Development method for EBII

[paramedicguyer]

I was just wondering how you guys are going about assembling the mod. Since you pretty much have a good base from EB1 I'm assuming you pretty much have a very clear picture about want you want to accomplish. I'm just wondering what kind of steps your taking, when do you begin scripting, when do you skin and stat units, when do you work on the map, and when do u do all the stuff I didnt mention. Also will EBII be like EBI where ther are multiple versions (there was a lot leading up to 1.2) or is there a much clearer picture and thus only small fix patches will be necessary?
Finally how long does it actually take to skin a unit (I taking into consideration multiple skins for a single unit)?

[JMRC]

Tough question...

First of all, we have defined the goals to accomplish and their priorities and we don't work in the low-priority stuff. Some good ideas pop up and either we put them in the medium or high priority stuff and get worked on, or they fall in the low-priority and are put aside for the moment.

Then, we've defined the coordinators for the main areas: game mechanics, unit development, faction historians, etc. These guys are responsible for advancing with their areas and make sure they don't lag behind the others.

By having a large team we can make several things at the same time, so while someone is working on the map (and making changes constantly), others are creating units, developing the stat system, the recruitment system, the game mechanics, etc. During all that time, we have historians researching and defining how they should be (unit models and skins, government systems, building models, etc).

It's important to note that EBII will be a far different mod than EB1. Most of it is being refined and extended and even the text descriptions are under revision. This means that it's like a fresh start, and probably we'll take the same steps as EB1 in regards to deployment of the mod.

As for the time taken to skin a unit, it really depends on how many objects (faces, torsos, shields, weapons, etc) and how many skins are needed. We expect to reuse a lot of models and skins in many units, and thus reduce time.

[APX]

I've previously read that all units and factions are being researched again. Is this true? Wouldn't it be a waste of precious time because (presumably) all the historical research was finished before the first release of EB?

[Moros]

I've previously read that all units and factions are being researched again. Is this true? Wouldn't it be a waste of precious time because (presumably) all the historical research was finished before the first release of EB?

New discoveries have been done in both the archeological field and history since 2004. Also back then it were other members, different views,... But also after digging for 5 years you come closer to the truth and get more detailled information. I'd have a completely different vision on the Sabaeans when I started researching them than I have now. And over a year my ideas will probably have changed a bit as well and will be more correct.

[Skullheadhq]

So, that means rewrited descriptions?

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Some descriptions need a change, of course. Just a superficial nod.

Also will you make your historical research open after release? Plz !

[Ibrahim]

So, that means rewritten descriptions?

much better.


now,where was I: of course new description might be written: the new archeological and textual stuff is going to have to be factored into every single aspect of unit developement-especially historical description and appearence.

as to the answer Krusader provided to ATHN: why not? is the research from copywrited material?