From:
[email protected] (Steve Wolff)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sony
Subject: Don't say I didn't Contribute
Date: Fri, 07 Feb 1997 23:31:54 -0700
Net Yaroze FAQ
==============
V 1.1 (970207)
(Last Update: 970117)
(c)1997 Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)
Compiled by: Bill Rehbock, John Phua, Don Thomas,
Brian Dawson, Greg LaBrec, Mike Fulton,
Peter Alau, Sarah Lodge and Molly Smith.
Information herein applies to North America only. Any
tradenames used within this document are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their owning companies.
===============================================
NOTE: MOST COMMON QUESTION OF ALL...
How do I register my interest in Net Yaroze?
E-Mail:
[email protected]
(U.S. and Canada only)
[email protected]
(All of Europe and Australia
including France, Germany, Norway,
Switzerland and U.K.)
[email protected]
(Japan)
Sections
--------
I. HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
II. COST, PAYMENTS, CONDITIONS
III. TECHNICAL
IV. COMPLETED WORK
V. WHERE DO I SIGN-UP?
I. HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
----------------------
Q. What does Net Yaroze mean? How is it pronounced?
A. YAROZE (yarozei), or phonetically (ya row zey) vb. means
"let's do it together" or "let's work together" in
Japanese. The term embraces the Net Yaroze concept of
getting members to work together and share their work to
reach meaningful objectives in what they do.
Q. When will Net Yaroze be available in the U.S. and Canada?
A. Net Yaroze is currently targeted for release within the
U.S. and Canada by late March 1997. It is possible this
may change. Interested persons should make certain they
register their interest so that they are automatically
updated when news becomes available.
Q. Is Net Yaroze planned for Mexico?
A. We want to support and service programmers in Mexico,
however, plans to do so are not in place at this time.
Q. Can I license the U.S. version of Net Yaroze to be
shipped outside of the U.S. or Canada?
A. Sony Computer Entertainment America will not accept
international transactions. Interested persons outside of
North America will be referred to other Sony facilities
for support if they exist for that region. See the answer
to the most popular question of all at the top of this
document.
Q. What is the difference between Net Yaroze and a
professional developers' program?
A. SCEA's professional developers' program is much more
intensive. The commercial package includes a more
detailed level of hardware/software tools, hardware with
greater RAM capacity, an in-depth array of on-site
assistance and on-call technical help.
Q. Why?
A. The professional PlayStation development system includes
additional hardware and software tools; more in-depth
library api; a full developer support program which
includes on-site assistance and on-call technical help.
The Net Yaroze PlayStation development system provides a
simple and easily understood development environment by
providing a subset of the libraries and tools of the
professional development system.
Q. How will the Net Yaroze system differ from the Japanese
version?
A. All the basic elements provided in the Net Yaroze program
are universal with the exception of translated text
within support materials and the Internet address where
members go for support.
Q. So, U.S. Japanese and European users will not be able to
trade tips and games.
A. SCEA will be devising ways for information to cross-
pollinate between support sites. Until that happens
automatically, SCEA will help transport files between
systems to benefit all members.
Q. Hardware-wise, how is the Net Yaroze unit different from
the North American PlayStation which is sold in stores?
A. The retail (gray) North American PlayStation hardware
unit can only play commercially developed PlayStation
game titles from licensed PlayStation developers and
publishers. The Yaroze hardware offers no territorial
lock-out, which means that that it can play both PAL
(Europe) and NTSC (Japan, U.S.) PlayStation discs.
However, the user will need a multi-format TV to play all
of these properly.
Q. Won't Net Yaroze have either an S-Video or an A/V
out? If so, won't that straight video be correctly
interpreted by the TV no matter what format it is in?
A. S-Video, Composite, etc. are all different ways to
deliver the same signal, regardless of whether it is NTSC
or PAL. The Net Yaroze system detects whether the
software is intended for NTSC or PAL and outputs the
appropriate signal. You will need a monitor which is also
capable of handling either signal if you wish to use
software for both formats.
Q. Will Net Yaroze be available in stores?
A. Net Yaroze is an extension of the services provided by
SCEA's Research & Development department. In many ways,
Net Yaroze members become a part of SCEA's R&D
activities. This unique relationship with Sony on a
developer level will not be available from any
independent retailer to insure members get support direct
from SCEA and no where else. In short, Net Yaroze is not
a mass market product and will not be available from
retailers.
Q. Where can I get support while a member of Net Yaroze?
A. Net Yaroze integrates a World Wide Web Site with support
areas, file download areas, message areas and more. No
live telephone support is available as part of the Net
Yaroze program. Access to the Web Site is limited to one
year and renewable for a modest fee.
Q. What kind of fee?
A. That information has not been determined and is
forthcoming.
Q. How long will Net Yaroze be offered? Is this a limited
time offer?
A. SCEA is committed to offer the Net Yaroze system for as
long as there is there is demand for it. Based on initial
feedback, we expect that may very well be for a very
long time.
Q. I have a Web Site or I am a magazine writer and want to
interview someone about Net Yaroze. Who should I contact?
A. Contact Molly Smith by e-mail at:
[email protected]
Note, this address is for the press only. Non-press
inquiries will not receive replies.
Q. May I post this FAQ file on my web site?
A. This document may be redistributed in whole in any
environment that is supportive of Net Yaroze and Sony
Computer Entertainment America.
II. COST, PAYMENTS, CONDITIONS
--------------------------
Q. How much does Net Yaroze cost?
A. Net Yaroze will be available for $750 in North America
plus applicable taxes and shipping. Other costs may be
associated to using Net Yaroze if the developer does not
have other tools that may be required such as a personal
computer or, perhaps, a more robust C compiler than the
one provided.
Q. Can I save any money if I already own a PlayStation?
A. The Net Yaroze black PlayStation is different from those
sold in stores. It is not interchangeable for
development purposes.
Q. Can I purchase more than one Net Yaroze PlayStation?
A. The unique PlayStation designed for the Net Yaroze
program is not for sale as a typical consumer product.
Although the special PlayStation is sold to the
purchaser, some components of the system are licensed for
use and not sold. SCEA cannot offer these components
separately accept as advised by SCEA if any component is
ever in need of repair.
It is perfectly acceptable for one individual to obtain
more than one for unique applications, however each one
must be registered separately and all terms and fees
remain the same for each.
Q. Can I purchase the Net Yaroze PlayStation for resale?
A. Net Yaroze is a developers network available and serviced
directly by Sony Computer Entertainment America. It will
not be licensed to any party for the purpose of resale.
Q. So, I can only sign-up for Net Yaroze from Sony Computer
Entertainment America?
A. Within the United States and Canada, yes. Members will
demand and expect support tools which can only be made
available under license directly from SCEA.
Q. Why does Net Yaroze cost as much as it does?
A. Net Yaroze is an economical version of professional
packages which are licensed for many, many thousands of
dollars. Net Yaroze includes all the essential elements
of a comprehensive development package plus support tools
have been streamlined to bring the price down to a level
that dedicated enthusiasts and aspiring developers can
afford. Net Yaroze is not a toy. It should be considered
only by those people wishing to seriously engage in
software development projects.
Q. Will SCEA accept planned payments?
A. Sony Computer Entertainment America will only ship
Net Yaroze products when paid in full. SCEA will not have
a financing program available.
Q. What forms of payment will SCEA accept?
A. It is anticipated that American Express, Discover, Visa
and MasterCard may be used to pay the required licensing
fees. Of course, money orders and cashier checks are
always welcome.
Q. Is Net Yaroze refundable if I don't like it?
A. Net Yaroze is not a mass market consumer item and will
not be available on any trial basis. SCEA will stand
behind every unit from a manufacturing point of view,
honoring any warranty (90 days) issue that may arise. On
the other hand, Net Yaroze is a license. The black
PlayStation is just one small part of the entire
agreement to share information. It is not refundable and
members are held accountable for their agreement to
protect proprietary information shared with them. Those
interested in Net Yaroze should consider their investment
carefully in advance.
III. TECHNICAL
---------
Q. What else is required to develop software using
Net Yaroze?
A. A 486 DX2 66MHz IBM-compatible personal computer with one
or more serial ports, 28.8 bps speed modem, an Internet
connection, 2X CD-ROM, 10MB of hard disk space, 4MB of
RAM, mouse and an SVGA monitor is minimally required for
Net Yaroze. In addition, members will need to be familiar
with the operation of such a computer as well as a basic
background using the C programming language and the
ability to access the Internet and the World Wide Web.
SCEA does not offer any training for using a computer or
the use of the programming language.
Q. Why 66MHz? How about on slower systems?
A. We recommend a minimum of 66MHz for optimum performance.
Choosing any configuration other than the minimums
recommended are at the developer's risk.
Q. Can I use the Yaroze system on my Macintosh?
A. Yes. The Net Yaroze system can run on an Apple Macintosh
with the aid of a complete development environment called
CodeWarrior designed by Metrowerks Corporation. They also
provide the same software development environment for
Windows 95/NT. More information will become available
soon.
Q. Are the Net Yaroze tools DOS-based or Windows-based.
A. Two utility programs supplied with the system are
Windows-based. Otherwise, the entire system is DOS-based.
Q. Can I use international CDs on a Net Yaroze PlayStation?
A. One of the "special" features of the black Net Yaroze
PlayStation is its ability to play software distributed
anywhere in the world.
Q. Can anyone with a PlayStation play the games I write?
A. Net Yaroze applications are only capable of being
executed by other Net Yaroze members who have a black
developers' PlayStation; however, the use of Net Yaroze
applications will be strictly subject to the terms of a
license agreement. Net Yaroze developer's applications
are shared only on the Net Yaroze Web Site.
Q. How long does it take for a competent person to learn "C"
as a programming language?
A. That's very similar to asking how long it may take to
learn to speak French (unless you already know it). It
depends on your background, how good you want to be, how
much time per day you allocate to the learning process
and what learning skills you have. Please do not purchase
Net Yaroze to learn C. You can learn the same C on a PC
then consider applying your skills to dedicated platforms
at a later time. There are no components of the
Net Yaroze package to teach the use of C.
Q. Do you recommend any specific books, links or resources
for learning how to program in C?
A. No. Learning how to program requires a lot of effort.
Many people have learned on their own and many others
find they need to sign up for formal courses in school.
SCEA will not attempt to evaluate individuals and their
abilities to learn programming skills. We highly
recommend that individuals do not join Net Yaroze unless
they are already comfortable with the basics in C
programming and computer use.
Q. Why is "C" the development language on Net Yaroze instead
of ?C++??
A. C++ may be used, however, C is usually more efficient in
a game programming environment where active programming
space may be an important issue.
Q. Why doesn?t Net Yaroze pack-in Borland?s or Microsoft?s
C++?
A. For a number of reasons. Net Yaroze members are expected
to come to us with a great variety of skills and
experience. Many of them will already own a comprehensive
C++ package. Those individuals would certainly not wish
to pay more than they have to for Net Yaroze in order to
purchase the development language again or to purchase
another one when they have one they are pleased with
already. In many cases, professional programmers prefer
not to use versions C++ for platform game development to
help optimize memory configurations.
Those who desire an alternative programming language may
consider one on an optional basis and at their leisure.
Q. Is it true that the code for each Net Yaroze program
developed cannot be greater than 3.5 MB?
A. Primary RAM in Net Yaroze is 2 megabyte PLUS there are
secondary RAM locations that grant programmers up to
3.5 megabyte of working space. Game code, graphics,
audio samples and run-time libraries are limited to
3.5 megabyte because Net Yaroze drivers must be
installed. There are many commercial PlayStation titles
that are entirely RAM-resident and could have been
developed with Net Yaroze while using the CD strictly to
spool Red Book audio (i.e. Ridge Racer by Namco).
Creative developers apply compression and run-time
techniques that accomplish virtually anything they strive
for. Again, Net Yaroze can be used as a professional
tool, but it is not intended to be as robust as much more
expensive machines.
Q. How can Net Yaroze programs be made to run on a normal
(gray) PlayStation?
A. Net Yaroze participants can share their work with other
Net Yaroze members throughout the world by posting that
work on SCEA's designated server, Web Site or any other
location authorized by SCEA. The standard consumer
PlayStation is not designed to run Net Yaroze titles
directly. All commercially available PlayStation
titles are developed by "licensed developers" and
published by "licensed publishers" using a specialized
professional PlayStation development environment. Of
course, Net Yaroze members can eventually apply to become
a fully licensed commercial developer at any time.
Q. What kind of software can I develop using the Net Yaroze
development system?
A. Anything! There are virtually no rules. It may be
something popularly asked for or not have anything to do
with a game as defined by today's marketplace. SCEA does
reserve the right to remove samples from the Net Yaroze
Web Site that is offensive or illegal.
Q. Can I design full-working engines not originally provided
with Net Yaroze, or am I limited to use the engines
provided when I join?
A. Net Yaroze members are encouraged to design and share
their work with other Net Yaroze members including
engines, graphics, simple/complex routines, programming
structures, etc.
Q. What kind of software can I develop that is most likely
to be published commercially?
A. This is hard to answer. On one hand, there seem to
be enough baseball games already. On the other hand
someone will create a new baseball game like none other
before. Successful games seem to be those that offer a
high degree of immersion and virtual world interaction.
Sports games need to be fast and lifelike. Fantasy and
arcade games need to be visually stunning and full of
surprises. Some developers start with a remake of an old
favorite and hope they can acquire a license later or
change it enough to be different such as Doom II or Duke
Nuke 'em. Other developers begin with a premise that some
completely new idea is marketable such as Tetris, Klax or
Zoop.
Q. Is the link cable supported in hardware and software?
A. There are two links that may be referred to by this
question. There is the serial link to the PC for the
Net Yaroze package and there is the game link cable
intended for head-to-head gaming between two different
PlayStations. In either case, the same PlayStation port
is used and Net Yaroze does not include library functions
to directly address either link.
Q. Can I develop a networked application with the Yaroze?
A. Creative and experienced developers will accomplish many
things using Net Yaroze tools. Many things are possible.
That's what makes a talented developer valuable. The
system does not provide library calls for this function.
Q. Are there any restrictions on developing applications
that are not games?
A. We hope the Net Yaroze program will allow a lot of
freedom in creativity in regard to what content will be
created. SCEA does not place restrictions on Net Yaroze
members as to what kind of applications to develop.
Q. Does Net Yaroze interface with any memory cards?
A. The Net Yaroze package includes the tools needed to
interface with PlayStation compatible Memory Cards which
are used in the slots above the controller ports just as
they are on the commercial versions of the game system.
Q. Can we access the CD to play audio and/or video?
A. During the boot-up of Net Yaroze, a special CD is
required on the PlayStation that contains information for
the system. After boot-up, the PlayStation may be used
to play Red Book audio from a standard audio CD.
It may be possible to access files on the PC, however, it
would be up to the developer to devise such protocols if
such functions are desired.
IV. COMPLETED WORK
--------------
Q. Who owns the rights to software developed written using
the Net Yaroze system?
A. The original author retains legal ownership of all source
code that he or she creates as part of Net Yaroze except
as protected by applicable copyright law. For instance,
users who create copies of Crash Bandicoot or Asteroids
cannot assume rights to that work. Individual authors are
legally responsible for the work in terms of infringement
of copyright, etc.
In particular, source code can be freely shared among
Net Yaroze members as desired by its creators -- in
accordance with their agreement with SCEA. Indeed, a
cornerstone of Net Yaroze is the concept of members
sharing their work and ideas, and participating in joint
projects. Note that distributed code through the
Net Yaroze program can only be downloaded by other
Net Yaroze members throughout the world. To formally
publish software for all PlayStation owners, Net Yaroze
members will need to look at becoming licensed as
commercial developers.
Q. Will my software be published commercially?
A. We hope to publish commercial products containing
software developed through the Net Yaroze program;
statiscally, however, it is not very likely that any one
project will be published.
Even a great number of projects which begin as commercial
projects never make it to store shelves. It would be
misleading to promise a great likelihood, but many of the
"big guys" do have modest beginnings. Bear in mind that
commercial software must be compelling and not infringent
on anyone else's copyrights.
Q. Is there any interest by Sony in working with companies
to develop specific applications?
A. SCEA also offers a professional developer program.
Serious developers should consider whether a hobbyist
grade package really fits their needs. SCEA will not be
looking to partner with development programs originating
from the Net Yaroze program. When commercial grade work
evolves from Net Yaroze members, SCEA will counsel with
the developer on an individual basis.
Q. Where should I start if I'm not a programmer?
A. If you are not presently a programmer, Net Yaroze will
probably not be for you right away. The best thing to do
would be to purchase some books on programming and a
BASIC or C programming package for development on the
computer. You may wish to look into some local college
courses that may be offered.
V. WHERE DO I SIGN-UP?
-------------------
Q. Where can I go for more information?
A. People interested in Net Yaroze can register their
interest by e-mailing their name, address, phone number
and email address to:
[email protected]
Sony Computer Entertainment America is also developing a
Web Site in which users can obtain more information about
Net Yaroze. The address of this site will be announced
soon. See the top of this document for registering
interest in other parts of the world.
### END OF FILE ###
(Please feel free to re-post this Q&A file in areas that
support persons interested in Net Yaroze.)
--
[email protected]
