Command & Conquer 3 Community Summit - EALA Studios

[Guest Rabbit]

It will be going on from the 10th to the third. This will feature an in depth explanation of the third side and some other activities, just one of those yearly events we see brought exclusively from EALA studios!

 

Also, we have a mission report straight from Predator!

 

We have Operation Rescue APOC happening at an undisclosed time tomorrow. I have to get to the commander and let him know that APOC’s troops are coming in and expecting a swift rescue. We have finally nailed his position and are going in with guns blazing. Nod has no idea.

 

Wish Apoc luck!

 

 

Also, please feel free to post any questions or comments you want me to take to EALA studios, for the summit. If you have any questions about the third side, the game in general, or, any comments or concerns, feel free to post them here!

[vyper 0]

thanks hypnotist!

 

i'd like you to ask about :

 

- how the game takes strategic AND tactical gameplay forward with special emphasis on the tactical part ( I mean, I wouldn't want it to be just ' make the right number of units with the right combination and you have a good chance of winning')

 

- frame rate/slowdowns specially as this has been happening with ATI owners in past EALA games

 

-the camera - the degree of zoom and rotation and how far you can zoom out because generals default was just too close, i liked red alert's view distance and whether you can easily and smoothly change your camera zoom/angle

 

- will the avatar rip out weapons in a cool animation or will it be like the GLA in generals.

 

- will aircraft just stand in 1 position and take fire or will they try to dodge enemy fire.

 

- dual core/quad core processor support and is c&C taking advantage of these advances in processors.

 

-will we be able to combine our own units and make a kind of super unit. (the avatar's thing is a kind of upgrade, i'm talking about combination)

[TheBlackOut 7]

Do you plan on making economy gathering a mode in skirmish?

 

Also the dual-core question is a great one, not many games (none so far?) take advantage of dual-core and now quad-core is here!

 

Who do you think are C&C 3's big competitors?

 

Will you SUPPORT C&C 3 well into its life or it will it be another ZH where bugs run rampid forever?

[comander starlin 6]

A) you lucky SO*

 

are they going to make a dedicated server for old school gamer eg, Turtler's

 

C) will teem speak be available for the PC version as well?

[TheRoadToDawn 0]

Here are my questions:

 

A. Will there be different types of tiberium lifeforms?

 

B. Are there any more units or structures (that haven't been revealed yet) for the three sides?

 

C. Will units have animation upgrades? (instead of slap on upgrades like in Gen or ZH)

 

D. Will we see more cough*MECHS*cough, excuse me i ment Ion Storms or Meteor Showers? :wink:

 

E. A solid C&C3 release date?

 

F. What are the Scrin (or aliens) capable of? Are they just as advanced as we discussed in the forums?

 

G. Will there be sub-sides? I know that mutants live in holes, but can you capture abandoned CABAL cyborg factories that are just as similar to the holes?

 

H. What variety of Tech Structures will be in C&C3?

 

I. Tell Pred cough*APOC*cough that we (CNCNZ community) said hi! :lol:

[CnCBacano 0]

Ok

 

1- Will the disruptor tech make a return ?

 

2- And what about the firestorm defence ?

 

3- will we see old bases from the past games ?

 

4- Nod infantry - only militants and Black Hand? What about the regular boys from TS ? More about Nod infantry.

 

I guess its all :wink:

[TheBlackOut 7]

are they going to make a dedicated server for old school gamer eg, Turtler's

 

C) will teem speak be available for the PC version as well?

 

im sorry wtf? :S

 

Server? Last i know this will be like ZH where you create a game and people join. We already know there is rushing, turtling, and other modes, so when you create a game, just tick it turtling I would think..

 

For teamspeak? Wtf? Teamspeak is a totally seperate program. You mean VoIP? Way back they already said they would have that in C&C 3, way before even the Xbox version news was released.

[Demolition man 0]

will there be weather changes? (day, night, ion storm etc)

[Saracen 16]

The answer to that one is yes. Everything you mention there will be in this game.

 

And to the rest of you guys, I can answer a number of these questions myself. Might not be the official word, but with numerous discussions I've had with Predator over the last few months, I can provide solid answers.

 

Ahh what the hell, here comes a double post:

[Saracen 16]

how the game takes strategic AND tactical gameplay forward with special emphasis on the tactical part ( I mean, I wouldn't want it to be just ' make the right number of units with the right combination and you have a good chance of winning')

 

The game's AI engine has been much refined. Although not discussed in huge detail, the AI will be adaptive to your actions and decisions on the battlefield. So while it's rushing and/or turtling it'll also be looking at ways to counter what you build. This will include selecting upgrade's the AI deems necessary for the task of holding you back or even destroying you.

 

frame rate/slowdowns specially as this has been happening with ATI owners in past EALA games

 

I've been an ATI owner for quite some time now and have not experienced such problems. However the problems that are caused are 2-fold in that EA work closely with Nvidia to ensure compatibility on a high level. They do not work with ATI, at the end of the day it's really the responsibility of the card manufacturers and ATI in general to ensure that their chipsets and cards are compatible with the games on the market. and should not fall into EA's hands as a major responsibility.

 

the camera - the degree of zoom and rotation and how far you can zoom out because generals default was just too close, i liked red alert's view distance and whether you can easily and smoothly change your camera zoom/angle

 

This will more than likely remain the same. The SAGE engine is a formula that has worked well in the past and it will continue to do so. While the engine has been upgraded in the graphical department, there are no major plans to change how the camera system works.

 

will the avatar rip out weapons in a cool animation or will it be like the GLA in generals.

 

The plan is to make as many fluid unit animations as possible. This was more commonplace in BfME2 than it's predocessor or even Generals, so the Avatar should show this.

 

will aircraft just stand in 1 position and take fire or will they try to dodge enemy fire.

 

The infantry cover mechanic has been extended to some mechanical units, however as it stands, the orca still takes fire on the spot with very little or no avoidance to incoming projectiles.

 

dual core/quad core processor support and is c&C taking advantage of these advances in processors.

 

Short and simple answer. No.

 

will we be able to combine our own units and make a kind of super unit. (the avatar's thing is a kind of upgrade, i'm talking about combination)

 

Combinations cause all sorts of problems with gameplay balancing. As it stands there are a pre-set number of upgrades for a certain amount of units for each side. This is the most balanced way of doing things, and there will only be a certain number of upgrade slots per unit.

 

Will you SUPPORT C&C 3 well into its life or it will it be another ZH where bugs run rampid forever?

 

HAHAHAHA... yeah good question. The answer will more than likely be the same as the BfME 2 answer we got last year, which will be. "We look to improving our long term support of this product, be it in patches as bugs are found or in expansion packs which we will be setting out to make plans for".

 

Who do you think are C&C 3's big competitors?

 

Rhetorical question really. You have the likes of Supreme Commander, World in Conflict to name a couple... other than that, nothing will really touch this game, it's sorta found a comfortable niche within 2007.

 

Do you plan on making economy gathering a mode in skirmish?

 

You're gonna have to look it up cos I cannot remember from memory, but the same single player and multiplayer modes that were in BfME2 will be making a comeback in C&C 3.

 

are they going to make a dedicated server for old school gamer eg, Turtler's

 

No. This game will be powered by Gamespy for online gaming and although they can name servers for turtlers/rushers. You cannot prevent people of either stance not to stick to one server in pursuit of a win.

 

Will there be different types of tiberium lifeforms?

 

Well Visceroids are in (Thanks to yours truly) and there will be other wildlife wandering the Tiberium plains. This is one for hypnotist to answer since this ties in with the Aliens and the upcoming news.

 

Are there any more units or structures (that haven't been revealed yet) for the three sides?

 

Loads, we still do not have 100% word on the Temple of Nod, none of the base structures have really been 100% confirmed with exception to the one's the fans can recognise, and the whole Alien Arsenal is still to come, which should be a big part of the Dec 19th dateline.

 

I'll answer more later, it's getting late :wink:

[TheRoadToDawn 0]

How long have you been talking to EA? :eh:

 

I knew someone was holdin back. LOL :wink:

[comander starlin 6]

um i also want to know more about veterancy ? and how it works in this game.

[vyper 0]

hehe thanks cnc king but i'm still waiting (and hoping) for the official answers.

 

However with regards to tactical gameplay i meant , just to take 1 example, will we be able to build a wall somewhere and hence create an artificial cover point for infantry/some vehicles? the AI thing is good but what can the player himself do in terms of tactics?

 

And secondly, since u get to talk to predator alot , this game SHOULD support dual core. i mean quad core is out and cnc must take advantage of pc power. i hope this doesnt have to do with the game coming out on consoles too.

[Publix666 0]

wow man its sounding great so far...cant wait for the rest.

 

I reallydont have any questions or anything like that, ill take whatever they give...ive been waiting for this game for a looong time. Id just like to know more on these "aliens". and if there here to take over the earth, and they are scrin then kane mustve failed in their eyes eh?

[Sonic 296]

How long have you been talking to EA? :eh:

 

I knew someone was holdin back. LOL :wink:

When your running these sites we sort of find out all this information before you guys see it appearing in the news and across all the fan sites.

[Guest Rabbit]

Well, I'm off in about 3 hours guys! Wish me luck! Luckily, I'll get internet time while I'm there, so I'll keep y'all updated.

[Saracen 16]

OK, more answers from me:

 

Will we see more cough*MECHS*cough, excuse me i meant Ion Storms or Meteor Showers? :wink:

 

I've got as much clue on this as you guys have at the moment. Each side has one mech (juggernaut and Avatar) although I've heard somewhere that Nod might have an extra mech up their sleeves.

 

As for Ions Storms, they'll be making a strong comeback. Red Zone's will more than likely have Ion Storms 80-100% of the time making air flight almost impossible. Yellow Zone's will be about 40-60% of the time dependant on the affected area. And blue Zone's will be between 0-20% of the time.

 

Meteor Storms I haven't really got anything on, but they intensify as the campaign goes on since the Aliens will require as much of Earth as they can get.

 

A solid C&C3 release date?

 

No chance yet. Until things actually hit February when the game goes gold there's no clue. It might not even make March yet. But providing everything goes to plan at this Beta stage, then my best guess is March 20th.

 

What are the Scrin (or aliens) capable of? Are they just as advanced as we discussed in the forums?

 

Tiberium is the epicenter of Alien life. I'm not sure how the mechanics will work exactly. But the Scrin will be like the GLA in a sense. The Aliens will not require Tiberium to fund their war effort in a monetary sense. Instead it'll be more like a power acquisition. The more power acquisition they have, the more they can build. It's difficult to explain but the Aliens will not have an economy, this is more like their food.

 

As to what they're capable of? This image sums it up I think. You have a scrin "primal" which is the Scrin's strongest flying units within the confines of a Tiberium Field. This is how close the Scrin relationship is with Tiberium. Getting near Scrin in a Tiberium Field is like sending a tank rush into a valley of obelisks.

 

Will there be sub-sides? I know that mutants live in holes, but can you capture abandoned CABAL cyborg factories that are just as similar to the holes?

 

While mutants have been confirmed, it is unknown what their interaction will be with the player. It's seemingly more than likely that since GDI only cares for those in the Blue Zones, and Nod caused them the pain, they're just gonna be one huge pain in the ass fighting for their own cause once again.

 

As o Cabal... he may have something to do with this game, but he won't be a side. More than likely he'll be under control as Nod's equilivent to EVA once again.

 

What variety of Tech Structures will be in C&C3?

 

I ain't got a clue on this one. Will be one for Zee Hypnotist to answer when he gets back from his hands on experience. Yes he's actually going to play the damn game!

 

Will the disruptor tech make a return ?

 

I've heard somewhere that it will. But as it's 15 years into the future I imagine GDI will have a unit which is just a moving platform which you can stick any upgrade weapon you wish on it.

 

And what about the firestorm defence?

 

Not likely to be making a comeback. EA have some other technologies for GDI's base defensive capabilities and it's more than likely to be an expansion on the SDI program. Since GDI have about 64 Ion Cannons in Earth's orbit.

 

Although I have seen a rocket of some kind on one of the GDI structures. I have a feeling this will be similar to a patriot missile defense system for shooting nukes outta the sky before they hit.

 

will we see old bases from the past games?

 

This is more of a cosmetic addition, and I doubt these will return.

 

Nod infantry - only militants and Black Hand? What about the regular boys from TS ? More about Nod infantry.

 

Nod will have their standard gunner infantry, Rocket Soldiers and flamethrower fellas. Militants will operate similar to GLA mobs, but will have more use (I hope). Black Hand will be the snipers and the commandos.

 

Any information on the Aliens will come. I'm not been told anything, Zee Hypnotist will have all the info on that this time around.[/img]

[CnCBacano 0]

Thanks King :wink:

 

Interesting . The aliens economy is about the power acquisition ( Necrons ). Well lets see what zee as to say about this stuff

[Guest Rabbit]

Well, I can't really say much for some time to come, I can ask questions you guys have, but I have to sign an agreement saying I won't tell you guys anything until a specified date.

 

Right now I'm in my hotel using someone elses computer. I can tell you that I will have a podcast or two coming up, after speaking with assassin at C&C Source, we have a plan to make a video podcast previewing his mod for Zero Hour, called Tiberium Rizing. All I can tell you for now though

[comander starlin 6]

mint that sound awrsome. rock on.

[Mario 0]

 

The game's AI engine has been much refined. Although not discussed in huge detail' date=' the AI will be adaptive to your actions and decisions on the battlefield. So while it's rushing and/or turtling it'll also be looking at ways to counter what you build. This will include selecting upgrade's the AI deems necessary for the task of holding you back or even destroying you.

 

[/quote']

 

That mean its likely to be B*****D Hard?

[Saracen 16]

No, it means it isn't just gonna sit back and take it up the ass while you attempt to rush it. Play Dawn of War, the AI in that is how things should be done. It' attacks, it defends, retreats, pursues, builds the whole tech tree and can become a right pain in the backside.

 

I love it! :wink:

[TheRoadToDawn 0]

Here is a question that I cannot believe I have ever asked or discussed in the forums! :shock:

 

*Will C&C3 have auto-map makers for skirmish games (like the ones similar to TS/FS and more technical than RA2/YR)!

[TheBlackOut 7]

Lol, multi-quote feature looking good, eh King?

 

How long have you been talking to EA? :eh:

 

I knew someone was holdin back. LOL :wink:

When your running these sites we sort of find out all this information before you guys see it appearing in the news and across all the fan sites.

 

*thinks bout running CNCUSA...*

 

Here is a question that I cannot believe I have ever asked or discussed in the forums! :shock:

 

*Will C&C3 have auto-map makers for skirmish games (like the ones similar to TS/FS and more technical than RA2/YR)!

 

I just wish for the days of good 'ole RA map makers where you didn't have to script the AI!

 

I didnt like those things too much, they were a lot... But they'd put crap where I wouldn't want it to go.

[Saracen 16]

Here is a question that I cannot believe I have ever asked or discussed in the forums! :shock:

 

*Will C&C3 have auto-map makers for skirmish games (like the ones similar to TS/FS and more technical than RA2/YR)!

 

I asked this in last year's BfME 2 community summit and put it forward as an idea. The response was somewhat mixed. While EA told me it was possible, but something that would be far from simple. No developer has really pulled this sort of thing off in a 3D engine as yet.

 

But they assured me there would be plenty of developer created maps in BfME 2 and in future titles. Plus they would continue to improve world-builder to be a much more user friendly program. With this in mind, they would continue to support the mod and map making communities to ensure a healthy supply of maps in all titles present and future.

 

Then it was rounded up with a rehash. They would look for continued support and see whether it is a viable option which their current resources could work on. It's possible, but just not at this point in time, especially one that will work the way they want it to.