Ask a Dev: Introducing Bruce Harlick!

When the Mission Architect is released, a lot of novice writers are going to try their hand at writing new missions. What advice can you offer us? How do you create a gripping and meaningful story when the main character is a blank, to be filled in by the player, not the writer?

---

Avatar: "Cheeky Jack O Lantern" by dimarie

[ QUOTE ]
When the Mission Architect is released, a lot of novice writers are going to try their hand at writing new missions. What advice can you offer us? How do you create a gripping and meaningful story when the main character is a blank, to be filled in by the player, not the writer?

[/ QUOTE ]

Good question.

---

"Null is as much an argument "for removing the cottage rule" as the moon being round is for buying tennis shoes." -Memphis Bill

Welcome aboard...

1) What is the estimated time of arrival of, possibly numerous, working, fun (and rewarding of non-pvp) supergroup missions?

2) Is it likely in the near future that some of the bumbling, comedic enemy groups that hang around the lower levels will make any sort of return in later game? For example, I'd love to see a task force or story arc where the clumsy, loveable Luddites attempt to kidnap Lord Recluse and are epically foiled - or something of the like. lol

3) Is it possible that in the near future there will be further missions involving the 'opposing sides' signature heroes. I mean, we have the task forces and the killing of Numina etc. but is it not possible that the dev's could introduce involving sagas where the player, I don't know, kidnaps Synapse and has to escape from Manticore and then has Black Scorpion come to their aid (yeah I predominantly play villains) andthere is a face-off between Black Scorpion and Manticore and Manticore is stabbed in the spleen and Black Scorpion's suit runs out of power and the player must flee with Black Scorpion pursued by legions of Longbow. Okay, now that I have regained control of my imagination.... Are missions of this 'calibre' likely to appear in the near future or am I just going to have to create my own half-pint versions using the new creator?

Thanks,
Jyggylag

---

[ QUOTE ]
Is it possible to spice up the missions we have?

Example: Creating Traps in the mission. I.E. Ambushed when entering a empty room or having the doors close behind you and you have to smash your way out while trying not to get killed yourself.

[/ QUOTE ]

YAY TRAPS!!! Don't forget the volley of arrows from the walls that transform the toon into a pincushion when the foolish fellow stands on a pressure plate! LOL I wanna see teammates get deccimated

Oh and you can't tell us when this feature is going to be added. Just sneak it on in the issue. I can't wait to hear people, including myself, hmmm... now what was that funny noise.... ARRRRGH.... SPLECCCCKK...... *other strange grotesque noise closely followed by the pleasant sound of oozing blood*
Hmmm next time I'll avoid that rather obvious looking pad methinks

---

[ QUOTE ]

I’m primarily responsible for making cool stories and missions, ...


[/ QUOTE ]

Can you provide us with an "end-to-end" view of the steps involved in creating a major story arc, such as the Midnighter Arc.

What needs to be done to get from "nothing", to a working arc in the game, that's fun to play and tells the intended story.

---

Scrappers are just like chainsaws. Somewhat hard to handle, EXTREMELY dangerous, and by far the most fun when wielded by the slightly insane.
@Alissara - an Angry Angel
The Angry Angels. When it absolutely positively has to be spanked today.

Welcome Bruce!

My only questions are, will YOU be involved with deciding which player-made missions get upgraded to "Developer's Choice"? And if so, how will you balance "playability" with "non-exploitability" with "originality" as the main criterion for upgrading missions to "Developer's Choice", assuming that's the three main criterion that will be used to separate the garbage from the gold?

(Also: can we PLEASE have some new Giant Monsters, Zone Events, and History Plaques?)

---

Thanks guys there are some really great questions in here.
Locking this down in order to prepare the list for Bruce.

---