An Interview With Brit44 Of PEDG: A Community Effort (Panzer Elite)
Introduction Modding communities play a crucial role in extending the life of video games, introducing new features, and enhancing player experiences. This deep dive explores the personal journeys, technical breakthroughs, and collaborative efforts within the modding community, particularly focusing on the game "Panzer Elite."
Q: How do you view your (Brit44) contribution to the developments mentioned in relation to other modders? A: While I have initiated several advancements in PE, it's important to recognize that my contributions are part of a larger group effort. Figures like the L&L brothers have been particularly instrumental during critical transitional periods after original team members departed, helping to sustain and evolve the game's modding landscape.
Q: Describe your entry into the world of development software. A: I joined PEDG after the release of Panzer Elite as a 3D modeler. Around the time Wings Simulations was sold to JoWood, and after most of the original members of PEDG had moved on to other sims (Steel Beasts), I was one of the modders offered access to the source code. My journey into software development was significantly shaped by mentors like ChuckD and Arthur. Although coming from a background as a motorcycle mechanic and CAD student, their guidance was pivotal in navigating the complexities of game development software, opening up new possibilities for creative and technical expression.
Q: What was one of your major breakthroughs in modding,
particularly regarding shell mechanics? A:
One of the major breakthroughs was in modelling of realistic shell
trajectories (TOF), a feature critical for enhancing the game's realism. This was initially a cut and paste hack of the particle engine code. It was soon propelled by another coder who laid the groundwork and documented his findings and approaches. After he left, I returned to that wish list item, using his notes as a roadmap to develop the missing shell drag factor. This ballistic work improved the realism of the game and allowed alignment of the shell behavior with historically accurate fire tables and gun optics. It also lead to the improvement of artillery.
Q: Who first discovered and utilized the view range adjustment feature in the code? A: The view range adjustment feature was first discovered by MY, a coder whose work on this aspect continues to spur further experimentation of Panzer Elite. This discovery led to the creation of the Brit44 fog mod, enhancing how environmental visibility impacted gameplay and adding a layer of strategic depth.
Q: Can you elaborate on the collaboration and subsequent divergence in development paths with MY? A: Collaborating with MY began with shared goals and high enthusiasm for enhancing the game's realism. As our visions for simulation accuracy evolved, we decided to pursue separate paths to explore different technical possibilities, enriching the project with a diversity of approaches despite our diverging paths.
Q: What support and resources have significantly impacted your modding skills, particularly in texturing and optics? A: My skills in texturing and optics were notably enhanced through the guidance of Geezer and the provision of historically accurate documents by Vase. These resources were crucial in refining the visual details of game models and implementing realistic optics, deepening the game's immersion and authenticity.
Q: What technical and community challenges did you face
while enhancing multiplayer compatibility? A:
Enhancing multiplayer compatibility involved integrating modern game
features into older codebases and developing new indicators for mod
compatibility. This project, undertaken with Slomo, tackled legacy
bugs and adapted the game to evolving multiplayer technologies,
although keeping pace with rapid advancements proved challenging. It is a shame, as Slomo's PP2-x mod addresses many of the flaws that plagued Panzer Elite multiplayer.
Q: How did external corporate decisions affect other game developers you know? A:I am a modder, not a developer. But I can give an opinion of what I have seen. External decisions by corporate giants like Microsoft and Sony had a dramatic impact on smaller developers, notably WingsSimulations, the Panzer Elite developer. These decisions cut off essential time needed, stifling the ability to further develop and refine their games and affecting their sustainability in a competitive market.
Q: What has been the historical impact of the L&L brothers on the game post-Sony's withdrawal, and how did internal rivalries shape developments? A: After Sony's withdrawal, L&L's contributions became critical in extending the game's lifespan through the development of innovative mods. Their rivalry with PEDG, although competitive, spurred both groups to achieve higher levels of technical excellence and creativity, highlighting the dynamic nature of game development.
Conclusion The stories and insights from the PEDG modding community not only illustrate the technical challenges and innovations but also the collaborative spirit that drives these projects. As we look back on these developments, it's clear that the passion and dedication of modders have significantly shaped the gaming landscape, preserving classics and inspiring future generations of gamers and developers.
