Mourad Majeri talks Field Ops
Feature
FPS? RTS? How about both? Freeze Interactive's Mourad Majeri discusses his game in depth with the HG staff.
Mourad: The graphics capability does not really impact on the network performance. I assume a 56Kbps modem will works but the cable will definitely be the way to play ‘Field Ops’. You can imagine how the ping stats can impact on a game where some one has to play reactively such as in FPS mode.
Hooked Gamers: Modders, those who love to modify games, proliferate the gaming community. Much of a game’s value is largely based on its ‘mod-ability’. I understand ‘Field Ops’ will offer a software development kit (SDK) and a map editor. How is this end of the project coming along, and is there a target date to have them (it) available for download?
Hooked Gamers: A very popular (un-named) FPS combat game is said to have focused more attention on developing game enhancements than on judiciously, and patiently focusing on ironing-out their original game, until the inevitable bugs are all found and eliminated. What is Digital Reality / Freeze Interactive’s philosophy on this with regard to how they plan to pursue refining the game after its initial release?
Mourad: We know by experience that in the video game industry you may have to release patches to fix undiscovered bugs or update the game if new hardware has been released or just to fix exploits that players are using in multiplayer. Obviously, our goal is to release a product which is as polished and bug free as possible. Patches can also bring improvements such as performance upgrade, interface tweaks or just using new technology available (Graphic cards features). This is something that we will look into.
Hooked Gamers: What will the nature of your support function be? Will it have an interactive component to it, so players can directly communicate with DR/FI staff, or will it be limited to the usual FAQs, which fail to address most of the specific issues discovered about the game as players become more familiar with its characteristics?
Mourad: I would say both ways could be used to solve issues raised after the initial release. FAQs are good to find of finding solutions to common issues. There will be forums where the players can post their issues or just give their feedback about tactics or features that we could be implemented in a future patch.
Hooked Gamers: With regard to that question, how does DR/FI stand ready to consider input, criticism and suggestions (should these arise) generated by the players on the various fan sites, which are bound to spring-up over time?
Mourad: Feedback, criticism and suggestions are always welcome, all the more since they are constructive. I can tell you that we have already made some changes to the game in development based on the feedback we have had from fans on our ‘Field Ops’ forums.
Hooked Gamers: Will there be a fan site kit available for download?
Mourad: Yes, absolutely, there will be a fan site kit available soon.
Hooked Gamers: And, finally, you have a 1st quarter of 2007 release date. Does it look like this will be met?
Mourad: Yes, the game is progressing at the right pace. We are very confident we will hit this release date. For the latest news and information please do check out ‘Field Ops’ official website http://www.fieldopsgame.com/
We would like thank Mourad, and Chris Clarke (Digital Reality - Freeze Interactive’ public relations director) for taking time from an obviously hectic schedule to set-up and sit down for this interview. We are eagerly looking forward to the game’s release. Log onto HG for a review of the game as soon as it does.