magical items?  will they be encountered frequently? Are there any artifacts?
[bio_ray] No artifacts.  Your characters are only up to level 7-8.  Lots of magic stuff though.  Low level, fun though!
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] There is a good amount of magic in the game.  But there aren't anything nearly as powerful as an aritfact!
[bio_ray] Artifacts will have to wait until a sequel...
[AV-Brian] <Yoshua> Quick question, is it possible to run out of npc's to fight ?
[bio_ray] Run out of NPC's to fight...?  Well, you can finish the game.   But there are always some random encounters, rare though they are.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] You could try to kill every NPC in the game.  But it doesn't come highly recommended... the law will eventually come to take care of you....
[AV-Emil] <spooky> are there critical hits?
[bio_ray] Yes, there are critical hits
[AV-Brian] <Toronto> if it takes 140 hours to finish the game. how will it be possible to finish it online ? are the online dungeons the same as the in the offline session ?
[bio_ray] Yes, same dungeons and game story in SP and MP.
[bio_ray] The backgrounds are non-tiled
[LukeAtBio] Toronto: you will be playing with your group for a long time if you are setting out to finish that game. That is what we wanted, a return to AD&D where you gathered as a party to complete a story.
[AV-Brian] <Biggest_Tuna> are there seasons in the game?  how much does weather affect thing beyond atmospheric effects?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] No seasons in the game.  There is weather based on the location you are in the game world.
[bio_ray] Weather doesn't really affect anything.  It's there for immersion.
[AV-Brian] <Skee> Last one and Im out-e. Is the game dedicated to anyone? And, thanks for your time here, and the XMAS "gem".
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] The dedication of the game would belong to Bioware.  Its really their baby.
[bio_ray] It's dedicated to the great RPG's of the past, and several of our favourite writers: Jack Vance, Fritz Leiber, and Gary Gygax (for the original concept of AD&D)
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] I'm very happy to have worked on it, but its really theirs.
[AV-Brian] <CANADA> a sequel?  how long?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Play this one for now.  We'll be working on a schedule for a sequel, and we want to finish it soon, but we need to all take some time and think about it first.  The expansion pack is our first order of priority.
[AV-Emil] <spooky> Any really expensive items to buy if you accrue a lot of treasure? Can you buy a house or boat?
[bio_ray] No
[LukeAtBio] spooky: no houses or boats though there are some rather exotic items that will take a large portion of your wealth. Adventuring is expensive as well, and you will need to keep yourself in potions and whatnot :)
[AV-Brian] <Basco> In Multiplayer, and you log off during battle, does your character remain in the game for a certain amount of time or logs off right away??
[bio_ray] The character is then controlled by the leader, unless you delete that character
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] If everybody logs out during a battle, you will go back to your last save.  
[AV-Brian] <[SR]Vslanter> 1 or 2 expansion packs ?
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Can't answer on the number of expansion packs.
[ChrisAtBlack_Isle] Can say that if we were to do 2 expansions, it would certainly impact the sequel.
[AV-Emil] If you get disconnected, can you rejoin a game in progress?
[KevAtBio] Emil, yes...
[AV-Brian] <Gugo> How do you define the difference between a sequel and an expansion?
[bio_ray] An expansion plugs into the main game.  A sequel is a whole new main game.
[LukeAtBio] \Gugo: and expansion expands upon the current world with a few new areas and plotlines. It is not intended to be as large as teh main game. A sequel is an entirely new areaa and main plot.
[AV-Emil] <voron> any poison in the game?
[bio_ray] Yes, there is poison.  
[AV-Brian] <GreenSleeves> Will the music consist of little activity-specific tunes like Ultima 7, or repeating tracks?
[KevAtBio] Brian, activity-specific music, depending on if you're in battle, in a city, forest, etc...
[AV-Brian] <dominic00> What are the magic elements in the game ?
[LukeAtBio] dominic00: that's a wide open question. There are many many spells and items.
[AV-Brian] <Elf> If in MP two people have a duel, will each one be able to pause? and will the other one be able tu unpause?
[LukeAtBio] Elf: who has the ability to pause is assigned by the host. If someone else pauses, then yes, another person could unpause.
[bio_ray] Ability to pause is assignable by the server.
[AV-Brian] <TrIp_In> Can you go to waterdeep in BG?
[LukeAtBio] Trip_In: no, waterdeep would be a game unto itself. We will not likely go to such a palce though, as there has been too many stories told there naw for us to really cut loose. We couldn't shake the tree too hard there, or we would disturb TSR plots, and we cannot do that.
[AV-Emil] <sorith> Can you choose your own character icon like in the old Gold Box games?
[bio_ray] You can create your own custom portraits and sounds. and share them with other people MP.  We do that all the time.  RIght Kevin?
[Bio-JohnG] Nothing better than playing ASH
[Bio-JohnG] "Ooohh you little bastards!"
[KevAtBio] I have quite an <ahem> extensive list of custom portraits and sounds (email me if 'ys want any!)...
[KevAtBio] (And yes, I even have Rays!)
[bio_ray] You have what?
[Bio-JohnG] all the portraits are Bruce Campbell, Johnny Bravo or porn stars...basically life boiled down to its essence :)
[bio_ray] I don't recall making any custom portraits...wait a minute!
[AV-Brian] That's what happens when you pass out ray!
[KevAtBio] My email is kevin@bioware.com
[KevAtBio] for who want my custom sound sets (and Rays)...
[AV-Brian] <dominic00> Will there be magical items that has special effect ?
[LukeAtBio] dominic: yes
[AV-Brian] <TrIp_In> Do you meet elminster the mage?
[bio_ray] Maybe :)
[LukeAtBio] Trip_In: he makes an appearance here and there, as do other FR regulars
[LukeAtBio] What he's up to is his business :P
[AV-Brian] <labsy> Is the terrain deformable? Like if you cast a fireball in a group of trees they will burn to a crisp.
[AV-Emil] <BardGypsy> can you charm or pickpocket from fellow PCs?
[bio_ray] Yes to charm/pickpocket.  No to deformable terrain
[AV-Emil] <revolve> Can you stote stuff in a chest and then come back to it later?  are there banks?
[bio_ray] Yes, and no
[AV-Brian] <Phoenix20> Hello I have only one question, I got a 19 inch monitor and im worried that its gonna looks pixelated with a 640x480 res....could you help me with my question plz?
[AV-Emil] <phoenix20> i have a 20 inch monitor. will the game look pixelated at 640x480?
[KevAtBio] Emil, no...
[LukeAtBio] Looks amazing on our 21 :)
[AV-Brian] <labsy> Is there a way to access the 4th or 5th spells in game? If so, how?
[LukeAtBio] scrolls
[AV-Emil] <Greensleeves> will you see or participate in LARGE battles in BG (with armies)
[LukeAtBio] GreenSleeves: no armies. This is AD&D down and dirty personal.
[AV-Emil] <labsy> Scrolls are temporary. Can you memorize or pray for them?
[LukeAtBio] labsy: a single class mage can reach level 7, gaining a slot for a 4th level spell.
[LukeAtBio] clerics can hit 7th as well
[bio_ray] I have to run as well.  Thanks to Avault for hosting it, and thanks to you guys - the fans.  We are in your debt.  I hope that we have given you something that you will enjoy!  Thanks also to the team for their hard work on BG!
[AV-Emil] ray, thanks again for coming! have a great holiday!
[AV-Emil] Guys, I think the turnout for this chat has been a new record for AVault, and we want to thank everyone for attending, and everyone at Black Isle/Bioware/Interplay for making it what it was! We are now officially ending the moderated chat. The chat room will remain open, unmoderated, for as long as the respective BG people can stick around. thanks again!
