[Interview] H1Z1: Making Weather a True Part of the Game

BillMurphy

In most MMOs, weather is just a novelty. It adds some ambiance to the world and makes a zone seem more lifelike.  That’s not going to be the case with SOE’s zombie survival MMORPG H1Z1 (also known as Hizzy). I had the chance to sit down and chat with Senior Designer Jimmy Wisenhunt and Graphics Programmer Ryan Favale to talk about how weather in their game won’t be just a setpiece, but a part of the survival and gameplay in H1Z1. 

Read on to find out how H1Z1 is Making Weather a True Part of the Game.

Pagoas

Tornadoes?  Zombies?  I think SyFy has found their newest movie project.

Tekaelon

@Pagoas LOL

Aeonblades

Actually, the weather system sounds pretty cool. I'm not enthused about the over used zombie theme of yesteryear, but the more they release on this project the better it does sound.

SEANMCAD

now the big boys are thinking!

well done

Jupsto

The snow system in darkfall is best I have seen in a game, it collects on literally everything.

Its going to be more awesome in a game like h1z1 since it will be content not just visuals

SEANMCAD

Originally posted by Jupsto

The snow system in darkfall is best I have seen in a game, it collects on literally everything.

Its going to be more awesome in a game like h1z1 since it will be content not just visuals

agreed.

The only MMO that I know of where weather actually affects anything is Wurm and even that is limited.

Wind and storms affect sailing and to be fair a 'storm' in Wurm isnt much of a visible affect

SEANMCAD

this would be awesome + affecting gaming play.

 

 

Gaurn

First there were sharks...Prepare now, for the next name in terror! ZOMBADO.

Octagon7711

Always wanted to play a game that was real time based on your current location.  A tornado in game that could actually blow you away.  A flood where you could take drowning damage.

Arclan

I'm pretty psyched about this game, and the weather component sounds very cool; means they are thinking out of the box when coming up with a great new MMO.

 

Imagine hurricaines or tornados could cause lots of sturctural damage.  Just think that potential is super cool even if it means a lot of hard work to repair.  Adversity; we love it.

Betaguy

SoE might redeem itself, I have hated them forever but this just might make me a fan again....

loulaki

if they just remove the zombies i might look this game, so far weather which impacts the gameplay we have promised also for BlackDesert online ..

rojoArcueid

game changing weather system? i welcome it with open wide arms. And i hope other companies take notes about it.

 

With that said, i really want to hear about the payment model they will be using. I hope is something closer DayZ. I highly doubt the game would be any good if you can buy survival tools in a cash shop, completely bypassing the entire purpose of the game.

Dreamo84

How anyone can not think this game at least looks and sounds cool is beyond me. How it will actually turn out? I guess we will see. I am hopeful though.

ElRenmazuo

Originally posted by rojoArcueid

game changing weather system? i welcome it with open wide arms. And i hope other companies take notes about it.

 

With that said, i really want to hear about the payment model they will be using. I hope is something closer DayZ. I highly doubt the game would be any good if you can buy survival tools in a cash shop, completely bypassing the entire purpose of the game.

Every SoE game will be Free to Play

Wizardry

I applaud the added effort but when comes to SOE i always cringe,i don't trust them for anything.

When they mention to get ready for public alpha,it really means  "ready to start taking gamer's money" BEFORE the game is ready to take money.Anyhow sounds good,i hope they finish on their promises,it is easy to say things like we are working on this or that.

Proudsoul1

So only bad affects huh ..how about collecting water to drink? Collecting snow melting it and using it to warm yourself (making hot soup tea). Weather will have meaning but only half as what it should.

Kotorez

Originally posted by Proudsoul1
So only bad affects huh ..how about collecting water to drink? Collecting snow melting it and using it to warm yourself (making hot soup tea). Weather will have meaning but only half as what it should.

Its sooo easy to make when have you solid game engine.

TacticalZombeh

They already have dew/rain collectors in game, and I know you can fill water bottles from bodies of water (boil it before you drink it). Hopefully they'll expand water gathering during snow/rain.

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tawess

This looks like it will have to be my replacement game for WoD, becasue we know the social and political game will be the real threat any way. Zombies will just be the creeping threat. Not that such a thing is bad. To powerful and the zombies goes from a fun game element to a game breaking element.

khellus

zombienado new syfy movie

blbeta

I hope they get it in. Such weather effects are suppose to be in Planet Side 2 as well and I don't believe they are in yet.

Planet Side 1 had a whole weather map and storms. It was more just visibility issues, but still cool. Unfortunately people were allowed to shut it off.

Arskaaa

unistall Dayz, remove dayz from steam favorites.

dont miss u scam game.

Apraxis

It's nice to hear.. but even more interesting would be, if they would go one or two steps further.. with actual seasons, and more permance of weather.. like snow stays for a few days on the ground and slowly smelting, and be able to build a snowman.. like rivers freezing, with the danger of breaking through and stuff like that.