?
<ACTIVISION> hello, Im kelly Zmak the producer of the MWII project, I
am also with one of my programmers and the CS rep for Activision. The MWII
project is being done inhouse to control the quality and to make sure
the project is a true Mechwarrior simulator

There are 10 people on the development team and each of them is excited about
the possibilities. The design revolves around a 3space combat engine, the
goal is to give the user a realistic combat experience. Our focus for this
product is combat, and in as much there will be less role playing associated
with this while staying true to the BattleTech universe.

What we are looking from you tonight is feedback regarding the current project
and as we get into the discussion we may also discuss the future projects. So
enough for our opening remarks, shall we begin the questions?

<J.HANKINS3> i want to know if you will include clan mechs in the new
game. Also what tech level will it be set in.

<ACTIVISION> we are including 16 clan mechs in this product, the name of the
product is MechWarrior II The Clans. 3055 will be the setting

<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> Does anyone from the development team read the btech novels
or play the game to get a true feeling of being a mech warrior?

<ACTIVISION> Yes, required reading for all team members. Some of us have been
playing Btech for years.

<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> also are there going to be mission ext to game GA

<ACTIVISION> Yes we are trying to get a feel for the honor and glory of
being a clan member. Yes we intend to produce add-on disks for the product.
There will be a career path to follow if that helps to clarify

<F.VARBEL> is it going to be more RPG like than the original?

<ACTIVISION> Negatory, this game is going to be a combat simulator

<[Lt.Gen.Feyth] T.DITTO> Thank you for comming ACTIVISION. Will MWII have
modem support? And will it be VGA SVGA what....gotta know... gotta know<G>

<ACTIVISION> Yes there will be modem support, and we will be in VGA
mode, this product is a real time renderer and any higher resolution would
crawl with the current machine speeds available.

<[Talon] T.DALEY1> Which side will we be playing?

<ACTIVISION> You will be able to choose the clan that you are fighting
for and the focus will be clan to clan combat.

<[Talon] T.DALEY1> also what is the recommended comp setup GA

<ACTIVISION> Well... Get the fastest CPU you can afford and get a killer video
card. But the minimum will be a 386

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> Had a nice flash, Bloodname Competion Module <G>. My
question centers around Mission building. will we get a mission builder and
how do you see it working. GA

<ACTIVISION> First of all we have had the same flash about bloodname. There is
no mission builder planned for this product, but there are add-on career disks
in the hopper and a mission builder is a possibility

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> Will there be a beta test... GA and Done

<ACTIVISION> We do not often use outside beta testers, but under the
circumstances... we may use them on this project, please submit a request, and
we will keep them on file until we get to that stage of the development.

<[Nightshade] R.JOHNSTON14> okay, I need to know, do you get to be
InnerSphere at all in this? GA

<ACTIVISION> No, InnerSphere is planned for MechWarrior Houses, due for 94
release.

<[Nightshade] R.JOHNSTON14> will there be infernoes and Hand to Hand Combat?

<ACTIVISION> There are no infernoes in the product, as they present an
imbalance in gameplay. Hand to hand combat is currently no planned for this
product, just Mech to Mech.

<[Cap. Vega*M*] S.ACACCOR> i take it the game is modeled after MW.. how come i
never saw MW?

<ACTIVISION> You must have missed it, if you would like to see the product it
is available... in a bundle deal currently available from Activision (thanks
for the opening for the plug>

<[Cap. Vega*M*] S.ACACCOR> when was it realeased and is it a modem game?

<ACTIVISION> It was first released in '89 and does not support modem play.
It was a 3space simultor with a funky FRP shell

<[Cap. Vega*M*] S.ACACCOR> FRP?

<ACTIVISION> Fantasy Role Playing

<[Cap. Vega*M*] S.ACACCOR> oh! 8-) :: slapping forehead ::

<ACTIVISION> take it easy on yourself, ;)

<[Cap. Vega*M*] S.ACACCOR> will MWII have units like BT? ga

<ACTIVISION> We are planning on supporting two complete stars of Mechs,
10 total Mechs

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> I would like to know if you are going to support the
new joysticks out there on the market?

<ACTIVISION> Our top end will be the complete Thrustmaster system, if
they make it we are going to support it.

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> Hey, that's great! ....

<ACTIVISION> yeah, Rudder pedals are cool!

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> <VEG> who's going to print your Manual?

<ACTIVISION> We are doing an in house design and it will include tech
specs.

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> ok but who is going to do the printing?

<ACTIVISION> International Products Corp. (Actually Frobozz Magic Printing,
Co.)

<[Slicer] R.INSERRA> will mw2 Houses be able to interlock with the Clans?

<ACTIVISION> Yes, Yes and once again Yes!

<[Slicer] R.INSERRA> Will u have elementals in the clans?

<ACTIVISION> Programmer would like to include them, but the producer is
leery, .

<[Slicer] R.INSERRA> Will u have personalities to fight against like
Natasha Kerensky, etc.?

<ACTIVISION> Good question, there will different AI combat styles... but
individual personalities are most likely not going to be in this product.
We are open for suggestions though, that is why we are here.

<[Barendol] R.COLE20> Will there be a Macintosh version released for
Mechwarrior I or II?

<ACTIVISION> We are evaluating the possibilities, but Mech I is unlikely,
maybe Mech II

<[Barendol] R.COLE20> Also, do you know if any of the new features in
MWII will be in our online Mechwarrior?

<ACTIVISION> Discussions with GEnie and Kesmai have not reached that point.

<[Merlin] J.PHELAN4> ok, first is kahn Phelan Ward fetured in this, and
second, will there be areospace fighters and turkayyid

<ACTIVISION> We will not deal directly with personalities, there are
aerotech vechicles...but you will not be able to pilot those units, you will
however have to do battle with them at times, and you will at times be able
to command their actions. This product is after Tukayyid in the ensuing 15
years before the next invasion. However there is certainly room there for an
add on disk, EH?

<[Tony] WETMORE> First of all, I'd like to say Thanks (!) for coming out
tonight. My first question is... I haven't noticed anything in the Bulletin
Board yet about this game.  Will you guys be starting/monitoring a topic?  or
have I missed one?

<ACTIVISION> WE are in category 7, Topic number 21

<[Tony] WETMORE> (oops.  Must not be reading that category.  <g> Sorry!)

<ACTIVISION> There are also some screen shots which have been uploaded
in the general archives

<[Tony] WETMORE> Next question is about graphics. I've downloaded the screen
shots and they're great! Now the Question.  Will "in mech" graphics be similar
to the original game, with teh HUD and cockpit layout and such?

<ACTIVISION> The new in cockpit graphics are based on the actual Mech weight
classes, so there will be four different cockpits, one for each weight class.
Also in this product the cockpits were modelled so there should be a much
better realistic feel to them.

<[Tony] WETMORE> Similar, but game is now 256 colors?  Sold!  I'll take a
couple copies - when can I order them?  <g>   DONE

<ACTIVISION> The development team is taking private donations <g>
But seriously, end of the year is the intended realease.

<[Omega] J.LEONG> thanks...will the weapons systems of the mechs be changeable

<ACTIVISION> Yes Mechs will be quite configurable!!!!!

(Job 12)<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> how about a insphere warrior that was a bondsman to
compete against those testtube babys

<ACTIVISION> Interesting idea, we will take it under advisment. just an note
about bondsmen, you will have the chance to become one if you don't play real
well <g>

<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> is there going to be any way to paint your own mech
like the planes in redbaron

<ACTIVISION> Darn good question about the painting of the Mechs, glad you
asked. Producer and Programmer are arm-wrestling that topic right at the
moment. We will have to see, but there will be cool graphics on Mechs, that is
certain.

<SCORPIA> Time out...All in favor of painting mechs, say Yes!

<[Indy] J.KNIGHT13> YES!
<[Orion] J.NIEMEYER1> yes
<[Talon] T.DALEY1> yes
<[Lightning] F.MELO> YES
<[Merlin] J.PHELAN4> yes
<[Nightshade] R.JOHNSTON14> yes
<[Omega] J.LEONG> yes
<D.QUINLAN> +0+0+0+0+0+0+0+0yes
<J.BOYER8> yes
<P.PRATT> yes
<[Tung] G.GRAY3> yes!!
<[Slicer] R.INSERRA> yes
<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> yes
<[SHOOTER] K.SAVILLE1> yes
<[Snake] M.BLOUIN1> Will there be a haed YES!!
<[Rude Rich] R.LEBLANC> yes
<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> yes
<L.MACK2> yes
<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> yes
<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> who's gonna see them?
<[web] NET.CNE> no
<D.QUINLAN> yes
<[web] NET.CNE> just want to be differnt
<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> Modem oponents
<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> ok ok yes<G>

<ACTIVISION> ok, ok, the producer gets you drift. Personal insignias are a
possibility but don't expect too much.

<[Lt.Gen.Feyth] T.DITTO> How will you progress in the game? And will
ther be cities & other nasty terrain for you to fight in<VBG>?

<ACTIVISION> You progress through the game in career mode, successes and
failures affecting your outcome and advancment. There are several types of
terrain planned from urban (un-clanlike as it is) to desert, Ice, underwater,
space, zero-atmosphere, and underground complex. Did we answer the question???

<[Lt.Gen.Feyth] T.DITTO> WOW great!!! How about network support like
Falcon etc..? multiple mechs<G>

<ACTIVISION> Network support is a major problem, but ideally we would love to
include it.

<[Nightshade] R.JOHNSTON14> okay, first, since this is 3055, does that
mean we can expect to have guass cannons, lb-10x, TAG, Beagle probes, Arrow
IV, etc? GA

<ACTIVISION> All of the above except for Tactical Nukes. and chainsaws too...
NOT, ga

<[Nightshade] R.JOHNSTON14> of course<G> will players be able to make
their own mechs like in 4-D boxing (not mechs, boxers)

<ACTIVISION> No boxers...Seriously we are including 16 Mechs using real time
geometry, we have no way of allowing the user to create geometry at that level
right now.

<[Snake] M.BLOUIN1> Ok, I tkOk, I missed if a modem ? was asked...

<ACTIVISION> Yes modem play will be included! ga

<[Snake] M.BLOUIN1> but will there aslo be a teammate option too? ga

<ACTIVISION> Yes there will be one on one as well as cooperative play
against the computer.

<[Snake] M.BLOUIN1> Will you also be able too configure the weapon systems or
choose preset configuratioons?

<ACTIVISION> Both, also engine, jump jets, armor, etc, etc...You just can't
paint them <g>

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> I believe Nightshade was asking about Physical Attacks
(mech to mech not pilot to pilot) The answer on the BB was Yes Ok my question
Will the cockpit have a 360 view compressed into 160 like the novels state
and if so will the mech auto tag all mechs in scanner range?

<ACTIVISION> At this point we don't know if we will get Mech to Mech
physical attacks in the game, we are planning Death from Above however.
The view will be real time based off of cockpit design, modeled after VWE's
Battletech center, not out of the novels.

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> VWE's? Ouch on the DFA GA

<ACTIVISION> Virtual Worlds is the original BattleTech simulator in Chicago.
Where you can actually go pay good money to sit in a cockpit and get blown
away!

<[SHOOTER] K.SAVILLE1> what will be the total number of mechs on the screen at
once in combat?

<ACTIVISION> We are hoping for nine Mechs on the battle field, with 3
or 4 within your field of view at any one time.

<[SHOOTER] K.SAVILLE1> With Vga will it be possible to have say 5 missiles in
the air at one time?

<ACTIVISION> Yes and more.

<[SHOOTER] K.SAVILLE1> 5 missles from one person?

<ACTIVISION> A missile rack has 5, 10, 15 or 20 and you can shoot the whole
salvo at once.

<J.BOYER8> What OS ?

<ACTIVISION> DOS 5.0 or better

<[Lightning] F.MELO> Ok, aside from which limb would you like me to give :) i
have 2 questions... It was mentioned about aero-units...what about other units
(tanks, infantry) and subs (you mentioned underwater terrain)?

<ACTIVISION> There will probably be subs, we already have tanks, infantry is
doubtful. You will be able to call in outside artilery strikes into a target
area.

<[Lightning] F.MELO> the other question is, the scale of the game?  Are you,
the player, a single man unit (with occasional support from 2 or 3 other
mechs) or will there be a larger scale war you play a part of?

<ACTIVISION> You will be part of larger operations, but you will be the pilot
of an individual Mech, if you gain the appropriate promotions you will be able
to command up to an entire star of 5 Mechs.

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> how about engaging dropships(capture)?

<ACTIVISION> A possible scenario, OK <g>

[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> ok<G> how about more reallistic explosions with
armor flying off?

<ACTIVISION> You got it daddy-O

<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> have the developers played all the mediums... board game
pc game btech ceter and online?... seems you ought to be well rounded to do
this right<G>

<ACTIVISION> Yes we are familiar with all the different variations, some of us
recently went to the BTech center in Chicago, others  have been playing the
role-playing game for years, others of us have complained about the origianl
MW product and others actually help develop the original MW product. We feel
we are pretty well rounded regarding this subject material, ga

<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> cool...the terrain sounds great.... but will it be flat
in between all the new buildings and such... i want to have the chance to...
roll down a hill, stub my toes on boulders... muck through swamps and trip
over downed trees...what do you think?

<ACTIVISION> That may depend on the level of hardware you are running on, and
the level of detail you are able to support in real time. HMMM, WE WILL DO THE
BEST WE CAN!

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> i would like to know if there will be a training
ground like the one at the end of the cresent hawks where you can test your
configurations befor you use them...ga?

<ACTIVISION> Certainly, the instant action portion of our product will allow
you to try out your weapons, Mechs, terrain, equipment, etc against a variety
of opponents.  But certain options will not be available until after you have
you have completed certain scenarios in career mode ( we don't want to give it
all away, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, know what I mean)

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> will you be able to use the instant action with a
buddy via- modem...Ga?

<ACTIVISION> Yes.  Actually that is the only way to play via modem, career
modes cannot be linked, at least that is our view at this time.

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> will you be able to fight toads (we need some infantry
for the lights to beat on <G>) ...ga?

<ACTIVISION> Maybe the infantry will be in trucks, tanks etc, how's
that. <must be a freebirth, uses contractions>

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> will there be boundrys on the battle field or will it be
free rolling terrain?

<ACTIVISION> The terrain will be bounded, but the size should not be at
all limiting. Remember it's kill or be killed <g>

<[Talon] T.DALEY1> I would like toknow if weather and lighting will be
included in the game

<ACTIVISION> There will be fog, night missions, and we are playing with
rainy conditions...does that answer well enough?

<[Talon] T.DALEY1> next Sopunds great

<[Tung] G.GRAY3> Will the various views (ala MPBT) be there, rather than just
forward, or did Saracen's question about 360 compressed view cover that?

<ACTIVISION> We will have in cockpit view, with the ability to look left right
and up. There are also external views and chase plane views, with other
variations in VCR mode for reviewing your missions.

<[Tung] G.GRAY3> Next (and last) question:  Is Activision accepting
applications for Beta testers yet? <G>

<ACTIVISION> Send us a message or letter about beta testing and when we
get closer to releasing the product, we will evaluate.

<[Tung] G.GRAY3> your address???

<ACTIVISION> send it to our P.O. Box 67001, Los Angeles, Ca. 90067
god help us all

<[Omega] J.LEONG> atten who?

<ACTIVISION> Natashia Kerensky

<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> Is there going to be favorable terrain for close up
abushes?

<ACTIVISION> Yes absolutely, But remember you have all kinds of good
instruments to fly by <g>

<[Thor] J.GRIBBET> after this verson do you expect to upgrade the game later
like wing commander did to wing com.2 with Speech also?

<ACTIVISION> We plan on doing at least one more product with the current
3Space engine and we are currently evaluating the next generation of
technology, this could cause us to go into a new product line due to low level
changes. There will be digital audio in our product but not to the extent of
WC more like Falcon 3.0

<[Omega] J.LEONG> will there be different death sequences for mechs? just
falling down gets old <G>

<ACTIVISION> We have a few different death sequences planned, mainly based on
rank and honor attained at time of death. Remember this is a simulator, you
can die in all sorts of creative ways.

<[Feyth] T.DITTO> Will you eliminate the cryptic Lance command as in
MW1 for one with more flexibility? or Star command rather?

<ACTIVISION>  We are going to allow fairly detailed command capability when
you have attained the proper rank.  Specific to the assigned mission but
general in scope, does that answer???

<[Feyth] T.DITTO> Yes<G>... one more Are the images going to be bitmapped or
geometric? And will you give us a list of mechs?

<ACTIVISION> We are using 3D geometry with overlaid bitmaps, so you get the
best of both worlds. We will update a list of the Mechs in the product on the
BB in the next few days.

<[Feyth] T.DITTO> <G> great!!! What about Sound support...lots of great
PPC sounds & stuff?

<ACTIVISION> Boom, Pow, Bang, Zowy We have been playing with sounds the last
few days, they are good.

<[Slicer] R.INSERRA> How much hard drive space do you estimate the
game will need? Do you plan a CD Rom version?

<ACTIVISION> Probably less than 15 meg of hard drive space, and CD rom
version is under discussion at this time.

<[Slicer] R.INSERRA> Will a 386-40 be able to handle the full detail
level of the game or would you suggest a 486 based machine?

<ACTIVISION> 486 Based will handle full detail, 386-40 most likely mid
level of detail. Remember that an awful lot depends on your video card.

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> Are override control swithces going to be used?

<ACTIVISION> In reference to heat shutdown for instance?

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> yes

<ACTIVISION> Yes!! Ammo jettison as well

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> How about VESA local bus support?

<ACTIVISION> Not directly but if you have it the game should wail

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> will the solaris type weapon tic options be
available ?

<ACTIVISION> No but we are planning on it for the next product,

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> how about droping from high alt..or space onto
the battle field ?

<ACTIVISION> Atomospheric drops are planned and Death from Above is
always an option

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> we need the little guys for machine gun
fodder...could you think about ita bit more?

<ACTIVISION> Think, Think, Think

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> First how is sound going to be handled. on MPBT we
have very anemic AD-LIB] and have huge memory requirments for SOUND BLASTER

<ACTIVISION> We are supporting all the major sound boards, within the 640K
limit, and the sounds should be fairly healthy, NOTE we require 2 Megs total
ram... hope that answers the q.

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> Thankx, yes it does Now about Sensors I posted on the
BB about levels of sensor input and the need for Scout Mechs if this is used
Is this going to be a factor... GA

<ACTIVISION> We are planning on supporting remote artillery via a scout
Mech...after successfully locating the enemy your next mission may take you...
into that scenario?  Did we come close???

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> Yep. By remote artillery do you mean Artillery off the
map and/or from other Mechs?

<ACTIVISION> Yes you can call in fire from off map, as well as fire
from your mech toward a homing device for instance.

<D.QUINLAN> im pretty new at this and i was wondering if i need a graphics
program or something to view your gif files in lib.?

<ACTIVISION> We think there is a .gif player called ANIPLAY.EXE in the
libraries on GEnie Any help from you folks out there??

<SCORPIA> DQ, you will need a GIF viewer. I will send you some mail later on
GIF viewers

[ SysOp Note: the GIF files are 6108-6111 in the Games RT library, page
805 ]


<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> ok....sounds like a lot of input coming in
during game....will we get time out to call in artillery etc. or is it all
real time?

<ACTIVISION> Real Time

<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> can we duck dodge lay down sit up???

<ACTIVISION> Welcome to the world of realtime combat Good question, don't know
yet, but maybe. Ducking or the crouch manuever should be allowed

<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> what i really want to see is the bad guys falling down
hills.

<ACTIVISION> If they don't get you first <g>

<[Snake] M.BLOUIN1> I would like to know the min. and rec. system
req and will my 386-25 mhz with 1 meg ATI card perform well?

<ACTIVISION> Minimum system is 386-25 with 15 Meg Hard disk space and 2
Megs ram. For the total experience we recommend a 486-66 with local bus video,
Roland MT32, as well as Sound Blaster Pro, 8Megs Ram etc etc <g>

<[Snake] M.BLOUIN1> OUCH!

<ACTIVISION> The ATI card is a good video card, faster than most
I have a 386-33 with the ATI and it will do OK

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> Will there be landmines and bidding?GA

<ACTIVISION> You betcha, great parts of the game!

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> Muhahahahahahahahaha

<ACTIVISION> correction you Batchall

<[Steve in CA] S.PHARISS2> will it be OS/2 friendly?

<ACTIVISION> Unlikely, we are not why should our product! <g> <ducking
ppc fire>

<[Steve in CA] S.PHARISS2> So I should not buy it, or will you try?

<ACTIVISION> the 12 Megs of required RAM should be your first clue. It is not
on our list at this time, sorry.

<[Ice] R.MYERS31> ok first i'll apologize for being so late....

<ACTIVISION> That's ok we waited up

<[Ice] R.MYERS31> i had to make an emergency visit to the dentist.
<fun>...but...will there be anything like Solaris in the game to make money
or will that be irrrevelant?

<ACTIVISION> No need for money in the clan, maybe in the next product

<[Ice] R.MYERS31> oh and one other thing then....i'd like to thank you for
naming the game after my (in)famous merc unit...the Clans.<VEG> ga

<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> Booooooo Hisssssssss
<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> gee who copied who<G>
<ACTIVISION> hehehe
<[Newberry] L.MACK2> :(
<[Ice] R.MYERS31> but just who are these upstarts anyway?<G>

<[Feyth] T.DITTO> Will you be able to use another mech for a spotter,
i.e firing from behind a hill while a light mech spots for you?

<ACTIVISION> Probably not, could certainly be done in modem play though.

<[Feyth] T.DITTO> will modem play be head to head only or can you fight
togeather..?

<ACTIVISION> Both

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> will ther be interaction other than combat in your
mech....

<ACTIVISION> Like what did you have in mind??? <eg>

<[Newberry] L.MACK2> i mean like a commander over you who is a pain... or a
story line like in the first MW or mabe a few physical challenges that test
your manhood...?

<ACTIVISION> No direct story line, but you will have a commander through many
parts of the game, that interaction is not completly thought out yet. don't
think I will touch that last one.

<[Feyth] T.DITTO> trials of possession?

<ACTIVISION> Yes on the trials, in many forms

<SCORPIA> Okay, it is getting a bit late here (like after midnight EST)....

<ACTIVISION> whew

<SCORPIA> So one more question, which will be from me....Since no once else
asked it, Will this game run under any disk compressions, such as Stacker or
Doublespace? That is a consideration for many these days.

<ACTIVISION> Very good question Scorp, we will have to do some config
testing, and remember that any time the system is in the way will slow things
down. We will do our best!!! Thanks too all very much for attending!!!!!

<[Saracen] B.BLUMKLOTZ> THank you.... <G>
<[Duckbutter] C.MOODY9> No Thank You!!!!
<SCORPIA> Okay, thanks for being here tonight, Activision folks!
<[Newberry] L.MACK2> Thank you (G)))!!!
<[Dobiwan] M.GILLES1> great RTC....gotta love it!!
<[Ice] R.MYERS31> Thanks.
<ACTIVISION> Take care all and goodnight

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