Re: Re: How [not] easy it would be to . . .

From: Maxi Rose <teleute_at_...>
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 23:18:31 -0400 (EDT)


On Fri, 10 Sep 2004, Chris Lemens wrote:

> David Harper, responding to Maxi Rose:
>
>> I'm sorry you don't agree with me. . . .
>> Dave, apparently annoying poster

First of all, let me address Dave Harper. I meant no offense to you and am not really mad. My frustration is that many people think it's the same all over the industry for gaming companies, and that if one company can/wants to do something, another can. If I understand correctly, A# has four products currently on the market, of which three are solely Macintosh, with KoDP being their one hybrid of PC/Mac. They're a small company by today's standards, but doing well enough to hold their own. Despite this, they don't have a revenue model, likely, that can allow them to take chances. Making KoDP was a rather large chance, and from the reviews I've read about the game, most people (read 8-24) think the game is quaint, cute, but slow and static. I'd love to know the KoDP demographic, but it's doubtful there are many target age group gamers of the 8-24 market interested in a game with no 3D graphics, no movement of images, no arcade-like action, and no hip hop or techno beat to the game music. These are the same people who yawn and stare at the ceiling, more often than not, when taken to a museum or art gallery by their parents or school.

Why do I make that last reference? Because to me, KoDP IS art; interactive art. Everything about it is art. The music is otherworldly, making me feel like a real Orlanthi, Ernaldan, or whatever god I choose. I can almost smell the grassland and can feel my handmade felt dress or my warrior's leather, when I hear that music. The images are so real, despite being paintings, that I feel I've been there, I know those people, I've done those things, MYSELF. I'm sure with your obvious love of the game, you feel the same way.

The other company you mention is primarily a gaming company. I don 't have their website handy, but games are their bread and butter. This is What They Do. As such, they have an easier time doing these things, and tend to author their games from a very open game engine. I don't know how many products they've made, but if it's more than four, and if they are PC games, they likely have a bigger bank to back up taking wild chances. This is all I'm saying. I don't think A# would be wise risking themselves on trying to open up the KoDP engine, and as such, as Dave Dunham said himself, it can't really be opened like that.

I'm just asking people keep this in mind when they say, "Hey Mr. Dunham! Can you do X?" I think we need an FAQ to handle lots of questions, such as game advice, questions to the A# team, etc, that have been asked before. ;)

I'll hush up on this topic now. Gods, can I type a lot when motivated. :P

> Maxi,
>
> What Texas beer did you bring? And how did I miss
> out?

I brought Shiner Bock, which was rather well-received. ;) You'd've gotten a bottle if I'd've known who you were. As it was, I was doing the right Texas duty of thanking the fine people involved in my beloved hobby of KoDP and RuneQuest/Hero Wars, and sharing some of the lovely wealth of the finest state in the 50 states.

But I'm not biased much, am I? ;)

> Chris Lemens of the Dallas crowd at Toronto GloCon

Maxi Rose, from the delightful small city about to be eaten by Austin, San Marcos, right down I-35, ya cain't miss it. ;) If you happen that way, stop in and look for the restaurant, Herbert's Taco Hut. Finest mexican food for the price in the area! I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as Mr. Harper rightly noticed, however, so can't go back therer much anymore. *sniff!* Scan me a copy of their menu sometime? I miss it! *wail!*

-- 
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Maxi Rose  Ghost of a Texas Lady   | Anime: FY, MB, KOR | Bab5, Goth
Maxi the Southern Dragon (UDIC)    | Anthropomorphics, Bisexuality
http://www.vex.net/~teleute        | Yaoi, Seme, LARP, Videogames

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