MULTIPLAYER


BHMS - What is EA's vision of multiplayer for the release version of NT2003 and the early updates. Multiplayer is make or break for many on a purchase.

Ed Martin - As this is our first NASCAR PC title in a couple of years and our first with Image Space, multiplayer will be an evolution. We have to get the basics right before we blow out the online world. That said, because we are working with Image Space, the online experience is going to be similar to that of F1 2002.

BHMS - Did you think of all the league administrators when doing the multiplayer part of the game? What are the main and "revolutionary" features?

Ed Martin - You can export results & such out of the game but admin control of the race is limited. For example, the admin can't throw flags manually.

BHMS - Will we be able to setup our own (dedicated) servers or be tied to having to pay EA for online racing?

Ed Martin - We do not support dedicated servers.

BHMS - Is the code for online play the same as F12002?

Ed Martin - Yes - it was built from the same code base.

BHMS - Will there be a ranking system? Just how serious is EA when it comes to supporting and improving the online multiplayer portion of this program?

Ed Martin - We do not have a built in ranking system. Leagues can do it easily on their own, though.

BHMS - Will yellow flags, full 43 car field and AI cars be implemented in multiplayer?

Ed Martin - Yellow flags are in. However, we do not have multiplayer AI.

BHMS - Will the game allow for a championship season to be run in multiplayer to allow friends to run a season with you?

Ed Martin - We don't have a season, per se, but with the stats, it's certainly easy for people to do so.

BHMS - Will you be able to be a spectator in a multiplayer race?

Ed Martin - There's no special spectator mode but you can get into a race and just watch if you choose.