COPYMAN Revolutionize this I've been hearing alot about all the new next-generation game consoles. I was wondering, do you think the new technology will affect how long it tkes to make a game? Alucard Tepis That is sort of a trick question, in my opinion, although I am by-far not one of the resident computer genii. There are new technologies being implemented on the next-generation game consoles that will allow the computer inside to do more in less time, and have features and functions that have never been seen on consoles before. However, I would be astounded if these new functions and features did not also come with a similarly advanced toolset to make implementing these capabilities as easy as possible for the game developers. A console is nothing without games. So, while console capabilities are a large selling point to game development companies, the tools, software, hardware, and other assistance that the console maker can supply to make game development faster, easier, and most importantly, cheaper, is also a primary selling point. Due to the "learning curve" present in the launch of any new console as developers learn to exploit the features of the system, there may be a little slowdown as the consoles establish their markets. All in all, though, my bet is that the development cycle will, on average, stay around the same length. As they say, "Christmas only comes once a year." I would also bet, due to the improvements in the development tools, you will also continue to see improvement in the capabilities and features of games to keep pace with the advanced consoles. COPYMAN Thank you, you have made the next-gen issue more understandable Rockman.EXE And there are so many new connectivity features that will constantly evolve and change the way the new platform work. Connectivity between the Nintendo platform machine and the handhelds has always been one of their more interesting selling points but now with everyone entering the handheld market, no telling if Sony will begin a similar campaign. And don't get me started with going online! With console machines becoming more and more like normal computers with hard drives and network adaptors, it allows for even greater adaptability and change! Roll.EXE And viruses! Blues.EXE And porn. Rockman.EXE What? Blues.EXE Viruses. I meant viruses. COPYMAN What's wrong with porn? Otakon Nothing. I like sending Snake out to take get photos for me to analyze. Solid Snake What? You said those photos were needed for the study of the latest Metal Gear designs! COPYMAN Lies will get you nowhere. Otakon Hey! I never lied! I just... happened to keep backup copies of a certain subset of the photos that Snake took while on his missions. COPYMAN Oh. Did you get his permission? If not, you're keeping secrets from him. Otakon Well... you know, when we're on missions, it's not always the easiest thing to have an open line of communication, especially when on sneaking missions when transmissions have to be brief otherwise they might get intercepted. Solid Snake Otakon... Otakon And it's also that durin... hey! Look over there! A Metal Gear! Solid Snake What? Where! Otakon [end transmission] Solid Snake Dammit. At least he could have told me where he keeps those pictures. COPYMAN I think he has a secret stash under the bed.