By Captain Starkiller for BlackOps Station, 2001-03-05

Starfleet Battles to Starfleet Command

(Interview conducted over MSN/Hotmail)

Captain Starkiller
How did you become involved in Starfleet Command?

Brad Barr
This is actually a long story. I have always been an avid SFB player/collector and, like many, wanted a computer version of the game. A little more than two years ago I got tired of waiting and decided to make my own SFB computer game. I spent about two months gathering art, making sound, and brushing up on my programming skills for the project when I read an article that Quicksilver was making a SFB computer game. I looked up the game on the web and decided I shouldn't waste my time making my program. It was about six more months until the official website came online and more information about SFC was filtering in. Once they forums came online I immediately started asking questions. The SFC team eventually said that they would need some beta testers and I very much wanted to be a part of that. I started up the SFBtoSFC FAQ and made my own web page in hopes that it would help me become a beta tester. In the end my work paid off and the site took off from there.

Captain Starkiller
Were you a player of Star Fleet Battles? How do you think they compare?

Brad Barr
I started collecting SFB game books when the Commanders Edition first came out and now own almost all the new Doomsday modules. I never got to play the game much because I rarely had the time. As far as comparisons go, I think SFC and SFC2 are very good representations of how SFB plays besides for the obvious real time nature. A lot of the tactics used in SFB still apply in SFC and SFC is definitely a "thinking mans" game.

Captain Starkiller
SFB2SFC... what was your motivation for the website? Did you approach TheGamers.net or did they approach you?

Brad Barr
The initial motivation for the website was the SFBtoSFC FAQ and to become a beta tester for SFC. Once I started my research into putting models into the game I used it to share my discoveries and keep people updated on how close I was. I never expected to get hosted (I didn't even know companies would do that) so I was surprised when I was approached by TGN for hosting. It didn't take much convincing for me to join TGN as they provided a lot of support and unlimited web space. Our move to www.strategyplanet.com took some effort but it has been the best move for the website since its inception.

Captain Starkiller
What will happen to the "associated" sites at SFB2SFC?

Brad Barr
You mean TDR and AGT?

Captain Starkiller
Yeah...

Brad Barr
At this time, I am probably going to drop both of them. The new site will be coming up and its primary focus will be models and SCME and updating the FAQ for SFC2. There has not been a lot of activity in TDR and AGT for a while and I myself cannot manage them. I will be keeping all the files though in case the projects do resurface. At this time though, priorities lie with making the new site and then SCMEv2.0

Captain Starkiller
What will happen to the shipyards?

Brad Barr
The shipyards will move as is to the new location for the time being. They will be slowly updated into the new version of the site.

Captain Starkiller
How does the current failings of several big-name gaming websites affect your plans for the future of SFB2SFC?

Brad Barr
Couldn't care less.

Captain Starkiller
Can you describe, in a nutshell, what SCME is? What are your plans for the next edition?

Brad Barr
Starfleet Command Model Editing Utility (SCME) is actually a misleading title. All it really is is a file converter that allows you to convert Lightwave (lwo) files into Starfleet Command (mod) files.

The next version (name may change) is actually much improved. It will be windows based and be a lot more versatile. I know that the 3D Max plug in has been released but there is still a need for a program like SCME. A majority of people cannot afford programs like 3D Max ($3000) or Lightwave ($2000). This prevents a lot of people from being able to make models for SFC. SCMEv2 will fill that void by allowing people to convert DXF files and LWO files. The fact that SCMEv2 will support DXF files will make it much easier for anyone to make models as almost every 3D CAD program out there supports DXF files. This will hopefully allow those with cheaper programs (i.e. MilkShape) to make models for the game.

Captain Starkiller
How is working with Remus on the new SCME, I mean is he good to work with?

Brad Barr
Remus is great to work with. He is extremely talented and without his help I doubt SCME would have ever had a chance to reach its full potential.

Captain Starkiller
How do you feel about Taldren's role in the SFC community? Were you actually involved in the beta testing?

Brad Barr
Taldren has amazed me with their involvement in the community. I hope they continue this trend, as it is one of the best parts of owning the game.

I was involved in beta testing for SFC and SFC2. I also hope to be a part of beta testing for any future SFC products!

Captain Starkiller
With your experience with SFC1, and now 2, what do you think the future holds for SFC?

Brad Barr
In short, I think the future looks very bright. While both games have had their "false starts,?it is clear
that they are both excellent games. I thoroughly enjoy SFC2 and expect it to only get better as Taldren finishes the last couple of patches.

Captain Starkiller
Do you still get to play? If so, what is your favorite ERA and Race?

Brad Barr
To be honest, I rarely get to play either game or games at all for that matter. I am spending what little time I have with SCME and designing the new site. When I do play though it is usually with Hydrans.

Captain Starkiller
Do you feel that the "universe" of SFC is better than, or worse than the "universe" of SFB?

Brad Barr
Pretty much the same I guess. What I would be really excited in seeing is a free form dynamic universe that players could rise in rank in. They would eventually be able to direct the ships for their race and control a war. Dynaverse2 is a small step in that direction. At least it doesn't shut you down when you finish the game.

Captain Starkiller
How do you like the new graphics engine behind SFC2?

Brad Barr
I think it rocks. There are games that are more visually impressive of course but SFC2 strikes the balance needed for playability and looks. And of course we can make all the models look better if we want :)

Captain Starkiller
The Taldren Forums... how do you feel about them?

Brad Barr
A great place to get any answer you are searching for. There may have been problems initially with SFC2's release but that is common with many games. Even SFC1 had its share of "unproductive posts" when it was first released. The thing I keep in mind is that Taldren has a good track record and will support the game the way it should be.

Captain Starkiller
You have worked with some of the best people in the community, what do you think of groups like the Dominion of Modelers?

Brad Barr
I don't think the Dominion of Modelers is even a group really. It is a site that allows people to show of their wares since SFU (Star Fleet Universe) dumped several people. I have no idea if it is "good" or "bad". I am too worried about living my real life to worry about "virtual" life.

Captain Starkiller
How do you feel about the Modeler's Right to Copyright?

Brad Barr
I firmly believe that you give credit were credit is due. I am no lawyer and will not get any deeper than that as I have no idea if someone can Copyright an Enterprise model they made. I do believe that they should get credit for making it though.

Captain Starkiller
Do you LAN? Or play online? What games do you really like to play?

Brad Barr
No LAN and I do not play online really as I do not have the time. When I do have the time I play SFC2 and Baldur's Gate 2.

Captain Starkiller
What is your personal goal for your role in the community of Star Trek?

Brad Barr
I want to finish up SCME, provide the largest shipyards for SFC games, and move onto cracking the sprites.q3 file.

Captain Starkiller
How much time, on average, does maintaining a productive presence in the SFC community take for you in a week?

Brad Barr
Way too much.

Captain Starkiller
Do you have a favorite modeler? A favorite model?

Brad Barr
My favorite modeler would have to be DIX123. Without his help I would have never been able to crack the MOD file format.

Captain Starkiller
how does Dix123 leaving the SFC2 community make you feel?

Brad Barr
Well, I wish he didn't have to leave but when doing something doesn't make you happy anymore it is time to move on. Especially if it is just a hobbyI think life and work just catch up to you and you have to know when to drop the other things. He had a lot to work to do obviously.Work is easily catching up to me

Captain Starkiller
Are you a Trekkie?

Brad Barr
Nope. I guess I am a SFBekkie

Captain Starkiller
so, being an avid SFBekkie, are you a bigger fan of the TOS era than the others?

Brad Barr
Used to be. Cannot say that I am anymore. I like a lot of the TMP ships being put out lately.

Captain Starkiller
What is your favorite Star Trek moment?

Brad Barr
The Enterprise blowing up in STIII.

Captain Starkiller
What do you think of the Dynaverse in concept? And in reality?

Brad Barr
It is a great idea in concept. In reality I wish it were a lot more realistic and complicated. Perhaps in future SFC products . . .

Captain Starkiller
Please add anything you would like!!!

Brad Barr
Like usual, not enough time! :)