Jay Watamaniuk
Community Manager
Registrato il: 19 nov 2001
Da: Edmonton, Alberta |
 Inviato: giovedì, 28 ottobre 2004 05:39 |
Dan Whiteside thought this needed more visibility and I agree. My big thanks to Nathrock for putting this together:
Nathrock’s Unofficial Premium Content FAQ
Will there be any security measures to ensure that content cannot be pirated?
Yes, there will be security measures in place to prevent pirating. The module being tied to your CD-Key and a required Live Connection.
Will we be allowed to open the modules up in the toolset?
No, the security measures in place prevent the module from being opened in the toolset. However we may showcase scripts and other content on Bioware Wednesday.
What is the price range for the premium content?
The price range will range between $4.99 USD and $7.99 USD.
If for some reason I lose the module on my hard drive, can I download it again?
Yes, you can log into you Bioware Community Account and download it.
What forms of payments does the store.bioware.com accept?
At this point we accept Visa and Master Card, but we are providing a mechanism whereby someone can purchase a module and send it along as a gift to someone else. Other forms are being considered.
Will Mac users be supported?
The 1.65 patch, released soon after the launch of the BioWare Online Store and Premium Neverwinter Nights Modules, will allow Mac and Linux gamers to enjoy the same great gameplay as their Windows counterparts. We're dedicated to supporting the Mac and Linux Neverwinter Nights communities, and we're working diligently to address their needs as soon as possible.
What is the anticipated release date on Premium Content?
It will depend on how long it takes to development the content.
What is the difference between the Lite and Full versions of KingMaker?
The lite version was created to provide a smaller content download.
Rob Bartel: “Kingmaker Lite is intended for those with low bandwidth or those who are uncomfortable with the $7.99 price point we've established for the full version of Kingmaker. Here's the breakdown of what's been removed with the aim of reducing the filesize (please recognize that these may change slightly prior to release):
Kingmaker has 500+ lines of custom VO including voicesets for the four henchmen. Kingmaker Lite has no custom VO and no henchmen voice sets.
Kingmaker has 4 custom load screens. Kingmaker Lite has only 1.
Kingmaker makes use of the Stormy Skies skybox (that we were unfortunately unable to cram into 1.64 but will try to include in 1.65). In Kingmaker Lite, any areas using that skybox will show blank fog instead.
Kingmaker includes a custom credits movie that plays when you complete the module. Kingmaker Lite places the credits into a *.txt file in your docs folder instead.after the module starts.”
What is the rating of the content?
The content has not received an official rating yet.
How do I get content published as Premium Content?
Please, don’t spam BioWare with your latest work. The best way to get your content noticed is by forming a solid reputation and fan base by building modules in the community such as getting your modules in the Hall of Fame.
Will the modules only be in English?
Yes, the modules will be in English-only, for the time being as the costs and logistics of translation appear to be prohibitive. If the modules are successful in English, we may consider localizing these or other BioWare Premium Modules in the future.
Will custom content be included?
Any modifications done will use a HakPak and will not interfere with any other user modifications like CEP unless you are modifying things in the override folder.
What does Live Connection mean?
You will be required to have a connection to the Internet upon staring a new or loading a save game from one of the Premium Content Modules. You will be able to disconnect from the Internet after the module starts.
Here is a more complete answer from Rob Bartel on "How do I get content published as Premium Content?" question.
Click Here
Will I be able to play the modules behind a firewall?
If you cannot play Neverwinter Nights multiplayer, you can't play the Premium Content Mods.
The modules listed are fairly low-level. Will new modules have a higher level adventures?
BioWare is aware of the desire to see higher level modules and hopes to have content in the store tailored to what fans want.Edited By Jay Watamaniuk on 11/02/04 00:42 |
|
Stanley Woo
QA Ninja
Registrato il: 17 ott 2001
Da: The BioWare Compound |
Inviato: giovedì, 28 ottobre 2004 05:40 |
|
Well, if you want visibility, let's Sticky it! |
|
|
EvilTypeGuy
Moderator
Registrato il: 26 apr 2002 |
Inviato: giovedì, 28 ottobre 2004 10:56 |
These modules have content that drives me crazy and I can't stand the thought of not being able to create my own wondrous adventures using it? Is there any way module builders can get access to all this crazy cool stuff?
Click Here
...we have plans to release new content featured in those [premium] modules through patches to the whole community at some point. - Georg Zoeller
_________________
That's BioMod, not BioWare. As such, I do not represent the views of BioWare. SPOON!Edited By EvilTypeGuy on 10/28/04 22:56 |
|
|
Kevin Lynch
Moderator
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
SW: KotOR PC
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 17 ott 2001
Da: NS, Canada |
Inviato: giovedì, 28 ottobre 2004 11:10 |
Quote: What does ‘Live Connection’ mean?
You will be required to have a connection to the Internet upon staring a new or loading a save game from one of the Premium Content Modules. You will be able to disconnect from the Inter
The last sentence should be similar to: "You will be able to disconnect from the Internet once authentication is complete, but any new or loaded saved game will require you to reconnect once more."
_________________
Well there ain't no point in moving on until you've got somewhere to go... |
|
|
Jarance
Game Owner
 NWN
Registrato il: 19 ago 2004 |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 04:51 |
|
Haveing to connect to the Internet just to play a module is very bad. I play on a Lan setup. And the computer i use isnt the connection computer. So to play a game i have paid my hard earned money for, i will need to connect to the Internet for what 2 minutes to verify that its my copy i paid for?.This will force those who have dial-up to encur costs everytime they play that module or form what i see reload a saved game.What can i do if my Internet service providor is down??. Dont bother trying to play Never winter nights, you cant. Ther are plenty of ways you can ensure the copy being played is bought. A rethink of the Live connection part is needed. |
|
|
steelfiredragon
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
SW: KotOR PC
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
NWN 2: MotB
NWN 2: SoZ
Registrato il: 16 giu 2002 |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 09:30 |
Quote: Posted 10/28/04 23:10:12 (GMT) by Kevin Lynch Quote: What does ‘Live Connection’ mean?
You will be required to have a connection to the Internet upon staring a new or loading a save game from one of the Premium Content Modules. You will be able to disconnect from the Inter
The last sentence should be similar to: "You will be able to disconnect from the Internet once authentication is complete, but any new or loaded saved game will require you to reconnect once more."
THIS MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!!!!!! WHAT IF BIOWARE GOES OUT OF BUISSNESS , THEN WHAT????? |
|
|
Kevin Lynch
Moderator
Game Owner
NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
SW: KotOR PC
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 17 ott 2001
Da: NS, Canada |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 10:02 |
Quote: Posted 10/29/04 09:30:29 (GMT) by steelfiredragon
THIS MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!!!!!! WHAT IF BIOWARE GOES OUT OF BUISSNESS , THEN WHAT?????
There are a few discussions regarding the pros and cons of this particular security measure in the forum below, so you may want to continue discussion there where this question has been raised.
The best way to think about this authentication process for the premium modules is as an extension of the NWN gaming concept. It offers a different sort of service for those interested, while those that feel it is not right for them may continue using the free content available through the official patches and fan-created haks and modules.
No need to worry, though. BioWare's not going to go anywhere any time soon, and the premium NWN modules are only a start for the launch of the store. There will be plenty of other store-related launches in the future, as that is the ultimate goal. 
_________________
Well there ain't no point in moving on until you've got somewhere to go... |
|
|
Nathrock
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
SW: KotOR Xbox
Registrato il: 30 ott 2001
Da: A little place called Earth. |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 07:12 |
It should read:
What does Live Connection mean?
You will be required to have a connection to the Internet upon staring a new or loading a save game from one of the Premium Content Modules. You will be able to disconnect from the Internet after the module starts.
Here is a more complete answer from Rob Bartel on "How do I get content published as Premium Content?" question.
Click Here
No, no, thank you Bioware.
_________________
Wow, I'm on the web.. http://www.chrisoswalt.comEdited By Nathrock on 10/29/04 19:19 |
|
|
xitooner
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 11 ago 2003 |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 09:49 |
Here is another one from Georg, for people who might expect CEP content in these:
There are legal issues barring us from using CEP in any official product, free or not.
Why?
CEP is certainly a really good idea and it is a really good showcase of the great work the community has put into NWN - but with hundreds of contributors to it, the chances that someone might have used some material that they might not have been given the right to use are there - a part of a texture on a creature model, creature or placeable gemometry, a portrait, etc.
While the people doing CEP go great length to ensure that this does not happen, there is no guarantee and as long as the slimmest chance for someone infringing someone elses rights, even unknowingly, exists, it can not come anywhere close to an official BioWare product as we would open ourselfs up for legal nightmares.
Everything that goes into the premium modules is created for BioWare under contract, so we have full legal rights to it.
Hope this clarifies things.
_________________
Normal kids play rock-paper-scissors.
Shifter kids play IronGolem-RustMonster-MindFlayer. . . |
|
|
Sauté
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
Registrato il: 06 gen 2003 |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 11:09 |
Why don't the module descriptions mention what level characters are expected at the start, or are we to expect they are all level 1 new characters only?
or did I miss something obvious? |
|
|
xitooner
Game Owner
NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 11 ago 2003 |
Inviato: venerdì, 29 ottobre 2004 11:31 |
They did make it suprisingly hard, didnt they?
Both new modules are 3rd level start.
You can find this out by going to the main pages for each module, and in the top right corner of the picture is a "FAQ" button. Click it, and you'll find this out, and more.
_________________
Normal kids play rock-paper-scissors.
Shifter kids play IronGolem-RustMonster-MindFlayer. . . |
|
|
Amarande
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
SW: KotOR Xbox
NWN 2
NWN 2: MotB
NWN 2: SoZ
Registrato il: 25 giu 2002 |
Inviato: sabato, 30 ottobre 2004 07:08 |
Speaking of characters -
As we know, characters can be exported ('Save Character') from modules during play, and they keep all the items they have on them in the process.
Will DD modules affect the character export process in any way? In particular, if you've got a character who has items that were custom made for a DD module, exporting that character would cause the premium content items to be exported along with them ... after which said items could be used in a non-protected module, or even taken into a multiplayer local vault game and given away to others, who may or may not have purchased the modules ...
So, will we still be able to export our characters for further play in non-DD modules, or will this concern cause there to be some sort of protection, where we have to have a Live Connection to even use the exported character ever again, or simply deny the ability to Save Character from the Premium Modules at all? |
|
|
Talrias
Moderator
Game Owner
 NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
SW: KotOR PC
Jade Empire:SE
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 25 feb 2003
Da: :morF |
Inviato: sabato, 30 ottobre 2004 08:11 |
I don't see a problem with exporting characters and potential premium content items. The items are either module-dependent, relying on scripts in the module, or could be created with the toolset simply anyway.
Chris
_________________
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge." -- Bertrand Russell. |
|
|
xitooner
Game Owner
NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 11 ago 2003 |
Inviato: mercoledì, 03 novembre 2004 09:06 |
From Rob Bartel, concerning epic-level DD modules in the future:
There's an obvious demand for epic level premium modules and we have a variety of plans in place to meet that demand as the BioWare Online Store and the concept of Premium Modules develop. We definitely hope that the current crop of premium modules will grow into entire series, providing an epic level experience at some point in the future. More importantly, we also have plans for additional premium modules catering specifically to epic level characters. All of this is a little ways down the road, still, but if these first few modules prove successful, I'm sure we'll get there.
_________________
Normal kids play rock-paper-scissors.
Shifter kids play IronGolem-RustMonster-MindFlayer. . . |
|
|
xitooner
Game Owner
NWN
NWN: SoU
NWN: HotU
Jade Empire:SE
NWN 2
Mass Effect PC
Registrato il: 11 ago 2003 |
Inviato: mercoledì, 03 novembre 2004 09:09 |
From Rob Bartel, concerning the possible future expansion of DD stuff into the area of semi-persistant Worlds:
For the record, I have prepared a design document for a potential NWN-based semi-persistent world that, if developed, could be distributed as a BioWare Premium Module at some point down the road. The idea would be something similar to the 'Land of Nordock' module in that it would be available for anyone to host rather than being restricted to BioWare-run servers (though we could still choose to run a small 'official' server).
That idea is presently on the back shelf as we have higher-priority modules that we'd like to make first. If there's sufficient interest and demand for such a module, however, it's conceivable that we could take it down off that shelf and proceed with it.
Persistent worlds are not officially supported by BioWare at this time and we have no interest in creating a large MMORPG along the lines of EverQuest. It's clear, however, that there's at least some degree of interest in this kind of functionality within the BioWare community. If this notion of premium modules is successful, perhaps it will give the Live Team sufficient breathing room to start exploring these ideas in greater detail in the future.
_________________
Normal kids play rock-paper-scissors.
Shifter kids play IronGolem-RustMonster-MindFlayer. . . |
|
|
