S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Interview (con't)

FiringSquad: Can we expect to see S.T.A.L.K.E.R. ported to other platforms like the PS3 and Xbox 360?

Oleg Yavorsky: This will depend on how successful the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is and the publisher’s decision.

FiringSquad: Will there be any additional content (levels, weapons, etc) to be released via the Internet following STALKER's release?

Oleg Yavorsky: We have already created some extra content which includes several new multiplayer maps and character skins. Those will be spread through media and some other ways. Details will be announced by THQ.

FiringSquad: Will there be any mod tools released for the game?

Oleg Yavorsky: We intend to provide the X-ray modSDK several months after the game’s release.

The X-ray modSDK will include the following components: Editors - LevelEditor- creation of levels, ActorEditor-adjustment of physics models and animations, ShaderEditor-shaders, textures, materials, ParticleEditor-creation of particles; Export tools (plug-ins) for popular 3D packages (Max, Maya); ScriptDebugger – script writing and debugging; Examples of one or several levels used in the game, including all the source art materials for them; Examples of models used in the game (characters, weapons and more) including all the source art assets for them.

This will allow the mod community to create the MP mods of any complexity. Those could be as light modifications, such as, changing of model skins or weapons balance or as total conversions with completely new graphics, balance and even new game rules. GSC and THQ will be supporting the mod community in every way.

FiringSquad: After S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s release can you tell us about GSC GameWorld's plans for the future?

Oleg Yavorsky: The ideas and efforts we have invested primarily into creating S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’s AI and A-Life system are seen by us as only the beginning of a great concept which bears a lot of potential for the future. We’ve gathered a team of hardened professionals eager to continue developing those ideas and bring them to an even more impressive level.

FiringSquad: Finally is there anything else you wish to say about S.T.A.L.K.E.R.?

Oleg Yavorsky: As we get closer to the release of the game, we are getting more and more excited to finally see S.T.A.L.K.E.R. out and get other people to play what we’ve been working on for years. We are very thankful to all the fans out there that have been with us and supported the game, and we hope everyone will keep in touch about S.T.A.L.K.E.R.