Have fun applying the stuff learned from that video and of course playing :)

General:
• Fixed sound dropping out when playing networked games
• Improved graphical performance, especially when using Ambient Occlusion
• Fixed voice packs being reset to default when you delete another character
• Removed ability to use certain cheat protected commands in challenges
• Fixed memory leak/crash when alt-tabbed out

User Interface:
• Full servers are no longer filtered out of the browser
• Added support for entering a range of numbers (i.e. 10-12) in server filters
• Reduced font size in the server browser
• Exiting Head customization returns to the correct menu
• Fixed being unable to bind KP_Enter in the UI
• Increased font size of in-game text chat
• ‘Enter’ now closes text chat prompt if empty
• Fixed challenge in menu flashing even after completion

Dedicated Servers:
• Improved dedicated server CPU performance
• Fixed NPC not spawning for escort objectives online on servers using unsupported cvars

Classes Overview

• Soldier: destruction objectives, molotov cocktails.
• Operatives: hack objectives, disguise as enemy, see hidden mines.
• Engineer: construction and repair objectives, remove traps, buff weapons.
• Medic: Revives and heals VIPs in escort missions, heal.

Over at Gamasutra there is an interview with Edward Stern (Senior Game Designer) from Splash Damage. He is asked a series of questions by Chris Remo and Kris Graft.

Content of the Interview and Questions

The interview mostly covers content that was mentioned and explained already in the E3 interview, yet this time Edward Stern goes more into detail. So, if you don’t know the E3 interview check this one out, else you should only look at it, if you like details.

Here are some of the most interesting quotes from the questions and answers:

It looks like the main hook of Brink is that you’re attempting to do away with the traditional concept of separate modes for single-player, multiplayer, and co-op.

Edward Stern wants to merge the single-player and multiplayer experiences so far that the player doesn’t even recognizes if (s)he plays online or not:

You could boot up Brink and see that one of your buddies is online. As far as he’s concerned, he’s playing solo, but you can join him and we’ll swap out one of the AI players.

In order to make the game more fun and accessible to “non-gamers” as well Edward Ham was hired:

He was one of the co-creators of Syphon Filter. He put The Sims on the consoles, which as far as I’m concerned is a superpower. That is a certifiable achievement. And he just finished Fable 2.

Edward Stern explains the idea and implications of the SMART movement system and why it makes sense:

I think some people looked at it and say, “It’s playing the game for you.” No, no. In real life, you wouldn’t walk into a room and then climb onto the table in the middle of it. You decide to jump up on the table or over it or shelter behind it or go to the side. Your avatar has got to have that ability as well.

Resources

Gamasutra – Thinking Brink: Splash Damage’s Console Evolution

Wow, I love this interview! Edward Stern (Senior Game Designer) from Splash Damage was interviewed by Laura Parker (GameSpot) at the E3 2009. He talks very passionately and really fast, like a machine gatling gun.

Content

Ed talks about the experience of Splash Damage with first-person shooters and that they are going for a team-based game. He seems to be very concerned to raise the usability in many ways, like smart movement (your character uses terrain), controller handling and generally “remove barriers for entry”. (Generally, he seems to have the mindset of a good engineer – use tech to make life easier. I like that!)

There will be 4 classes, which should should “focus the gameplay” since the players need to interact and enhance the team-based experience. About the general gaming experience, he thinks that it is time to move to a next level, when it comes to the differences between single-/multiplayer and on-/offline:

It’s just insane. You get games shipping with separate executables, a completely different experience, sometimes a different control scheme. Why would you ever do that? It’s crazy now. There’s no reason to do that.

In Brink you should be able to see that your buddy plays the single player campaign and he can join him for coop. (I love to see that level of integration in a lot of games since a few years!) The style and art of Brink is done by the former art director of Prince of Persia. Ed mentions that they added exaggeration (comic-like) to the characters, cause if you go for 100 % photo-realistic they appear to be “zombie like”.

The release for the XBox, PS3 and PC Version is set for Spring 2010. All development is done inhouse and they also take into account all the controllers.

Video

Brink is a class-based first person shooter. There are four different classes available. There is only very few information available at this moment. Yet, each class has unique roles and allows different ways to complete the objectives. At certain points in the game it is possible to switch between the roles and customize your equipment:

To choose a class you must first access a command post; here not only can you choose you class on the fly but you can choose your loadout; a light SMG would work for some good ol’ Recon, I noted. (neoseeker – E3 Brink Demo Coverage)

The four classes

• Soldier: The soldier is the main fighting machine in the team. He is also able to plant explosives.
• Engineer: The engineer is able to fix and repair things. This character is good for supporting roles and allows to circumvent obstactles. Additionally, he can defuse explosives.
• Medic: Yeah, you probably guessed it, he can heal team mates.
• Operative: This one can disguise himself and sneak around. Also he can interrogate prisoners and hack into computer systems.

Teamplay

According to the information Ed Stern (Senior Game Desinger – Splash Damage) told in several interviews on the E3 2009. The greater idea behind the class system and several game mechanics is to increase the overall teamplay – and thus multiplayer experience – of the game. He actually says that they are bribing the players with experience points to be better team players by telling them what you will get for certain actions. Who says that first person shooter gaming can’t be a social gaming experience ;)

Sources

Interview at the E3 – Ed

This is interview is very interesting, cause Ed explains some stuff about the Ark and the Brink world. Sadly, there are some problems with the mic.

Article at Cheat Code Central

Raiders on the Lost Ark – Article at Cheat Code Central

Article at Neoseeker

E3 2009 BRINK demo coverage