Apologies, Explanations, and Details

(holding his hands to his face in embarassment...)

First off, I'd like to apologize in behalf of Erick's messages in the message board. He dislikes criticism (as you can tell.) I'm sorry he fumed at 'those pricks' or whatever it was he said..

Now, I'd like to speak in behalf of the team. I'd like to apologize to the people he fumed at, because he doesn't seem to realise that no matter what anyone says, it shouldn't change the momentum of the project, and no, we shouldn't expect everyone to 'bow down before us.' I know not to expect that. As a matter of fact, I don't ever expect it, no matter what kind of proof or promotions or demos we give to the public. I don't know where he got the idea of a 'big fat check,' because 3DO isn't exactly Microsoft in the way of finance. Sure, we hope to make money out of this someday, but this isn't our (or at least my own) goal. I personally am just thrilled at making computer games, and showing people what I can do. Yes, like anything, money is a factor, but it's not my primary source of greed. I like a challenge, and Meridian has provided this challenge. I like building things. I like 3D modeling and animation (I've been doing it for five years.) I like computer games. So, why not build one? That's my thrill. To build a game that everyone can participate in. But, part of the challenge is making a good game, so that's what we're struggling for.

This is a new field for Erick. He's done music and audio for at least 10 years, and his only way of gaming was duck-duck-goose and ring-around-the-rosey until about two/three years ago. I've been doing game modifications and even cheezy little games for about four/five years now, and this is my own first big project. Yes, we began as a couple of little Meridianites just like everyone else, but dammit, "I have a dream!"

Whether or not anyone believes this project is a reality, I don't care right now what anyone believes. We will prove it. I don't blame anyone for any disbelief they may have, considering we've only released one little sneak preview image. We will provide more.

I'd also like to explain a little more about this whole project, and some of the thoughts we've had recently.

I first thought of reviving Meridian about a year ago, and made bitmaps of 3D images to replace existing ones in the game. But, about three months ago, Erick and I got to talking about Meridian, and finally decided to make a project out of rebuilding the entire game, engine and all. And so, it began. I started my 3D modeling for it, and he started his audio work. We've been getting together one/two/three/more times a week to discuss ideas and swap data. We've also been looking around for more members of the team, which are currently pending addition. Erick has two or three possible members in line (audio and modeler,) and I have a few myself (two programmers, a graphic artist, and another 3D modeler) We've been interviewing left and right, whether it be a professional interview or simply a person-to-person conversation. So, the team is still growing, and will definetely continue to grow.

Both of us have been investing our money in new equipment, some cheap, some expensive. Once again, money is a factor, but we're not asking for hand-outs. We're working for what we need.

Now, this isn't exactly what some would call a 'professional' project, considering how loose all of the strings are right now, so, (I'll say it again,) don't get your panties in a whirl. This project IS for real, but if something happens to flop along the way, (which shouldn't happen,) then the project is toast. This doesn't mean we don't want to do it--it just means we're poor bastards and can't cut the stress. ;)

Okay, a little about the game. We've been thinking about pushing back the presentation date. Shocker? For some yes, others no. We somewhat anticipated this. Hey, Blizzard pushed the release date for Diablo II from February to June, but you can certainly bet that it's going to be a kickass game--Blizzard always seems to rock the shelves, right? Well, who's to say we can't change our dates around a little? It just assures that we'll have something better than expected. We've decided that an animated video isn't enough for 3DO (good point considering it doesn't convince the people of the 'net,) so, we're going to start working with the engine, and actually release a playable demo. Date? Dunno yet, we'll have to see about who else joins the team, how much gets done, etc. etc. etc.

Some still seem to think that we're going to make a 3D Meridian and make it look just like the one you currently play. I'm sorry folks, but what we have in mind is different than what exists. Yes, we want to keep Tos, Barloque, Cor Noth, etc., but we also want to make the world bigger, add more exploration, monsters, weapons, armor, spells (yes, we're doing spiffy graphics for spells, for whoever it was that asked,) character creation abilities, zones, etc. No, we don't want a huge world like EQ or AC, but we don't want to keep the tiny world that Meridian is right now. (Let's put it this way--is there any point in running a horse from Barloque to Tos? Don't think so...) ;)

No, we're no Blizzard, id Software, 3DO, or (shudder) Sierra, but we still want to bring Meridian up to date. We want Meridian to be the same, but different. We want the community, just like everyone else, but we'd also like more AI, NPCs, and just MORE! I certainly hope everyone agrees.

Once again, sorry for the venting. But, be patient. We will provide proof and truth.

-Joshua Donelson


*also, mind the Hotmail accounts...we're setting up a permanent domain. ;)

Source: Joshua Donelson - m59requiem@hotmail.com