0
This topic is locked
As we near the end of the month, it's time for yet another episode of Ask the Devs!
Ask us anything and everything you'd like answered, and we'll try our best to answer as many of your questions as we can.
The thread will get locked on Wednesday the 1st of December at 23:59 UTC/GMT, and we'll post the answers on December 2nd.
Answers
Overwatch Development Team said:
- Jgoodroad asks:
- How DO you make your hacking objectives? I mean I know the gist of it (trigger_multiple ect.), but I really want to know the method of which you make said objective.
This would be way too long to explain here. We will keep helping everyone via Live Chat (as we have with you already), but as you've probably realized by now, it's a very complex setup (which is exactly why the entire system is being replaced by the new CapZone entities).
- Which map are you going to update first to its next "phase"? Which will you update first, Canals or Crossroads?
We're always working to improve all our maps, so the question is: which updated map will we be releasing first? Since we have a bit of breathing room right now, we're going to give this thread a bit more time before we decide on which level to focus our efforts. If you haven't cast your vote yet, do it now!
- Since the new maps have been released, what other maps do you have in the oven? Or, are you going to focus on the ones you have + code fixes(AI) + implementing new systems/entities?
For the time being, we're going to focus on the four we have while we work on some new code features and overall improvements. This also gives our level designers more time to help the contest participants, put together a few more mapping tutorials, etc..
- How DO you make your hacking objectives? I mean I know the gist of it (trigger_multiple ect.), but I really want to know the method of which you make said objective.
- warbrand2 asks:
- What's the soonest build you can see the Vort player or hack tool being in if at all?
Per our development process, we only plan for one build at a time. We have a meeting after every release where we decide what we'll be doing for the next build, based on many factors such as feedback from the release, bug reports, etc.. This allows us to remain very flexible. So, in short, I can't tell you for sure just yet.
- Are any custom weapons planned?
We still have a few more important features to cover on our list before we can start thinking about custom content.
- When Antlions are officially added to maps, how will they work as they can be both a rebel ally and/or a common enemy?
That really all depends. In official maps, Antlions will be a common enemy (as they are in Half-Life 2). In custom (community) maps, that can definitely change. The mapper can decide to give the rebels some Bugbait (which lets them control the Antlions) or allow the GM to control them (and I know that at least one of the maps in our contest will do that).
- Do you have any ways planned to make 2-story maps work out?
We've discussed a few options, but haven't decided on anything yet. Technically, you can already make a multi-story map (I believe someone in the contest is doing this as well). A good enough level designer (with proper planning of the map's layout) should be able to pull it off.
- What's the soonest build you can see the Vort player or hack tool being in if at all?
- The Joker asks:
- What are your honest thoughts on some of the maps for the design contest?
I can't really answer this until the contest is over, but I will say that we are happy with the contest and are anxious to try out all of the entries!
- What are your honest thoughts on some of the maps for the design contest?
- Dancing asks:
- Who made what map?
It's a team effort, really. Our small group of level designers have (at one point or another) all worked on every map we've released. Our current mappers are , Psy and Icarus.
- This isn't a question but the Canals music is epic. :) Could we get more epic music?
I agree, the Canals music is epic. Want more? Well hold on to your pants because next week's promotional trailer contains some of the new Citadel music. If the Canals music is a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, the new Citadel music (in my opinion) is a 12 and a half.
- Are you including ninja exploding barrels in the future?
If ever you turn around one day and find an exploding barrel sneaking up behind you, you'll know that we did.
- Is there ever going to be a map where the combine and rebels switch (where the rebels are controlled by GM and combine are the players)?
Probably not as an official map, but possibly as a community-made one in the future. For now though, Rebel and Citizen NPCs don't work too well, so it won't happen anytime soon (see next question).
- Who made what map?
- braddollar asks:
- Any update on getting the various NPCs that do not work functional (such as the citizens, and specifically Kleiner)?
It's not in our immediate plans.
- Any plans to be able to use a Charge ability with the Antlion Guard, or Burrow/Unburrow ability with the Antlions / Headcrabs?
It wasn't in our plans at all, but since I see that you (and others) in the contest plan on adding GM-controlled Antlions, I'll make sure we add those abilities in the next patch or update!
- Any update on getting the various NPCs that do not work functional (such as the citizens, and specifically Kleiner)?
- Quenquent asks:
- Did you think about adding more players per server?
We intentionally limited the number of players per server for many reasons, the two most important ones being:
- More players translates to increased network traffic, which can potentially cause lag,
- Balancing our levels is difficult enough with 1v7 (since we need to try our best to scale various aspects within each map to keep it balanced for 1v1, 1v2, 1v3, etc..), it would be a lot more difficult to balance with more players.
- More players translates to increased network traffic, which can potentially cause lag,
- How much time do you spend working on Overwatch?
Tricky question. All in all, between Overwatch and our other projects (don't ask me what they are yet!), I spend a good portion of every day on my PC (probably a bit too much!).
- Do you play your own game?
I most definitely do! We playtest internally almost every day, and I try to spend a bit of time on public servers every few days as well. Feel free to invite me to play with you some time!
- Do you dream about cheese?
Cheese seems to be a recurring theme in these Ask the Devs! features. I don't currently dream about cheese, but if you all keep bringing it up, I'll soon be having nightmares about it! :P
- Did you think about adding more players per server?
- Gabe(HUN) asks:
- What exactly is the Barracks system?
I'd rather not get into the details of it just yet. However, you'll get a sneak peek of the Barracks system in action in the upcoming promotional trailer, and we'll be posting one of our Spotlight blogs for it as well in the near future.
- What will you be improving in the AI overhaul phase? Maybe clever combine troops?
We have a list, but I believe that the first aspect we'd want to cover is what I like to call stances. In short, the GM would be able to give an NPC (or group of NPCs) a stance (i.e. Aggressive, Passive, etc..). An "Aggressive" NPC would behave somewhat similarly to the current NPCs, always tracking players and never standing still. A "Passive" NPC, on the other hand, would just stand around until the GM explicitly issues him an order (move, attack, etc..). The idea's not set in stone yet, but I believe that stances would solve many of the current issues with AI. Feel free to discuss this in a thread on the forums (I believe there was one some time ago).
- Will the GM have a tech tree? (Basically, he's wondering if the GM will be able to pick a focus - offence, support, defence -, each with unique units/abilities.)
It's not in our immediate plans and probably won't be until we tackle custom content (there aren't enough NPCs currently to make a varied enough tech tree).
- Will the GM be able to upgrade units (added tech, increased health, speed, damage, etc..)?
Individual units, probably not (they don't live long enough for it to matter). However, it might be interesting if one of the GM's objectives would unlock an upgrade for one of his Barracks (we can revisit this once the Barracks system is unveiled).
- Will we be seeing any of the main characters from the Half-Life universe (like a Freeman cameo or Breencasts)? What about playing as Alyx, Father Gregory, Barney or the Vorts in some maps?
I believe I've answered similar questions above. If not, let me know!
- Are you planning to implement any new roles?
We sure are. I believe Canals would work a bit better if the Crossbow/RPG were turned into a Special Weapons role, don't you think?
- Are you planning to make a map where the Resistance and the Overwatch must work together to complete the level?
Not planned on our end, but nothing's stopping the community from making one!
- When will you be adding new rebel models (like citizens or metro-rebels)?
I believe this has been answered above as well.
- What exactly is the Barracks system?
That's it for this month's episode of Ask the Devs!
Until next!
anyways um questions...hmm? .gif)
could we get more of epic music?
