Zone Chat About AoM
date:- 18th May 2002

+Charli@MPlus> Good afternoon/evening and Welcome to the MSN Gaming Zone Theater. Before we get started with our chat with Bruce Shelley senior game designer at Ensemble
+Charli@MPlus> Studios, will discuss the new game, Age of Mythology there are a few "business" items we need to address. :)
+Charli@MPlus> To ask our guest a question, click on "Room" in the menu bar at the top of the window.
+Charli@MPlus> I see most of you have that figured out :)
+Charli@MPlus> Then, from the choices listed, select "Ask Question" to add yourself to the asking list.
+Charli@MPlus> PLEASE have your questions typed BEFORE you get moved up to asking. Doing this will save a whole lot of time and allow just as many folks as possible to ask questions.
+Charli@MPlus> Now that we've taken care of all that business, let's get on with the show!
+Charli@MPlus> Bruce Shelley has been a professional game designer and developer since 1980, when he began working with paper and board games.
+Charli@MPlus> In 1987, Shelley switched to computer games and made a name in the industry helping Sid Meier design the original Railroad Tycoon and Civilization.
+Charli@MPlus> In 1995, he joined Ensemble studios and evolved their development methodology.
+Charli@MPlus> A senior designer at Ensemble, Bruce has contributed to both of the enormously popular Age of Empires and Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings strategy games.
+Charli@MPlus> It's a pleasure to welcome Bruce Shelley to the MSN Gaming Zone!
+Charli@MPlus> Welcome Bruce!


+Bruce@ES>
Thanks for the invitation. Its great to be back on the zone. ga
+Charli@MPlus> So, tell us a little bit about Age of Mythology. What's it all about, and when can we play it on the Zone?! :-)
+Bruce@ES> I could take the whole session to describe AoM. Check out the web page!
+Bruce@ES> ga


+Charli@MPlus>
From where do you and your team derive your inspiration?
+Bruce@ES> From playing games mostly and thinking about how we can make the next one we do ...
+Bruce@ES> better. We have been making the same game since 1995. We just ship a piece once in while ga


+Charli@MPlus>
Here is the URL folks
+Charli@MPlus> http://www.microsoft.com/games/ageofmythology
+Charli@MPlus> Looks like we have quite a crowd. I let them ask the questions :)


+Charli@MPlus>
Clarissimus welcome
Clarissimus>
You don't need to answer now, but could you stop by some time and make comment on your remark here? http://aom.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=1,1359,0, all ga
+Bruce@ES> Some from Es will check it out. We are on Heavengames all the time.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Clarissimus ty


+Charli@MPlus>
Hi there Bismark27511
Bismark27511>
What exactly will the role of the fortress be. I quote ES_deathshrimp: "Fortresses in AOM are not anything like AOK's Castles, though they are still quite useful."... What then will fortresses (and hill forts) be like
+Bruce@ES>
Big defensive buildings from which a lot of cool units and techs come from...
+Bruce@ES> Maybe not as big and defensive as castles in AoK.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Good questions thanks Bismark27511 !


+Charli@MPlus> AG_POSEIDON welcome
AG_POSEIDON>
Hi Bruce i just wanted to ask in AGE OF MYTHOLOGY if recourses like wood/food/gold regenerate or is their a limited amount of each on the map like in age of empires. THANK YOU by the way how can i get the beta versoin of the game ;) ga
+Bruce@ES>
Resources are not renewable. Eventually they run out like in AoK. We want the game to end!...
+Bruce@ES>
Keep an eye on our web pages for news on the beta.ga
+Charli@MPlus> thank you AG_POSEIDON

+Charli@MPlus> WC_Gr8Zak_KA_SC hi there
WC_Gr8Zak_KA_SC>
Is the scn editor going to be like ee where you put together lots of factors to make one trigger, or are they going to be like AOK where there is one trigger that does one thing. And if you could add some more thing about the scn editor it would be good
WC_Gr8Zak_KA_SC> :) thx, ps good job so far on AOM :)
+Bruce@ES> I don't work with the SCN editor so I cannot tell you much about it. However, we do think...
+Bruce@ES> it is a big improvement over the past one. We think our single player campaign is ...
+Bruce@ES> fantastic and you will have all the capabilities that we did making ours.ga
+Charli@MPlus> thanks WC_Gr8Zak_KA_SC !


+Charli@MPlus>
AOK_Godfather Hi
AOK_Godfather>
Have you thought about including a sort of RPG type of gameplay as well?
+Bruce@ES> Generally, no RPG gameplay. Play another game for that. People have expectations for ...
AOK_Godfather>
By the way, could u include a "ignore user" in game. theres so many morons out there.
AOK_Godfather> hehe
+Bruce@ES> what a RTS is. We want to meet those expectations and not confuse people.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Good questions AOK_Godfather thanks!


+Charli@MPlus>
Hi AoMC_Longsiege
AoMC_Longsiege>
In an article I read I saw that there was going to be some new game types (regicide, king of the hill, wonder) introduced. Could you give use a brief descrition or a name of one of the new game types?
+Bruce@ES> yes, we have some new game types. I don't want to talk about them here because they ...
+Bruce@ES> are not fully tested and in for sure. One I can talk about is called Lightning now...
+Bruce@ES> basically set for very fast play.ga
AoMC_Longsiege>
ok thank you!
+Charli@MPlus> thanks AoMC_Longsiege
+Charli@MPlus> ty Bruce


+Charli@MPlus>
TheShadowDawn Hi
TheShadowDawn>
Hey Bruce. We know that MU’s occupy more pop slots than regular units. Do some MU’s occupy more slots than others? ga
+Bruce@ES> Yes. some of the myth units are expensive in every way, including pop cap...
+Bruce@ES> When to use them is an interesting decision.ga
TheShadowDawn>
Cool, thanks :)
+Charli@MPlus> thanks TheShadowDawn!


+Charli@MPlus>
Gary__Payton
Gary__Payton>
To run AoM you´ll need at least a P3 600+256RAM+32MB video. How will this efect how good AoM will sell? Will AoM be present at this year´s World Cyber Games, if not as an official game maybe as a demonstration game or something like that? Thanks! GA ~,~
+Bruce@ES> We have not determined our min reqs. Your numbers are way too high, in my opinion...
Gary__Payton>
but
+Bruce@ES> Not sure yet if AoM will part of WCG.ga
Gary__Payton>
Heavens says it
+Bruce@ES> Heaven is not an employee of ES/MS, is not on the team. I guarantee he is wrong right now.ga
Gary__Payton> ok
+Charli@MPlus> thanks Gary__Payton


+Charli@MPlus>
King_jebus1 Hi
King_jebus1>
the game seems great but will you be making and expansion and do youp ln to another game like aoc with real characters not myth nd monsters? ga
+Bruce@ES> We will make an x-pack if AoM is a big success. We don't know what our next big RTS game will be.ga
+Charli@MPlus> thank you King_jebus1!


+Charli@MPlus>
_PDC_DyNaStY Hi there
_PDC_DyNaStY>
Hey bruce let me just start out by saying i luv ALL the other AoE games they are my favorite games
+Charli@MPlus> _PDC_DyNaStY tyvm
+Bruce@ES>
Yeah, we like them too.ga
+Charli@MPlus> lol


+Charli@MPlus>
hi Cherub_David
Cherub_David>
How many players are supported in multiplayer? Still 16? =) Or if you can't say, can you say if there will be support for more players than in AoK? ga
+Bruce@ES> 16 is the high end of what we are shooting for. Maybe 12? too early to say for sure.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Cherub_David ty!
Cherub_David>
k, thx =)


+Charli@MPlus>
KhAoZc_LaStGoD Hi
KhAoZc_LaStGoD>
when will aom be released and wat games can we expect in the future and can u drop by in conquerors and we can like play each other or somtin and can i hav a beta of aom plz and wat does ga meen and are there heroes like example khan and will u make......
KhAoZc_LaStGoD> more aoe games
+Bruce@ES> We are planning to have AoM on store shelves in North America in October.ga
+Charli@MPlus> KhAoZc_LaStGoD tkx :)


+Charli@MPlus> SOK_MystiKnighT Hi
SOK_MystiKnighT>
Can you give an estimate to what are the system requirements (pc specs, modem) are going to be for a 6 player lag-free game?
SOK_MystiKnighT> ga.
+Bruce@ES> Not really. Less than what was proposed earlier. Maybe 16 meg of video ram, 64 Ram ga.
SOK_MystiKnighT>
(also) will you be able to copy triggers in the Sc editor?
SOK_MystiKnighT> thanks
SOK_MystiKnighT> 128 ram?
+Bruce@ES> Don't know that level of detail about our SCN editor. sorry.GA
+Charli@MPlus> SOK_MystiKnighT tkx :)


+Charli@MPlus> Seph_CN hi
Seph_CN>
Howdy. Can you tell us anything about the multiplayer matchmaking service? Is it ZoneMatch? Will it have any nifty features?
+Bruce@ES> We are still working on multiplayer matchmaking. It is one of the big technical hurdles left. ga
+Charli@MPlus> Seph_CN ty :)
+Bruce@ES> No nifty featuers I can talk about here.ga


+Charli@MPlus> Hi NibblesNbits
NibblesNbits>
Thanks Charlie, and Hi Bruce! I've been drooling over the previews and I love the God Powers Concept!! Which is your favorite God Power in each Civilization, and why are they your favorites? (P.S. Where could I buy/find a cool AoM T-Shirt?) d;^)
+Charli@MPlus> lol NibblesNbits
+Bruce@ES> Don't know of any t-shirt outlets right now! I like the Nidhogg for the Norse, Son of Osirus for the Egyptians, and curse for Greek.ga
NibblesNbits>
Thanks Bruce and Charlie - noq :)
+Charli@MPlus> NibblesNbits ty


+Charli@MPlus>
AOKB_Thunder :-) Hi
AOKB_Thunder>
Heya Bruce. Is the design team working on a NOmad game type?
+Bruce@ES> Hi Thunder- thanks for bringing up the Nomad game ;-). Not now but don't give it up!ga
AOKB_Thunder>
Just to clarify...on AOM Heaven we have "Pentium II 450mhz or equivalent, Win98/2000/XP, 128MB of memory, 640 of HD space, CD-ROM, MS Mouse or compatible pointing device, 16MB video card, optional 56K modem for online play." listed as requirements
AOKB_Thunder> tnx bruce : )
+Charli@MPlus> AOKB_Thunder tkx!
+Bruce@ES> I could be wrong on specs. The game is six months to go!


+Charli@MPlus>
Rs_Conqueror HI
Rs_Conqueror>
Hey Bruce i was wondering how you compair aom to other RTS games out there and what do you have plans for as a aom xpack? + check out my clan site @ www.reactor-studios.cjb.net (ps. thanks for forgeting to take out all those cool beta units from AOK lol!)
Rs_Conqueror> and will there be a trigger tutoril on the aom cd?
+Bruce@ES> We think AoM compares well to the competition. It is different enough and innovative...
+Bruce@ES> It will fit in well and not shove out or be shoved out by other games.ga
+Charli@MPlus> thanks Rs_Conqueror!


+Charli@MPlus>
_Stone_Giant Hi
_Stone_Giant>
Hey Bruce! Is there going to be a "blind civ choice" where you cannot see what allies, or enemies, civ they are choosing?
+Bruce@ES> yes, most of testing now choose random for civilization and usually for teams also. Gets exciting, plus we get experience testing everything.ga
+Charli@MPlus> good questions ty _Stone_Giant!


+Charli@MPlus>
purge5 Hi
purge5>
Can you explain how the player picks a different god each age in more detail? ga
+Bruce@ES> At the moment you go up an age you must add a god to your pantheon...
+Bruce@ES> You get a choice of two; each with a god power, some myth units, and some myth techs...
+Bruce@ES> Usually once you make a choice, the other god is no longer avalable..
purge5>
thanks
+Bruce@ES> we like it because you get to shape your civ as you play in response to game events.ga
+Charli@MPlus> purge5 thanks!


+Charli@MPlus>
HG_Socrateius Hi
HG_Socrateius>
Hiya Bruce... Will "shimo-style" gameplay(LMS, Diplomatic Regicide) be supported by AoM?
+Bruce@ES> Sorry, but I don't understand your question.ga
HG_Socrateius>
Will there be regicide similar to AoK's regicide in AoM?
+Bruce@ES> Yes, there will be similar theme games. We have some new ideas to add to what was popular in the last game. greg sTreet is dreaming most of these up.ga
+Charli@MPlus> HG_Socrateius thanks


+Charli@MPlus>
Fiera_Ivano Hi
Fiera_Ivano>
hi bruce !! the game when arrive to mexico ???, and the game only have 3 civs ??, well and finally the ages in this game will be like aoc ???, thx.
+Bruce@ES> Ages are similar. Most games are decided in the third or maybe second age. Game has three cultures (building sets) but nine pretty different civilizations, determined by your main god...
Fiera_Ivano>
and when arrive to mexico ??
+Bruce@ES> AoM is expected to be available internationally within 4-6 weeks after shipping in North..
+Bruce@ES> america in October.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Fiera_Ivano thank you!


+Charli@MPlus>
TBX_nWo hi :)
TBX_nWo>
hi Do you need a graphics card cause nowdays yo do and is it pay to play online thanks keep up good work. ga
+Bruce@ES> Yes you will need a 3D graphics card, but you will need that to play any of the great 3D games already out or coming.ga
+Charli@MPlus> TBX_nWo ty :)


+Charli@MPlus>
DMS_WhoAskedU Hi there
DMS_WhoAskedU>
Hello, its an Honor to meet you, Mr. Shelley.
DMS_WhoAskedU> May you enlighten us on the ability the Pharaoh gives its civilization towards early scouting? The Legend of Age of Mythology: http://www.geocities.com/thedangerousboy/AoM.html
DMS_WhoAskedU>
thanks
+Bruce@ES> Pharaohs have a lot of unique abilities. I don't want to go into details here because they are changing as we test...
DMS_WhoAskedU>
:( k thanks
+Bruce@ES> Egyptians also have priests who can scout and drop down outposts to keep an area under surveillance.ga
+Charli@MPlus> DMS_WhoAskedU ty :)


+Charli@MPlus>
Hi there PredatorSpy
PredatorSpy>
Is there going to be a public beta test of Age of Mythology? If so, when?
+Bruce@ES> There will be a public beta test.
PredatorSpy>
when?
+Bruce@ES> Date is not yet decided.ga
+Charli@MPlus> thanks PredatorSpy!


+Charli@MPlus> SoA_DeathReb Hiya
SoA_DeathReb>
Hi Bruce, Would you call AoM Your Greatest Creation? And will you continue to continue to create Age of Mythology expansion?
+Bruce@ES> I have very minor role in AoM. Lead designers are Ian Fischer and Greg Street, with maybe ten more designers helping them...
+Bruce@ES> When we finished AoK we had quite a challenge to come close to the quality of that game...
+Bruce@ES> At this point we feel that AoM is going to be even better than AoK. I would not have thought that possible several years ago.ga
+Charli@MPlus> SoA_DeathReb tkx :)


+Charli@MPlus>
MoD_Abd_el_Fadl Hi
MoD_Abd_el_Fadl>
Will there be the possibility to record games in AoM? Will ensemble support mod development and will there be the technical possibility to make a modification? What about own Random Map Scripts?
+Bruce@ES> Yes, you can record AoM games...
+Bruce@ES> I don't know about mod support, but we will ship our SCN editor with the game...
+Bruce@ES> You will be able to make the same scenarios that we did...
+Bruce@ES> I don't know about random map scripts. They are difficult to do even for us and we writing the code.ga
+Charli@MPlus> thanks MoD_Abd_el_Fadl!
MoD_Abd_el_Fadl>
thank you


+Charli@MPlus>
Player_Theta_ hi :)
Player_Theta_>
hey folks. this is for my pals over at HeavenGames. how is naval combat will be differen from AoK. Also, who is the best player @ ES?=)
+Bruce@ES> Naval combat is a little more simple than in AoK, but still in working progress. Best players at ES are Jerry Terry, Chris Rupp, Kevin Holme, and Matt Scaddding...
+Bruce@ES> Would hate to choose between them. ga
+Charli@MPlus> Player_Theta_ tkx


+Charli@MPlus>
Xc_Alaric_cX hi
Xc_Alaric_cX>
Will a trail version be released?
Xc_Alaric_cX> for public download that is.
+Bruce@ES> Yes, I believe we will have a trial version, but it won't appear until after we ship, if that makes a difference to you.ga
Xc_Alaric_cX>
Thank you
+Bruce@ES> Yes, it will be a download.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Xc_Alaric_cX tkx

+Charli@MPlus>
TKO_GeNt hi
TKO_GeNt>
Hey whats up bruce...Hey Charlie! just wondering about whether or not Deathmatch will be a major part of the Age of Mythology world and do you think rushes will be able to work in AOM ....and do you expect AOM's server to be better than www.zone.com....
TKO_GeNt> :)
+Bruce@ES> notga
+Charli@MPlus> TKO_GeNt thanks


+Charli@MPlus> WGF_CyberSabre hi
WGF_CyberSabre>
hello Charlie :-)...Being 3D will Age of Mythology work with windows xp or does it use Open GL and mess up like the other games like Emperor Battle for Dune and the shooters like Return to Castle Wolfeinstien and Medal of Honor Allied Assault? ...also...
WGF_CyberSabre> Will there be the history as in aok? And finally any rush civs? Thank you Bruce
+Bruce@ES> Death match is in . rushing still happens, but not too early. We have hopes for our server...
+Bruce@ES> I am not too technical, but AoM runs on XP on my pcs.ga
WGF_CyberSabre>
k
WGF_CyberSabre> i hope on mine
+Charli@MPlus> WGF_CyberSabre thanks !


+Charli@MPlus>
bulleteft Hi there
bulleteft>
What do you think is the most interesting thing about the game and why is it interesting? Also is it posible that you could imitate the popular custom scenarios fro AoK and incorperate them into the relsead game?
+Bruce@ES> Yes, we are including some historical (mythological?) notes. The Norse are very aggressive, and players often rush with them.ga
+Bruce@ES> Sorry, not going back to put stuff in AoK. We have our hands full making something new...
+Bruce@ES> Most intersting thing, I would say, is the may myth units are used in your soldier armies...
+Bruce@ES> They take a little extra work but have interesing payoffs.ga
bulleteft>
thank you
+Charli@MPlus> bulleteft thank you!


+Charli@MPlus>
hi Jenn
Jenn>
Are there new features in AoM that are meant to appeal to new kinds of players? If yes, what would be the biggest reason to try AoM, for someone who didn't get a kick out of AoE or AoK?
Jenn> Or was the game made for those who are already addicted to the AoE series games? ;)
Jenn> ga
+Bruce@ES> Best new feature for new players is the single player campaign...
+Bruce@ES> It is long and very interesting. We think it will be great for the majority of players..
+Bruce@ES> who still play solitaire...
Jenn>
thank you! :)
+Bruce@ES> We don't want our game to be popular with just the multiplayers or single players...
+Bruce@ES> we want everyone to be able to find a great game to their suiting in the box...
+Bruce@ES> We think we sell way more to casual gamers than the hard core. That is a secret to our commercial success. Most studios ignore that side.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Thanks Jenn! :)


+Charli@MPlus> hi DRK_Blood_Acid0
DRK_Blood_Acid0>
How many units do u get with each civilization or god.And how much will this game cost.Also do u play any games on the zone.(ps WHAT DOES GA MEAN)
+Bruce@ES> GA means Go
+Bruce@ES> Ahead, (I'm finished talking)..
DRK_Blood_Acid0>
o thanks
+Bruce@ES> The number of units varies per culture but each culture gets its own set (Greek, Norse, etc.)...
+Bruce@ES> I rarely play on the zone. I'm not very good and don't enjoy being humiliated ;-).ga
+Charli@MPlus> Thanks DRK_Blood_Acid0!


+Charli@MPlus>
Hello UngluedBones
UngluedBones>
Hi ,how much differnt is Age of Mythology then the Age Of Empires other Age games? I do have all of the other Age games and will buy this one as well. ty
+Bruce@ES> The big differences are 3D (better looking), the huge single player campaign based on one character...
+Bruce@ES> and mythology. Mythology is god powers (tornado, etc.) and myth units (cyclops, medusa)...
+Bruce@ES> The play is familiar yet different and innovative..
+Bruce@ES> We wanted to refresh what RTS was, at least RTS from Ensemble studios.ga
+Charli@MPlus> UngluedBones tkx :)


+Charli@MPlus>
IYIysterious hi there
IYIysterious>
What did u have for lunch shellmeister?
+Bruce@ES> meat loaf, squash casserole, and brocoli; leftovers.ga


+Charli@MPlus>
robdude11 hi :)
robdude11>
Hello Bruce Shelley. What exactly is the role of lighthouses? Is that where u build economic sea vessels? Water MUs? Or something else? By the way, good luck at E3, and at finishing the game!
+Bruce@ES> Right now the lighthouse provides a huge line of sight.ga
robdude11>
anything else?
+Bruce@ES> Nothing else right now. We're looking forward to E3. Should be fun.ga
+Charli@MPlus> robdude11 tkx :)

+Charli@MPlus>
Well, unfortunately we are running out of time this evening. Bruce, it's been fun having you here tonight! :-)
+Bruce@ES> Thanks. I enjoyed it.ga
+Charli@MPlus> Before you go, is there anything you'd like to add?
+Bruce@ES> Anyone who has enjoyed our games so far is going to love Age of Mythology...
+Bruce@ES> It is a great improvement in many ways. Its a blast to play right now...
+Bruce@ES> Keep checking our pages for news. thanks again.
+Charli@MPlus> Thanks Bruce !!
+Charli@MPlus> great having you
+Charli@MPlus> Don't forget to join us for our next Super Chat on Tuesday at 5 PM PT where Brian Reynolds, . The chat will be held here in the Zone Theater chat room. For more information, refer to
+Charli@MPlus> http://zone.msn.com/zzzz/zzzzsuperchat.asp
+Charli@MPlus> Thanks again, and have a great night!

 

Part 2 of the Chat
This has nothing to do with AoM but i left it in just in case anyone is interestd :)

+Charli@MPlus> Hi all we will begin shortly. Thanks for coming to hear about this great hostess +_7of9 :)
__7of9>
ahh thanks for showcasing me..
+Charli@MPlus> :)
__7of9>
can i borrow ur bold chat?
+Charli@MPlus> Good afternoon/evening and welcome to the MSN Gaming Zone Theater. Before we get started with our +__7of9 Showcase chat, there are a few business items we need to address. :
+Charli@MPlus> I see many of you are here to hear a great hostess and One I have admired for a very long time
+Charli@MPlus> ty all for coming
+Charli@MPlus> Please remember following the Chat that there will be A showcase tournament in the __7of9 PLEASE have your questions typed BEFORE you get moved up to asking. Doing this will save a whole lot of time and allow just as many folks as possible to ask questi
+Charli@MPlus> There will be a showcase tournament in the 7of 9 showcase tournament room in Spades
+Charli@MPlus> +__7of9 is one of the the many wonderful hosts we have here on the Zone, and has been here for over three years. As the tournament following this chat would indicate, +__7of9 can often be found hosting in the spades area on the Zone. While there are
+Charli@MPlus> many who prefer "regular" formats of spades to play, +__7of9 has deveolped several of different formats that have become quite popular on the Zone. It gives us great pleasure to welcome and congratulate +__7of9 on her showcase tonight!
+Charli@MPlus> Welcome 7, how are you tonight?
__7of9>
tytyty
+Charli@MPlus> :)
__7of9>
im very nervous but good
+Charli@MPlus> Great.......and who are they Q people u keep threatning us with
__7of9>
I need to talk to the person who stole my bold chat tho
__7of9> lol
+Charli@MPlus> lol
+showcase@mplus> haha
__7of9>
Well Q is a character on star trek the next generation
__7of9> he is all powerful
+Charli@MPlus> ah ok
+Charli@MPlus> oh u mean MACK
__7of9>
and i have him under my chair
+Charli@MPlus> lol
__7of9>
could be :P
+Charli@MPlus> It is great to have you here. So, how has it been since it was announced you would be the next showcasee?
__7of9>
oh its been great
__7of9> many people have congratulated me
__7of9> and most of all it is an honor
__7of9> i love the zone and all the people here
__7of9> great bunch of people to work with and to play with
__7of9> its gone through alot of changes
__7of9> but it keeps getting better
__7of9> first off
__7of9> Let me thank you all for showing up and to hear me rant on and on
__7of9> I tend to have a big mouth..
+Charli@MPlus> lolol
+showcase@mplus> ~coughs~
__7of9>
What i would like to do is tell you all the best way i think to get into tournaments
__7of9> hands show some cough meds
+Charli@MPlus> lol
+showcase@mplus> lol
__7of9>
Since i am a spades host that is what I will be telling you about
__7of9> Spades tournaments
__7of9> First off.. you need to find the schedule
__7of9> you find that by clicking on the tournaments and events link
__7of9> its listed on the main spades page
__7of9> where all the rooms are listed
__7of9> once you go there
__7of9> you must know that all tourneys are listed in united states pacific time
__7of9> then you find one that you want to play
__7of9> you can click on it to get a description
__7of9> then once you find one that you want to play
__7of9> you go to the room and enter
__7of9> Most hosts put up greets
__7of9> that is that annoying gray box that pops up in ur face when you enter a room
__7of9> :P
__7of9> dont click it away
__7of9> read it as it sometimes tells u all the info you need
__7of9> Find the table that has the plus sitting at it
__7of9> click on a chair and choose kibitz
__7of9> ask in
__7of9> if you are single
__7of9> just say in please
__7of9> if you already have a pard
__7of9> then ask in with your pards name
__7of9> host will then acknowledge ur in
__7of9> very important thing to know
__7of9> is the rules and format of the tournament
__7of9> ask the host
__7of9> and the host will tell you the format
__7of9> if you dont understnad.. then ask and the host will gladly explain it
__7of9> then you wait until the top of the hour and then the host will run the rules
__7of9> please pay attention to the rules
__7of9> because they usually contain all the info you need to enjoy the tourney
__7of9> after the rules host will give assingments
__7of9> the first team listed in the assingment chooses the table to sit at
__7of9> UNLESS
__7of9> the host is lobby hosting or assigning tables
__7of9> try to keep extra chat from the host table as the host is tryign to take care of business
__7of9> so find your pard and your opps in the lobby
__7of9> Most important thing to remember about tourneys
__7of9> they are for fun
__7of9> You will have more fun if you understand how it works.. the rules and the format
__7of9> Well I think that pretty much tells u how to get into and enjoy a tournament on the zone
__7of9> I think we can open for questions about that or anything else
+Charli@MPlus> thanks 7!
__7of9>
ywq
__7of9> err
+Charli@MPlus> what does ywq mean?
__7of9>
yqw
__7of9> the q's get my keyboard sometimes
+Charli@MPlus> lol
+Charli@MPlus> those Qs again
__7of9>
yup
__7of9> they everywhere
+Charli@MPlus> Hi CC_FarrahFawcet
__7of9>
hello farrah
CC_FarrahFawcet> hi, is the showcase tourney singles or teams? cause it wouldnt let my pard and i sign up together
__7of9> its both Farrah
__7of9> You can ask in at the table
__7of9> in the tourney room
__7of9> and I will get ya
CC_FarrahFawcet> ok..ty
__7of9> yvw
+Charli@MPlus> lovblebear
__7of9>
hellooooo lov
lovblebear> can i get p too
__7of9> Yes lov.. you just ask in single
__7of9> and I will pard you with someone
+showcase@mplus> CC_FarrahFawcet, congrats you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!
__7of9>
wtggggggg farrah
+Charli@MPlus> Donnie__Brasco
__7of9>
Hellooooooo Donnie
Donnie__Brasco> yes
__7of9> You got a question for me?
+Charli@MPlus> Donnie__Brasco did you have a question
Donnie__Brasco>
sorry i am lagging very badly
+Charli@MPlus> :)
__7of9>
dats ok.. its the q's
+Charli@MPlus> lol
+Charli@MPlus> Donnie__Brasco come on back when you are ready :)
+Charli@MPlus> WT_luv2laugh
__7of9>
Hellooooooo WT
WT_luv2laugh> Hello 8-)
WT_luv2laugh> I signed up for the tourney and am on the list of players, but did not receive a confirmation e-mail. Do I still play?
__7of9> U need to ask in again at the tournament
__7of9> Let me say this
__7of9> Even if you signed up on the net
__7of9> you still have to ask in again at the tournament
WT_luv2laugh> k, ty :)
__7of9> yvw :))
+Charli@MPlus> Proud2NoU
__7of9>
Helloooooo Proud
Proud2NoU> More of a Statement than a Question....... __7of9 I am thrilled you are here and I admire you and thank you for being my trainer years ago.Thank you for being you! Thank you for all you have done for the zone!
Proud2NoU> Thank you for being you! Thank you for all you have done for the zone!
__7of9> ahh
+Charli@MPlus> yeah!
__7of9>
*blushes*
Proud2NoU> And I appreciate you giving me the wing to fly as a Zone Host!
Proud2NoU> I love ya Laura as a mentor when I was beginning and now as my friend! (((hugs))) from Anne
__7of9> thanks so mush Proud
Proud2NoU> MSN IM won't load so I am here saying this
__7of9> I knew dat was u
Proud2NoU> And I guess I am too late to sign up lol EOQ
__7of9> ahh sure make me cry lol
Proud2NoU> yup dat's me I LOVE YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
__7of9> noo sign up at the tourney
+Charli@MPlus> lol
Proud2NoU>
the link won't let me
__7of9> I love u too hun
__7of9> sign in at the table
Proud2NoU> but I am there and will kib you
__7of9> where i will be
Proud2NoU> I love you Laura and ty char;ie fopr showcaseing her
__7of9> ahh ty anne
Proud2NoU> <<--- can't type me crying now too
+Charli@MPlus> it was our pleasure :)
Proud2NoU>
EOQ
__7of9> :*)
+Charli@MPlus> flup Proud2NoU?
+Charli@MPlus> Proud2NoU see you at the tournament
Proud2NoU>
Just I love her dearly lol lol
Proud2NoU> ok ty
Proud2NoU> done
__7of9> ty sm anne
CC_AllySheedy> now how am I supposed to beat that with everyone crying now? :o)
__7of9> LOL
+Charli@MPlus> CC_AllySheedy naw
__7of9>
hellooooooo ally
CC_AllySheedy> hey Laura!!!
CC_AllySheedy> first off, feeshy says WTG!
CC_AllySheedy> second......
CC_AllySheedy> /CC_FarrahFawcet in (just kidding) -- Just wanted to say congrats 7!! Well deserved! :o) what's the difference between reg and alt tournies? *giggle* noq/noc
__7of9> ahh ty smeelly fishy
__7of9> lol ok
__7of9> regular.. or r word as i call em.. ( cause regular is a bad word)
+Charli@MPlus> +__7of9 would you explain tonight's Format
__7of9>
regular is when you go in.. u bid what u can get and u play
__7of9> with or without dn
__7of9> now alt.. is usually a format wherein u are told what to bid
__7of9> Tonights format for instance
__7of9> If you have the 7 and or the 9 of spades you have to bid nil
__7of9> no matter what
__7of9> if You dont have the 7 and or the 9 of spades then u can bid anything u want except for nil or dn
__7of9> its a really nastyyyyyyyyyy format
__7of9> and i love it lol
CC_AllySheedy> sounds fun, lol :o)
__7of9> First format i made up when I became a host
CC_AllySheedy> thanks hon, well explained....noq/c
__7of9> ty ally
CC_AllySheedy> anytime!
+Charli@MPlus> Ripp1997 :)
Ripp1997>
Hi 7:If single,Will you pard us up and assign table from here?
__7of9> Hellooooooo Ripp
__7of9> Ripp you will ask in single in the tourney room
__7of9> I will then pard you
Ripp1997> ok/ty
__7of9> and then after rules I will put out assignments
__7of9> at the table
__7of9> so make sure u watch
Ripp1997> ok/thx
__7of9> and yvw
+Charli@MPlus> Donnie__Brasco welcome back
__7of9>
wb donnie
__7of9> u lagless now?
__7of9> hmm is lagless a word?
+Charli@MPlus> lol on the www it is
__7of9>
hehe
+showcase@mplus> Jesse_E_Jones , you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!
__7of9>
wtggggggggg jesse
+Charli@MPlus> Euphoria_1
Euphoria_1>
I just wanted to congratulate 7of9. WTG ! :-]
__7of9> Helloooooooooo Eup
__7of9> ahh tysm :))
Euphoria_1> hiya 7 lol
Euphoria_1> yvw
__7of9> :P
Euphoria_1> noc
+Charli@MPlus> CC_ARODriguez
__7of9>
Hellooooooooo ARO
CC_ARODriguez> 63636363 you may have already answered this but is this single elim type tourney or is it a timed tourney format?
__7of9> omg a 63636363 person lol
CC_ARODriguez> hehehehe :oÞ
__7of9> single elimination
CC_ARODriguez> ok thx hun ;o)
__7of9> yvw
__7of9> Ill have to explain that 63 thing now
+Charli@MPlus> +__7of9 is this best two out of 3 hands per match three hand max
CC_ARODriguez>
figure out who i am and ill explain it
__7of9> its 3 hands per game.. best 2 out 3 games per round
+Charli@MPlus> tkx!
__7of9>
ur bear
CC_ARODriguez> nope
__7of9> fairy?
CC_ARODriguez> nope
+Charli@MPlus> CC_ARODriguez thanks
__7of9>
ohhh i know
+Charli@MPlus> Donnie__Brasco
Donnie__Brasco>
hi
__7of9> any questions for me?
Donnie__Brasco> yes, what is the prize for this tournament?
+showcase@mplus> a date with a Q :)
+Charli@MPlus> lol
__7of9>
there are actually 4 prizes
__7of9> Charli can u tell them what they win?
+Charli@MPlus> the first place team each gets to pick from a list of MS Game software
+showcase@mplus> Foxy_Daphne, , you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!
+Charli@MPlus> the second place team each get a Zone T shirt
Donnie__Brasco>
will age of mythology be on that list of software?
__7of9> wtggggggggg daphne
Donnie__Brasco> even though it is not yet out?
+Charli@MPlus> the third and fourth place teams each get a mousepad
+Charli@MPlus> no it won't sorry
Donnie__Brasco>
ok and i had another question
Donnie__Brasco> if we have to get a sub
+Charli@MPlus> more about that in the 7of9 Showcase Tournament Room
Donnie__Brasco>
can we get our own sub?
Donnie__Brasco> or do you give us 1?
__7of9> No subs after start time
__7of9> if ur pard has to leave
__7of9> then u will have to forfeit :(
Donnie__Brasco> oh
__7of9> they do have 10 mins to get back tho
Donnie__Brasco> ok, thank you
__7of9> your welcome
+Charli@MPlus> Jesse_E_Jones
__7of9>
Helloooooooo Jesse
Jesse_E_Jones> Hello
Jesse_E_Jones> :)
Jesse_E_Jones> Is there a place where I may see the list of options for fist place prizes?
+Charli@MPlus> Jesse I have that list it will be available in the showcase room
Jesse_E_Jones>
one more question
__7of9> okies
Jesse_E_Jones> How will we be getting our pards?
+Charli@MPlus> but! the first place prizes ARV $50.00
Jesse_E_Jones>
cool
__7of9> Ok if you sign in as single
__7of9> then I will be parding you
Jesse_E_Jones> Ok THANKS A MILLION
Jesse_E_Jones> I'm through
__7of9> Your quite welcome
__7of9> thanks Jesse
Foxy_Daphne> For those of you who dont know, I am also +WildHotDaphne, and i would just like to say that __7of9 has been one of the members of a rare group, those of us who did the evaluation thing and the LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG class. There arent a lot of us left now
+Charli@MPlus> Foxy_Daphne
Foxy_Daphne>
^^^^
Foxy_Daphne> lol
__7of9> lol hellooooooooooo Daphne
+Charli@MPlus> lolol
+Charli@MPlus> me me
+showcase@mplus> soccercoachtx45, you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!
__7of9>
thanks for calling me old.. geesh
Foxy_Daphne> and I would like to say how very very proud i am to know you and also Fender
__7of9> wtggggggggggg soccer
__7of9> all thanks Daphne :))
Foxy_Daphne> You guys have taught me a lot 7, and i hope will continue to teach me and help make the Zone the best gaming site ever!
Foxy_Daphne> I love ya g/f :-) Congratulations!!
Foxy_Daphne> im done
__7of9> ahh man.. the crying again
__7of9> thanks daphne.. ur a sweetie
Foxy_Daphne> handing over a tissue
__7of9> thanks :))
Foxy_Daphne> im done :=) see ya at the tourney
__7of9> hands back used tissue
+Charli@MPlus> Everyone +showcase@mplus
+Charli@MPlus> is giving out Zone t shirts during this chat
+Charli@MPlus> that is a employee and please feel free to give her your shoe size and blood type :)
+Charli@MPlus> also mailing info for your prizes
__7of9>
lol
+Charli@MPlus> lovblebear
lovblebear>
im ready to play plzzzzzz
__7of9> lov.. will be starting ins in about 20 mins
lovblebear> thall
__7of9> play time will start in 1 hour and 20 mins
+Charli@MPlus> M_S_KingArthur
__7of9>
hellooooooooooo King
M_S_KingArthur> my partner and i sign up individually but can play together?
__7of9> Yes king.. just ask in as a team
M_S_KingArthur> at table?
__7of9> yes
M_S_KingArthur> ty
__7of9> yvw
M_S_KingArthur> dine
M_S_KingArthur> done too
__7of9> hehe ty
+Charli@MPlus> Sabre_Qwiet
__7of9>
Helloooooooooooo Sabre
__7of9> *hums jeapordy theme
Sabre_Qwiet> Hiyas...just wanted to ask Hero Claudius if he plays Spades...see him watching!
__7of9> Try adding him to ur friends list and zming him
+showcase@mplus> Gr8_Dragon,, you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!
__7of9>
wtggggggggggg dragon
+Charli@MPlus> How did you get started?
__7of9>
Well
__7of9> I found the zone through *cough* yahoo
+Charli@MPlus> lol
__7of9>
then once i found it i never left
__7of9> saw the tourneys and found the alt
+Charli@MPlus> how long have you been playing Spades
__7of9>
umm geesh.. for about 20 years
+Charli@MPlus> Have you always played reg and alt format?
__7of9>
didnt know there were alt spades until I found the zone
__7of9> I dont like regular lol
+Charli@MPlus> :)
__7of9>
could be because I dont play it good
+Charli@MPlus> knightowl7734 hi
knightowl7734>
hello
__7of9> helloooooooooooooo knight
knightowl7734> this is my first tourney
__7of9> WOW.. im honored you picked mine
__7of9> Hope you understand the format
knightowl7734> where do you check in?
__7of9> On the main spades page
__7of9> where all the rooms are listed
knightowl7734> yeah go nil on 7 and nine of spades I got
__7of9> enter __7o9 showcase room
knightowl7734> ok how long till it starts?
__7of9> I will be taking ins in about 15 mins
knightowl7734> ok one more question
__7of9> tournament will start in about 75 mins
JitterDF> hiya:o)
+Charli@MPlus> JitterDF
__7of9>
Hellooooooooo Jitter
JitterDF> first of all CONGRATS woohooooooooo
__7of9> ahh tysm :))
JitterDF> first: are club or clan nicks allowed to play?
+showcase@mplus> knightowl7734, you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!
__7of9>
wtgggggggggg knight
__7of9> yes club nicks are allowed
JitterDF> great
+Charli@MPlus> knightowl7734 welcome
__7of9>
wb knight
knightowl7734> I signed up I didnt get a comfirmation email I know the address is right just wanted to make sure I am entered
__7of9> You have to sign in again at the tournament
knightowl7734> at the table?
__7of9> yes knight
knightowl7734> thank you
__7of9> your welcome
+Charli@MPlus> Well, unfortunately we are running out of time this evening. +__7of9, it has been a pleasure speaking with you tonight. This has been quite informative :-) Before you go, is there anything you'd like to add?
__7of9>
Ahh thanks for showcasing me
__7of9> it is truly an honor
__7of9> and let me leave with saying this
__7of9> Tournaments are for fun..
__7of9> so leave ur worries behind and just come in and play
__7of9> win or lose
__7of9> just have fun
+Charli@MPlus> Be sure to join us in Spades the _7of9 Showcase tournament room for the Showcase tournament. http://zone.msn.com/spades/
__7of9>
Thanks all for coming
+Charli@MPlus> Thanks again, and have a great night!
__7of9>
see you all there in the tourney room
__7of9> thanks chari
__7of9> charli even
+Charli@MPlus> it was our pleasure
__7of9>
see yall in the tourney room
__7of9> poof
+showcase@mplus> Proud2NoU, you have just won a zone t-shirt, please zm me so we can get your information! Congrats!!