Keen and Graev’s Podcast Episode 4

PodcastIt’s time for another installment in the Keen and Graev Podcast! We’re up to episode 4 now and it feels like only yesterday that we first sat down to begin recording our first episode. This Episode’s timing was perfect with the launch of Halo 3 so you can expect to hear all about our adventure as we begin our quest to obtain the coveted game. Along with Halo 3 we have some interesting discussion on in-game advertisements and a new section on looking back at the classics. As always our Podcast is available right here from our Blog.  We hope you enjoy the show!

Episode 4 Notes:

Introduction

Console Stuff

  • Halo 3 – Our adventure at midnight, impressions, and rabid fanboy discussion.
  • Saints Row 2 – Hallelujah!

PC Gaming

  • Metaplace – For the real gamer? Discussion on what it is, what it might become, and Raph Koster’s new MMO.
  • PotBS Release date – Yo ho ho!
  • Warhammer Online – In-game ads? No thanks.

Looking Back at the Classics

  • The Realm – Our first MMORPG and how it paved the way to the future.

  • I just want to clarify a few things for you guys =)

    First of all – Metaplace is actually quite a bit different than ActiveWorlds. First of all, ActiveWorlds was client based to a point. It was developed alongside the web, not on top of it (sort of just like Second Life). It allowed you to make a world, but you couldn’t make GAMES within it.

    Metaplace allows you to create a game even if you haven’t programmed before. You can start with an RPG stylesheet, which might come with the RPG UI, a leveling system, hitpoint system, standard NPC prototypes, etc. From there – you can edit the art and assets however you want. Say you want to add climbable trees – you can import a climbable trees module that will add that function to your world. Say you are a programmer and you know how to script — then there is no limit to what you can do with your game. We are as open as it gets.

    Second, you both referred several times to “true gamers.” I think you’re going to have to provide your definition of what you consider a true gamer — because you seem to have a really limited and narrow focus within the context of your podcast. So a true gamer isn’t my friend who spends 40 hours a week playing Pogo, earning badges, meeting friends? A true gamer isn’t myself – someone who plays anything from casual browser games to expansive client downloadable MMOs for a few hours a week? A true gamer isn’t my 40 year old friend who has been trying to put together a team to build an MMO for the past 7 years unsuccessfully because of the difficulty in creating one?

    ‘True gamers’ (regardless of the definition) should be eating up this idea. The idea of putting MMO creation in the hands of the people who know MMOs the best: people like Keen and Graev, Darren at TCSG, Brent at VW, etc. This isn’t just a place to create a virtual apartment….we’ve been fooling around with clones of Tetris, Mario, Boulderdash, SubSpace, Tower Defense, etc. And yes, we’re making Raph’s game too – which will be a full blown MMO comparative to a lot of the games you think “true gamers” are waiting for 😉

    Thanks for the coverage guys, I always enjoy listening to your podcast. =)

  • In editing I think a lot more explanation of the ‘true gamer’ talk was removed. Completely poor choice of verbage on our part. Most of the time in the podcast when I was saying “True gamer” I was making air quotes to Graev (something that doesn’t translate well across the air) to somewhat signify that, for example, a true gamer would only play WoW. Most know that saying true gamers only play wow is more of a sarcastic jab at WoW than it is a slight at other MMO’s who aren’t like WoW. I’m confusing I know.. True gamers come in MANY shapes, sizes, and playstyles. Those true to the 3d “WoW clones” were the subject of that “True Gamer” terminology. 🙂

    *EDITED IN* I think another way to describe the gamer tag above would be “Hardcore Gamer”. It’s somewhat trendy and often completely subjective as well, but a “Hardcore Gamer” vs. a “Casual” or “Fluff” gamer might bring more clarity to this really murky subject.

    I like that in Metplace you’re allowing for the dummies like myself who have zero programming experience to be capable of creating games with standard stylesheets.

    One question still remains unanswered for me though and that’s the graphical presentation for Metaplace. On the website it says “Metaplace will support everything from 2d overhead grids through first-person 3d. However, right now we only have clients that do 2d of various sorts, including grid view, 2d isometric, 2.5d heightfields, and so on. We expect to keep working on the 3d client support.”

    The 3d client is what interests me the most in Metaplace. The opportunity to create a 3d world vs. a 2d one is the difference between night and day. What engine or approach to graphics will the standard client be? An EQ2ish realism or a WoW cartoon look? I assume it’s completely customizable if you have the skills. As someone without the skills I’ll be completely relying on others or the standard stylesheets. So much potential (scary word!) that I’m actually really REALLY excited.

    Now as for the Raph Koster game… I’m a HUGE Raph fan. I think what he did for SWG and Ultima Online was right up my alley of interests. I can’t wait for that cat to be out of the bag. 😉

    Thanks for taking the time to clarify and explain for us Cuppy. 🙂

  • I’m going to have to go out on a limb (and this isn’t representative of Areae in any way) and say that the ability to do 3D is the LEAST interesting to me. Considering what companies have done lately WITH the ability to 3D, it has really proven to me that fun in games has very little to do with the graphics and more about:

    1) Who I’m playing with
    2) Level of fun in the game.

    In fact, in the last two weeks…4/5 of the games I’ve played aren’t even 3D! Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest VIII, Peggle, Kingdom of Loathing, and Children of Mana. Yes, most are old school — but why does it seem like the old school games are the ones that are the most fun? Hmm….

    I personally can’t wait to see old school-eque RPG’s on Metaplace. =)

  • Just want to say that I think this is your best podcast yet guys. You are sounding a lot more comfortable on the mic and just the two of you did great this week.

    You didn’t happen to pick up a cold beverage beforehand, did you?

    @Cuppy – Completely agree that we are going to see some cool RPGs on MP. In fact, I can’t wait to see if it is in fact a portal between worlds (IE: Blog-o-sphere community)and the way people choose to represent themselves by creating their world.

  • Lol well that got you listening I guess *looks around*

    I’ll be sure that the second a release date (not just a pre-order date) is known that it will be posted in big bold letters. 😉

  • What will make Metaplace even better is if you can download your finished MMORPG &host it on your own server, just like current day MMO’s.

    This would -open it up-
    & allow more freedom, letting you distribute your games how you want…and can let metaplace handle it all if you so desire.

    The framework/support from metapalce btter be able to handle a no-shard, 500,000 simultaneous player high detail FPS realtime MMORPG 😉

    Seriously, it better.
    If it will, tell me…tell me now!