Take 35 minutes out of your day. I promise you wont regret it.

Spore (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8372603330420559198&q=spore)

If you haven't seen this already, it's a clip of a a new game being developed called "Spore," shaping up to be the next big thing in gaming. It's a presentation by the game's developer, Will Wright, it's 35 minutes long, and I wish there was more. I can't stress enough how important it is to get this out to the CF community; if I know anything about my fellow Civvers, it's that they will all crave this game as much as I do! :drool:

Basically, it's a SimEarth-type game that uses "procedural coding" to work out every little detail from all organisms' evolution on a planet to sentience and the development of civilization (wink, wink!) to intersellar activities such as terraformation, contact with extraterrestrials (evolved and controlled by other players), and anything else you could imagine. Abduction of aliens for zoos, wars between worlds, interstellar trade, ANYTHING!

Very worth checking out. :D Here's another link with more detailed info, and the game's link:

http://www.gamespy.com/articles/595/595975p1.html
http://spore.ea.com/

In Amazement, :eek:
SilverKnight

Hello Silverknight

When Spore information first blipped onto the gaming radar, the only place you could go to even "hear" what Spore was "really" about was http://www.gamingsteve.com/. He actually had a huge podcast (online radio session) where he literally hyped up thousands of people for half a year on Spore's mere description after viewing Will Wright's hour long presentation at GDC 2005. Although, I do not agree with the description "SimEarth," but I prefer "SimEverything."

I actually have the full hour long video -- but it's a real hassle to upload it to Google video.

Anyway, I'm glad your interested. If you're looking for a Spore community, the only real one that exists at this time is at http://www.gamingsteve.com/. I'd like to invite you to check it out.

Oh, and, just as an extra tidbit. Cybernetics is in the game, along with robots, from what I've heard.

Wishing you the best,
Jecrell

Looks Interesting!

yeah. this game will rock!
first i have read about it a year ago as it was showed on the gdc and since then i can't wait to get my graspers on it **g**

Wow. This should be incredible.

i only managed to see 18mins of it before work reared its ugly head. looks really fun- can't wait to see how what looks to be a fight coming up turns out!

Oh my oh my, time to spare for a new PC to run spore ;)

I think i know why spore, coz spare!

Looks cool, i wonder if you can make a human-like being, or a dolphin...

OMG... Carebear, i bet you can make a human like-being ;)

once it is made their will be no need for any other games. Until Spore 2 that is. This might be the only game which will take away my love for civ

I watched the whole thing. Wow. The only thing that looked bad were the actual graphics, but looking at screenshots, they look very, very good. When is it coming out?

I guess it can be a fun game. But unless there is some resonable depth in an early stage of the game (before going to space) it could get quickly boring. Wouldn't it just be a space race? What are your goals in the game? Will it be like a MMRPG where you have no goals and you just fool around?

Did you actually listen to it? He said that the beginning was a tutorial for the end, and was purposefully goal oriented. The end is supposed to be very open, and has no real goal. You are just supposed to be as creative as possible. The beginning teaches how to use the editors and understand the different stages, so you can be creative at the end.

The video was around last year, but this looks like the "meat" of the content.

Did you actually listen to it? He said that the beginning was a tutorial for the end, and was purposefully goal oriented. The end is supposed to be very open, and has no real goal. You are just supposed to be as creative as possible. The beginning teaches how to use the editors and understand the different stages, so you can be creative at the end.

Yeah i did listen to it. But would it be possible in the "end" to have a Civ like gameplay? I mean playing God will get old someday but it would be cool if you could actually interract with alien species that are equal or even superior to you. I know it's suppose to be more of a fun and creative game but it would be nice if there were a few advanced strategic elements in it.

looks amazing- but I dont see the real strategy aspect. really cool idea though.

surviving.

BTW, SilverKnight - you need to reduce your sig. 5 lines is the limit.


... and since then i can't wait to get my graspers on it **g**

:lol: Just don't make Willosaurus sounds in the store when you do.

BTW, SilverKnight - you need to reduce your sig. 5 lines is the limit.

Makes me wonder why forum sowtware isn't calibrated to do that instead.

The game looks pretty impressive, I'm definately going to need to keep an eye on this.

BTW, SilverKnight - you need to reduce your sig. 5 lines is the limit.

Whoops, sorry... :blush: It's been a long time since I read the faq (http://forums.civfanatics.com/faq.php?faq=cfc_forum_rules#faq_cfc_forum_rules_07 ), and I got little excited. Fixed! :thumbsup:

I admit that I'd like to see some advanced options later in the game like cultural exchange, cooperation, diplomacy, etc. But bringing in war as an advanced option might not be that fun... imagine a civilization you've created from a single-celled organism to a sentient and thriving species over months of diligent work wiped out by the whim of some 13 year old in his mom's basement (no harm intended) with a much more advanced civilization. Now if it was entirely optional AND you could keep your game's progress, say by saving your game on your hard drive, then uploading it to a PvP server to battle it out for a while. That way, whether or not you win or lose (or have your planet blown up! :p) has no affect on all the hard work you've put in to your world. It would be similar to single-/multi-player strategy games like Civ; you can enter the online arena for bragging rights, and maybe to see how other people made their worlds, but in the end, your people are safe. Meanwhile, everyone could enter into non-violent interaction with each other that would actually affect their game, like getting new technologies or species, etc.

Personally, I'm more interested in the terraformation aspect, and I hope they flush it out quite a bit. I'd be more than willing to lay down $100 for a game that advanced, not to mention the hardware I'm already saving up for! :crazyeye:

SilverKnight

Oh my oh my, time to spare for a new PC to run spore ;)

I think i know why spore, coz spare!

Looks cool, i wonder if you can make a human-like being, or a dolphin...

OMG... Carebear, i bet you can make a human like-being ;)

if it's going to be what they say it will, then you can create anything you want :beer:
i just hope it will become what they it'll be

I think the greatest thing about SPORE is that it focuses, rather than adding direct content (static graphics, ect), it focuses on the procedural programming that creates the universe itself and the tools the player can use to create that universe.

What was being focused on last I heard was the inclusion of clothing and or mounts (the ability to tame animals and use them like humans use horses :P).

The only thing I don't think is possible is drilling and tunnels. Although, maybe Will will prove me wrong, I'll have to see about that.

For anyone interested, here's the link to the full hour presentation:

http://www.sporewiki.com/images/media/GDC-Spore.avi

Explains why he says "procedurally generated" so damn much. :lol: The sporewiki site also has alot of good info and screenshots.

This sounds awesome. What more can I say? I love SimEarth, I love Civ.

I like splodey.

Yeah i did listen to it. But would it be possible in the "end" to have a Civ like gameplay?
Think of SimCity! That was one of the most prominent games that has no "end"; you never "beat the game", yet it's fun as all get out!

The Sims is also like that: you have no final goal, no way to win, just lots of things to do (and smaller goals) along the way. Spore'll be in the same genre.

hehe... SilverKnight is so excited that he sent me an email about it. :)

I heard about the game last year but didn't watch the full presentation until today. The game is truly innovative. :thumbsup:

Any idea when it's coming out?

So, about how long does it take to go from DNA to Deathstar?

I guess however long you want. You could gradually change your creature, or radically change it.

Right. Then that's limited by a point system which lets you buy your upgrades. I assume you earn more points for having a successful creature, like not getting beat up by the others too much or eating a lot of food. Then you spend your points as conservatively as possible, in such a way as to "save up" for a bigger brain, which will eventually allow sentience. :) Cool!

I keep watching the video... I think I'm developing a problem... :crazyeye:

SilverKnight

EDIT: Regarding the time, in hours of gaming, I assume WELL over 10 for a normal game, maybe closer to the 100s as an advanced option.

This game is looking very interesting indeed... Very new as well. :)
These are the kinds of games we need these days. We need more new and cool stuff. I think I might get it whenever it comes out...

Think of SimCity! That was one of the most prominent games that has no "end"; you never "beat the game", yet it's fun as all get out!

The Sims is also like that: you have no final goal, no way to win, just lots of things to do (and smaller goals) along the way. Spore'll be in the same genre.

Well, i know that Simcity and the Sims are good games, that's why i own them both. But they didn't keep my interest more than a month or so each because after a while i got increadibly bored.

But that's just me ;)

I thought about getting Spore when it comes out. From what I read it sounds interesting, but someone told me that it's going to be "The Sims: Universe" and I don't like The Sims.

It doesn't look anything like The Sims. It's more like Sim Life, Sim Earth, Sim City, Civilization, Galatic Civilization...

So much potential for fun...

I just hope that the process of Earning points to buy new items/tools/abilities stays an important factor in your choices, even after you're out in space playing God. Also, with all the progressive generation and user-defined content, this had better be the most affordable god-game in history.

I love all of those games.

And thanks for the link Jecrell.

Oh, and, just as an extra tidbit. Cybernetics is in the game, along with robots, from what I've heard.

So that means in the later stage of the game I can create cyborgs in the game ;)

But can you give your vehicles Legs? :mischief:

Check it out, pretty decent coverage already on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spore_%28game%29)! :bounce: :banana: :woohoo:

Oh wow, I haven't gotten this excited about a game coming out since... well, Civ 4! :dance:

SilverKnight

Actually having watched the video now, I'm even more excited about this game. :D

Any idea when it's coming out?
Fall of this year. They're supposed to announce it at the E3 conference in May. More info hopefully at GDC end of this month (March 20th).

it looks so cool, would've been better if the videos graphics weren't so fuzzy. If i remember il get it when it comes out definately.

Once again, I must say that I am absolutely thrilled about this game. WOOHOO!!!!!

So much potential for fun...

I just hope that the process of Earning points to buy new items/tools/abilities stays an important factor in your choices, even after you're out in space playing God. Also, with all the progressive generation and user-defined content, this had better be the most affordable god-game in history.
Spore is my last chance for the Plutonian Empire to PWN Yuri2356. lol. :D

But I doubt it, because it looks like the kind of game that will eat up 2.6 gigabites of virtual memory in seconds... :(

oh well. lol.

Looks like a great game though. :)

I don't care what it takes. I need this game. :drool:

:bump: Bumpity bump-bump, bumpity bump-bump, look at this thread go...

Seriously, I wanted to ask if anyone can find a firm date for its release. The best I can find is "More information about the game will be revealed at E3 on May 10 to 12, 2006" from the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spore_%28game%29) article. Anything else?

I'm DYING out here! :crazyeye:
SilverKnight

Is there a definte end to the game? Or do you just mess aurond on Space mode when there.

They refer to it as a T-shaped game. First you go through an elaborate tutotrial and in the galactic phase you can play in a myriad of ways: create a complete ecosystem on a planet or conquer as large part of cosmos as possible or collect as many different species and make a zoo planet or ... etc etc.

I too am very exited by this game, I love how elegantly simple the idea is and the way that the editors are part of the game itself. I look forward to creating the creatures and watching the game render and animate them for me. :cool:

i share you enthusiasm about this game siler knight, i am dying after finding all info on it in a day. i think i can say quite easily that i will buy this game instantly.

I admit that I'd like to see some advanced options later in the game like cultural exchange, cooperation, diplomacy, etc. But bringing in war as an advanced option might not be that fun... imagine a civilization you've created from a single-celled organism to a sentient and thriving species over months of diligent work wiped out by the whim of some 13 year old in his mom's basement (no harm intended) with a much more advanced civilization. Now if it was entirely optional AND you could keep your game's progress, say by saving your game on your hard drive, then uploading it to a PvP server to battle it out for a while. That way, whether or not you win or lose (or have your planet blown up! ) has no affect on all the hard work you've put in to your world. It would be similar to single-/multi-player strategy games like Civ; you can enter the online arena for bragging rights, and maybe to see how other people made their worlds, but in the end, your people are safe. Meanwhile, everyone could enter into non-violent interaction with each other that would actually affect their game, like getting new technologies or species, etc.

you dont get the Internet species upload thing. when a species is downloaded on your computer from another computer, you only get the DNA, not it's culture. so if somebody made a creature well suited for combat, but not with a big brain, they could play well with it as a planet conquering monster, but if the AI on your computer developed a more scientific culture with the species it would be a failure due to it's lack of brainpower.

Also it would be impossible for you to be totally destroyed by another species since your computer would download for a balanced enviroment, so if a super powerful creature was downloaded to your game, it's because you have a super powerful one too.

I love how elegantly simple the idea is

I don't think it's particularly simple, but I still love it.

@Robopig: Curse you! I liked my brain, and now you've eaten it. Now I have to eat more people's brains to recover that. Now I'm stuck in a pyramid scheme! AAAGGH!

I don't think it's particularly simple, but I still love it.

@Robopig: Curse you! I liked my brain, and now you've eaten it. Now I have to eat more people's brains to recover that. Now I'm stuck in a pyramid scheme! AAAGGH!

Ha ha! :lol:
He ate my brain too! (or what was left of it :mischief: )

I don't think it's particularly simple, but I still love it.
The game probably (hopefully) isn't simple, but the idea to populate it with species built by other players but using the same 'buiding blocks', is. These parameters will be the spore equivalent of DNA, should make the population endlessly diverse, maybe even more so than life as we know it, since the spore-DNA will stored in the DB quasi forever, giving a species in spore chances it doesn't have in RL, where it's fly-or-die.

oh and BTW, each creation downloaded from the website can be compressed to 1KB so lots of these creatures can be put on your computer

I'm going to have to sign up for beta testing on this game. :drool:

I'm going to have to sign up for beta testing on this game. :drool:
How DOES one sign up for "beta testing" a game anyway?

l;ibbfvo 7!!!!!!!

How DOES one sign up for "beta testing" a game anyway?
I would think that forums connected to the game's developers in some way would have the best chance to do it. Look for some forums centered on it.

l;ibbfvo 7!!!!!!!
Oh. Ok. :mischief:

SilverKnight

http://www.gamingsteve.com/archives/spore/index.php

The uncut, hour-long presentation where Will Wright (the creator of the Sims, mind you) describes procedural generation.

SilverKnight

Personally, I think that the game is more 'Y Shaped', but that's just being picky. :p

I'm worried about the player interaction, because it doesn't seem like there is a single player version. At the end of the game he's talking about how this is some other player's planet, and then he goes ahead and explodes it. If this IS an online game, it'll be full of annoying griefers who like nothing more than to run around blowing up other planets. If there truly is a standalone single player version, then it should be fun.

It's not an online game, it just uses the internet to find raw data to fill your universe with. That planet was "Another player's" in the sense that the creatures on it were designed by someone else, then unploded to the internet, then downloaded by Will's copy of the program and put into play. The original was completely untouched by the events in the presentation.

It *IS* single player. The only difference is that the worlds are populated by other player's content. Other players don't play with you.

Think of it in Civ terms if the game were to automatically adds units, civs, and other mods that people make here instead of you downloading them yourself. I'm pretty sure there'll be an option not to use the database, though.

I'm worried about the player interaction, because it doesn't seem like there is a single player version. At the end of the game he's talking about how this is some other player's planet, and then he goes ahead and explodes it. If this IS an online game, it'll be full of annoying griefers who like nothing more than to run around blowing up other planets. If there truly is a standalone single player version, then it should be fun.

no, the computer would simply take a world from another player's computer and play as it, so nothing that i do can affect you.

Actually, it WOULD be fun if you could put one of your races onto an online arena. But the 'massively singleplayer' thing looks like it's going to be quite fun.

Well, there's no need for to say it, but I will anyway. SPORE LOOKS AWESOME. God damn, that is the coolest looking spoiler for a video game I've ever seen.

Just don't make Willosaurus sounds in the store when you do.
*lol* i think i will wander on the safe site and buy it online at amazon; there i can make those sounds in my room and nobody will hear and wonder about me and eventually call the nice men with the white jackets :D

Well, there's no need for to say it, but I will anyway. SPORE LOOKS AWESOME. G** d***, that is the coolest looking spoiler for a video game I've ever seen.
Glad you like it as much as I do, but please, language. :nono: Forum rule #1. (http://forums.civfanatics.com/faq.php?faq=cfc_forum_rules#faq_cfc_forum_rules_01 )

Think of it in Civ terms if the game were to automatically adds units, civs, and other mods that people make here instead of you downloading them yourself. I'm pretty sure there'll be an option not to use the database, though.
Well, Will mentioned that everything was procedurally generated, which would lead me to believe that your computer can make the ecosystem based on your creature(s), but he follows it up by noting that everything here is another player's creation, as in other player's data is almost required. I'm assuming that the computer has or can create a small bank of plants and animals, but that players can totally customize their worlds, and thence upload their shtuff.

SilverKnight

What kind of computer might one need for the program? I ask because my computer couldn't handle civ4, and I fear it might not be able to handle Spore.

He was running it on a laptop in the presentation. To be honest, I don't think you're going to need a top of the line computer to play this game due to the way it's being built.

Keep in mind that development computers tend NOT to have a lot of software on them. (They're usually server-like computers in that they have minimal memory resident programs running on them).

Computers used by normal players will tend to have a firewall, AV program, a chat program or two, and other stuff.

BTW, new SPORE screenshots - sort of.

http://static.flickr.com/45/115676311_ccb59e5ebc.jpg

Keep in mind that development computers tend NOT to have a lot of software on them. (They're usually server-like computers in that they have minimal memory resident programs running on them).

Computers used by normal players will tend to have a firewall, AV program, a chat program or two, and other stuff.

BTW, new SPORE screenshots - sort of.

http://static.flickr.com/45/115676311_ccb59e5ebc.jpg
Ooooooh! Aaaaaah! :D

What magazine is that?

Not sure which one at the moment. I saw it on GamingSteve's site.

It's from Wired.

Niceness .

http://www.spore.es/imagenes/otras/88.jpg

Much better, thanx Sub! :goodjob:

Very nice indeed! Bravo!!!

Wow! :eek: Looks fantastic, where did you get that picture from? And what happened to the writing in the black circle?

SilverKnight

Doesn't Will Wright's next speech happen today? I'm pretty sure it does.

Indeedy. Actually there are a total of three speeches by members of the Spore team... :banana:

Over at Gaming steve's site Will Wright asked permission to show some of the creatures that are already drawn by the posters there. So Spore definately features is his speech today.

Yeah, if any of you are interested in this game, Gamingsteve.com is the place to go (The funny thing is I found out about that site from this site). Anyway, they put two powerpoint presentations from two of the speeches up for download. Right click and press save as

https://www.cmpevents.com/sessions/GD/S1541i1.ppt

https://www.cmpevents.com/sessions/GD/S1619i1.ppt

Unfortunately, I'm hearing it won't be until 2007 before it's released. :(

Damn, I need high speed connection to watch that podcast.

Nice, very nice! The graphical one (the first one) is more informative of the actual game itself, the second one just outlines the process of going from "pre-production" to production.

SilverKnight

Unfortunately, I'm hearing it won't be until 2007 before it's released. :(

You better have heard wrong! :aargh: I can't wait until 2007!

I think that 'rumor' came about by Wil Wright being quoted in Wired as saying it'll come out "next year". The thing is, the interview could have been done in say, late December. I can see magazines collecting articles/interviews atleast 3 months in advance. I would think that interviews would be done early, especially when they might want a series of interviews in time for GDC and E3.

http://www.snootyspore.com/

it has 'round the clock' news about the game, it seems. on the left column, you'll see the potential release date. Chieftess does have a point though. it might be released sooner than rumour has it.

I thought the entire article was written by Will Wright making it 100 percent true?

Even WW can make mistakes. ANYONE can make mistakes with predictions.

This game looks fun. :D

You know what, I've been surfing the internet looking for more info about it, and it struck me that the video, although made last year, suddenly appeared on the net since beginning of this month....

Does the term viral marketing sound familiar? If not: it's where you start a rumour and add some small tidbit of info about your product. In this case moving screen shots and an enthousiastic report to boot. :mischief:

I'm not saying that EA started this, but if they did it's brilliant as well. :lol: Now timing wise they need to feed the fans to keep the hipe going. Some are talking about one of the editors (creature) being released before the game itself... Wouldn't it be grand if they did, say at or just after the E3 event?

That would be awesome.

You know what, I've been surfing the internet looking for more info about it, and it struck me that the video, although made last year, suddenly appeared on the net since beginning of this month....

Does the term viral marketing sound familiar? If not: it's where you start a rumour and add some small tidbit of info about your product. In this case moving screen shots and an enthousiastic report to boot. :mischief:

I'm not saying that EA started this, but if they did it's brilliant as well. :lol: Now timing wise they need to feed the fans to keep the hipe going. Some are talking about one of the editors (creature) being released before the game itself... Wouldn't it be grand if they did, say at or just after the E3 event?
Minimum requirements and specs would be good, then. My laptop can barely handle Civ 4 (I know, I know, I didn't ask for a Pentium graphics card), and I hope this doesn't blow it entirely.

SilverKnight

Well, since everything will be generated locally, I guess a really good CPU will be needed to run it smoothly. :hmm:

I'll be glad with any type of info at E3 personally, the spore-bug has gotten me well and truly hooked. I have a long list of sites to check whether there's new info around. The interviews with Will Wright are really interesting, including the older ones. I'd say he knows exactly what he wants with this game. I only hope that he will let it roam free at some point and give us the chance to play it...

I don't know whether the current lull in information is a good or a bad sign in that regard. They did say at the GDC that the team working on it has doubled over the last months, so they do mean business now.

Check out this video! (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8720169979021845453&q=spore)

I have high speed now.

You just gotta love this fellow. :goodjob:

Sadly, I read that EA made it official that Spore won't be out until at least april 2007. :(

Which is good. It shows EA isn't rushing the game.

Here's another one! (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6146063954599871328&q=spore)

Where'd you get the pic oddity? Please tell me now!

the Spore coverage on G4 and talks with Will Wright were very impressive

Where'd you get the pic oddity? Please tell me now!From www.gamingsteve.com (http://www.gamingsteve.com/blab/index.php), the source of the most up to date Spore info. There are links to other videos as well, including this cool trailer (ftp://download.gamestar.hu/movie/2006/0508-0514/spore/spore.mpg) and footage from the editor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZzgHJ2UG1A)

Should we post links to all the videos we find here?

Spore's Website (http://spore.ea.com/)

The Original Spore Video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8372603330420559198&q=spore)

Another Spore Video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8720169979021845453&q=spore)

G4 Interview with Will Wright (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZzgHJ2UG1A)

This One's Cool (http://uk.media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vids_1.html)

The Official Trailer (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8800650740022675365&q=spore+trailer)

Robin Williams:lol: (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1734727723734486891)

15 Minute Developer Demo (http://media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vids_1.html)

More Creature Creating (http://www.jeuxvideo.tv/spore-video-24149.html)

Leipzig Demo Videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4dGkTVIMz8&mode=related&search=)

Leipzig Creature Editing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQImoVDx5UQ&mode=related&search=)

More Creature Editing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6E28SEb0jA&mode=related&search=)

Any interest?

i've seen the video where robin williams created a creature :D
that was realy funny. :D

i can't wait til it comes out

Any interest?The civ stage of the game is still very much left out of all the info, so I guess it's normal that it doesn't strike a chord here yet.

The civ stage of the game is still very much left out of all the info, so I guess it's normal that it doesn't strike a chord here yet.

They showed the Civ stage (a bit of it) in the 2005 GDC video. This time, they focused on the animal stage (herds and packs of animals), and the space stage. There was a poll on some SPORE forums on what players wanted to see, and those were the top two, or atleast among the top.

i've seen the video where robin williams created a creature

Link??? Please???

Here (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1734727723734486891) it is.

You'll see celebs everywhere except E3.
THATS WHAT I THOUGHT
:p :p :p :p :p

Although the concept is very cool, I think I will be bored to tears after the novelty wears off

Hmm, yes, I suppose that's the worst case scenario. But then you could probably play at harder difficulty levels, or set up special rules for yourself like we do in civ. Or maybe there will be scenarios in the game. Who knows?

a german info-site has opened: http://www.electronic-arts.de/publish/page199979511450548.php3?spieleid=778#
it describes the gameplay and the different stages and also mentions the sporepedia to find out, what the developer of a creature had in his mind as he created it.

It also looks like there is diplomatic relation stuff at the advanced levels as well so there will be something mroe than flying around.

Wow, I just have one thing to say about Spore. It is my most anticipated game. Ever.

:bump: There a wiki now!
http://www.sporewiki.com/
Lots of info all in one site.

Hey this isn't right. 6 pages and no one mentions this?!

VG Cats (http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=200)

;)

hehe....as i see this comic i remembered that i found a link to a pic on this site (http://www.snootyspore.com/) where the spore-team has replaced the figures with ingame ones.

here it is:

http://www.vgcats.com/news/comic_spore_Will.jpg

Hey this isn't right. 6 pages and no one mentions this?!

VG Cats (http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=200)

;)Maybe no one has a sense of humour?

I think I found somewhere that guessed what the minimum requirements of the game might be. It wasn't as high as I expected.

My only "problem" with Spore is that it seems more like a interesting concept than an actual game (think Black & White). The gameplay and mechanics are too vague at this point. But, here's hoping for the best.

Chieftess does have a point though. it might be released sooner than rumour has it.

I somehow doubt that. I can't think of a single game that has come out sooner than expected.

My only "problem" with Spore is that it seems more like a interesting concept than an actual game (think Black & White). The gameplay and mechanics are too vague at this point. But, here's hoping for the best.

If you watched the 2005 GDC video, it had a lot of gameplay. Of course, there's not much to show right now since there's only a few dozen (or hundred at best) creatures. Remember, in the first video, Wil Wright said that the start of the game is more like a "tutorial" for the space stage. You could concievably play any game you want - Galatic Civ, or Galatic Zoo.

Personally, I'm gonna see if I can create a planet by smashing asteroids together, and plopping down a few amoeba, and play with those. (Maybe even make the planet a really huge desert planet, or ice planet)


To sum it up:

GDC 2005 - Wil touched on all the stages of the game. He tried to touch on the tribal and stages a bit more - he's the SimCity guru, of course!

GDC 2006/E3 2006 - After much fan discussion on what they wanted Wil to show (animal stage - mostly the creature editor, and space stage), that's what he focused on.

During GDC 2005, he didn't show a whole lot of options, probably for two reasons - 1, he had a limited amount of time to speak, and 2 - many options probably weren't finished (just placeholders) or buggy.

If you watched the 2005 GDC video, it had a lot of gameplay. Of course, there's not much to show right now since there's only a few dozen (or hundred at best) creatures.

Oye, I watched the video (along w/ numerous others). It may simply be the "demo" nature of the presentations, but I'm left with numerous questions: how is trade handled, how is diplomacy handled, does diplomacy have any tangible effect on your success or failure, what are the advantages/disadvantages of certain buildings / creatures / planets, etc. What advantages do carnivores have over herbivores, or omnivores?

From watching the demo, Spore definitely looks intriguing, but it seems awfully simple. Again, this may be a product of the presentation itself, but it seems like way more emphasis has been placed on the creation of creatures, buildings, etc, than actual gameplay. Especially the "space" aspect of the game... it seems like when you reach that point, you're basically just "browsing". Can other intergalactic civilizations attempt a takeover of your homeworld? Can your planets be destroyed, etc?

-V

Oye, I watched the video (along w/ numerous others). It may simply be the "demo" nature of the presentations, but I'm left with numerous questions: how is trade handled, how is diplomacy handled, does diplomacy have any tangible effect on your success or failure, what are the advantages/disadvantages of certain buildings / creatures / planets, etc. What advantages do carnivores have over herbivores, or omnivores?

From watching the demo, Spore definitely looks intriguing, but it seems awfully simple. Again, this may be a product of the presentation itself, but it seems like way more emphasis has been placed on the creation of creatures, buildings, etc, than actual gameplay. Especially the "space" aspect of the game... it seems like when you reach that point, you're basically just "browsing". Can other intergalactic civilizations attempt a takeover of your homeworld? Can your planets be destroyed, etc?

-V

Judging from one E3 clip, it seems that other races can attack your planet (remember the one at the end where Wil got a popup from his home planet saying they were being attacked?). I think this is meant to be more of an evolution game than a galatic-empire-type game.


how is trade handled, how is diplomacy handled, does diplomacy have any tangible effect on your success or failure,

It could be that they're working on this aspect right now (They probably wanted to get the evolution part working first), but, Will did mention that you could do those things.

what are the advantages/disadvantages of certain buildings / creatures / planets, etc.

Obviously, flying creatures can't be caught as easily if they're flying away from a land creature. :) But, Wil didn't really describe the building's functions much. Although, Wil did say it's like a mini SimCity game, so I'm guessing they function like housing (allows more population), commerce (probably for your civ points?), and industry (maybe building points) - or commerce and industry could be reversed. That would be my guess; I don't think it's intended to be like a strategy game, however... in the GDC 2005 video, Wil did point out that giving creatures spears (barracks?) in the tribal stage makes them more agressive. He gave them drums (culture/music/entertainment) to make them more peaceful (balanced). So, I'd also guess that there will be (and now that I remember...) buildings that affect how your tribe forms their culture and such.

If you remember, one group of tripod were more agressive - they had an industrial-styled city. Wil's group had a Dr. Suess appeal, and were peaceful cowards. So, while the buildings may go for "civ points", they will affect your tribe's attitude later on. In fact, Wil did say (and infer in both 2005 and 2006) that every action you make helps to determine your creature's personality. So, having your creatures in a pack early on makes them more social - maybe they'll be a bit more peaceful. If they're not pack animals, they might be more territorial or something. Like-wise, building more barracks might make them more war-like.

What advantages do carnivores have over herbivores, or omnivores

If you look at the creature editor, you can tell. Obviously, they're powerful, but they won't always be at the top of the food chain. (What fun would it be to eat up all the creatures on the planet? Your creature would starve...)

I don't think it's intended to be like a strategy game, however...

That's, unfortunately, what I'm thinking too. Definitely going to keep my eye on it though.

-V

That's, unfortunately, what I'm thinking too. Definitely going to keep my eye on it though.

-V

There is the issue of a fanbase. Maxis' fanbase is in simulation games, not strategy. I think the closest it'll come to being a strategy is making choices like, "Do I make my creature a pack animal (high social structure), or solitary (probably more warfare in the tribal stage)", "Do I use my 500 evolution points for flippers, or legs? Or save up for something else?", "Do I make my creature really big and slow him down, or make him small and stealthy?", etc.

Having followed the lectures & interviews closely, I think the socalled "civ-phase" *will* be about strategy. One of the many interesting features of Spore is the mixture of genres.

It will most likely not be direct strategy (as in "I will send my Tank this way and station my Archer on the hills") but it will allow specializing cities and directing effort in certain directions depending on the way you intent to dominate the world. The latter being the only way to enter the next phase.
One of the features shown in the '05 GDC lecture was the "icon-ization" of cities when zooming out, IMHO a wink in the direction of us civ-fans. :)

Having followed the lectures & interviews closely, I think the socalled "civ-phase" *will* be about strategy. One of the many interesting features of Spore is the mixture of genres.

It will most likely not be direct strategy (as in "I will send my Tank this way and station my Archer on the hills") but it will allow specializing cities and directing effort in certain directions depending on the way you intent to dominate the world. The latter being the only way to enter the next phase.
One of the features shown in the '05 GDC lecture was the "icon-ization" of cities when zooming out, IMHO a wink in the direction of us civ-fans. :)

There was actually a game (I forget what it was called, but Brian Reylonds mentioned it back at the Apolycon - might be in their video) that you could zoom out, and all of the units, cities (camps?), etc. became icons. It actually ruined the game because too many people played it that way. I think zoomed in, you'd see the units fight eachother or something. So, zooming out to show an icon has been around before.

Well, as a person who has played sim earth for several hours straight on numerous occasions, I think that even if this is almost a pure simulation game I'll still love it.

Thanks for the wiki link BTW.

There was actually a game (I forget what it was called, but Brian Reylonds mentioned it back at the Apolycon - might be in their video) that you could zoom out, and all of the units, cities (camps?), etc. became icons. It actually ruined the game because too many people played it that way. I think zoomed in, you'd see the units fight eachother or something. So, zooming out to show an icon has been around before.I'm sure it'll be just cities, very much the same way it happens in cIV.

This looks very cool!

The wiki does have lots of information but theres so many gaps and unkowns. I just can't wait for it to come out! Yaaar!

You just found it now JD?

You just found it now JD?
No. But I just found this thread now.

some questions it thought of recently to the (interested) forum-members:
1. is it now 100% confirmed that the spore-modells are exportable to 3dsmax?
2. would it be then theoretically possile to export those modells from 3dsmax to civ4?

/edit: i frogot: :woohoo: go spore! go spore! :D

swould it be then theoretically possile to export those modells from 3dsmax to civ4?
Now that would be cool! Since they've printed some of the creatures made at the E3 convention on a 3D printer, I guess they can export it to some kind of 3D standard. If you want to ask Will Wright directly, PM me, and I'll send you his e-mail address.

A great chance to get a hands-on experience with Spore for those fortunate enough to live near Leipzig (Germany) this week. Apparantly EA will have Spore on-the-floor as they call it open for the public to play around with during the game convention there. :eek:

don't rememeber me about that :cry:
i live just some kilometers (well....actually about 450km :D) away from it and can't visit it, because it's during the week and i haven't time :cry:

but do you think that, based on the public version, a demo could be released?

It lasts upto and including Saturday Sunday. Will Wright will only be there on Thursday an Friday to present Spore, so he's not around. But who cares if you can actually try the game yourself...?!

I live in the Netherlands, so it's too far away. I'm hoping for some new info and hopefully a new video.

Hmm, how come these things never happen in rural regions of northern Canada? :p

Hmm, how come these things never happen in rural regions of northern Canada? :pLong live the internet! :coffee:

does anyone know when this game comes out? it sounds awesome

They're "saying" second half of '07 "for now". (Quote of Maxis in a recent interview) A month ago June '07 was the estimate, so the anwer is: nobody knows, no official date is given yet. You can however pre-order via amazon UK, they have 1 jan '07 as release date. :rolleyes:

this game is to big! No body is that lonely that they must spend 24/7 on a video game?

why "must" someone spend 24/7 on this videogame?

this game is to big! No body is that lonely that they must spend 24/7 on a video game?

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20030609

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20030609

haha that's a funny cartoon script! but you know what i mean. ;)

@0d1n3oo3Broad

will i was just saying that a video game this big is going to take up a lot of time to play. i know a few people that play games 12 hours plus! :eek:

will i was just saying that a video game this big is going to take up a lot of time to play. i know a few people that play games 12 hours plus! :eek:

:mischief:

Well, not games, but I've been spending from 11am to 2am on the computer. With breaks for the essentials, like food, TV, other stuff.

yeah, i know @dynamics. i had myself a 13h session with kotor2 this weekend.:D

i think spore could have a similar effect with it's huge possibilities :D

Amazing game ;) Thank GOD its coming out for Xbox 360, I'll not need to spend a fortune upgrading my PC!

I didn't know it was coming out for the 360.

I didn't know it was coming out for the 360.

Oh yes. And PS3 and Wii and PSP and DS! :dance:

it's a pc game too right?

it's a pc game too right?

Yes. Its a very next-gen game, so you'll need a good PC!

Yes. Its a very next-gen game, so you'll need a good PC!
that's nod said! i don't think that it has to be a expensive highend computer. the demos he showed to audience he allways used a laptop. i think (and hope of course ;) ) that i can run it on my pc smoothly:
AMD ATHLON XP 3000+ (2,17GHz)
768MB RAM (soon 1,5GB)
Radeon 9800Pro

but time will show what we need to create horrifing (or cute, whatever) creatures for our lord, the allmighty Will :D

this game is to big! No body is that lonely that they must spend 24/7 on a video game?

I will! :D

will i was just saying that a video game this big is going to take up a lot of time to play. i know a few people that play games 12 hours plus! :eek:

These days however, games have a 'save' function. Not like the old games of yesteryear when you had to spend 14 hours battling your way through Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as I did in my youth oooooh no. It's all save here, save there, I can come back later.

You youngsters! :rolleyes:

;)

These days however, games have a 'save' function. Not like the old games of yesteryear when you had to spend 14 hours battling your way through Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as I did in my youth oooooh no. It's all save here, save there, I can come back later.

You youngsters! :rolleyes:

;)I feel old. I remember when games came on cassettes.

that's nod said! i don't think that it has to be a expensive highend computer. the demos he showed to audience he allways used a laptop. i think (and hope of course ;) ) that i can run it on my pc smoothly:
AMD ATHLON XP 3000+ (2,17GHz)
768MB RAM (soon 1,5GB)
Radeon 9800Pro

but time will show what we need to create horrifing (or cute, whatever) creatures for our lord, the allmighty Will :D


would an e-machines
3200+ AMD athlon64 processor
100 GB hard drive
512 MB

be good enough to play it? just wondering

Looks like a good concept that will get really boring after a while(tediousness).

Ahhh man! Late 2007? Jeez, can't get it as a graduation present then. (for myself :mischief: )

Late '07... perfect. Just as I'm going through the most difficult year of high school!

I'll find time.

BTW, I don't think the game will get boring, unless you are a person with a short attention span. I am the kind of person who can play Sim Earth for several hours on end, until the world dies of old age.

i don't think so because there are so many diferent ways to play it

Looks like a good concept that will get really boring after a while(tediousness).

How did you think of this? It will never be boring! So many possibilities! :crazyeye:

Where did you get late '07 from?

You can choose the other player's content that ends up in your world, right? Or are we going to possibly end up with a lot of large phallouses and boobs?

Just a thought...

You can choose the other player's content that ends up in your world, right? Or are we going to possibly end up with a lot of large phallouses and boobs?

Just a thought...

You should be able to choose... I hope...

I fact it will be the other way 'round. Inappropriate content can be flagged by the players, so they will be downloaded to no-one after that.
If a player gets several of his/her creatures/items flagged he can be banned, that is to say none of the creatures/items of that player will be uploaded to the server.

I fact it will be the other way 'round. Inappropriate content can be flagged by the players, so they will be downloaded to no-one after that.
If a player gets several of his/her creatures/items flagged he can be banned, that is to say none of the creatures/items of that player will be uploaded to the server.

Good. I don't want to war with a race of genitals! Their planet would get blown up, much like the one in the video!

But the votes/flags could be forged... just like the comments and ratings on mod sites for NWN and Morrowind/Oblivion.

How did you think of this? It will never be boring! So many possibilities! :crazyeye:
Not to be a naysayer, but from watching the gameplay it doesn't appear that there's much to it. To wit: the cellular phase consists of swimming around and eating "stuff" and dodging bad guys, then modifying your creatures physical appearance. Next, you get on land and.... walk around eating "stuff" and dodging bad guys, then modifying your physical appearance. In the civilization phase, you build new stuff and watch your creatures dance around, etc. Then you take over the planet, then "browse" other creatures and buildings in space -- occassionally blowing them up when the mood strikes you, or, alternately, sucking critters into your UFO (for what purpose exactly?)

I'm certainly trivializing things, but I honestly didn't get more than this from watching the demos and presentations. Mr. Wright doesn't give much in the way of decisions a player may face and, when he does, he doesn't really explain the advantages/disadvantages of such decisions. I can have three fingers, or four fingers, the mouth on the torso or the neck..... but what difference does it make?

It certainly looks cool as heck, and the concept is definitely intriguing.... but, again, I must refer to the pulsating carbuncle known as "Black & White" (which everyone was touting, before release, as the panacea of all their gaming woes). Call me jaded, but it looks like more of a novelty/toy than a game (which is exactly how I considered "The Sims").

But let's hope I'm wrong, eh?

Where did you get late '07 from?
I saw it on gamespot's "Spore" entry.

-V

Next, you get on land and.... walk around eating "stuff" and dodging bad guys...
and there you have to to be social with creatures of your race to go to tribal stage.
in the civilization stage you build up a civilization and fight wars or do diplomacy like in civilization.
in space you can browse to other stars (if you have the interstellar-drive), find new creatures (perhaps sentient/sapient ones), build colonies, terraform planets, fight wars, do diplomacy (build up a st-like federation or a sw-like galactic empire) and so on and so forth. that's the infinit endgame.

alternately, sucking critters into your UFO (for what purpose exactly?)
you can transport it to another planets or do genetic experiments to it.
or you can use the beam and throw the creature into orbit :)

I'm certainly trivializing things,
a little bit :)

r. Wright doesn't give much in the way of decisions a player may face and, when he does, he doesn't really explain the advantages/disadvantages of such decisions. I can have three fingers, or four fingers, the mouth on the torso or the neck..... but what difference does it make?
how your creature attacks, how fast it will walk/run, if its herbivore/carnivore/omnivore, how strong it is....

I must refer to the pulsating carbuncle known as "Black & White"
yea, i was so excited over b&w since i heard. then it was delayed and again delayed, finally i bought it 2 month after its release, played for 2 months and that's it. i just got to the 2nd island.
but what i think is, you really couldn't do anything. it was fascinating how your creature's interacting and so, but that's it. in spore you can do so much things AND (what i think is the best fo spore) everything ingame is done by players out in the world. plants, creatures, huts, buildings, vehicles .....
you have really a sandboxgame.

Call me jaded, but it looks like more of a novelty/toy than a game (which is exactly how I considered "The Sims").
WW said in an intervew that his games weren't actually games, but hobbies. and spore will be the same. they're sandboxgames.
and exactly that's it i like on this games. they are openended.

I wonder if there is a way to make sure that one's own planet and it's creation is not uploaded into their database.

if i remeber correctly i read that you would be able to do so. if you don't want that your creations were uploaded, then you have just to check a box.

I wonder if there is a way to make sure that one's own planet and it's creation is not uploaded into their database.

But I really want to have my Duckland Nation fighting your Kusangi armies :lol:

But yes, as 0d1n3oo3Broad said, I think there's an option.

@Volstag- The fact that this is a toy and not a game is one of the attractions.

Naysay if you will, but I will still buy this game.

I found a new video, but I can't find the link for it ATM. It had the Sneevle and a guy working for maxis edited it into a really wierd thing as a demonstration of the creatures realism of movement and (relative) realism of appearance, even with very odd features.

cool i hope you can find that link, as i will buy this game too

Here you go: http://media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vids_1.html. It's the "15 Minute Developer demo" posted of September 8. Simply click one of the "watch it now" options.

Thanks. I hadn't been able to find that one again.

Updated list of good videos.

Spore's Website (http://spore.ea.com/)

The Original Spore Video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8372603330420559198&q=spore)

Another Spore Video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8720169979021845453&q=spore)

G4 Interview with Will Wright (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZzgHJ2UG1A)

This One's Cool (http://uk.media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vids_1.html)

The Official Trailer (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8800650740022675365&q=spore+trailer)

Robin Williams:lol: (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1734727723734486891)

15 Minute Developer Demo (http://media.pc.ign.com/media/735/735340/vids_1.html)

More Creature Creating (http://www.jeuxvideo.tv/spore-video-24149.html)

Leipzig Demo Videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4dGkTVIMz8&mode=related&search=)

Leipzig Creature Editing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQImoVDx5UQ&mode=related&search=)

More Creature Editing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6E28SEb0jA&mode=related&search=)

How flexible is the creature creator thing in this game? Could you create a human if tou wanted to, or would it end up looking like a two-legged monster?

Presumably you could make a working human, although it would be tricky to get it built just right.

It's definitely possible, but it's likely easier to build something which does not exist, giving you more flexibility in your creations.

Personally, I'm just gonna add things from the cell stage onwards and see what I evolve.

Presumably you could make a working human, although it would be tricky to get it built just right.

It's definitely possible, but it's likely easier to build something which does not exist, giving you more flexibility in your creations.

Personally, I'm just gonna add things from the cell stage onwards and see what I evolve.

Me too. I hope you can have animals without legs, so they slither like snakes!

This is the first game in ages that I'm actually craving for, almost like I'm-13-years-old-and-I-reeeaaally-want-that-thing kind of craving. Amazing really that you still can muster such a feeling. :crazyeye:

I made a list Why Spore Will Rock (http://www.sporeev.com/2006/09/27/why-spore-will-rock/), add to it!

I don't want to give my e-mail address...

If you watched the 2005 GDC video, it had a lot of gameplay. Of course, there's not much to show right now since there's only a few dozen (or hundred at best) creatures. Remember, in the first video, Wil Wright said that the start of the game is more like a "tutorial" for the space stage. You could concievably play any game you want - Galatic Civ, or Galatic Zoo.

Personally, I'm gonna see if I can create a planet by smashing asteroids together, and plopping down a few amoeba, and play with those. (Maybe even make the planet a really huge desert planet, or ice planet)


To sum it up:

GDC 2005 - Wil touched on all the stages of the game. He tried to touch on the tribal and stages a bit more - he's the SimCity guru, of course!

GDC 2006/E3 2006 - After much fan discussion on what they wanted Wil to show (animal stage - mostly the creature editor, and space stage), that's what he focused on.

During GDC 2005, he didn't show a whole lot of options, probably for two reasons - 1, he had a limited amount of time to speak, and 2 - many options probably weren't finished (just placeholders) or buggy.

Well, Will Wright has basically been pushing the idea of sandbox games, like The Sims and the Sim games. The problem with them for most people is that they're interesting for the first few days you play around with them, then they become completely boring. Of course there are a lot of nerdish people who obsess with them and collect different furniture and spend hours designing new furniture, but this isn't the average gamer, and I don't really think that is even appealing.

The only Sim game that has ever managed to keep my attention for a long time has been the SimCity games since SimCity 2000, because even though its open ended its very structured.

Just saw the video for the first time. It looks absolutely amazing! I can't wait until it comes out, altough I would probably need a new computer. :crazyeye:

Does anyone else think the post-evolution levels look a bit dull?

no they look a lot like civilization in those later levels

They really didn't spend alot of time in the civilization levels, mostly just showed the building editor and such. There is probably a lot more to that level than they showed in the video.

Right. Spore starts as a very structured game and slowly becomes sandbox. The big reason why many gamers get bored with sandbox games is because they are unable to generate their own game or goals in the game universe -- they are too use to having it spoonfed to them. Usually they look at the traditional alpha male pedagogue (I think thats the right use of that word) of being bigger faster stronger to win a game (hence why I find the ludology perspective of DEFCON so interesting). Anyways this is a topic deserving of its own thread.

Any new things announced about the game?

Doesn't look like it. The official Spore website doesn't have anything new.

There was a very long New York Times article (here (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08games.html)) this Sunday on Spore and Will Wright. Nothing new, but a lot of interesting stuff about the philosophy of Spore.

There's a speech by one of the people involved in making Spore at a Canadian conference tomorrow: http://www.futureplay.org/. His name is Dr. Ken Perlin and does the opening keynote speech at 9 am. In fact he's one of the "procedural animation" guys, and has interesting stuff on his website (http://mrl.nyu.edu/~perlin/).

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Here is a 5 page article/interview from the new york times website: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08games.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5090&en=d551133c9414ebbd&ex=1317960000&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

jalapeno_dude posted that two days ago. ;)

Not my fault it wasn't on this page and it surfaced on digg today =Þ

Not my fault it wasn't on this page and it surfaced on digg today =Þ
It was on this page. Two posts above yours, to be exact. :rolleyes:

I don't know what you are talking about!

I don't know what you are talking about!
I believe you forgot a :mischief: at the end of that post.

:p

*whistles innocently*

does anyone know when it is coming out, because i cant wait any longer

No all we have is the following statement by Maxis: "we are saying second half of 2007 for now."

If you look at places like EB, they list the pre-release ship date as June 1, 2007. Of course, that is hardly official.

One spicey detail is that the aussie/NZ branch of EA (the publisher of Spore, to be found here (http://www.electronicarts.com.au/en-au/games/pc/spore/spore/)) has "early 2007" as a release date. The American/European sites don't have any info about Spore at all... :crazyeye:

Will himself said (http://www.sporeev.com/2006/09/27/spore-pushed-back/) second half of 2007 recently, hopefully that will be the final delay. Here (http://www.sporeev.com/2006/10/16/the-box-art/)'s what the box art might look like btw. :)

Right. Spore starts as a very structured game and slowly becomes sandbox. The big reason why many gamers get bored with sandbox games is because they are unable to generate their own game or goals in the game universe -- they are too use to having it spoonfed to them. Usually they look at the traditional alpha male pedagogue (I think thats the right use of that word) of being bigger faster stronger to win a game (hence why I find the ludology perspective of DEFCON so interesting). Anyways this is a topic deserving of its own thread.

Any new things announced about the game?

I don't know about other people, but I'm able to generate my own game and goals. I'm just not interested in spending time doing it for games that have been made. It's just not that interesting to make your Sim get a particular job.

Even within Civilization the point for me isn't just winning but goals I set myself; even if there are other ways to win the game.

Its just not worth returning to play The Sims over and over.

In some degree, I don't think its worth returning to play Civilization over and over, either, if you know how to play the game and know how to win. And unlike most other people here, I don't play Civilization all the time. I find that is boring. Playing a game of Civilization gets so predictable that I want to cry while playing it. You know which game starts will make you lose; predictable; you start out doing the same moves; predictable; then in the mid-game nothing happens; predictable; then in the end-game its a matter of finishing everything; predictable.

(trying to win the game in bad start situations is the only thing that can be fun at all. but the game is no-compromise about this, either its a bad start situation or a good one or a really good one. there are no start situations anymore which have advantages or disadvantages. the geography generation isn't that good. the steps to progressing your civ are narrow and linear and predictable and not dependent on your start situation. etc)

In that way at least, playing SimCity is more engaging than playing Civilization. But at least compared to the Sims, with Civlization most people aren't skilled at winning, so they return again to give it another shot.

In a game like The Sims, where the goals are arbitrary, they aren't even worth going after. I really don't care about making my Sim a firefighter, ok. I assume people who want to spend time joining some Sims community online and making mods and furniture and meshes find it interesting, but that doesn't appeal to me either to really be engaged in. Its not like its real creativity, making furniture for the Sims is a really trite thing. I think in someways a game like The Sims is interesting as art or a concept certainly, but don't pretend its worth playing after the first few days.

There are ways I think Civ can be changed to make it play better, but most people here wouldn't be happy with it.

Will himself said (http://www.sporeev.com/2006/09/27/spore-pushed-back/) second half of 2007 recently, hopefully that will be the final delay. Here (http://www.sporeev.com/2006/10/16/the-box-art/)'s what the box art might look like btw. :)

First one is best, but still pretty boring. :undecide:

I like just text on black. Then again I am just a minimalist.

I'd be happy with first or second one.

Well, I can wait since hopefully if they have the time and don't get rushed (and I expect EA to rush them) it will be a lot better.

I certainly hope so :D

I think Will is the only one in th ebuz who can say No to EA and get away with it!

LOL. Definitely. But then again he created one of the biggest milking cows for them ever, The Sims. So no wonder they have great faith in him.

Here's a new video (http://www.sporeev.com/2006/11/03/friday-candy-tentacles/) (a bit crappy in quality) showing some interesting stuff from the editor.

Nice find, Raggamuffin

what systems is it coming ou for, cuz i'm hoping for either the pc or the Wii

So far, only a PC version has been confirmed, but they plan on having versions for as many different systems as possible.

Next-Gen versions are coming out, but not confirmed yet.

I saw them talk about this game in that CNBC special "Game On!" and I turned to my wife and said, "Ah, the best game that'll never come out."

Seriously, how long has it been now?

It's been in development for something like 5 years, and isn't expected to come out for another 6-7 months at least.

New short video's and a possible release date of Sptember this year.

http://217.154.169.230/webprod/Resources/film/spore1.wmv
http://217.154.169.230/webprod/Resources/film/spore2.wmv
http://217.154.169.230/webprod/Resources/film/spore3.wmv
http://217.154.169.230/webprod/Resources/film/spore4.wmv
http://217.154.169.230/webprod/Resources/film/spore5.wmv

edit: Oops, they seem to have removed those, here's the Youtube versions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Col_TIlXALo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojf9Tbjj-eEvv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6Q8iZWaJkc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h50Til09L8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCKQ8xrC-MY

Soren will join the Spore team! :goodjob:

Who? :confused:

salty mud, Soren was the lead on Civ IV.

Link please?

'Tis on the front page of this very website! :lol:

Here's the link to his personal blog: http://www.designer-notes.com/archives/games/

Gamespot is reporting that it's been pushed back to Spring '08 :(

http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6170303.html?tag=latestnews;title;2

There is no smiley that can properly express my frustration.

I will be forced to :splat: them.

It's a big project, and Will Wright is something of a perfectionist. It'll be great.

And it gives Soren the chance to have real influence...

And it gives Soren the chance to have real influence...

Yeah, I guess we could see it coming that it would be delayed again with Soren joining this late in the ballgame. It could take him 3-6 months to become familar with their code! (Maybe a month to familarize himeself with the important code that he'll be looking at, but he knows from experience that messing with a piece of code in one area can have unintended consequences. A certain stack/sub bug comes to mind.)

I'm saddened by the delay and worried that this could turn into a modern day Daikatana or Duke Nukem Forever or worse shelved.

But if things work out, I would say yes to the delay if it were to make the game awesomer. :)

Gamespot is reporting that it's been pushed back to Spring '08 :(

http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6170303.html?tag=latestnews;title;2

DARNIT!!!!!

Not all the news is bad: check out this video. (http://www.newyorker.com/online/video/conference/2007/wright)
Spore is looking better than ever, the animation is now much more smooth. :love:

Beautiful.

We want your pee Will Wright!

I've found a really good forum to discuss Spore, www.totalspore.com .
I can't wait for it to come out (the game).

Of course you can also try:

http://www.gamingsteve.com or
http://www.xspore.com or
http://www.sporephoria.com or
http://www.sporeum.com or
http://www.sporeuniverse.net or
http://www.sporefanatic.com or
http://www.hookedonspore.com or ...

(you get the picture...:D)

Now it's been pushed back till Fiscal '09 (this likely means Holidays '08 in calendar years).

Many of those aren't really active through, some are, but this one i found is the most active (i think).

www.totalspore.com

Now it's been pushed back till Fiscal '09 (this likely means Holidays '08 in calendar years).No, it's still spring 2008, read about it here. (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6083&Itemid=2)

Brand new movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0AiadD1YVU
And interview: http://pc.ign.com/articles/802/802448p1.html

The creature editor will be released (a few weeks) before the game is launched in april 2008!

Wow, it's looking amazing. Can't wait for the creature editor release :D

From the collection of the Marketing VP of Maxis:
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q44/rauva/ScreenShoot/3Dodo.jpg

awwwww.....cute, alien-dodos...

Spore is getting prettier and prettier....now i can't wait till its release...again

The more I see the graphics on this. The more I dread it's system requirements.

Looks like they are adding a lot of menu HUDs. Hope it doesn't get too complicated.

They're doing loads of user-tests, so I'm not too worried about that. :)

Blimey! From the looks of that picture, Spore's graphics are getting worse! :dubious:

Blimey! From the looks of that picture, Spore's graphics are getting worse! :dubious:

hmm? i dont see anything wrong with that picture