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**                                                                         **
**  Below is a chat log from the Remedy Q&A Live Chat which took place on  **
**  the 20th of January 2010.                                              **
**                                                                         **
**  If you wish to find out more information about Alan Wake you can       **
**  follow us on the following sites:                                      **
**                                                                         **
**     Official Site     -   http://www.alanwake.com/                      **
**     Official Forums   -   http://forum.alanwake.com/                    **
**     Twitter           -   http://twitter.com/remedyalerts               **
**     Facebook          -   http://facebook.com/RemedyGames               **
**     YouTube           -   http://youtube.com/RemedyGames                **
**     BrightFalls.net   -   http://brightfalls.net/                       **
**                                                                         **
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// Server: irc.quakenet.org
// Room:   #brightfalls

<@ADM-> Ok welcome to the Remedy Q&A chat everyone.
<@ADM-> In a moment we'll be joined by Remedy members.
<@ADM-> Everyone will have a chance to ask 1 question to Remedy.  If there's time we'll loop back around and allow everyone to ask another one.
<@ADM-> If you want to ask a question please PM me the question through this chat, you can do so by double clicking on my name or typing /msg ADM- <yourquestion>
<@ADM-> You will then be given +v status so you will be able to chat to Remedy one on one.
<@ADM-> Ok first up we will be joined by Markus Maki, Development Director on Remedy.  Markus is a highly respected game industry veteran, founding partner and Development Director of Remedy Entertainment.  When he's not working on games, Markus enjoys time with his second love, fast cars. 
 * MarkusRMD has joined #brightfalls
 * MikaRMD has joined #brightfalls
 * ADM- sets mode: +o MikaRMD
 * ADM- sets mode: +o MarkusRMD
<@ADM-> Also please welcome MikaRMD, Chief Financial Officer at Remedy. Mika joined Remedy in 2000 coming from the banking and finance sector.  With a strong background in finance tied in with a real passion for gaming he is a key member to the Remedy setup. Mika is a sports enthusiast.
<@ADM-> I've already introduced you Markus ;)
<@MarkusRMD> great!
<@ADM-> Glad you guys could make it! :)
<@MikaRMD> Hi all!
<@MarkusRMD> we will also have a 3rd surprise member joining, Mikki who is a writer on the team working with Sam
<@ADM-> Great :)
 * MikkiRMD has joined #brightfalls
<@ADM-> Well lets jump straight into it shall we?
 * ADM- sets mode: +o MikkiRMD
<@MarkusRMD> yeah
<@ADM-> Welcome Mikki :)
<@MikkiRMD> Let it be known that my keyboard is pink and tiny.
<@MikkiRMD> For the record.
<@MikaRMD> Nooo...
<@MikkiRMD> I WISH I WAS KIDDING.
<@ADM-> First up is yogibbear, quite a well known member of the Alan Wake community
<@ADM-> (I'm multi-tasking like crazy here)
* ADM- sets mode: +v yogibbear
<@ADM-> Hey yogi :) 
<+yogibbear> Hi everyone!
<@MarkusRMD> hi!
<+yogibbear> Anyway
<+yogibbear> my question
<+yogibbear> ;)
<+yogibbear> Can you tell us more about the daylight gameplay in Alan Wake? What sorts of things do we get to do and how are the transitions between night and day handled? i.e. are episodes accessed via triggers within the daylight mode, or is there a structured path through the "episodes". Basically how does what you do in daylight mode affect what happens when darkness falls?
<@Morry> grilling them already haha
<+yogibbear> Yeah sorry... :) Just really interested in the daylight gameplay
<@MarkusRMD> yeah, sure, we'll try to shed some more light (haha)
<@MikaRMD> Nice question, the ball's on Markus' court...
<@MarkusRMD> so, first of all, we control the time of day - i.e. the clock doesn't run automatically 
<@MarkusRMD> some parts of the game are during daytime, some during night.
<@MarkusRMD> the daytime is more about interaction and storytelling
<@MarkusRMD> and I'm about 3 times faster writer than the others :)
<@MikkiRMD> From the story point of view, the daytime scenes tend to be more plot-oriented -- most of the action happens at night, as I'm sure no one is shocked to hear. A lot of the time we set up things during the day and watch the chaos unfold during the night. (And sometimes vice versa.)
<@MarkusRMD> yogibbear, ok? next?
<@MikkiRMD> I write very fast. But my keyboard is still tiny.
<@MikkiRMD> And pink.
<+yogibbear> Yep. Thanks :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v yogibbear
<@ADM-> Great next up we have Tannosuke :)
* ADM- sets mode: +v TannosukeGR
<+TannosukeGR> hello everyone. And to you too RMD peeps ;)
<+TannosukeGR> Here's my question...
<+TannosukeGR> We have waited for Alan Wake’s release date for approximately 6 years, but what we saw were improvements over the period of time each time you showed some gameplay trailers at E3. What are your reasons for stalling this game’s release and for its improvements?
<@MarkusRMD> I think stalling is ... not the right word for it :)
<@MarkusRMD> we wanted to get quality, and we also started with a fairly challenging premise - new technology, new story/character/ip and new gameplay
<@MarkusRMD> ADM we could probably try taking two questions at a time?
<@MikaRMD> I think we have used the time also to "gather meat on the bones" so to speak. It has expanded to the quality that's expected of a AAA game.
<+TannosukeGR> MarkusRMD that's what I suggested him earlier
<@ADM-> Not a problem. 2 questions per person it is then :)
<+TannosukeGR> 2 question each person to speed up things
<@MarkusRMD> not per person
<@ADM-> Do you want to ask another one?
<@MarkusRMD> two guys at a time :)
<+TannosukeGR> yep
<+TannosukeGR> a sec
<@MikkiRMD> That's how we roll.
<@ADM-> Ah ok.. fair enough haha.
<@ADM-> Ok I think we can give that a try
<+TannosukeGR> <TannosukeGR> We heard that you will release Alan Wake somewhere in Spring 2010. Did you decide for a specific date?
<@MarkusRMD> We have a specific date. It will be announced in the near future.
* ADM- sets mode: +v lefantome
<@MarkusRMD> we have had a fixed date for quite some time now.
<@ADM-> Thanks Tannosuke :)
<+TannosukeGR> i see... Well Thank you very much
* TannosukeGR was kicked by ADM- (TannosukeGR)
<@MarkusRMD> np
<@ADM-> oops .. 
<@MarkusRMD> adm please
<@MikaRMD> lol
<@ADM-> wasn't supposed to do that ;)
<@MikkiRMD> ADM is a harsh man.
<@Morry> haha, the power is going to his head
<@ADM-> haha ;)
<@ADM-> Ok lefantome feel free to ask your question :)
* ADM- sets mode: +v BxB
<+lefantome> hi to every remedy dev
<@ADM-> And you to BxB :)
<@MarkusRMD> hi!
<+BxB> Ty
<@ADM-> *too
<@MikaRMD> Hi, what's in your mind?
<+BxB> Go ahead Lefantome.
<+lefantome>  what features do you think are innovative?I mean why we shoudl buy this game. tell us what are the key features in you opinion.
<@MarkusRMD> Well, the fact that you get to fight with light
<@MarkusRMD> it adds another layer to the combat, and it makes the game feel unique
<@MikkiRMD> Well, we have a pretty nifty story and cool characters, for starters. That's important to us, and we believe it's important to our customers, too. We try very hard to suck you into the mystery, and I think it's working great.
<@MarkusRMD> the way the technology and use of light work together is also pretty cool.
<@MikkiRMD> Of course, I'm a writer, so personally, I tend to think that a great story trumps everything else. =)
<@MarkusRMD> bxb you can go too. we can interleave answers :)
<+BxB> I'd first like to thank you guys for doing this for us. It is very much appreciated by the community.
<@MikaRMD> And we do have a great story, in my honest opinion, and that's pretty unique.
<+lefantome> So the key features of aW are the innovative combat system and the setting/story and how they merge?
<@MikkiRMD> And of course the overall themes of light and darkness are a big part of the story as well, and not just on symbolic level.
<@MarkusRMD> lefantome yeah, that's one way of putting it.
<+BxB> How much Open World/Free Roam is left in Alan Wake? Is there still a out of mission free roam mode where you can explore the world at your leisure or has the game been made mostly linear with exploration limited to areas involving the current mission? Try to give us a solid idea of what people can expect when it comes to exploring the world of Alan Wake, without spoilers of course.
<+lefantome> I finish my time?
<+lefantome> bxb: that was my second question xd
<@MarkusRMD> Alan Wake is not a free-roaming sandbox game, let's start with that.
<@ADM-> Thank you lefantome :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v lefantome
<@MarkusRMD> the game is built on open world tech, and it allows us to have pretty large areas the player can access.
* ADM- sets mode: +v LestatWake360
<+BxB> But it iSo more towards the latter then?
<+BxB> large areas rsther than the entire world?
<@MarkusRMD> we are telling a pretty impactful story
<@MarkusRMD> mikki is writing some more still but thanks BxB
* ADM- sets mode: -v BxB
<@MikkiRMD> A big reason for this is that since the story is important to us, we need to be able to control the player's movements. If Wake is in a hurry, we need to make sure that the player feels like he's hurrying along, for example, instead of just driving somewhere aimlessly or something.
<@ADM-> Go ahead Lestat :)
<+LestatWake360> Hi Remedy, it's a pleasure be here...
<@MikkiRMD> It's very hard to maintain tension without controlling the pace closely.
<+LestatWake360> My question is : I would like to know how much  Remedy has grown since Death Rally. Both in terms of prestige with other companies to Remedy in itself
<@MarkusRMD> Heh, the core team in Death Rally was 6 people. 
<@MarkusRMD> Max Payne was 20+, Max Payne 2 ~25
<@MarkusRMD> We're now at 45 or so.
<@MarkusRMD> plus have quite a few freelancers and outsourcing.. so it's grown.
<@MikkiRMD> For example, I actually started work on this project as a freelancer a couple of years ago.
<@MarkusRMD> Prestige is earned by the games you ship. Hopefully a lot after Wake ;)
<@MikaRMD> Prestigewise, I think Max Payne games did receive a lot of good responses and sold a lot. That helped to lift Rm
<@MarkusRMD> thanks lestat
* ADM- sets mode: +v Campfire
<+LestatWake360> Thank you Remedy
* ADM- sets mode: -v LestatWake360
<@ADM-> Campfire go ahead :)
<+Campfire> Guess I'm up.. hey guys... here's my ?
<+Campfire> Huge Twin Peaks fan here.  While doing research for the game in Washington state, are there any locations that really made an impression on the team? 
<@MarkusRMD> Yeah, tons.
<+Campfire> anything that really stands out?
<@MarkusRMD> We have done extensive research trips to the pacific northwest
<@MarkusRMD> and I think we have over 40 000 photos of the locations.
<@MarkusRMD> Crater Lake is one inspiration.
<@MikkiRMD> I wasn't there when I the team was visiting Washington state, but that's really, really beautiful country out there. I think just _being_ there was impressive in and of itself. =)
<@MarkusRMD> there are others, like town of Astoria.
<@MikkiRMD> "I the team"? Geez. =)
<@MikaRMD> Sorry... "...to lift Remedy's prestige among gaming companies to a respected level. At the same time that puts Remedy in a position where people expect a lot from a game from Remedy. We are humbled by that and work hard to meet expectations.
<@MarkusRMD> but you'll see a lot of influences of pac-nw in the game's visuals
<@MarkusRMD> thanks campfire, that answer ok?
<+Campfire> Great.. Can't wait! Thanks!
* ADM- sets mode: +v AlanNWake
* ADM- sets mode: -v Campfire
<@ADM-> Thanks Campfire.  AlanNWake you're up :)
<+AlanNWake> Hi, it's a pleasure to be talking to you guys :)
<+AlanNWake> Ok, here's my question
<+AlanNWake> I love the classical noir feel Max Payne has, and I love the insanity, the melancholy, the reflexions in Max Payne 2. Do you guys think the feeling in Alan Wake is deeper than in your other games?
<@MarkusRMD> this one goes to Mikki.
<@MikkiRMD> Well, yeah, actually. Max Payne is a great character, but he is kind of one-dimensional -- it's all about that revenge, you know? He's not really built for realism. Wake, by comparison, is a lot more complex guy, with his good and bad sides, and motivations that aren't as simplistic.
<@ADM-> We'll try get them through quicker, so Gene_BC you're up as well :)
<+AlanNWake> May I ask just another thing?
<@MikaRMD> I think Alan Wake definitely has a Remedy "feel" to it that I think is recognizable.
<@MikkiRMD> Also, even though Max had his hallucinatory sequences, questions like "what's real?" and "is this really happening?" are a lot more prominent in Alan Wake.
<@ADM-> AlanNWake: If it's quick.
<+AlanNWake> it is
<+GENE_BC> Hi everyone. I hope all is going well :)
<+AlanNWake> a short answer will do it
<@MarkusRMD> hi Gene_bc
<+AlanNWake> In the Cinematic Trailer from 2008, there was a part in which an old man rushed away from the restaurant when Alan saw him. What's his level of importance in the game?
<+GENE_BC> Here is mine:
<+GENE_BC> Is the darkness force able to change the personalities?  If someone got possessed and we cleaned the darkness with light, does he have chance to get back to normal?
<@MarkusRMD> alanwake: not a big importance.
<+AlanNWake> ok
<+AlanNWake> thank you guys
<+AlanNWake> keep up the wonderful work
<+AlanNWake> :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v AlanNWake
<@MikaRMD> Thanks!
<@ADM-> Thanks AlanNWake :)
<@MikkiRMD> Once the darkness gets you like that, there's no cure,  I'm afraid. That's why Wake has to resolve things in a pretty final manner -- there's not a lot of reasoning with them at that point.
* ADM- sets mode: +v sotka
<@MarkusRMD> thanks GENE_BC, that ok?
<@ADM-> sotka: You're up :)
<+GENE_BC> Thanks
<@ADM-> Thanks Gene.
* ADM- sets mode: -v GENE_BC
<+sotka> hey everyone :) here's my copypasted question:
<+sotka> I for one am very interested in the process of making games, so I'd like to know if there is going to be a "Making of Alan Wake"? It would be nice to see how the game has progressed throughout the years - not only plot-wise or generally, but also technically, including some screenshots, thoughts, maybe even videos, etc. I'm sure you'd have lots to tell about!
<@MarkusRMD> sotka, we'll likely talk about different areas in conferences in the coming year.
<@MikaRMD> Possibly in some magazine articles as well.
<@MarkusRMD> so there's definitely going to be some info out 
<@MikkiRMD> We know a lot of you guys are interested in what has obviously been a pretty long process, and we definitely do want to share more details about it once the game is out.
<@MarkusRMD> and we can definitely tell stuff quite freely on the forum once the game is out there.
* ADM- sets mode: +v Kevinsgirl
<+sotka> okay, that's nice :) thanks
<@MarkusRMD> sotka thanks
<@ADM-> Thanks :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v sotka
<@ADM-> Kevinsgirl you're up :)
<@MikaRMD> Hi Kevinsgirl, I remember you from 3DRForums... :)
<+Kevinsgirl> Yay!
<@ADM-> Yep same :) 
<+Kevinsgirl> Can you tell us a little more about the downloadable content for Alan Wake?
<@MarkusRMD> Mika will pick this up
* ADM- sets mode: +v Jokke_r
<@MarkusRMD> ...
<@ADM-> Markus I'm sure you'll be able to take Jokke_r's one (another regular from the old 3DR days).
<@MarkusRMD> sure
<@MarkusRMD> go ahead
<+Jokke_r> Firstly i'd like to say hi, and thanks for the great games you've made.
<+Jokke_r> I'd like to know what other genres you guys would be interested to tackle after Alan Wake is finished, both in terms of story/setting and gameplay. you guys are probably already planning on your next game so no need to reveal anything about that, but what kind of games would you personally find interesting to try out, or do you intend to stick to what you know best (third person action)
<@MarkusRMD> jokke_r we have a mantra about focus. 3rd person action is been our focus for a long time.
<@MarkusRMD> we also have a set of rules on what a Remedy game should be like
<@MarkusRMD> I don't see us changing dramatically.
<+Jokke_r> alright :) thx 
* ADM- sets mode: -v Jokke_r
<@MarkusRMD> as to personal interest, I like all games I get to develop
<@MarkusRMD> :)
<@ADM-> Thanks Jokke_r :)
* ADM- sets mode: +v Circio
<@ADM-> Circio you're up.
<@MarkusRMD> kevinsgirl long answer coming up apparently :)
<@MikkiRMD> Yeah, he's creating like crazy over there.
<@MarkusRMD> circio welcome and go ahead!
<@MikaRMD> We're concentrating fully on Alan Wake now. The announcement of DLC was made by Robbie Bach, but we're going to wrap this one up first before going into more detail about downloadable content. What I can tell you is that Alan Wake will have a conclusive and satisfactory ending.
<+Circio> Hi everyone. First of all thanks for everthing, really. so here we go: speaking about combat, we saw time slowing in some treailer you released. How much of an impact does the feature have on action sequences, and how does it compare to max payne's bullet time?
* ADM- sets mode: +v Demite
* ADM- sets mode: -v Kevinsgirl
<@ADM-> Thanks Kevinsgirl.
<@MarkusRMD> Circio, Remedy is known for cinematic gaming
<@ADM-> You're up as well Demite.
<+Demite> Hey RMD, you are all gods - heres my question
<+Demite> Can you say anything about what inspired you to change to the newer HUD, and introduce newer 'weaponry' (e.g. flash bangs)
<@MikaRMD> Kevinsgirl: We have some really great ideas for DLC but, to be honest, they are still at an idea stage and will be defined later on. Alan Wake is our no.1 focus still.
<@MarkusRMD> slow motion is one of the tools we know well
<@MarkusRMD> Wake relies on use of light whereas bullet time was Max's thing
<@MarkusRMD> the slow motion accentuates the cinematic feel in Wake
<@MikkiRMD> Yeah, Wake doesn't really do slow-motion dives with guns akimbo. Instead, we pretty much turn on the slow-motion when a really cool moment occurs.
<@MarkusRMD> it's not as central to the experience as bullet time.
<@MikaRMD> Demite: The HUD that you've seen is not final. It's been an iterative process and I think we have a great HUD scheme now...that you'll see later on... :)
<@MarkusRMD> thanks circio hope that covers it
* ADM- sets mode: -v Circio
<@ADM-> Thanks Circio :)
* ADM- sets mode: +v djshauny1
<@MarkusRMD> demite flash bangs have been part of the game for longer
<@ADM-> djshauny1 you're up :)
<+djshauny1> Hello everyone and hello Remedy
<@MarkusRMD> but we haven't shown all tricks in the game (and won't)
<+Demite> i see
<+Demite> thanks for the info RMD
<@MarkusRMD> demite thanks, hopefully that covers it
<+Demite> know you're all working hard
* ADM- sets mode: -v Demite
<@ADM-> Thanks Demite :)
<@MarkusRMD> hello djshauny1
* ADM- sets mode: +v reprec
<@ADM-> reprec: Feel free to ask your question as well.
<+reprec> Hi everyone! :)
<@MarkusRMD> hi reprec
<+reprec> hi to you, RMD!
<+reprec> there goes my question
<+djshauny1> Ok so you have said that you have had a fixed release date for some time. But can you tell us if its still in the spring 2010 period. Many thanks
<+reprec> what is the feeling you guys are getting as release date gets closer and what's the first thing you are going to do after AW gets released? I mean both professionally and personally
<@MarkusRMD> djshauny1: yes. Definitely.
<@MarkusRMD> reprec taking some holiday hopefully :)
<+djshauny1> thanks markus that great news :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v djshauny1
<@ADM-> Thank you djshauny1
<@MikkiRMD> Personally? I don't know. A bit of vacation time would definitely come in handy. =)
* ADM- sets mode: +v ConSs
<@MarkusRMD> it's really busy here now, but the team is really excited with the progress that's happening every day
<+reprec> I imagined that :p
<@ADM-> ConSs you're up :)
* ADM- sets mode: +v Ordos
<@ADM-> Thanks reprec :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v reprec
<@MarkusRMD> reprec I personally love the end phase in developing a game, all decisions get easier as time is really limited.
<@MikaRMD> reprec: The feelings are positive but also a mixed bag. We are definitely SO interested in seeing how you people like the game once it's out there.
<@MarkusRMD> and progress is very visible, everything glues together. 
<@MarkusRMD> thanks reprec
<@ADM-> Ordos you're up as well.
<@MarkusRMD> conss, ordos, go ahead!
<+Ordos> Hi there and Remedy! A French Fan ^^ 
<+ConSs> nr
<@MikkiRMD> Yeah, and the old rule of thumb is that 80% of the actual gameplay experience is created during the last 20% of development time, or something like that. It's definitely true, things just get improved so quickly at this point. =)
<+ConSs> hey all
<+Ordos> My question is: 
<+Ordos> Alan Wake will have a scenario close to a action-game (as Dead Space, Call Of Duty etc.) with a story linear or closer to a videogame as Silent Hill 2?
<+ConSs> My question is this: Will players choices affect the story in AW?
<@MarkusRMD> Ordos: I think it's subjective. It's an action game, but at the same time it's a strong story driven experience
<@MarkusRMD> very hard to compare the games.
<@MikkiRMD> ConSs, we don't have a branching storyline. That said, what you get out of the story can differ depending on how closely you observe the game world and things like that, but we have a single storyline here.
<@MarkusRMD> We're establishing a Thriller in video games, some things that haven't been seen before.
* ADM- sets mode: +v piratebirke
<@MarkusRMD> ordos, that was a hard question. The experience also depends on your gameplay style.
<@MarkusRMD> thanks
<+piratebirke> hey guys, thanks for taking the time. so here we go with a quick question: Will Alan Wake be a long-living franchise like Max Payne?
<@ADM-> Thanks Ordos :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v Ordos
<@ADM-> Thanks Conss.
<@MarkusRMD> piratebirke: We certainly hope so.
* ADM- sets mode: -v ConSs
<@MarkusRMD> That naturally depends how much you like it, so ultimately it's up to you.
* ADM- sets mode: +v Semikami
<@ADM-> You're up Semikami
<@MikkiRMD> We've certainly planned things in a way that allows us to do more of Alan Wake in the future. We don't want to close any doors.
<@MikaRMD> Thanks, piratebirke!
<+piratebirke> alright, thanks :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v piratebirke
* ADM- sets mode: +v Wackster
<+Wackster> Gday!
<@ADM-> hey!
<@MarkusRMD> hi!
<+Wackster> My question is related to the story, but also a bit about the setting. I was wondering if theres a humour element in the game
<@MarkusRMD> Mikki can take this. He's the funny guy :)
<+Semikami> Hi everyone. It's a pleasure to be able to talk to you since I'm interested in game development and might be working at Remedy in the future. :)
<+Wackster> Because in Max Payne there were certain not-too-serious elements like the TV, and some personalities you encounter
<+Wackster> which i loved
<@MarkusRMD> Semikami go ahead.
<@MikkiRMD> We have a lot of humor in the game, actually. It's always a bit of a balancing act, because we don't want to make a joke out of the mystery. It IS supposed to be a psychological thriller, of course, but you need to balance it out -- otherwise you just grow numb.
<+Wackster> yes
<+Wackster> thats great to hear
<+Wackster> Thank you for your time, and i'll be sure to pick up a copy on release day :p
<@MikkiRMD> Some characters are funnier than others, and we do try hard to make sure there's a lot of contrast between the various situations.
<@MikaRMD> I can say about humour that Remedy is still Remedy... :)
<+Wackster> haha
<+Wackster> <3
<@ADM-> Thank you Wackster.
<+Semikami> Would you make an appearance in Pelaajacast (Finnish gaming podcast) near the launch to give some inside info maybe?
* ADM- sets mode: -v Wackster
* ADM- sets mode: +v Keptievo
<@MarkusRMD> Wackster: and TVs will be making a return :)
<@MikkiRMD> I was just there!
<@ADM-> Keptievo you're up :)
<@MikkiRMD> (But mostly 'cause I know those guys from way back.)
<+Keptievo> iltaa remedy (as we say in finnish) :)
<+Keptievo> Have you calculated that how many work hours have you spent during the development of Alan Wake?
<@MikkiRMD> A ZILLION.
<@MikaRMD> oh my lord
<@MarkusRMD> Semikami so I think the answer is 'why not'.
<@ADM-> They always email me at insane hours of the morning.
<@ADM-> They're always there. ;)
<@MarkusRMD> keptievo: I think a modern game takes about 2000 man months
<@MikaRMD> Keptievo: No we have not calculated hours.
<+Keptievo> :D
<+Keptievo> that might be truth
<+Semikami> okay, thanks guys! I'm so excited about AW
<+Keptievo> okay, that's it. kiitos!
<@MarkusRMD> kiitos!
<@MikaRMD> Kiitti
<@MikaRMD> That's Thanks
<+Keptievo> :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v Keptievo
* ADM- sets mode: -v Semikami
<@ADM-> Thanks guys
* ADM- sets mode: +v Veganexiel
<@ADM-> Welcome Veganexiel :)
<+Veganexiel> Hi Remedy, First, I want to say I admire your work
* ADM- sets mode: +v Pic
<@MarkusRMD> thanks!
<@ADM-> You're up as well Pic
<+Pic> hello to everyone! :)
<+Veganexiel> it's incredible how a small team as yours creates such an amazing game! 
<+Pic> ok, hard question :Regarding gameplay, does it have different levels of difficulty (like Max Payne), if so, all are available from the beginning, how's the overall feeling regarding available ammo, does alan afford to shoot aimlessly or it's more like other survival horrors where you have to be carefull?
<+Veganexiel> I have one short question and another one longer
<@MarkusRMD> pic this is something we will still keep under wraps. Sorry! if you have another question we can take that.
<+Veganexiel> the short question is: Will it be a Collector's Edition? We want it! :)
<+Pic> ok, i understand :) keep up the good work!
<@Morry> Keptievo: 40 guys working 37.5 hour weeks for 50 weeks = 75,000 hours per annum. So over 5 years, it would be 375,000 hours if there was no "crunch time". And i'm sure the Remedy guys will fall out of their chairs even at this estimate :P
<@ADM-> Thanks Pic.
* ADM- sets mode: -v Pic
* ADM- sets mode: +v Khorino
<@joukom> You'll have to remember that 5 years a go the team was a lot smaller though
<+Khorino> Hello there, Markus, Mika and Mikki! In the name of all the brazilian community, I'd like to thank you all for being here today.
<@MarkusRMD> hi Khorino!
<+Khorino> I have two questions, and the first one is: We have seen many videos with Alan in the woods. What other areas could we expect to see during day/night gameplay?
<@MikkiRMD> As far as the ammo thing goes, we don't want people to get frustrated all the time because they're out of ammo, but we also don't want anyone feeling like Rambo. It's another balancing act, really. Let's just say that constant spray'n'pray probably isn't going to be a great idea. =)
<@MikaRMD> Veganexiel: Regarding the Collector's Edition, I guess the best you can do is visit AW forums to find out...:) Can't confirm.
<@MarkusRMD> Sam just walked in to the room and says Hi!
<+Veganexiel> Ok, thank you
<@MarkusRMD> Mikki will take Khorino's question.
<+Veganexiel> My other question was about the TV series setting in the gameplay and the narration. I'm such a fan series, also of Cliffhangers, what can we expect in the game?
<@MarkusRMD> Veganexiel Mikki will take that story question too...
<@MikkiRMD> Well, the woods are a big part of the game, as you've already seen in the released trailers and screenshots, but we also have areas like Bright Falls itself and a pretty wide variety of geographical locations other than, well, trees. =)
* ADM- sets mode: +v Tillu
<@ADM-> Ok Tillu you're up, give Markus something to do ;)
<@MarkusRMD> yeah!
<+Tillu> What kind of feedback have you received from the test players who have played AW. Have you learned something from them and have you made any changes to the game's elements to correspond their feedback
<@MarkusRMD> Tillu that's a hard but really good question.
<+Khorino> Ok, he is the other one: What other forms of Takens should we expect to see besides people and birds?
<@MikkiRMD> Well, you can definitely expect cliffhangers, I can tell you that much. We've pretty much designed the story to ensure that you get a steady influx of moments where you have no idea what's going to happen next, but the stakes are really high.
<@MarkusRMD> Short answer: We've absolutely have learned and changed things based on feedback.
<+Veganexiel> wow, thank you. My last question and is if you are going to release a demo before the launch on Xbox LIVE? 
<+Veganexiel> I won't steal you more time, I promise :P
<@ADM-> The Alan Wake forums are a great source of feedback for Remedy -- quick plug.. http://forum.alanwake.com/ ;)
<@MarkusRMD> the feedback has been about fun factor, story delivery, gameplay variation, what's memorable in the game etc.
<@ADM-> Thanks Veganexiel.
* ADM- sets mode: -v Veganexiel
<@MarkusRMD> controls, so on. There are LOTS of changes based on the playtesting feedback to get it just right.
<@MarkusRMD> but the hard part of getting feedback is to analyze it all and choose what's best for the game.
<@MarkusRMD> thanks Tillu.
<+Tillu> Ok thanks :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v Tillu
<@MikaRMD> Veganexiel: Demo before the launch, most likely not.
<@MikkiRMD> Announcement: I have now gotten used to my tiny pink keyboard.
<@MarkusRMD> We should start to wrap up soon. Is ADM still flooded with q:s?
<@ADM-> Just Khorino's last one and then I'll slip in one that I was given before the session from someone who couldn't make it.
<@MarkusRMD> ok
<+Khorino> Ok, he is the other one: What other forms of Takens should we expect to see besides people and birds?
* ADM- sets mode: +v sotka
<@ADM-> Ok a quick one from sotka for Markus, since he likes cars :)
<@MarkusRMD> we have some surprises but not talking about those yet.
<+sotka> one question to markus, since you like cars :D
<@MarkusRMD> right
<+sotka> what is the car you drive atm? and what's the car of your dreams
<@ADM-> Ok and last question of the night, this one is from AnttiApina from the forums: "Is Bright Falls really the only place where the game sets in place. Sure it is the main location, but we have seen some interesting pictures in the last few months (thanksgiving pic)".
<+Khorino> Thank you guys!
<@ADM-> Thanks Khorino :)
<@MikkiRMD> Nope, we also see some other locations. Not gonna tell you exactly what those are, though. =)
* ADM- sets mode: -v Khorino
<@MarkusRMD> sotka, my dream car would be a Pagani Zonda F in deep red/carbon fibre. But that's a complete pipe dream.
<+sotka> =)
<@ADM-> Oh and before you all leave I have one more prize to give out.. how's a flashlight sound?
<@MarkusRMD> but I think I'll pass the other question
<@ADM-> So stick around for that. :)
<@ADM-> Thanks sotka :)
* ADM- sets mode: -v sotka
<@MikaRMD> A warm thank you for all of you here in the chat! We'll continue to bust ass to make the best possible game for you to enjoy. Thanks to ADM, our community manager, for arranging this meet.
<@ADM-> Ok well that's it.  Thanks so much for taking the time for this guys.
<@MarkusRMD> Folks, we need to wrap up now and continue making the game. Thanks so much for all being here!
<@MikkiRMD> That hour just flew past.
<@ADM-> Tell me about it!
<@MikaRMD> Indeed-io.
<@ADM-> I think I need a rest, lots of micro management.
<@MarkusRMD> I'll keep on hanging around the forum occasionally too and perhaps we can do this again later.
<@ADM-> I think it went well :)
<@MarkusRMD> if ADM can handle it :)
<@ADM-> Bring it on ;)
<@MikkiRMD> Yeah, it was good, ADM. Thanks for taking the trouble on this. =)
<@ADM-> ok well I'll let you all say goodbye to Remedy.. I'll take the +m off :)
<@Morry> A big thank you to all the Remedy guys who were able to drag themselves away from the game for an hour. Much appreciated!
* ADM- sets mode: -m
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