Needless to say, as you've all read, there are a few modifications coming to X² in update 1.4 (before the inevitable posts arrive, the release date is soon
). Egosoft have looked at all manner of things, from players requests to bug fixes. Behind the scenes however are a lot of unpaid developers working for you guys.Apoch is one of these, and you will be seeing significantly more of his work coming up in 1.4. Apoch either loves the Xenon or hates then (why didn't I ask that question
) and I managed to track him down before he took a well-deseerved break:Apoch Interview
Abyss: Hi Apoch. Thanks for taking the time to spare us a few words.
Apoch: No problem - always glad to help.
Abyss: Can you give us some of your background, to both programming and computing?
Apoch: I've been working with computers since an early age, nearly 12 years now. Ever since I started I've wanted to get involved in a game project of some sort. It took several years of writing business software and websites, but here I am!
Abyss: How much time do you actually spend as a player in X²?
Apoch: Currently I play about 5 hours a week as an actual player, but I hope to change that with the release of upcoming updates to X2.
Abyss: And the obviosu one next - how much time do you spend working on it?
Apoch: A lot more than I do playing
Generally 4-5 hours a day is my average, mixed in with my less entertaining jobs.Abyss: So, how did you get involved with the X Universe?
Apoch: I found a copy of XBTF on sale in a department store about 3 years ago I guess it was. I started playing and was instantly hooked. After a while I decided to check out this little "Egosoft" place and see what their web site was like. Eventually I stumbled across DevNet, and the chance to be a part of X2's development was too good to pass up.
Abyss: What have you worked on so far in X² (pre 1.4 that is)
Apoch: My main area pre 1.4 has been BBS missions, particularly the 'find some guy and kill him' mission, which goes by various names (assassination, bounty hunting, etc.) I also chipped in minor contributions in other missions but the assassination mission is my main work pre 1.4. I've worked on some very exciting new content for 1.4 and some other things for the future, but I won't ruin the surprises...
Abyss: What's your favourite thing about X²? Is it a particular ship design, a mission, the 'sand box' gameplay, the fact that your name is in the credits?
Apoch: Well I am human so of course I like being mentioned in the credits, but to be honest that is just an added bonus for me. I enjoy X2 simply for its vision of a totally free and living universe, and the
dedication that Egosoft has shown to maintaining the X universe.
Abyss: What tactic do you use as a favourite in X², bearing in mind I stick to mobile mining as my combat skills can sometimes be found - er - wanting!?
Apoch: I have many different tactics depending on the situation. Some of them I developed especially while working on 1.4, but again I won't ruin the surprise. I will just say that I enjoy being devious with large warships, especially baiting an enemy with a small ship (M4/M5) and leading them into a nasty trap.
Abyss: I'll have to try that one. So, down to the juicy stuff and the main reason you're here. I know you are working on something special for the 1.4 update. Can you tell us a little more about it?
Apoch: My biggest project for 1.4 is a new mission involving massive (and I do mean MASSIVE) capital warship battles).
Abyss: Wow. I've played it, so for those who are waiting, can you give us some more information?
Apoch: Well, without ruining the surprise, players who hang around in frontier sectors will feel a lot more threatened than ever before. Some sinister things are developing in the X universe, and the future may be very bleak.
Abyss: So, as someone who mostly makes a living out of not shooting things other than asteroids, should I avoid this?
Apoch: Yes!
Abyss: OK, so I was joking. As a combat god, should I still be scared?
Apoch: Yes, you should. Things are a little different now
Abyss: Apoch, thank you very much for your time - it is much appreciated. Now, on to the questions that the community always ask and are the most important
Apoch: Fire away.
Abyss: What PC do you run?
Apoch: My main system is a custom-built system with an Athlon 2400, 512 MB DDR300, GF4 Ti4800, and several hard drives for all my various files.
Abyss: What do you eat for breakfast - it is the meal of champions after all...?
Apoch: Actually I don't eat breakfast. I prefer to be asleep during that time of the day.
Abyss: What is your favourite music?
Apoch: Trance, particularly the Goa vintage. Astral Projection is
probably my favorite group.
Abyss: Surfing or skiing?
Apoch: Biking, actually, or golf if the weather is good.
Abyss: How many times a week do you eat piiza?
Apoch: As many as possible!
Abyss: And the favourite topping?
Apoch: Pepperoni, naturally.
Abyss: Thank you for taking the time to chat, and thanks to Egosoft for allowing this little bit of 1.4 to be revealed.
Apoch: My pleasure. I think everyone will find 1.4 to be most delightful
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