N-Philes: Congratulations on shipping your first game at oeFun! Can you describe what the mood is like with you and your team now that this milestone has been reached?
Dunlop: Thanks! Of course, for us, a big part of that joy came when we finally got approved by NOA & NCL Lotcheck. We're all very happy that it is finally out the door.
N-Philes: You stressed how important Wi-Fi is for Konductra. Is there a reason why it isn't currently listed at Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection site?
Dunlop: The game will be listed there at some point in the near future. Unfortunately I can't give you a specific date, but I've been told sometime in the middle of November.
N-Philes: Does Konductra use Nintendo and GameSpy's technology to play online and match players, or do you use someone else's set-up?
Dunlop: Yes, the game does use that technology, however the way the game posts data and sort scores at Konductra.com, which is maintained by oeFun, is our technology.
N-Philes: I've been playing the game a little bit lately, and I can't help but think that a single-cart multiplayer mode would have been very welcome. You mentioned that not having that was a bit of a trade-off in order to include the online component. I was wondering if you can expand a little on that trade-off. Was it something you decided early on? Was there a technical limitation?
Dunlop: There weren't any technical limitations. It was a time/money decision. It was either that or supporting Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Certainly if there had been more time that would have been next on my list.
N-Philes: The tutorial video in the game is very polished, and was one of the first elements of Konductra that we saw. How important is it to show people how Konductra plays using voice and a demonstration?
Dunlop: I think it's very important because the gameplay is different enough that I wanted to make sure that the ideas were communicated well. Using animaton and sound seems like the best way to do that.
I wrestled with the idea of building the tutorial into the actual gameplay, but I could never figure out a way that made sense. In other genres (like adventures) having the tutorial built seamlessly into the gameplay experience makes sense because you never replay it. However, in puzzle games you are always replaying the start of a particular game mode.
N-Philes: The game credits a Machelle Dunlop for voicing the game. Any relation?
Dunlop: Yes, Machelle is my wonderful wife who had to put up with my insane work hours!
N-Philes: How will you measure Konductra's success, and will Konductra's level of success have an impact on any upcoming projects?
Dunlop: I think if the majority of people who play Konductra come away having had fun with it and come back for more I will be very happy. Konductra won't have an impact on the ongoing Wii title.
N-Philes: You announced last summer that oeFun is eyeing the Wii for its next project. How far along is your Wii project, and have you gotten hold of a dev kit yet? Have you secured a publisher or will that come later on, as with Konductra?
Dunlop: The Wii project is in the prototyping phase and yes we do have the hardware. Right now I am more concerned with the development of the ideas so yes, likely I'll start thinking about publishers when I have something solid.
N-Philes: I know its being held under tight wraps right now, but can you tell us anything about it? The genre of game? Whether it will be online? If it'll be sold in stores or through Nintendo's digital distribution channel? If the plan is to use the Wii Remote, the Nunchuk, or the Classic controller?
Dunlop: Sorry, I can't tell you much. I can tell you that it will be online, it will very likely be sold in stores and it will not use the classic controller. I'm making a large game, albeit making it in a smart way.
N-Philes: Since we last spoke, Nintendo unveiled its Wii Channels interface and price point. What are your thoughts about them?
Dunlop: I was blown away when I saw the interface. Very nice indeed. Can't wait to get my hands on the actual retail unit. I don't have a problem with the price point, but I would not have complained had it been a little less expensive.
N-Philes: Which games are you most looking forward to playing come launch?
Dunlop: Zelda, Red Steel, Elebits and Wii Sports.
N-Philes: One last question. You were working at Ion Storm Studios (Deus Ex: Invisible War, Thief: Deadly Shadows), but left before it was closed down. Or at least I'm guessing this, given your history. What was it that inspired you go independent and create oeFun?
Dunlop: Yes, that is correct. Too many years making other peoples' games I guess. It was the right time to do my own thing.
N-Philes: Thank you very much for your time and your insights!
Dunlop: You're welcome. Cheers.
Be sure to check out our full review of oeFun's first title, Konductra.
