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                         January, 24,1990

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
On behalf of the Atari ST Roundtable, I welcome all of you to the 
FTL RealTime Conference on GEnie.  Before getting started, I 
invite all of you to join us next week for an RTC with Lauren 
Flanegan-Sellers.  Lauren is the president of Blue Chip 
International and will be with us to talk about WORDFLAIR, the new 
document processor for the Atari ST.

Now, some business about how an RTC works.  While the RTC room is 
in Listen-Only mode, you can only address our guests when I let 
you talk.  

To get my attention, just /RAIse your hand.  Just enter this from 
your keyboard: /rai 

I'll acknowledge your raised hand as soon as I can, but please be 
patient.  I -WILL- let you know when your turn is coming up.  

Some other RTC commands are:
   ?    -  Lists all RTC commands.
  /sta  -  Status (list) of everyone in the RTC room. 
  /exi  -  Exit the RTC, but you remain logged onto GEnie. 
  /bye  -  Log off of GEnie directly from the RTC. 
  /rai  -  Raise your hand.  Lets me know you wish to address
           our guests.

And now, let's commence with the FTL RTC.

For those of you who are new to computing or have been in remote 
seclusion for the last two years, FTL is the producer of one of 
the most sophisticated and popular games for the ST and Amiga (and 
soon, the PC), DUNGEON MASTER.  It is very rare for one game to 
fire the imagination and enthusiasm of players the way that 
DUNGEON MASTER has.  It is almost a cottage industry unto itself 
with hint books, hint disks, maps, and an unending amount of 
online chatter between players trying to help each other finish 
this game.  DUNGEON MASTER has done this.  And now, it has spawned 
a sequel.  After much anticipation amongst DM fans, FTL has 
released CHAOS STRIKES BACK for the ST.  CHAOS STRIKES BACK is 
proving that sequels aren't always a pale shadow of their 
successful predecessors! <grin> 

Our guests are Wayne Holder, President of FTL, Doug Bell, and 
David Simon.  

Gentlemen, my thanks to you for being with us this evening.  
Before we start throwing questions at you, would you like to 
introduce yourselves and make any opening comments? 

                              <FTL>
Greetings everyone.  And, thanks for the great response to Chaos 
Strikes Back I'm not much at introductions, so I guess that's all.  

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
DUNGEON MASTER has been a tremendously popular game.  And it looks 
like CHAOS STRIKES BACK is no slouch when it comes to popularity
also.  Did you have any idea when doing DM that this would be the 
case? And what do you attribute their popularity to?

                              <FTL>
Well, we had a "hunch" that DM would do OK.  I guess because we 
felt we were trying to do a type of game that had never been done 
before.  That is a game that blends real-time action with a rich 
environment to play in.  I guess the closest analog to what we 
were trying to do was to create the dungeon equivalent of a 
"flight simulator".

With CSB we were trying to build upon our game "technology" and 
develop ways to develop new scenarios without needing changes to a 
lot of code.  In this sense, CSB was a bit of an experiment, and 
we were a bit nervous about releasing it.  Originally we intended 
to make CSB require the original DM game (hence the comment on the 
back of the box which we had already printed bookoo thousands of 
before we changed our minds.) This would have limited CSB to the 
original graphics But, after testing, we decided that we needed to 
add new monsters and other graphics.  So, we went with two disks.

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
DM and CSB each came out much later than everyone thought they 
would.  Obviously, you didn't compromise the integrity of these 
games by trying to meet expected release dates.  But why does it 
take so long to get a new game out, especially with CSB, seeing 
that the basic game mechanics had already been worked out 
previously (in DM)?

                              <FTL>
The basic CSB scenario was done quite a while ago.  But, we were 
also working on moving Dungeon Master to many new computers.  
During this conversion we kept finding problems with compatibility 
between CSB (which was being designed on the Atari) and these new 
computers.  Because we didn't want to dig ourselves into a hole 
with these new computers, we had to do a lot of redesign to plan 
for everything fitting in the future.  In the long run, I think 
everyone will benefit more, even if it perhaps is a bit 
frustrating for our users sometimes.  (were sorry!)

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
Thanks.  One last one from me (for now).  Which computer systems 
are DM and CSB available/to be available on? 

                              <FTL>
Currently in the USA Dungeon Master is available for the Atari ST, 
the Amiga, and the Apple IIgs.  In Japan, Dungeon Master is 
available on CDROM for the Fujitsu "FM Towns" computer (a 386 
IBM PC style computer.) the Sharp X68000 computer, and the NEC PC-
9801 computer (just shipping next week.) Soon DM will be out for 
the IBM PC in the USA and also the Apple Macintosh (although 
perhaps not as soon for the Mac.) For CSB, it is currently only 
available for the Atari ST (because we like you.) but will soon be 
out for the Amiga.

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
And we like -you- too! Thanks.  

                            <JRHARRIS>
Thanks, Jeff, and thanks to FTL for two great games two quickies.
Even though I haven't finished CSB, yet, when can I expect the 
next sequel and can we please have a 'multiple save' feature? 

                              <FTL>
We hope to have at least another game out this year, but I can't 
say much more because I'm not sure which of the several games we 
have in development will come out when.  Actually, I'd like to get 
some more feedback on whether people would like another "expansion 
set" like CSB And, if it should be "harder" or "easier" than CSB?

Sorry, I forgot about your "save" question.  We've received many 
requests for this and we'll look into supporting it for future 
games.  (Wayne looks left toward Doug Bell who will have to code 
it :)

                       <[Chris] C.MCKINSEY>
Do you plan on making a ][gs version of CSB and if so when may we 
expect it's release?

                              <FTL>
Currently, we're not sure about the IIgs.  We lost our IIgs expert 
last year and we have not yet found a good replacement for him.  
However, we are very pleased with our IIgs sales and we'd "like" 
to do a IIgs version.  

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
BTW, JRHARRIS votes for a "three-quel" to DM.  <grin> 

                        <[JimR] J.RATKOS1>
Now that Atari has been shipping ALL their units with D/S drives 
do you foresee that your products in the future will take 
advantage of this, if not just to "add" more sounds, graphics for 
those with 1meg or more and to speed up loading time? 

                              <FTL>
Well, this is a difficult question, because my intelligence 
indicates there are still quite a few single sided systems out 
there I don't think we can abandon them.  Especially since many 
are in Europe where we have great sales.  But, I understand your
desire to take full advantage of your computer.  We have 
considered going to multiple disks and supporting a double-sided 
or hard disk install, but there are still some unresolved 
technical problems with this.

                           <J.RATKOS1>
I think that the way that it has been done in the past is 
agreeable to most of us but there are some of us who will always 
want more <grin>, and yes to another expansion set.

                              <FTL>
BTW, I am online about once a week.  Please post your votes on how 
you'd like an expansion set to be.

                        <[Jeff] JBEADLES>
First of all, Yes to another expansion set.  Two questions.  
First, are there plans to allow DM/CSB to be installed on hard 
disks, and second, are there plans for user-created adventures, 
ala Oids? 

                              <FTL>
Currently, we can't support installation to a hard drive and still 
run on a 512K ST.  We have to take complete control of the machine 
at boot to recover enough RAM from the system.  So, we have these 
hard choices again.  Usually, we opt for the answer that gets our 
games into the hands of the most people.  Although, we are working 
on ways to make this work for future games.

Sorry.  Again I forgot your second question.   We have plans to 
slowly introduce the elements of a complete user configurable 
game.  However, there are still many technical questions to solve.  
What we will do is to continue to add new pieces to the puzzle.
For example, the Champion Portrait Editor is an example of a 
module which gives you a little more control for customizing 
your games.  Look for more modules like this in the future.

                           <MIKE-ELLIS>
First I would like to commend you for producing (in my opinion) 
two of the best games I have ever seen.  However, I was 
disappointed when I found that the Amiga version was better in 
that it supported many more sounds, etc.  My question is this, 
"Why didn't the ST version of CSB support these enhancements? 

                              <FTL>
Well the Amiga version requires more RAM than the ST version.  (1 
meg vs 512K.)  Also, the Amiga has special sound hardware which 
the older STs lack.  However, we are planning on supporting the 
new STe machines which have great sound hardware.  The sounds on 
the ST are currently very difficult to do without slowing down the 
game.  With the new hardware on STe we can add some optional 
sounds for the new machines to use.

                           <T.KURILLA>
Hello, I've just about completed CSB, but I want to solve it with 
the CSB characters.  Is there a way to obtain both Kazai and Lor? 
And if so, could I  get a hint? 

                              <FTL>
No, sorry, they don't like each other very much and we had to 
separate them so that they wouldn't fight all the time.

                        <[Vinny] SALVIUS>
Thanks, Jeff.  You guys had discussed the possibility of taking 
the DM code and turning it into scenarios other than fantasy.  
What do you have in the works? A space Station futuristic type 
thing perhaps? 

                              <FTL>
Yes! Perhaps.  We have a futuristic game in development now.  
Please send me your thoughts on the regular board.  Perhaps you 
can influence what we do?

                           <D.BIXLER1>
First let me say.  As a programmer, I have much admiration for the 
people at FTL.  It must be absolutely fun working on games such as 
DM in stead of EXCITING business packages.  Now the two questions: 

1) As a programmer, I would think that a good way to create a 
different feel and "quick" game generation would be to create 
libraries which contain the "frames" necessary for displaying 
different objects, monsters, WALL TYPES, etc.  (As far as I know 
you may already do this).  Do you think that doing so could help 
create the sequels quicker, and at the same time make a world of 
difference in the look and feel of the sequels?  (All you would 
have to do is edit the libraries and select the objects/ monsters 
which will be used in the next software release) 

                              <FTL>
Sigh, I wish that creating a new game was as simple as hacking new 
code The hard part always turns out to be the "details" which 
everyone enjoys so much.  (Except sometimes the programmers.)

                           <D.BIXLER1>
2) As a user, I have heard NOTHING (0) about CSB, can you tell me 
what the major differences are from DM (What is the Champion 
Portrait Editor)? 

                              <FTL>
OK.  CSB continues the original DM adventure.  In CSB you discover 
that Chaos has foreseen his defeat in the DM scenario, and has 
planned a revenge upon the world, which, if successful, will 
restore him to power CSB is based mostly on the DM code, but adds 
several new modules on a separate "utility" disk.  One is the 
Champion Portrait Editor which can pluck Champions from one saved 
game, allowing you to edit their appearance, and then insert them 
into the new CSB scenario.  Also, you can use the CPE to edit the 
pictures of Champions in any DM or CSB game while the game is in 
progress.  The second new feature is the "Hint Oracle" which is a 
powerful deity (named "John") who can read your saved games for 
CSB and offer specific hints on your current situation.

                            <F.KISH1>
Anything to speed up booting?????? Perhaps a key disc in drive A 
for Hard Disc users (even at extra sigh, cost??)

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
This was really covered earlier.  Anything else to add to this 
issue, Wayne? 
                              <FTL>
No, except that we are sorry it takes so long to load.  But, there 
is a lot of stuff to load.

                          <L.HUNNEFIELD>
Hi FTL! I just wanted to say thanks for the games you have 
produced thus far.  I was curious if you were ever going to do a 
Sundog II?

                              <FTL>
We might.  I assume you'd like it? 

                          <L.HUNNEFIELD>
Absolutely.  Preferably with a Dungeon-Master-like interface and 
graphics.  That was a GREAT game!!! 

                              <FTL>
One thing I mention from time to time, is to suggest that people 
write us (us the PO box in the the front of the manual.)  We read 
every letter and so do the programmers and game designers.  This 
helps us get a "feel" for what people want.

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
For everyone's information, the DM topic is in Category 9, Topic 
39...

                              <FTL>
Yes, I am active in cat 9 

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
...and the CSB topic is in Category 9, Topic 38.  And Wayne's 
email address is.  ..FTL! Gee, that works out great!

                      <[Brian] B.LOSCHIAVO>
In DM, which is the best combo of characters to complete the game?

                              <FTL>
Actually, it's mostly up to you regardless of who you choose, your 
characters will advance far beyond their starting stats before you 
get even halfway into DM.  I normally say that reincarnation is 
better in the long run, but makes for a tougher start.  If you can 
get past level 4 (the worms) with reincarnated Champions, then 
you're probably home free.

                    <[love broker] J.DOTSETH1>
Hi Wayne, thanks for the great games, two quickies first, is there 
any talk of supporting MIDI on future games and what do you have 
to say about the anti-climax rumors going around??

                              <FTL>
Sorry, do you mean MIDI for music?  And clarify "anticlimax".

                    <[love broker] J.DOTSETH1>
O.K.  MIDI as a sound track in the background and people have said 
the game is very anti-climatic at the end, I think they want their 
monitor to melt or something.

                              <FTL>
With regard to Midi.  We may support more music options in the 
future.  But so far it doesn't seem to be requested very often.  
With regard to the ending.  I suppose we suffer from the fault 
that we put all of our effort into the scenario rather than a 
fancy ending animation.  This is a difficult choice.  We 
understand that after you've put in 70 plus hours you're expecting 
a really amazing ending.  However, to live up to most peoples' 
expectations would probably require a second disk.  (DM and CSB 
are tough acts to follow.)

                         <[Eric] E.WEEKS>
Although I would be one of the first to buy an expansion set, 
there are times when those old dungeon walls seem a bit dreary.  
Question: what is the status of the character extractor utility? I 
hope you still bury the character information in the extracted 
file so no one can find it.  

                              <FTL>
I have assigned the task to one of our programmers.  I hope to 
have it completed in about a week.  (see cat 9 top 38 for 
details.)

                       <[DARK_ELF] K.WELTY>
I was wondering if you ever considered the option of offering the 
ability to link multiple computers together (MIDI or RS232) to 
create a true multi-player version? 

                              <FTL>
Yes, we actually did a multiplayer game a while ago, but we never 
released it.  Watch this space...

                         <[Al] A.HORTON>
I hope my question is not redundant.  Three people in my home play 
CSB.  I would love to back it up, but can't.  Is there a way that 
key disks, doc copy protection, or code wheels could be used as 
copy protection?

                              <FTL>
Actually, we think our current protection is less hassle than a 
code wheel or manual based protection.  Also, we do offer a backup 
disk as a mail-in offer.  (see the front of the Manual.)

                       <[Ralph] ST.REPORT>
Just wanted to say "Thank You" for many hours of first rate
entertainment derived from DM/CSB.

                              <FTL>
Thank you!! 

                          <L.HUNNEFIELD>
Well, I just wanted to know when you will be printing a "hint 
booklet" for the CSB.  

                              <FTL>
We're considering it.  What specially would you like? Send me your 
thoughts in cat 9.

                           <J.RATKOS1>
You mean there is still hope for RVP? (fond memories of CES '87)

                              <FTL>
No, sorry.  But something new is a brewin...

                        <[kiwi] J.CLARKE6>
When will you release CSB to the South Pacific, ie New Zealand? 

                              <FTL>
You mean you don't have it?

                        <[kiwi] J.CLARKE6>
Not even close.

                              <FTL>
Well, I'll check into this.  If you like you can order direct.  
call USA <FTL> (619) 453-5711 and ask for Silvia or Debbi.

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
Thanks everyone for all your questions.  Wayne, any closing 
comments before we pull the plug? 

                              <FTL>
Thank you all for attending!!! And, talk to me in cat 9 top 38.  
See you all later!

                         <[Sysop] JEFF.W>
Thanks again to Wayne Holder, Doug Bell, and David Simon from FTL 
for being with us.  

Please join us next week for the Wordflair RTC with Lauren 
Flanegan-Sellers.

