The Xbox Domain

 Alright we have another developer interview for you here on The Xbox Domain. I was very curious about the first XBLA title created using XNA GSE tools called “Schizoid”. So I shot some questions to President of Torpex Games, Bill Dugan to see what information we can get on Schizoid and XNA GSE.

1-What is your name and position in Torpex Games?

BD-Bill Dugan, president.

2-Tell us about Torpex Games

BD-We’re a development studio in Bellevue, Washington, and Schizoid will be our first release.

3-Schizoid. What is it all about?

BD-All I can say right now is that it is the most co-op game ever.  And it has a really simple and unique gameplay mechanic.  We’ll be able to talk about the game more in the coming weeks.

4-Some people have compared Schizoid to the PS3 downloadable title “flOw”. Does Schizoid share anything in common with “flOw”?

BD-Nope!

5-How long has Schizoid been in Development?

BD-We started development in September.

6-Can you tell us more about the gameplay mechanics behind Schizoid?

BD-Not really, as of yet – we’ll be able to talk more about the game in the coming weeks.  The gameplay is a natural for co-op multiplayer, and you’ll be able to play in front of the same console, or over Xbox Live.

7-Has it been simple or challenging using the XNA Game Studio Express tools to create Schizoid?

BD-More on the ‘simple’ side.  XNA Game Studio Express has been a real pleasure to use.  Jamie Fristrom, our technical director, did the first prototype of the core gameplay in Schizoid using XNA GSE in four days, and that included learning the C# language.   It’s been great for letting us do very rapid iterations of our gameplay.

8-Will Schizoid be the first XNA game studio express title to be released on Xbox live Arcade?

BD-Yes, Schizoid will be first.

9-Why do you think Microsoft has shown interest in putting Schizoid on the Xbox Live Arcade?

BD-When we first showed the game to the XBLA team, they had two people sitting down with the game with the controllers in their hands, and after about 20 seconds they were laughing and ragging on each other and having enormous fun.  “I’ve seen enough – I want it,” they said.

10-For someone who has never developed a game. Do you think XNA Game Studio Express would be difficult to learn?

BD-If you’re already a programmer – not necessarily a game programmer – no, not difficult. 

If you’re not a programmer, or especially you did a little programming in school a long time ago, then XNA GSE would, I think, be a good place to tinker around and learn.  The key to get started would be getting hold of the source code that somebody has already written, and then start tweaking the code and learning how to modify the game.  Learning to tweak existing code so when you pull the trigger you launch 100 grenades every shot instead of 1 is more interesting than figuring out how to implement a bubble sort.

To be clear, GSE is not a game creation utility like – I’m showing my Apple II background here – Broderbund’s “The Arcade Machine”, which let you place some enemy spaceships around the screen in an editor and press “C” on the keyboard to create the game executable so you could make a version of “Galaxian” or whatever.  GSE is a real developer’s tool and yes, if you want great code you need great programmers.  That said, if you’re interested in getting started in game development, I would say you should definitely try GSE.

11-Has Microsoft told you how many XNA GSE games they plan to release on Xbox Live Arcade this year?

BD-All we know is that Schizoid will be first, then second will be the winner of the “Dream – Build – Play” contest.

12-What are your plans for In-Game Achievements? Can you give us an example of one?

BD-We haven’t nailed them all down yet, no.   However, I’m looking forward to someone shipping a game called “The Achiever”, where the instructions are, “Press A to earn an achievement!”

13-Is a price set for Schizoid?

BD-Not set yet, no.

14-When are you hoping to release Schizoid?

BD-Before the end of the year.

15-And plans for Schizoid downloadable content?

BD-We’re still working on the downloadable plan, so this is TBD.

16-After Schizoid is released what plans does Torpex Games have?

BD-There are two other projects we’re planning.  More details later.

17-Tell Gamers reading why they should check out Schizoid when it’s released

BD-Schizoid is really innovative yet really simple, you can play single-player or multiplayer co-op with a friend, and you’ll be amazed that a game like it hasn’t been made before now.

18-Do you have any tips/advice for developers currently working on XNA GSE tools?

BD-We really believe in rapid iteration.  Jamie came up with the core gameplay mechanic prototype for Schizoid in 4 days, and the way we made it better was by doing anything we could in order to put little incremental improvements in the game every day, when possible.  It’s much better to have working code than a design document.  Instead of planning the whole game ahead of time on paper, we just built it, and improved it a little every day. 

19-What does Schizoid bring to the Xbox Live Arcade that other titles don’t?

BD-The core thing is that Schizoid is the best co-op multiplayer game on the platform.  Or probably anywhere.

20-Any Final Words?

BD-We’ll have more to say about Schizoid in the coming weeks!

Thank you to Bill Dugan and Kirk Green. For more interviews, news, contests, keep checking us out here on The Xbox Domain.

-Michael “Thrills Killa” Pacheco-