_________________________________________________ | THE | | ____ ______ ______ | | / / / / / \ / | | /___/ /_____/ /_____ \ / | | / / \ / / | | / / \ /_____ / | | | | FAQ | |_______________________________________________| 12-7-96 VERSION: 0.15 Author: Lon Matero (klmatero@oakland.edu) Copyright: The Prey FAQ is Copyright 1996 by Lon Matero. If you wish to use part of this document, please leave it intact, and show it belongs to The Prey FAQ by the author, Lon Matero. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents: 1. Introduction 1.1 About this FAQ 1.2 About the author 1.3 Where to obtain this FAQ 1.4 Adding to this FAQ 2. About Prey 2.1 What is Prey? 2.2 Who is making Prey? 2.3 Who is 3D Realms? 2.4 Who is distributing Prey? 2.5 When will Prey be released? 2.6 What is the storyline behind Prey? 2.7 What are some features in Prey? 2.8 What will the Prey Environment be like? 3. Prey's Requirements 3.1 What are the system requirements for Prey? 3.2 What Operating Systems does Prey work with? 3.3 Does Prey support 3D Graphics cards or MMX? 4. The Prey Team 4.1 Who at 3D Realms is making Prey? 4.2 Who left the Prey team? Who is replacing them? 5. Multiplayer Prey 5.1 What kind of multiplayer support will Prey have? 6. Editing Prey 6.1 What parts of Prey can I edit? 7. Where to find more information 7.1 World Wide Web 7.2 Newsgroups 7.3 IRC 8. Revision History 9. Credits ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.1 About this FAQ ------------------ Prey is the game and FAQ stands for: Frequently Asked Questions. Now it's The Prey FAQ! You will find a vast amount of information about Prey and hopefully answer many of your questions. 1.2 About the author --------------------- Lon Matero is a high school student at Walled Lake Central High School He has been an avid fan of Apogee for years. Lon is the channel manager of one of the most popular gaming IRC channels on the Undernet, #Duke3D. He also maintains 2 great gaming web pages. Apogee - http://www.oakland.edu/~klmatero/apogee Prey - http://www.oakland.edu/~klmatero/prey 1.3 Where to obtain this FAQ ---------------------------- The latest version will be posted on Lon's Prey Page: http://www.oakland.edu/~klmatero/prey ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. About Prey ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.1 What is Prey? ----------------- Prey is an upcoming first person, 3D, Sci-Fi, futuristic, action game. Prey will have both single and multiplayer play, along with support for many hardware devices and operating systems. Prey is also very editable, with a scripting language and a level editor. A few mottos or subtitles have been also posted: Prey: You are and you'd better! Prey: If you don't come back, they will! 2.2 Who is making Prey? ----------------------- A game company called, 3D Realms Entertainment. A team of about seven members that was formally the ROTT team, and they have moved on to Prey. A full listing of the people behind Prey is in, The Prey Team section of this FAQ. 2.3 Who is 3D Realms? --------------------- 3D Realms is a division of Apogee Software Ltd. set up in 1995 to focus only on 3D style games. 3D Realms' first release was Terminal Velocity. 3D Realms is known for games including Duke Nukem 3D, Blood, and Shadow Warrior. 3D Realms uses the "Apogee model", where a shareware episode is distributed for free, then users can buy a registered version to get all the episodes. 2.4 Who is distributing Prey? ----------------------------- In 1996 Apogee chose GT Interactive to distribute it's retail versions of their games. Go to GT's WWW Page: http://www.gtinteractive.com/ 3D Realms is taking care of the publishing for the Shareware version. 2.5 When will Prey be released? ------------------------------- This is one of the most popular questions for any game, and I will give you Apogee's most popular response: "When it's done." :) Here is a guess from the author: First half of 1998 2.6 What is the storyline behind Prey? -------------------------------------- Currently, there is no storyline. Paul Schuteyma, the new producer, will be coming up with a new story and background for Prey. 2.7 What are some features in Prey? ----------------------------------- 3D Realms are trying to make many advances in 3D gaming with Prey. Prey will have the True 3D as in Quake, and the interactivity as in Duke Nukem 3D. Here is a list of general features from 3D Realms: + New, unique alien environment with its own rules, unlike any other game seen before. + A unique weapons system adds a distinct and vital feel to battle and discovery. + Insane weapons do more than shoot missiles - they give you real power! + Prey has imaginative items in the environment that you can use, like ropes you can swing on. + Alien foes will use the environment intelligently. + Turn your head and look around without changing the direction you are moving. + Heads-up display and interface provides information on your status and enemy movement. + Rich environmental sounds enhance the eeriness of the world. 2.8 What will the Prey Environment be like? ------------------------------------------- Prey's Environment will be futuristic and creepy. One of the largest factors will be the interactivity within the environment. 3D Realms is trying to make the interactivity at the level of Duke Nukem 3D, without loosing the speed. The amazing architecture with great lighting effects will make Prey look very good. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Prey's Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 What are the system requirements for Prey? ---------------------------------------------- * 3D Realms has not announced any official requirements yet. An estimation is: - A Pentium Processor - 16 MB RAM - CD-ROM Drive - 40MB Hard Drive space - PCI Video Card Recommended: - A Pentium Processor with MMX - 20 MB RAM - 3D Video Card 3.2 What Operating Systems does Prey work with? ----------------------------------------------- Prey is planned to have a DOS version, and a Windows 95 version. Other platforms will follow shortly. Currently a Mac version is planned. Right now it is looking like a DOS version is not likely. 3D Realms might go Win95 only. By the time Prey is released, the Windows version may be Windows 97. If that is the case, Prey will support the latest version of Windows. There is no Windows NT version planned. 3.3 Does Prey support 3D Graphics cards or MMX? ---------------------------------------- Prey will support a number of 3D graphic cards. Currently Prey is supporting: 3DFX - http://www.3dfx.com/ Prey might also support the MMX(tm) Technology in Pentium Chips. More information on MMX Technology: http://www.intel.com/drg/mmx/index.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. The Prey Team ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.1 Who at 3D Realms is making Prey? ------------------------------------ Basically the former ROTT team is making Prey. ROTT was just their warm up game, and now ready for the big stuff. 4.1.1 Programmers ------------------------------- William Scarboro - (Main programmer, engine guy) William is from El Paso, Texas. He has a B.S. in Computer Science, minor in Mathematics from Texas A&M University William did the actor code in Rise of the Triad. (Web BBS) Other projects worked on at Apogee: Rise of the Triad 4.1.2 Artists ------------------------------- Steve Hornback - (The texture guy) Steve is a veteran, having worked on many Apogee titles, including Cosmo and the original Duke Nukem I and II. He was the primary artist for Rise of the Triad, and he's done a lot of work on Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior. He is currently making textures to be used in Prey. Steve's from Ohio. (Web BBS) Other projects worked on at Apogee: Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Major Stryker, Cosmo's Adventure, Duke Nukem II, Duke Nukem I, Rise Of The Triad Chuck Jones - (Sketches, and Model guy) A gifted artist from Dallas, Chuck started on Rise of the Triad, and did extensive model work for Duke Nukem 3D. He is working on sketches and models for Prey. His sketches have been the basis for a number of our cover art paintings. (Web BBS) Other projects worked on at Apogee: Rise Of The Triad, Duke Nukem 3D Doug Wood - (Sketches, Models, and Character animation guy) Graduated High School in Carlsbad New Mexico. Went on to college at NMSU, NMSU-C, ENMU, and finally the Art Institute of Dallas where he got his degree in Computer Animation. His first computer animation job he did some TV commercials for ReelFX in Dallas, then he moved on to Origin. After a stay at Origin, he came to Apogee. (Web BBS) Other projects worked on at Apogee: Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior 4.1.3 Level Designers -------------------------------- Randy Pitchford - Randy just joined 3D Realms in 1996 to work on the Duke Nukem 3D Plutonium Pak. Now he is one of the main map designers for Prey. Randy was a professional magician from California before coming to 3D Realms. Other projects worked on at Apogee: Duke Nukem 3D 4.1.4 Producers -------------------------------- Paul Schuteyma - (Producer/Designer) Paul previously worked for FASA Interactive Technologies, where he was the lead designer for MechWarrior 3. In November, 1996, Paul joined 3D Realms. Prior to that, Schuytema lead a "dual life," serving as a college professor half-time and working in the computer game industry half-time. As a professor, Schuytema taught creative writing, science fiction world building, 3D animation and interactive authoring. In the game industry, Schuytema divided his time between being the contributing editor for game design for Computer Gaming World magazine and being a free lance game design consultant. Schuytema's educational background includes a technical degree in computer electronics and programming as well as a master of fine arts degree in science fiction writing from the University of North Carolina. (From the Press Release) George Broussard - (Executive Producer) George is the President of 3D Realms, and executive produces all of 3D Realms' games, including Prey. 4.1.5 Music/Sound effects -------------------------------- Lee Jackson - (Compose the soundtrack, and all sound effects) Graduated J. Frank Dobie HS, Pasadena, TX, 1981 - won Texas UIL State Music Theory competition, 1981. Attended University of Texas at Austin as a Music Education major from 1981-1983 - Member Longhorn Band and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Worked for IRS, Austin Service Center, from 1983-1993. Joined Apogee in 1993 as Tech Support Rep. Was primary musician on Rise of the Triad. Named Apogee's/3D Realms' first full-time Music and Sound Director, as of January 15, 1996. Married to Brenda Jackson in 1983; one son, Nathan Douglas Jackson, born 1986.(Web BBS) Other projects worked on at Apogee: Rise of the Triad, Duke Nukem 3D, Stargunner 4.2 Who left the Prey team? Who is replacing them? -------------------------------------------------- On August 12th 1996, 3D Realms announced that two programmers on the Prey team have left. Mark Dochtermann, net-programmer, and Jim Dose', level-editor programmer. They went to Hipnotic Interactive. Here is part of the Official statement from George Broussard: * What happened was two programmers left the project, leaving the main engine programmer, William Scarboro working on the engine. We see little setback, and will begin interviews immediately for the two open spots. (Tools programmer/Editor and Net code/general game programmer). We expect this will only be a little 'speed bump' in Prey's development. Nothing to worry about at all. On that same day, Richard Gray (aka Levelord) left with the two programmers. Richard Gray is known for his work as one of the two level designers for Duke Nukem 3D. Richard also went to Hipnotic Interactive. A few days later, another Official announcement came from George Broussard. He said that Tom Hall, the Executive Producer for Prey had left also. Here is the announcement: * More Prey news for you all. Tom Hall has left to join John Romero's startup company. We wish Tom well and his leaving was very pleasant, and a little expected as he and John have been friends for a long time. I will continue to be Executive Producer on Prey as I was with Duke 3D and will likely bring in someone new as Asst. Producer to help guide the project and relieve the workload. Again, we know how this looks to the outside world, but rest assured that we aren't panicking at all here. These folks will be missed, but the bulk of the Prey team is here, more motivated than ever and things will go on. Okay, to sum it up, here is Here is who is replacing them: who left 3D Realms: 1. Mark Dochtermann 2. Jim Dose' 3. Michael Hadwin 4. Tom Hall Paul Schuteyma 5. Richard Gray Stephen Cole ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Multiplayer Prey ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.1 What kind of multiplayer support will Prey have? ---------------------------------------------------- While making Prey, 3D Realms made sure Multiplayer was kept in mind. Playing with multiple players is one of the main parts of Prey. You can do it many ways. By modem, serial cables, IPX network, and TCP/IP(Internet). When playing a multiplayer game, usually you will battle face to face with another person, or many people. You also have the option of COOP or team play mode. With COOP all the human players will fight the enemies on the regular single player levels. * Mark Dochtermann: "The multi-player architecture has been central to the design of Prey since day one, which in the end will translate to a superior multi-player game. The type of gameplay we envision for single play incorporates all the elements of a multi-player frag fest while also being a one-player game." 3D Realms has said Prey can support 10-15 players in Network play, and on a dedicated server, up to 25 players. Multiplayer games in Prey will also allow joining and leaving games that are already in progress. All the levels in Prey will be set up like a World Wide Web address. Prey will look for a level at the address, and this might point to your local hard drive for single player games, or on internet games, jump to another server. One interesting feature that is planned is a spectator player. You would join a game in progress, walk around in the game like everyone else. You would see them, but they would not be able to see you. This is an excellent way of viewing a great PreyMatch game without worrying about being killed. NOTE: The exact details of Multi-player Prey is not known yet, that goes for the setup of network games, and Prey servers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Editing Prey ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6.1 What parts of Prey can I edit? ---------------------------------- Many parts of Prey will be editable and changeable. One of the largest pluses will be the Win95 Level Editor that will be packaged with the registered version. 3D Realms will give the same editor that they used for making the levels for Prey. George Broussard has made a few comments on the level editor for Prey: "Plus the engine works differently, so we don't need to BSP anything and it's still fast. That means you can edit and run levels on the FLY. No waiting or lameness." "The Prey editor will work like Build. Easy texturing and geometry creation. Plus you can walk around in 3D realtime and light things and see it NOW. Not in 20 minutes" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Where to find more information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.1 World Wide Web ------------------ * For the Official Information, go to 3D Realms' Prey Page: http://www.3drealms.com/catalog/prey/ * Another good place to find Official updates is to Finger George Broussard's account: www.middlebury.edu/~otisg/cgi/HyperFinger.cgi?user=george@3drealms.com OR log into your shell account and type: finger george@apogee1.com * A great WWW page to get news, and information is Lon's Prey Page: http://www.oakland.edu/~klmatero/prey/ 7.2 Newsgroups -------------- The reserved spot for all discussion on Apogee and 3D Realms games in the news groups right now is: alt.games.apogee A Prey newsgroup might pop up like one did for Duke Nukem 3D after Prey's release. 7.3 IRC ------- IRC or Internet Relay Chat is talking in real time to other people. If you want to talk to many Prey fans, including me, get a IRC program and log in. Two channels have already been established to discuss Prey on IRC on Undernet. #3DRealms and #Prey have both been registered with Undernet's channel service. You can find help or discussion in either of these channels. Apogee recently has their own IRC server that you can access from their website, or through irc.pseudo.com channel #apogee. On occasion Apogee staff is available for discussion on their server along with Undernet's #Duke3D and #3DRealms. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Revision History ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- v0.15 - 12-7-96 First public release ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Credits ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Rob Brown - robbrown@nwinfo.net (Proof-reader, biography, IRC section)