1. What impresses you most when you think of AI in the game?

In Republic we are attempting to create the richest game environment ever. The player will be free to carry out a range of cool actions giving him significant influence over the loyalties of the people. We're simulating a full country down to every last detail, with hundreds of thousands of living breathing people each with their own daily routines, religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds. The achievement of creating a system that can deal with both the sheer scale of the game (at the top level) as well as the ubiquitous minute detail (at the low level) is probably what pleases me most about our AI.

2. What does Demis actually do in the game's production?

Demis is the Lead Designer. He has overall say in the direction, look and design of the whole project. He also gets involved in discussion concerning the AI architecture and uses our in-house AI Editor to create action scripts.

3. Will there be a new video or screenshots before the GDC?

We will be releasing screenshots around the time of GDC in March this year.

4. Will the development tools be published?

It is unlikely that we will be releasing any tools with the initial game mainly due to time constraints. However, at a later date I would like to release our city building tools so people can create their own 'living' metropolises and maybe even our action creation tools so people can create their own actions and use them in the game.

5. Will Republic support ATi's TRUFORM(™) technology?

At present there are no plans to support ATi Truform technology.

6. What can you tell us about the final hardware requirements?

It is difficult to pin down the exact specs with still a lot of development to go, but they will be modest considering when the timing of when the game will be out. Something like a P-II 400 with a TNT. Of course with the engine being fully scalable the better spec machine you have the better and more beautiful Republic will look.

7. What do you think of the fan sites, some of which have been around for a year already?

They're an inspiration. That people care enough to spend their free time this way helps us to put in the long hours needed to get Republic finished. At the end of the day it is the reaction of our fans to the game that is most important to us and we are working hard to ensure that they are amazed.

8. What advertising campaigns have Elixir got up their sleeves? How will Elixir stop Republic becoming 'the best game that no-one's ever heard of'?

Eidos look after our marketing. If they can do the anything like the job they did on Tomb Raider, we'll be delighted! Marketing only really ramps up pretty near release. On the PR front of course we will be making a massive splash at E3 this year and then we'll continue to bombard the press with interesting information until release. So rest assured when we're ready to talk about things, everyone will have heard of Republic!

9. What does Demis have for breakfast? :)

A massive cup of strong coffee.