CyberScape LIVE! * On-Line Interview with Shadoware! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On Sunday, June 27th 1993, at 9:00pm CyberScape LIVE! featured a talk with Sam Misemer and Ken Foster of Shadoware who write great shareware for Windows. We spoke about Shadoware, it's products and goals, and even got a glimpse of what the future may have in store for them. Shadoware is based in New Port Richey Florida, where The Board of Trade (Richard Ziegler, SysOp) is their Home BBS. Rich Ziegler is also the Editor of the Pasco BBS Magazine, which will be carrying "The Best of CyberScape LIVE!". Every Sunday night at 9pm (Eastern Time) CyberScape BBS turns into CyberScape LIVE! and hosts a Live On-Line Interview with personalities from the shareware or BBS industry. We have many such interviews planned with SysOps, Authors, and all the other people both in front of and behind the scenes of the shareware industry. Stop in some Sunday night and you can be part of the action. Anyone who calls CyberScape BBS and joins us in a LIVE Interview will get a chance post their questions and have their name or company appear in the transcripts. What you're reading is the written transcript which was recorded LIVE, On-Line, in Chat Conference on CyberScape BBS. Sometimes in an On-Line Chat the conversation can get difficult to follow since replies don't always follow questions directly. So, during editing, conversations have been grouped (eg: questions grouped with answers) but other than that, this is the EXACT text of the interview. Preceding each line of dialogue, you will notice a number and name as in the following example: (02:KEN FOSTER). The number shown is the CyberScape Node Number that the person was logged into, and the name tells you who's saying what. That's about all the explaining that needs to be done, we hope you enjoy the interview! Dave White * Sysop -=CyberScape BBS=- - Get On with it Already! - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, June 27th, 1993 Start of Session with Ken Foster and Sam Misemer of Shadoware and DarkSoft. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (00:DAVE WHITE) Hi Dudes! (03:DUANE MORIN) Howdy Dave (00:DAVE WHITE) We're waiting for our guests.... (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Got a few minutes yet . (03:DUANE MORIN) Ah, there you are. (00:DAVE WHITE) Don't scare me Rich, whenever you're quiet I think there's something wrong! (00:DAVE WHITE) Gotta run.. Be right back (03:DUANE MORIN) So we're expecting two guests this evening? (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Yes, Sam Misemer and Ken Foster from Shadoware, maybe Dave is getting them set up now. (03:DUANE MORIN) If I understand, these are sort of colleagues of yours? I get that through the mag... (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Yes, my board is the Home Board for Shadoware, but I am sure that will come up later . (03:DUANE MORIN) :) Evening Sam (01:SAM MISEMER) Hey, Rich and Duane what's up? (03:DUANE MORIN) Just waiting for the guests of honor! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) We were just hanging around waiting for you to join us. (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, at least one of us is here...! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Sam why don't you start by telling us all a little about Shadoware. (01:SAM MISEMER) Ok, I guess we'll have to give Ken a hard time when he gets here. Usually, I'm the on who is late! Shadoware started way back in the 16th century...Wait! Shadoware started as an idea about 8 mos. ago, but has been around as a reality for about 5 months. Shadoware started as a result of our dissatisfaction with existing Windows entertainment software. We thought we could do a little better with the graphical capabilities of Windows, so we went to work! Most games for Windows use only 16 colors, and very few take full advantage of the multimedia capabilities of Windows... (03:DUANE MORIN) Is that the focus of your group, then? Windows games? (01:SAM MISEMER) At the moment, yes. We have some very exciting things planned for the future though... (03:DUANE MORIN) Do you have a focus within the games field? (i.e.: adventure, scrollers, platforms)? (00:DAVE WHITE) I just called Ken, he'll be in momentarily... (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, duane, not really. our first release is basically an arcade game, but our second release, Dequoter is a word game for Windows... Some of the other stuff we are working on include a fantasy game (Wizards doing battle!). (02:KEN FOSTER) Hello. (00:DAVE WHITE) Hi Ken! (03:DUANE MORIN) Evening Ken (02:KEN FOSTER) Hello Duane, Dave... (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Hey Ken glad you made it! (02:KEN FOSTER) Is Sam here Yet? (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Yes, Sam was just telling us about the beginnings of Shadoware. (01:SAM MISEMER) Hi Ken! I have been telling how I am usually the late one in the morning! (02:KEN FOSTER) Ah from humble to glorious eh? (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) What about The Greens, Shadoware's first release. It has been out for a couple months now. (01:SAM MISEMER) Yes, Rich, The Greens has been out for about 2 mos. now, and we are getting a great response from it. The main thing we are finding is that most people don't have Windows setup to run in 256 colors, though! (00:DAVE WHITE) Windows is much faster in 16 colors for most people. (01:SAM MISEMER) That's true Dave, but you don't get nearly as much "cool stuff" with 16 colors! (03:DUANE MORIN) Can we find out a little bit about the two of you, Ken? Been programming long? (02:KEN FOSTER) Oh, I started back in 1983... (00:DAVE WHITE) What types of machines did you both start on? (02:KEN FOSTER) Originally I started on an old C-64, and slowly worked my way up to the IBM comps! (00:DAVE WHITE) And you Sam? (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, I started with a TI-994A way back when disk drives weighed about 50 pounds. (03:DUANE MORIN) When I find programmers in the "real world" I like to ask whether they went to college? Or were self taught? (01:SAM MISEMER) A little of both on my end. I have had some VERY basic programming classes in college, but most of my experience is self taught...(Also Ken taught)... (02:KEN FOSTER) Mainly I was self-taught in assembly, Fortran, cobal, and C. I did take a few courses in PASCAL though. (03:DUANE MORIN) Yeah...they never really teach you what you need to know, huh? (02:KEN FOSTER) Never (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Is there a reason that your releases to this point has been Windows based? Do you see computers going in that direction? (01:SAM MISEMER) Is that a trick question Rich? Yes, I feel that Windows is going to be the OS of the future, and deservedly so...(I better get ready to duck...) (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Sam, I wouldn't think of a trick question . (00:DAVE WHITE) Yes he would, Sam! ;) (03:DUANE MORIN) Sam, even Microsoft would disagree with you on that. Unless you are including NT in that statement. (00:DAVE WHITE) What do you both find is the biggest challenge to Shareware Programming? (02:KEN FOSTER) As to Dave's question the biggest challenge I can ever see is actually gathering information on particular devices i.e.. sound cards and graphics cards. (01:SAM MISEMER) I feel a little differently about Dave's question. The biggest challenge is the lack of affordable tools for the dedicated programmer. Most programs could be spiced up with about $ 2000-$3000 worth of equipment, but most shareware programmers aren't rich! (02:KEN FOSTER) Toooooo True, unfortunately the equipment we would like to have is not the cheapest to obtain. (00:DAVE WHITE) BBS's are great resources for file formats and hardware specs, but tools _are_ a different story I guess... (02:KEN FOSTER) The key part about the equipment is not that it is a necessity to write good software, but it does speed up development time. (01:SAM MISEMER) I have to agree with Ken on his last remark. Equipment is not a necessity for development, but it sure does make life easier! (00:DAVE WHITE) Interesting... Where do the ideas come from. Is one of you the "idea man"? (02:KEN FOSTER) The ideas just sort of flow out. There are no preconceived ideas that govern what we tend to program. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Maybe we could talk about all the great features in The Greens?! (01:SAM MISEMER) Rich, as to the Greens, I would like to think of it as the ULTIMATE mini-golf game. 256 color graph, sound board support, and it runs under Windows! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Yes, it is quite creative with lava traps and teleportation holes. (00:DAVE WHITE) Another good part about it is that you can hide it real quick when the boss rounds the corner! I "tested" it at work last week! (01:SAM MISEMER) Dave, is that ethical? (00:DAVE WHITE) shhhhh! (03:DUANE MORIN) So, you two are proponents for lots of prototyping tools and libraries? Visual Basic, for example? (01:SAM MISEMER) I feel that VB is a good language for people who like to write programs for themselves, but as a commercial language, it does have some limitations. Speed is a big one that comes to mind. (02:KEN FOSTER) VISUAL BASIC hmm.... No thank you! It's not that I do not believe that it is a decent development tool, but the sacrifices you have to make (speed, space, and efficiency) do not outweigh the benefits of programming in C++ with ASM. (03:DUANE MORIN) That was the first example that I could think of. Do you have some prototyping tools that you like to use? (02:KEN FOSTER) Mainly, I like to program with BORLAND C++ with TASM routines to speed it up a bit. (03:DUANE MORIN) I have to admit, I'm impressed by anyone that programs ASM with windows. (02:KEN FOSTER) Believe me, Windows does NOT like anyone messing with the stack or any interrupt routines. It tends to be very picky when it comes to processor time. (01:SAM MISEMER) Duane, Ken is a past master of ASM. He can get Windows to really scream! And on my machine (386-20) that's an accomplishment. Windows provides a great platform for programming, but it does indeed have its limitations. (00:DAVE WHITE) I hear that. I have a 386sx16 here that I just cannot bear to run windoze on.... It's much too slow. (02:KEN FOSTER) Sounds like it is time to get a Pentium! (03:DUANE MORIN) Enough tech talk. Since I started it. Where'd you get the idea for Greens? There are hardly any other minigolfs out there. (02:KEN FOSTER) Everyone enjoys a little game of golf, especially those of us who cannot even bear to attempt to drive a real golf ball. (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, it actually started in the Post Office. We were talking about taking over the whole screen, and mini-golf came up as an idea, as well as a pinball game. It changed during development. (00:DAVE WHITE) They are very closely related in terms of action of the ball and such (along with billiards). Does that mean that we'll see a pinball game for windows from Shadoware? (03:DUANE MORIN) Pinball I'd like! Sierra promised a commercial one and never came through. (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, it may be in development, Sierra seems to take YEARS between programs! (02:KEN FOSTER) If you saw the version of Take-A-Break Pinball that I saw , you would not have been impressed. They stuck with 16 colors, and ran a little slow. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) What about Dequoter, your new Windows word puzzle game. Could you tell us a little about the development of the program. (01:SAM MISEMER) Rich, DeQuoter is based (as if you didn't know) on the popular CryptoQuote word game you find in newspapers. We started Dequoter as an idea to explore some less complex games, and it just kind of got out of hand... (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) I understand that Shadoware is undertaking a new direction, maybe you could tell us about the future. I hear there are exciting thing to come. (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, Dave, to answer yours and Rich's question at the same time, Shadoware is merging (sort of) with a new software development company called.....DARKSOFT! DarkSoft will be releasing some exciting new things in the future, and a pinball game may well be one of them! (00:DAVE WHITE) May be one of them? C'mon... tip your hand a little more! (02:KEN FOSTER) The future is going to be filled with many surprises. Shadoware is officially teaming up on a few new projects in the works. Development is beginning on a new generation of gaming. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) What about the future of current Shadoware titles? (02:KEN FOSTER) Shadoware will still supply tech support as well as upgrades to current releases as well as our next two releases DOMINATE and The THRONE of Power. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) ...And don't you have several programs scheduled to be released under the Shadoware label in the next few months? (01:SAM MISEMER) Shadoware is going to remain in business for "maintenance" of its releases, but most of the new releases will come from DarkSoft. Sorry, Dave, but actually, there are many things on the docket before new projects! (02:KEN FOSTER) One little hint I think I can give without really tipping our hand would have to be SPEED, VIRTUAL REALITY, and UNBELIEVABLE GRAPHICS! (01:SAM MISEMER) As Ken just said, we have The Throne of Power and Dominate scheduled as our next releases, and also WinSkin, a football simulator (fantasy football league). (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Isn't Dominate scheduled for release soon? (00:DAVE WHITE) 3D Engines? Cool! Let's hear more. (02:KEN FOSTER) Maybe I said to much? Nah, I can't say too much about it because a few of the details need to keep under until the legal footwork is done. (01:SAM MISEMER) Dominate is scheduled for release later on this summer (probably early next month) and will be on The Board of Trade first! (plug++++) (00:DAVE WHITE) I would like to be on the upload list for all of the Shadoware Games, do you assign distribution sites? (01:SAM MISEMER) Dave, I thought you would never ask! Call the BOT (Board of Trade), and fill out our distribution site script! I think you can probably be assured of approval! (00:DAVE WHITE) ...I would hope so! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Sam, tell everyone how to become a Shadoware Distribution Site! (01:SAM MISEMER) OK, here goes...Call our home BBS the Board of Trade at 813-862-4772, and fill out questionnaire #2, and we will respond to your board with an answer within 2 or 3 days. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) BOT that means Board of Trade BBS in New Port Richey, Florida, Home of Shadoware and the Pasco BBS Magazine. (03:DUANE MORIN) What do you think about following the "fads" in shareware games? Like, for example, everyone who wants to make the next Wolf 3D? (02:KEN FOSTER) Well, I'd like to leave that to those who wish to follow. If you want to be in the lead however, then you must create! (00:DAVE WHITE) Ever notice Wolf 3D is only 2D??! (02:KEN FOSTER) Too true, it is not too difficult to develop a 2D engine with increasing image sizes. The key thing that I note when people try to follow a fad is that they do a specific aspect right, yet neglect the broader picture. (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, I have seen a clone of Wolf3d that is OK, but a completely different type of game...You have to rescue your dog from an evil group of aliens.....I think that each game is different (obviously) and should be judged on its merits alone, not as a member (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Maybe you guys could tell us why you chose Shareware to market your programs. And if that will always be the case? (01:SAM MISEMER) One of the reasons we chose Shareware to market is because of the ease of marketing. I really don't like the idea of spending $50-or $60 bucks for a game that I get home and don't like! Shareware is the perfect solution to that! (00:DAVE WHITE) I'd like to ask how well the games do in shareware? For instance, is it enough to make a paycheck or two? (01:SAM MISEMER) So far, no Dave, but we'll keep plugging away at it. Our business is fairly new, so we have a pretty high overhead right now. To keep up the level of customer support we want, it gets pretty expensive. (02:KEN FOSTER) As far as supply a salary, not very many people get rich in writing Shareware, if the only reason you program is to simply make money then Shareware may not be the perfect choice. But it is one of the more rewarding ones. (03:DUANE MORIN) <--- Struggling Shareware Author.... ARGH! Why does everyone say that there's no money in it?!?! (01:SAM MISEMER) Hi, Duane, my name is Sam and I am a struggling shareware author. (02:KEN FOSTER) SSAA Struggling Shareware Authors Anonymous (03:DUANE MORIN) Rats...beat me to it! (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, I wouldn't say that there is NO money in it, but it is very difficult to break into the money end of shareware. Your programs must REALLY stand out! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) And it usually takes time before the checks come in. (00:DAVE WHITE) Do you get many registrations for the games? (01:SAM MISEMER) We have received a decent number of registrations. The amazing thing to me is the diversity of places we are receiving registrations from! (02:KEN FOSTER) Let's just say that we're not making a fortune at it. (03:DUANE MORIN) And you feel you've hit on something, with the windows line? I have to admit, I don't associate anyone else's name with that field yet... Maybe you guys will be the ground breakers! (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, keep watching Shadoware! We would like to take over Epic's title as The New Name in Windows Entertainment! (I think that won't be too hard...) (00:DAVE WHITE) Tim (Sweeney) are you watching??! (02:KEN FOSTER) One thing to mention though, is that under DARKSoft we will not be programming exclusively in the Windows environment. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Tell us more about DARKSoft! (00:DAVE WHITE) And tell us more about how the merger will be made.. Will Shadoware still exist? (02:KEN FOSTER) Darksoft is a joint venture between Shadoware and BYTOR. Together we have the capabilities of some amazing ground breaking concepts in gaming. (01:SAM MISEMER) Ken has found a soul mate (another ASM programmer), and some of the things they have already accomplished are pretty impressive to even an old gamer like me! (02:KEN FOSTER) Shadoware will still exist, but we will slowly begin to emphasize the connection in DarkSoft The release will all depend on how quickly the legal mumbo jumbo goes, as well as the beta testing. (01:SAM MISEMER) We don't want to give the impression that we are a flighty company that releases a few products and then fades away...but most new development will take place under the DarkSoft label. (00:DAVE WHITE) I'm still confused. After some time, how will Darksoft exist? As part of Shadoware, or teamed up equally, or.....?? (01:SAM MISEMER) DarkSoft will be an entirely new corporation that will exist separate of Shadoware. We don't want to dissolve Shadoware for various different reasons, the most important of which is product support. (02:KEN FOSTER) DarkSoft will exists as a sole development company, we are in the process of Incorporating and filing all the application docs. Shadoware will be like a link with DarkSoft, but all of the new releases that we co-develop will be under DarkSoft. (03:DUANE MORIN) If this is a rude question, then skip it, but I'm curious...can I ask how old you guys are? (01:SAM MISEMER) Well, I am let me think, um...oh...well... 26. (02:KEN FOSTER) Well, I look like I'm about 18 or 19, in fact I get carded everywhere I've ever been, even overseas. I'm actually 24. (03:DUANE MORIN) So you're getting started in business fairly early, then. (00:DAVE WHITE) Can you tell us about what your hobbies are outside of computers!? (02:KEN FOSTER) Hobbies: well I enjoy rappelling, caving, diving, climbing , hiking, computing, BBSing, programming, and just plain ol' having a good time. (01:SAM MISEMER) I like watching Star Trek, reading, and working on my tan! ( a basic computer nerd I guess...) (02:KEN FOSTER) Yes, it is true, The Board of Trade will be home to yet another great company!! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) I understand that the Board of Trade will also be the Home of DARKSoft, right? (01:SAM MISEMER) Yes, that is true. The Board of Trade will be the home of DarkSoft's shareware releases, as well as the New PC_HELP forum that is a joint sponsorship of Shadoware, Bytor Computer Systems, and the Board of Trade! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Yes, we are pretty excited about the PC Help Forum. Some thing new! (01:SAM MISEMER) I would like to inquire about your age Duane? (03:DUANE MORIN) :) Fair's fair. I'm 24. (01:SAM MISEMER) Ok, out with it. How about you Dave? (00:DAVE WHITE) 29.... Perpetually! (01:SAM MISEMER) And Rich? (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Same as Dave! (03:DUANE MORIN) Trying to learn about programmers in the field now so I know what to expect (01:SAM MISEMER) Ok, ok...sounds like we have a fair representation of the computer users here tonight. What would you (Rich, Dave, and Duane) like to see in the future of computer gaming? (03:DUANE MORIN) Lots and lots of AI. If it doesn't have a computer opponent of some kind, I usually won't play it. No sense competing against myself. Things with some educational value are a plus, too. I plan on checking out DeQuoter when I can (01:SAM MISEMER) Sounds good. I feel that way myself. If the computer beats me, I can always turn it off. (02:KEN FOSTER) Which happens a lot :> (01:SAM MISEMER) Take a look at Dequoter then Duane, it has educational quotes such as "Come up and see me sometime." - Mae West - ! (00:DAVE WHITE) I'd like to see high speed, GREAT graphics, digital sounds, great storylines, and other virtual reality type things. The more VR the better! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) More virtual reality type stuff. Maybe some better sports games... (03:DUANE MORIN) There's that expression again...."virtual reality". Has that attained buzzword status yet? (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) At least, even see it on the news. (00:DAVE WHITE) I think that 3D (true 3d) will become very common in the next few years. But there is always room for a good scrolling arcade game! (02:KEN FOSTER) Believe me!! You'll be seeing that and a lot more. Companies are just now beginning to realize what they can do. (i.e.: speed, higher video modes using VESA standards, stereo sound, as well as developed story lines). (00:DAVE WHITE) Plus I can see that we now have the hardware cheaply available to be able to push the limits. (02:KEN FOSTER) And it just keeps getting better! (01:SAM MISEMER) Virtual reality means may different things to many different people. Like religion. It is kind of hard to pin down. Do you want to see VR suits like in Lawnmower man, Dave? (03:DUANE MORIN) But, Sam, it shouldn't be that. VR has very specific definitions. What most people these days refer to is "non immersive" VR. (00:DAVE WHITE) I think that would be a great experience Sam, but the social ramifications are a little scary. I really liked the concept of increased capacity for knowledge through VR that Lawnmower Man hinted at. (03:DUANE MORIN) Horrid movie. Good effects, horrid movie. (02:KEN FOSTER) While the technology exists for true VR, it is not generally available to most of the public. That may change very soon in the near future though. (03:DUANE MORIN) I guess I'm just a purist when it comes to technology. (02:KEN FOSTER) Not a fault, but a need :> (01:SAM MISEMER) Clue me in a little there Duane, what do you mean by "non-immersive"? (03:DUANE MORIN) Sam, by definition, it's "immersive" when you put on the goggles, or the suit, or climb into the CAVE...whatever. "Non immersive" is what we see at this level...3d graphics that LOOK really good, but when you turn your head you still see your living room. (01:SAM MISEMER) Ok, I gotcha. I agree with Dave that the possibilities for expanding our horizons are pretty much limitless, but it does give me a little bit of a turn. (02:KEN FOSTER) VR can be thought of on a type of scale, the further you go up the scale the more "Reality" occurs. Soon it will begin to effect all of the senses, not simply the visual aspect. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Good point Ken, what do you see the level of reality at in say ten years? (02:KEN FOSTER) In ten years, the costs of developing, at a minimum of home use, will be seeing visor systems as well as portable systems, that can be used anywhere , anytime. (01:SAM MISEMER) I don't like some of the things I see like Nickelodeon advertising "real reality" as opposed to virtual reality. Perhaps the public isn't ready for it? The Frankenstein complex? (03:DUANE MORIN) Wow...Im loving the sociological terminology getting thrown around here! Re: Frankenstein complex, probably the opposite. The media is pushing VR as a huge buzzword, and people will eat it up without ever really knowing what it is. I mean, look at Nintendo's power glove. (01:SAM MISEMER) Good point Duane. I agree with you, but wanted to hear what everyone else had to say. (I remember Something from my Intro. Soc. class!) (03:DUANE MORIN) (B.Sc. in Society Technology Studies, Sam. ) (00:DAVE WHITE) I think that we're going to see a lot of activity in the educational area.. Multimedia is perfect for kids, and the basic premise of increased knowledge through VR is a distinct possibility. IMHO (03:DUANE MORIN) Im gonna stop yacking for a bit and ask another question...how about CD ROM stuff? (02:KEN FOSTER) CD ROM's will continue to improve. mainly the MPC standard will have to be raised in the next few years. (01:SAM MISEMER) Part of the problem for the shareware programmer comes from the inaccessibility of CD ROM technology. The more inexpensive it becomes, the more people will be writing for it. (03:DUANE MORIN) Ken, (heres another one you can skip), what do you feel about Microsoft being THE standard setter? Like MPC, for example. (02:KEN FOSTER) Microsoft is not really a trend setter anymore. In actuality they do not even do very much in house programming. They simply hire out to other companies. They are riding on a wave, and while I think it will probably go on for a long time it is not the "p (00:DAVE WHITE) MPC... HA! What a joke. I have a MPC compliant machine that is so slow it'd never be able to handle full multimedia... I don't like a company creating standards.. (01:SAM MISEMER) Too true, Look at IBM. (02:KEN FOSTER) Exactly, the standards are too low to see the true benefits of Multimedia. (03:DUANE MORIN) Didn't want to start a Microsoft war, but it's usually inevitable. (00:DAVE WHITE) Bill (Gates) are YOU watching??! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) You can't argue with success, though. Microsoft has created 2,000 millionaires, their employees! (01:SAM MISEMER) I think that Big Brother Bill is probably not too worried about us, but maybe he should be! (03:DUANE MORIN) Bill Gates, luckiest man alive. Right place at the right time. (02:KEN FOSTER) Microsoft is well known for learning new technology from companies and then dumping the company. Not that it's not a spirit of capitalism. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Maybe you could get him for CyberScape LIVE! ? (00:DAVE WHITE) Bill was just like you at one time...! (01:SAM MISEMER) This is true! Well, maybe I am a little better looking... (00:DAVE WHITE) They said they might send a rep, but no Bill Gates... Boooo (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Hiss (01:SAM MISEMER) Maybe you could get him for Pasco BBS Mag, Rich? (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) He wont return my calls. It's a long story . (00:DAVE WHITE) I bet you'd get to talk to him if you told him you'd get his Porsche out of customs! (02:KEN FOSTER) Or find a way to build his house for less than 28 mil. (01:SAM MISEMER) Let's get back to gaming. How far does everybody want to see VR go on the gaming field? (00:DAVE WHITE) Until I can't tell the difference! (03:DUANE MORIN) VR right now is getting a bad rep in regard to games. (01:SAM MISEMER) Any specific references, Duane? (03:DUANE MORIN) Sam, I could dig up the ACM article but not easily. (00:DAVE WHITE) I want A Holodeck, and I want it now! (02:KEN FOSTER) One holodeck coming up!:> :< (00:DAVE WHITE) Good, and a replicator too?! (02:KEN FOSTER) As long as you can supply a 100 gougle power supply! (01:SAM MISEMER) But I've got dibs on Luaxana Troi... (03:DUANE MORIN) A well known VR person said, at a recent conference, "How come the first publicly available VR game has two people trying to kill each other?" It's an interesting point, though. Why do violence and sex always drive the technology? (00:DAVE WHITE) Both are basic instincts, survival and reproduction. (03:DUANE MORIN) Actually, Dave, the defense was this: These games are expensive. You need to pump the players adrenaline quickly to make them feel like they're getting the most out of their money in a short time. (01:SAM MISEMER) Good point. Stay away from taboo subjects until it has become a little more public support. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) The public must be supporting these taboo subjects. That is why they are the most successful, marketing wise. (01:SAM MISEMER) I as a programmer and businessman ( sort of) don't agree with that philosophy. If the product is a good one, it will market itself! (almost) Look at the Greens, we have converted Dave so that he risks his job to play! (00:DAVE WHITE) No comment! Just keep those boss keys in or make 'em in Windows! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Wait 'til he sees some of DARKSoft's programs! (03:DUANE MORIN) Sam, that's circular, though. If the game doesn't market well, then you can technically say "Well it wasn't a good one." even if the case was the lack of sex and violence. (01:SAM MISEMER) I feel that VR in gaming is going to see a dramatic rise in the next few years going back to what Ken said earlier. (03:DUANE MORIN) People know of Sega's intention to market a VR visor game this Christmas? (02:KEN FOSTER) DarkSoft will make advances in that area. Especially in the interactiveness of games. (00:DAVE WHITE) They also did 3d glasses before... Didn't go over too big. They used liquid crystal shutters to fool the eyes. Unfortunately they gave the brain a headache! (03:DUANE MORIN) VR is a much bigger buzzword now, though. Will be an interesting experiment. (02:KEN FOSTER) The idea is a good one, but the public needs better equipment than a Sega to get the full effect. (01:SAM MISEMER) Ok, true. But, there are a lot of other topics out there. Not to be a prude, but I would like to see more of the other types (at least some of the time). (03:DUANE MORIN) Ken, that suggesting that an IBM platform is better technology? (01:SAM MISEMER) Of course a PC is a much better platform! I say this because I don't have a Sega... (02:KEN FOSTER) Definitely, while the IBM in reality is based on a few bad designing flaws, i.e. memory access and nonstandard graphics and sound capabilities. It is far superior to game toys. (03:DUANE MORIN) Toys? Ouch. It's still a 68000 family chip, and that does pretty well for the Amiga. But, no sense in starting hardware wars. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Sam, maybe you'd like to mention the Programming column you guys do for the Pasco BBS Magazine. (01:SAM MISEMER) Thanks Rich, sure! I recommend it as required reading for any programmer! It has great stuff in it every month! Just last month, we release the way to triple processor speed as a software command (NOT!!!) (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Will you guys be designing programs other than games? (01:SAM MISEMER) We have some ideas in that field, Rich, but right now our major focus is on gaming. (02:KEN FOSTER) Yes, we can't be specific, at this point, but we are nearing completion on a smaller project with DarkSoft. It is more of a utility than a game. (00:DAVE WHITE) How about ON-LINE games. Any plans for that? I'm very interested in bringing these great games to a level where I can call a friend and challenge him via modem. (03:DUANE MORIN) Better, Dave, what about dial-in Multi-Player games? (00:DAVE WHITE) Exactly.. Like the ChatJack Door I have here on CyberScape. (02:KEN FOSTER) Dave and Duane are getting into the idea, DarkSoft is doing a few things in that area. but shhhhhh! it's a secret!! (00:DAVE WHITE) We're getting warm! (01:SAM MISEMER) Networks, modems, standalones, we want the entire market. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Go ahead Ken! (02:KEN FOSTER) Imagine a game, so real, that you can play anywhere, anyone, anytime, with more than a few people. (01:SAM MISEMER) As one of the 4 officers of DarkSoft, I think I can be very specific and say that we are definitely working on some exciting things! (02:KEN FOSTER) But I can't get too detailed, actually I've probably said as much as I can on that part!! (00:DAVE WHITE) Shucks.... (03:DUANE MORIN) Random question.....will the soon to be rash of "PDA" (personal digital assistants) come into your plans anywhere (02:KEN FOSTER) Actually no, info is pretty scarce, I have not see to much on their capabilities yet. (00:DAVE WHITE) Nor have I. (03:DUANE MORIN) Interesting, I thought I had ya there! If there's anything that will make stuff "play anywhere, anyone, anytime" it may very well be those. (01:SAM MISEMER) Are you referring to PIM's and the like? (03:DUANE MORIN) No, a PDA is effectively a palmtop computer, but more than what's currently available. (02:KEN FOSTER) That's true, but the demos I have seen, will not be able to handle it for a few years. (03:DUANE MORIN) Picture, for example, a notebook, calendar, phone dialer, modem, and fax machine, all rolled into the palm of your hand. (01:SAM MISEMER) OK, I see. I don't have much info on that either. (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) That is definitely the way things are headed! Smaller, Faster... (01:SAM MISEMER) Ok, I'm picturing that, but it sure looks funny! (03:DUANE MORIN) I like to be up on all the gossip. But I think Ken's seen more live demos than me. I can't get my company to send me to Comdex. (00:DAVE WHITE) Well, we're going to wrap up the interview now. Thank you both. It was a very insightful evening! I'm sure we'll see much more of Shadoware and DarkSoft!! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Thanks Dave, maybe Sam could tell us best way to get in touch with Shadoware or DarkSoft. (01:SAM MISEMER) Call the Board of Trade, and leave personal mail to Ken Foster or me Sam Misemer, we'll type back at you right away! (02:KEN FOSTER) Thanks (01:SAM MISEMER) Thanks for this opportunity, Dave! (03:DUANE MORIN) Great interview! I know I learned a lot. (00:DAVE WHITE) Thanks to all! Rich, Duane... This was an excellent chat! (02:KEN FOSTER) Good night! (01:SAM MISEMER) Talk to you all soon! (04:RICHARD ZIEGLER) Thanks, see you all soon. (00:DAVE WHITE) Thanks guys... It's been great! Sam, we should follow up after the merger! (01:SAM MISEMER) OK, let's do it! (03:DUANE MORIN) G'night Sam, pleasure chatting with you! (01:SAM MISEMER) Thanks guys, I had fun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- End of Session -- June 27th, 1993 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - In Conclusion - We hope you enjoyed reading the interview. We hope you will join us LIVE next time, and get a chance to ask your own questions! We offer a Live Interview every Sunday night at 9pm with a different speaker each week. Of course, you are always welcome to stop by CyberScape and chat anytime! 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Dave White * SysOp -=CyberScape BBS=- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to get in touch with us: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Guest Speakers: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sam Misemer Ken Foster Shadoware P.O. Box 0155 New Port Richey, FL 34656-0155 CompuServe ID - 72302,563 (Also can be reached via E-Mail on Board of Trade BBS) Conference Host: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave White - SysOp CyberScape BBS 108 Shirley Road Lancaster, MA 01523 (508) 368-8456 (Data) (508) 368-7085 (Voice) Publishing: ~~~~~~~~~~~ The Pasco BBS Magazine is a FREE monthly on-line magazine. Each issue will now carry "The Best of CyberScape LIVE!". The current issue is always available on the Board of Trade BBS which is run by: Richard Ziegler Pasco BBS Magazine, Editor Board of Trade BBS, Sysop P.O. 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