dean-hall
Latest
DayZ standalone releases alpha on Steam
DayZ's "true blue" alpha launched on the Steam store today for $29.99. The release is part of Steam's early access program with a caveat posted that players should not purchase it unless they're OK with "serious issues and possible interruptions of game functioning." The launch was accompanied by a trailer which has since been pulled from the Steam store due to its graphic nature. Lead developer Dean Hall bemoaned the move on Twitter: "At the last minute, despite being told of the contents of my trailer for DayZ, Steam pulled my trailer due to censorship." The video is still on YouTube if you're curious, although be aware that it is NSFW and has a scene of a suicide.
DayZ alpha will be an actual alpha
Early adopters are in for a rough ride when the standalone version of DayZ first enters Steam's early access program. According to a post made by Dean "Rocket" Hall on the game's official forums, DayZ's initial limited launch will be "a true-blue alpha." Hall noted that because the team is rebuilding "massive areas of the engine," many of DayZ's core features will not be seen for months. Buying early will be a recipe for disappointment. It's a chance for those who want to be part of that whole process. For them, the process is as much a part of the game as the whole experience. For many, this is the opposite of what they want. To enable a smooth launch, we're really targeting it at a core audience who want to get deeply involved in a very barebones experience that is a platform for future development. In other words, it's an alpha. Dean did not provide a release date, so we'll continue to keep this filed under Soon TM.
DayZ creator stresses standalone Alpha is 'a platform' for the future
Dean "Rocket" Hall, creator of DayZ, cautioned that those who buy into the standalone game's upcoming Steam Early Access launch should not expect something on par with a fully realized, polished product. DayZ will essentially be "barebones" at the outset, he said in an update on the game's forums, pointing out that "some might be disappointed that this is not some feature-packed, graphically focused, masterpiece" of a game. "I really plead for anyone who is on the fence to take a skeptical approach - watch streams, read reviews, watch some let's play and form your opinion," Hall went on to say. "You could always come back to the game in three, six months time and buy it then." For Hall, Early Access presents a chance for folks who want to participate in guiding the game's growth. "For many," he said, "this is the opposite of what they want." Hall concluded that buying into Early Access is buying into "a platform for future development." DayZ will launch for PC on Steam Early Access, though Hall hasn't ruled out the possibility of Xbox One and PS4. No release date has been set for the PC Alpha, which has already been seen skulking around inside Steam's database.
DayZ footage may upset YouTube comment experts
Heads up, DayZ fans, creator Dean "Rocket" Hall has posted a new eight-minute video showcasing the current state of the zombie sandbox's pre-alpha build. As the video's disclaimer notes, the footage "may deeply trouble experts who post YouTube comments. It has not been approved by marketing and contains disturbing scenes such as poor FPS, floating loot, bad lighting, placeholder sounds, and many more bugs that obviously never occur in game development and therefore the project is completely doomed." Assuming you can get past all those gory details, you'll see some up-close-and-personal zombie killin' as well as exploration elements. "Our focus is on getting the alpha out, Hall says, "which means focusing on multiplayer [server] performance." Click past the cut to watch the clip.
Tenacious bugs, optimization woes continue to delay DayZ
People have been killing zombies in Arma 2 mod DayZ for years, yet the game's long-awaited standalone client remains in development limbo. The culprit? Bugs and code optimization. "We think we need a minimum of 15 [server side] FPS [with] 50 players, 2000 zombies, and 25000 loot items," explained designer Dean Hall in a recent Reddit post. "Our latest tests have all shown some runaway systems in the code we have to tidy up. The variable synchronization system that was developed for work with the network bubble, is checking the variables very often. We're optimizing this. Also, there are many string comparisons." It goes on like that for a few more sentences, but the key takeaway here is that there are very real, technical hurdles that must be leapt before the game can hit retail. Despite this refreshing level of transparency, Hall refuses to assign a release window to the standalone version of DayZ. "If I start saying 'oh it won't be out then' people start asking me about the day after, and the day after," said Hall. "So it just encourages people to keep asking me when it is, and the "announced date" would be when I go 'yeah, it could be out then'." Edit: This piece has been altered to specify that the "15 FPS" mentioned in Hall's message was not referring to the framerate players will see in game, but was instead referring to server side FPS.
DayZ still not ready for release
You can't really call what's happening to DayZ a series of delayz, since the game haz never formally announced a release date. But a lot of potential playerz are still waiting patiently for the standalone version to see the light of day. Lead developer Dean Hall took to Reddit recently to respond to player questionz regarding the long-awaited standalone and explain why the game still isn't out. In short, it isn't the game itself; it's the strain of keeping the game going around a large enough number of people. According to Hall, the big element holding the game back iz the continued work on ensuring client stability and framerate with a large enough number of playerz and zombiez. Hall cites 15 FPS az a bare minimum for the game to function, something that haz yet to be achieved even with existing optimizationz. Not that thiz will assuage those looking forward to playing the standalone version of the zombie survival simulator, but at least it clearz up the reasons for the wait.
DayZ standalone shows up on Steam database
DayZ standalone has appeared on the Steam database, with its creator confirming that development is on "the final lap." Escapist noted that an entry for "DayZ Early Access" showed up yesterday on the Steam Database for the USA territory. The title was delayed last August when the team was waiting for the core network architecture to be put into place. Joystiq contacted Lead Designer Dean Hall, who said that the game is nearing its final stretch to an alpha test. "All I can say is that progress has been very good," Hall said. "We're a mix of nervous and excited. And as I'd stated on my twitter when I announced my break from social media/updates, we are on the final lap. Part of the final process involves the actual administration of the release, which is actually surprisingly complex and time-consuming. So, to confirm, there is no release date announcement and we're 100 percent focused on getting the alpha out the door."
DayZ standalone in Steam database, Hall says progress 'very good'
DayZ standalone is showing signs of (re)animation, with "DayZ Early Access" popping up in the Steam Database. The Escapist took note of the entry, and pointed out the entry is marked for the USA territory. "Amazing how quickly the internet picks up on things isn't it," said DayZ lead and creator Dean Hall when we asked him for clarification this morning. "All I can say is that progress has been very good, we're a mix of nervous and excited. And as I'd stated on my twitter when I announced my break from social media/updates, we are on the final lap. Part of the final process involves the actual administration of the release, which is actually surprisingly complex and time-consuming." Hall previously told us at Gamescom that the team was waiting on the "core network architecture" to complete and then DayZ standalone would be ready for "go time." Hall concluded, "So, to confirm, there is no release date announcement and we're 100 percent focused on getting the alpha out the door."
Latest DayZ video blog touches on usability, optimization
If you've got an extra 20 minutes -- and you're a DayZ fan -- Dean Hall's latest video dev blog is worth a look. Hall starts off with usability changes, and he shows off the new UI along with various context-sensitive improvements and functionality. He also talks a bit about DayZ's work-in-progress animations, its reloading mechanics, and a few other bits and bobs related to the standalone sandbox survival sim's ongoing development. Hall also touches on the network optimization delays that he mentioned at Gamescom. "In order to make our alpha period worthwhile, we want to release with this network bubble, which is the last task remaining before [the alpha]," he explained. Hall goes on to say that the task is currently being overseen by Bohemia Interactive co-founder Ondrej Spanel. Spanel is Bohemia's most senior programmer and is also responsible for co-designing the engine that led to Operation Flashpoint, the Arma series, and of course DayZ. We've embedded Hall's dev blog video after the cut.
DayZ September dev blog teases new zombie AI and item degradation
DayZ creator Dean Hall's September dev blog detailed changes to the game's inventory, player interaction, item damage, and teased upcoming changes to zombie AI. The entire video is more than 20 minutes long and is stuffed full of information for DayZ fans, but here are a few highlights: In the dev blog, Hall revealed that the AI for the DayZ standalone release would be written entirely from scratch, and is no longer based on the ArmA 2 AI. "The proposal I came up with was that zombies will chase players and avoid collision," Hall said. "The zombies will only pathfind for a short distance in front of them, and otherwise, they'll avoid collision." Hall stated more details regarding zombie AI are coming in a future dev blog. Hall also demonstrated several ways he hopes to reduce the "kill on sight mentality" that currently permeates the DayZ experience, one of which is to have loot take weapon damage. This means if you shoot another player to take their stuff, whatever you hit with your bullet will be damaged. You can watch Hall demonstrate this when he shoots another player in the chest, which not only ruins their clothing, but all the items carried by that clothing. Even after the zombie apocalypse, you still have to worry about keeping your clothes nice.
Gamescom 2013: DayZ standalone delayed, Hall not worried
DayZ creator Dean Hall told Joystiq that the standalone version of his ultra-popular zombie sandbox mod no longer has a release window. "The awkward thing is the only thing we're waiting on is the core network architecture," Hall said, speaking at this week's Gamescom. "That's the kind of thing only a few people can work on. It's very specialized. It's like, you can't throw more pilots at a plane. You put a thousand pilots in a plane, it's not going to fly any faster." Hall said that art, animation, and design work is ongoing while the network architecture is being ironed out. He also touched on the high expectations for what started as an Arma 2 mod. "If most of the community who maybe thought DayZ was cool a year ago now they think it's lame, I think that's probably good for us," Hall explained. "We don't need to sell that many copies to break even. We want to be a hardcore game and I think if we make a good game people will come back."
DayZ standalone release date waiting on 'core network architecture'
DayZ creator Dean Hall told us today at Gamescom that the standalone version of the hit Arma 2 zombie mod, originally expected last year, doesn't have a release window anymore, but he did explain the delay. "The awkward thing is the only thing we're waiting on is the core network architecture. That's the kind of thing only a few people can work on. It's very specialized," Hall said. "It's like, you can't throw more pilots at a plane. You put a thousand pilots in a plane it's not going to fly any faster." Hall said that while the network architecture is being developed, other work is proceeding with the artists, animators and designers. And once the network architecture is completed to the satisfaction of the brutal multiplayer survival game: "Bam, it's go time."
Standalone DayZ looks to be taking cues from EVE Online
When you actually build a simulation of the post-zombie landscape, where do you look for inspiration about what happens next? To the stars, according to DayZ's Dean Hall. In a recent interview, Hall discusses the ways that EVE Online creates a persistent world fueled primarily by player interactions and backstabbing, which he sees as the future of the standalone DayZ. Not just in the case of survivors turning on one another, but in the ability to actually create safe regions through the world carved out by player ingenuity. Hall discusses the possibility of allowing not just player-owned structures but long-term landscape changes, hollowing out bunkers and setting up security systems. The game isn't there yet, but he also mentions that watching The War Z's launch and subsequent burn in some ways helped fuel the development team's commitment to the original vision. It's an interesting look at a game that isn't out there yet, but promises to add more than simply surviving the hordes of mindless undead.
DayZ creator considering PS4, Xbox One after PC, has an early favorite
Dean Hall is focused on launching the PC version of his zombie-infested baby, DayZ, but he's talked with both Sony and Microsoft about the PS4 and Xbox One, too. Nothing's set in stone, but Hall "absolutely" likes Sony's approach to indies; he's turned off by Microsoft's ban on self-publishing and history of charging thousands for game updates. "Sony lets you self-publish and they don't make you pay for updates," Hall told Eurogamer. "Microsoft requires you to have a publisher. They have no digital distribution strategy and they require you to pay $10,000, or whatever it is, for updates." Hall mentioned potential console releases for DayZ back in April, and said he'd already met with Sony in particular. Sony was "obviously interested," Hall said, though he didn't mention next-gen at the time. Last week Hall said that once the PC version is good to go, a PS4 iteration is "definitely" something he'd look at. "But we have to do the PC version first," he said. "Once we get the alpha out, that's a good time for us to run it up on a [PS4] dev kit and see what happens." Hall isn't counting Xbox One completely out, but he still has some unanswered questions about developing for Microsoft's console: "I like what I saw on the Xbox in a lot of cases as well. I'm not shitting on them. I'm kind of hopeful that Microsoft has just forgot to talk about its indie support. Maybe I'm being a bit naive." Last we heard, the DayZ alpha was scheduled for June (that's this month) at the earliest.
Hall considering PS4 version of DayZ
How would a PlayStation 4 version of DayZ grab you? Mod creator Dean Hall is apparently considering it according to a blurb at Eurogamer. Hall outlines the differences between publishing on Sony's console vs. Microsoft's, the latter of which requires a hefty fee for each update as well as a pre-existing publisher relationship. Hall tells Eurogamer that he's definitely interested in both platforms but his focus is currently on the standalone PC version of his celebrated Arma 2 mod. "That's definitely something we'd look at, but we have to do the PC version first. Once we get the alpha out, that's a good time for us to run it up on a [PS4] dev kit and see what happens," he explained.
DayZ mastermind conquers Everest, is back in the studio
DayZ creator Dean Hall hasn't forgotten about finishing the standalone game, or how much you want to play it – but he was giving you the cold shoulder last week. On May 21, Hall reached the top of Mt. Everest, according to a picture tweeted on May 24. He's now made it safely down the mountain and is back in the studio, working on DayZ. Hall said a dev blog with the latest updates will go live when the team has time. There's still no word on a release date for DayZ, and the public alpha is scheduled for June, at the earliest.
Hall conquers Everest, talks DayZ's ownership and loss
Dean Hall has officially made it to the top of the world. The DayZ creator watched the sun rise from the summit of Mt. Everest on May 21st, according to a tweet released earlier today. Gamasutra recently asked Hall about his Arma zombie mod's phenomenal success, and he pointed to the design's ability to trigger psychological responses to both ownership and loss. "I think the big thing was that it was this finely-crafted mix of permadeath -- which gave you a sense of value, because you could lose something -- and ownership," Hall explained. "Because it's persistent, it means that it's going to be there tomorrow. I think those two things mixed together meant that you had these really valuable stories that came from it."
Hall takes a break from DayZ, pursues dream of climbing Everest
If you're anxiously waiting for Dean "Rocket" Hall's standalone version of his ultra-popular Arma 2 mod DayZ, you'll have to wait a little bit longer. Hall is currently climbing Mount Everest as part of a two-month vacation from his development duties on Bohemia Interactive's zombie-themed post-apocalyptic sandbox. "Although the timing is poor for my sabbatical, it is not something planned on a whim and involves non-refundable costs of up to $100k," Hall writes on the DayZ website. "This is going to take as long as it needs to," he continues. "We want to release our initial alpha under the architecture it needs to avoid hacking and security issues -- this is the only remaining task stopping us from releasing the alpha."
Hall: DayZ console port discussed with Sony; 'wait and see'
Dean Hall, creator of DayZ, is considering a move to consoles, as long as the PC launch goes well."Certainly I think if we don't – for want of a better word – 'fuck up' the PC release, then I would say a console port is almost certain," Hall told The Escapist. "I know a lot of people get really hot and bothered about it. Like, I'm not a console gamer, I'm a PC gamer, but I don't think it necessarily has to hurt things."Hall has put his thoughts into action already: He met with Sony and people there were into the idea."It appears to be the kind of game that Sony are interested in; I think we just have to wait and see," he said. "We've talked and met with Sony, and they're obviously interested."DayZ was initially scheduled to launch in December of last year, but now it won't see an alpha until June at the earliest. Hall's main concern is perfecting the client-server architecture, but once that's settled, he'll start sending out batches of alpha keys, possibly 50,000 at a time. And let's not forget that brief time Hall considered turning DayZ into a free-to-play experience.
GDC 2013: Dean Hall on the pillars of DayZ's design
Dean Hall talks about DayZ as a scientist would a Petri dish gone grotesque. He knows perhaps what the game's strengths and appeal might be, knows why it hosts over 1.7 million players. Still, he meets the success with some bemusement, especially considering how notoriously difficult the mod is to install. Now Hall is working with Bohemia Interactive on a standalone DayZ title (to be released, he apologizes, "when it's ready"). In Hall's "Designing DayZ" lecture at GDC this week, the focus was on his philosophy in shaping the game.
