In Need of Naught, In Want of All
The multiple-resolution screenshot script is now functioning over on the shots page, offering higher-quality shots for those who want them, and smallers ones for those of you who don't. In addition, I have updated both the weapons page, and the FAQ with some new content.

Development this week comprised mostly of bug-fixing, but CaRRaC managed to nearly completely wipe out my bug list, which is something that the rest of you can consider a major accomplishment. RipVtide, who has been taking a hand at creating some more "interesting" items in the SWQ codebase, has finished up his computer console, which is an awesome addition that allows for a simulated computer terminal, where players can actually browse through and run files that have a real effect on the game world. Aside from these accomplishments, Privateer finished up the required modifications to the player and bystander models, and is now working on animating the CM5 security droid. Brad also completed the skins for the disruptor v_ model, and will now be returning to the skins for the bystander heads.

In addition to the above, the larger projects move steadily along, you can expect to hear of some real results in those areas soon. Speaking of which, here's a little teaser shot of the lightsaber in action: [Red Knight]

What Breaks In Daylight
The new forums are now up. While all existing users have had their login info transfered over, it is important to note that you must re-submit your profile information before posting messages, or the board will not work correctly. For those of you wishing to access the (near) 7000 previous messages posted on the old forums, there is a link at the bottom of the new forum pages. And finally, one last item of note: as I just wrote the updated code a few days ago, there is a strong possibility that a few bugs are still present. If you come across any odd forum behavior, please let me know, so that I can see to fixing it. [Red Knight]

What Waits In Darkness
Kicking things off, Converted^2 posted an interview with ViolentBlue earlier this week. I recommend that you stop by, since I think that this is the first time you get a little insight into the project that didn't come through me.

This week would classify as a "grindstone week" in the development realm. Basically, that means that everyone is working on their larger projects from previous weeks, so I don't have anything of note to report. However, I can tell you a little bit about what will be happening with the site later this week: the screenshots page and forums are going to be overhauled over the next couple of days, as the former is updated with some higher-resolution images, and the latter is upgraded to a more current version. In addition, I have set aside most of this week to do some serious work on the site redesign, so you can expect to see some results there soon.

Finally, the SWQ team is recruiting once more. The following positions are available:

• Musical Composer: We are looking for someone to assist MamboKing in the creation of the custom musical tracks for SWQ. Applicants should be experienced, and have ready access to all equipment that they require. Anyone interested should contact MamboKing directly, and include at least one example of their previous work.
• Level Designer: The SWQ team is seeking two additional level designers, to assist in the creation of some of the remaining single-player levels. All applicants must have prior experience and be able to submit at least one completed map for review by the team. Interested parties may contact Red Knight directly.

[Red Knight]

Who Guards the Gate
My apologies for the delay in this post, a storm was making the power here rather unreliable last night.

This week was a little slower than what we've been seeing, but considering how much was done in the past few weeks, I consider that acceptable. CaRRaC is continuing his work on the AI re-write, and has added in support for dynamic head tracking on the bystanders (creating an effect similar to the one see in Half-Life's NPCs). He's also taking up a little level work, and is currently making some good progress on the J'Dan Estate.

SSZ got straight to work after joining the team, and has in fact already completed and animated on v_saber model, which is looking very nice. He's now finishing up some of the animations for the various bystander models that need it. Finally, Brad finished up the skins for the remaining weapon models that requred them, and will now be returning to the bystander head skins.

As I said, a slow week, but that's to be expected when you have over a month of straight "good" weeks. Leaving you this week, I've started a couple of threads on the BBoard asking for some feedback on a few issues in regards to bettering the site, and I would appreciated hearing your feedback. [Red Knight]

The Beat Goes On
A little more press for you this week: Quake2000.net has posted an interview with Red Knight, covering a few things about the project that have not been heard elsewhere before.

This week once again saw some very good progress. Kicking things off, Privateer finished the tweaks to the smuggler model animations, which considerably improved the look of those enemies. Following right behind him, Brad showed up with the new set of player model skins that he's been working on, and they look excellent. Chasing down friends on the LAN as Darth Maul, Qui-Gon, or Obi-Wan is a blast.

About mid-week we compiled a build update for the testers, who immediately found some bugs in the Academy maps which Asylem Escapee has since fixed. CaRRaC sent along a new version of the code for that build, which included the latest progress on the ever-evolving lightsaber system, the Invisibility and Reflect Force powers, and a bunch of fixes to the little bugs that are always present.

Currently, everyone is continuing their larger assignments from last week, and CaRRaC has taken it upon himself to completely re-write the AI from the ground up, since the previous code had become difficult to use. Also this week, we welcome two new members to the team: SSZ, who will be joining up as a dedicated weapons modeler to assist with the complicated v_lightsaber animations, and Tim, who has rejoined the team to update the aging Dominance maps.

Finally, the Shots page has been updated once again with two new screenshots, and much weeding-out of older content. Though it looks a little sparse right now, we will soon be filling it in with a lot of new goodies for you to enjoy. And to leave you this evening, below is a teaser shot of the SWQ player model, whom I do not believe you have seen before... [Red Knight]

Written In Ink
Well, SWQ has been in the press lately. For those of you over in the UK, you can pick up the current issue of Total Control, as SWQ receives four pages of coverage, featuring several new screenshots. Also, Riva3D has posted 11 new screenshots from the latest build of the project, so you'll want to swing by their site and check those out as well.

Now, for a rundown on progress: Wow. This has been a very productive week. First and foremost, the first portion of the lightsaber system has at long last been implemented. There's still a lot of work to do with it, but the fact that it's in heralds the passing of a major milestone for us. In addition, CaRRaC has added in the missile effect described last week, the option for view rotation on the chasecam, the smugglers, the SKE-27 (a droid enemy), some new Force power effects, and also fixed several bugs that cropped up. Privateer is now working on making some changes to the lightsaber animations that were called for after some review by the team, falkon2 is creating several new items for our misc_object entity that will help bring the levels to life, BFett is continuing to work on the new HUD pics, and Brad has finished the skins for the Mon Calamari bystanders, and is now putting the finishing touches on several new skins for the player model. Also, former team member EleCtRiC stopped by to drop off a large set of textures that he'd created in his spare time, and ApocX is now adding those into the texture set, as well as creating a completely new texture "theme" for the Dominance levels. Finally, Ender continues to add new sounds to the growing SWQ library, and MamboKing is beginning to compose the track to be used on Thalkos.

If none of the above makes sense or is of interest to you, let me summarize: I am ecstatic about the progress that was made this month. The team is really putting in a serious effort to get the project finished, and should be commended for it. And to leave you on one last high note, the Shots page has been updated, as I finally begin my quest to replace some of the old content found there. Until next time! [Red Knight]