In the next six months as true 3-D functionality becomes the standard in the majority of computer and video games, consumer's expectations for video and computer-based entertainment will rise. Although the hardware and software developers plan to set the world on fire when consumers get a glimpse at how far gaming has come, we found that many consumers are unclear as to exactly what true 3-D will mean for them. The following question and answer sheet will address some of those issues.
Q: What differences will gamers notice between "pseudo 3-D" and "true 3-D"
A: Watching fighting games like Mortal Kombat(TM) and Street Fighter(TM) is a bit like watching a ping-pong tournament. The characters move left and right, across the screen, and the only way they can exchange positions is if they jump over one another. In Sento(TM), Creep Clash(TM) and Team 47-GOMAN(TM) characters can walk around one another in a full circle, and strike at any angle. They can even fall off the edge of the battlefield into the abyss below!
Q: What is the difference between "pseudo 3-D" titles such as Doom or Myst, and "true 3-D" titles like Sento and Team 47-GOMAN?
A: The difference is simple. All of the pictures you see in Myst are pre-rendered and limited in the number of angles at which they can be viewed. Doom is really just 2-D with great scaling. In Sento and Team 47-GOMAN, there is no limit to the number of angles from which the game can be viewed. We make the model for the world and the user can see it at any distance or angle they choose.
Q: If the characters are walking in circles, how does the camera keep them in the frame?
A: 47-TEK's games have intelligent cameras that automatically zoom in and out and move left to right, according to the positions of the characters. If you move behind an object on the battlefield (like a fence or a mountain) the camera flies up and looks down, over the obstruction, maintaining a full view of the gameplay.
Q: What determines the players' point of view?
A: Players can choose from among a number of camera perspectives and change the view on the fly with keystrokes. In some games you can even switch to a first person point of view where you see your hands, holding their weapons, and look into the eyes of your opponent. You could even witness your own decapitation this way, and watch your body lay there as your head rolls away.
Q: What makes 47-TEK's team unique?
A: Each of 47-TEK's team members is completely dedicated to true 3-D. In areas where other game developers must catch up and retrain their people accordingly, 47-TEK is way ahead. The animators come from the film industry, one of the only fields where animators have been working in 3-D for years. The programmers are already experts in the high level languages required to program for the new 32 and 64-bit platforms. Each of 47-TEK's titles incorporates true 3-D and their expertise shows. Their technology, vision and skill are way ahead of the competition.
Q: Why martial arts fighting games?
A: The 47-TEK staff has a combined 35 years experience in numerous forms of the martial arts. 47-TEK's president, Mark Hirsch received his degree in Eastern Studies. The office decor consists of weaponry on the walls. A long-time fascination with Japanese animation and science fiction dictates 47-TEK's natural path - the development of fighting games with a strong Eastern influence.
Q: What is the significance of the company's name, "47-TEK"?
A: Mark Hirsch founded 47-TEK in 1993 and spent the first year developing his "47-DO" 3-D graphics platform. 47-TEK's creative team; with backgrounds in the video, animation, film and music industries, creates original game designs, 3-D art and music. 47-TEK's designers boast over 35 years of martial arts experience, making realistic rendering of martial arts fighting scenes possible.
The 47-TEK logo is a combination of three elements. 47 is a lucky number at Pomona College in Southern California, where several of 47-TEK's members met. The number tends to pop up coincidentally and has been deemed lucky. The "TEK" portion represents the technology that turns their vision into final products. The brush stroke that encircles the 47 is an enkei, a Zen Buddhist symbol for emptiness and suchness. The three elements together represent a combination of luck, mysticism and technology.
For More Information Contact: Kristen McEntire or Marissa Verson InterActive Public Relations 415-703-0400 kristenm@ipri.com # # # #
Go back to the Interview.