A proposal to SSG/Matrix how to address the scenario shortage on the cheap
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 2:16 pm
You know what was interesting to me is the high degree of similarity between the scenario construction of CCAW and CAW.
In terms of UI CCAW and CAW are worlds apart and only show commonality at the conceptual level. But in terms of scenario definition and construction, they appeared to me to be almost 1:1 for in terms of specification. (Easy to compare with running CAW in windowed mode and CCAW in a DOSBOX window on a dual monitor setup.)
One would think that a mechanical (programmatic) scenario converter of CCAW scenarios to CAW scenarios would be quite possible. Usually what makes this impossible with most games is the addition of many new features in the sequel, but that really isn't the case here.
Of course, if it would take 1,000 hours to program such a converter and it would take 1,000 hours to do the conversions by hand, then it would be senseless exercise.
So, that leaves the option of having it done by customers/fans or the ever overworked team of testers.
---
I would like to propose a third option to SSG which I had used very effectively when managing Internet startups during the late 1990s and one that we Panther Games (RDOA/HTTR/COTA/BFTB) {I am a beta tester} have had some success with.
College/University interns to either work on a programmatic converter or do it by hand. However, if done by hand, then to introduce some degree of tools and formalism such that it can be categorized as a computer systems or quality assurance project. Generally, most colleges/universities have industry intern programs which are required towards gaining credits towards a degree in computer science. The intern is required to do real work within the industry, produce specific results, keep a log book, and receive a report of his/her activities from the business. Often the interns are not paid (or paid very little). However, they need this towards their graduation and it is useful to have real experience on their resume (CV) and reference for their first job search.
Especially, doing the conversion of scenarios manually on a dual monitor set up is the perfect work for an intern. No, extended training is required. Each scenario pretty much stands by itself. There is no need for continuity or maintenance of the completed work (like there is for sofware). If the intern is only available for four weeks and gets done 10 scenarios, then a new intern can pick up the work without any need for a transition period and get another 10 scenarios done, etc...
In terms of UI CCAW and CAW are worlds apart and only show commonality at the conceptual level. But in terms of scenario definition and construction, they appeared to me to be almost 1:1 for in terms of specification. (Easy to compare with running CAW in windowed mode and CCAW in a DOSBOX window on a dual monitor setup.)
One would think that a mechanical (programmatic) scenario converter of CCAW scenarios to CAW scenarios would be quite possible. Usually what makes this impossible with most games is the addition of many new features in the sequel, but that really isn't the case here.
Of course, if it would take 1,000 hours to program such a converter and it would take 1,000 hours to do the conversions by hand, then it would be senseless exercise.
So, that leaves the option of having it done by customers/fans or the ever overworked team of testers.
---
I would like to propose a third option to SSG which I had used very effectively when managing Internet startups during the late 1990s and one that we Panther Games (RDOA/HTTR/COTA/BFTB) {I am a beta tester} have had some success with.
College/University interns to either work on a programmatic converter or do it by hand. However, if done by hand, then to introduce some degree of tools and formalism such that it can be categorized as a computer systems or quality assurance project. Generally, most colleges/universities have industry intern programs which are required towards gaining credits towards a degree in computer science. The intern is required to do real work within the industry, produce specific results, keep a log book, and receive a report of his/her activities from the business. Often the interns are not paid (or paid very little). However, they need this towards their graduation and it is useful to have real experience on their resume (CV) and reference for their first job search.
Especially, doing the conversion of scenarios manually on a dual monitor set up is the perfect work for an intern. No, extended training is required. Each scenario pretty much stands by itself. There is no need for continuity or maintenance of the completed work (like there is for sofware). If the intern is only available for four weeks and gets done 10 scenarios, then a new intern can pick up the work without any need for a transition period and get another 10 scenarios done, etc...
