HL2World's Interview With Doug Q+A

[OnboardError]

Hi,

Replies are below.

Sorry no one mentioned this - but it's normal for us to need a few
weeks
to get to these, especially when they're longer than just a few
questions.

Cheers


1. This question was submitted by noboe120. noboe120
asks:
Is there currently a targeted completion date for HL2:
Aftermath? Also what is Valve planning on doing after
the release as far as new games?

[Doug Lombardi] We're currently targeting Q1 2006 (Feb/March) for the
release of Aftermath. Right now, the plan is to release it via Steam
and
in various retail box offerings. We haven't announced what's after
Aftermath, but I'm sure we'll think of something.


2. These next questions where submitted by ^Ben. ^Ben
asks:

What are some plans for the next major iteration of the tools, and when
can we expect to see it?

[Doug Lombardi] We're going to be releasing a beta of the next SDK this
week. It will include support for HDR and building DoD: Source content.


You have mentioned that you are going to extend your beta testing
methods for the rest of the engine that you used with the recent steam
GUI update, any more details on how far this will go? Or just general
details?

[Doug Lombardi] As we introduce things like the coming update to the
SDK, we will be testing them with a smaller group of folks via Steam.


What is your daily life like at valve?

[Doug Lombardi] One of the best things about my job is that it is very
rare that any two days are the same. Some days are spent communicating
with the press, retailers, or others. Some days are spent in product
design and planning meetings. And the best days are spent playtesting
the next release. Drinking lots of coffee is really the only thing that
happens each and every day, and that never gets old.

3. The next question was submitted by linknight.
linknight asks:
Are there current plans to be any new features as big as HDR that will
eventually be implemented into the Source Engine?

[Doug Lombardi] Yes. One of the design goals for Source was to create a
modular engine that could be extended to support new technologies
(hardware and software) as they are brought to market. We will be
announcing the next set of engine technologies in the coming weeks.
Please stay tuned for more.


4. The next question was submitted by jonheat. jonheat
asks:
What is your opinion on the mods that are currently released and ones
currently being created?

[Doug Lombardi] Everyone at Valve is very interested in the MOD
community, especially those who came to Valve from that community.
We've
been very impressed with the first wave of HL2/Source MODs, and have
every intention of continuing our support with efforts such as frequent
updates to the SDK and continuing to expand the content available on
http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Main_Page.


5. The next question was submitted by alexroyce.
alexroyce asks:
Do you plan on updating Hammer with new
features/tools, such as Lighting Previews in the 3D view at any point
in
the future?

[Doug Lombardi] Yes.

6. The next question was submitted by SWAT_Pointman.
SWAT_Pointman asks:
What's the current status Team Fortress 2? Has it been forgotten?

[Doug Lombardi] TF news is coming soon.


7. The next question was submitted by pcgamer58.
pcgamer58 asks:
How far along is HL1:DM Source currently?

[Doug Lombardi] It's close. Won't be this year, but should be out very
early in 2006.


8. The next question was submitted by jenn0_bing.
jenn0_bing asks:
How long does it take a Valve employee to make a map for DOD:S/CS:S,
from concept to finished product?

[Doug Lombardi] Two to three months. A good chunk of that time is spent
playtesting/interating/playtesting/etc.


9. The next questions where submitted by Dowie100.
Dowie100 asks:
Are you working on Half Life 3, or is that postponed till after Half
Life Episodes?

[Doug Lombardi] What is Half-Life 3?

10. The next questions where submitted by Belkin.
Belkin asks.

I have heard that you guys have talked to the people developing the PPU
(physics processing unit). How is that going and do you guys ever
intend
to incorporating this into the source engine?

[Doug Lombardi] We're always tracking new technologies and interested
in
supporting as many as we can that help make our games better. We're
obviously "pro physics" but have no specific announcements to make
regarding PPUs at this time.

[XtrmEend]

Nice , very nice!

[^Ben]

[zeta]

ty doug

[^Ben]

Weeks = months

[omega]

LIGHT PREVIEWS, MY LIFE GOT SIMPLER!!

[ByteMyAss]

Thank you OBE and Doug.

[9 Ball 1-2-1-2]

[Doug Lombardi] What is Half-Life 3?


wtf.....

[Angsted]

Quote:

---

Alexroyce/Doug Lombardi opened his big mouth to say:
Do you plan on updating Hammer with new features/tools, such as Lighting Previews in the 3D view at any point
in the future?

[Doug Lombardi] Yes.

---

[IngeD]

---

Quote:

---

Do you plan on updating Hammer with new
features/tools, such as Lighting Previews in the 3D view at any point
in
the future?

[Doug Lombardi] Yes.

---

This truely warmed my heart.

great interview!

[Dowie100]

lol nice interview, maybe Half Life 3 will be Half Life Episodes though

"Whats Half life 3" indeed lol

[Mighty Ne]

Cool interview, some good questions and answers! My brother is called Doug

[JeanPaul]

awesome stuff

[alexroyce]

Awesome.

[barneyinblue]

finally Doug answered all of the questions...