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Geek Culture / Methods of interrogating games for info?

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Fallout
22
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Joined: 1st Sep 2002
Location: Basingstoke, England
Posted: 16th Oct 2005 18:05
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This is a slightly bizarre question, and I'm not sure entirely whether I'm thinking of interrogating direct X, or a file format, but basically I need to get some info on C&C:Generals. I'm gonna try and write to EA/WW but I don't expect to get a reply. I need to find out tech info like poly counts of models, frame rates (I can monitor that with Fraps), how many polys are on screen, what shaders if any are used etc. Does anyone know of any kinda direct x utility that can interrogate a running 3d environment, or does anyone know any cheeky tricks for extracting media from a game like C&C:Generals to analyse it?

Cheers for any help.

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Drew Cameron
20
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Joined: 30th Jan 2004
Location: Scotland
Posted: 16th Oct 2005 19:45
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I would say Fraps for sync rate, yet I see you've already thought of that.

Good question btw, this is for University, right?

Katie and Drew return!!!

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Raven
19
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Joined: 23rd Mar 2005
Location: Hertfordshire, England
Posted: 16th Oct 2005 19:53
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EA / Westwood won't reply. (even the support dept. will only direct people to thier FAQ or say "tough" in much more pleasent words)

If you want I can explain the rough polycounts and technology involved. Don't particularly feel like doing it publically though, given the grief I get each time I provide an in-sight to that particular game. (which no doubt I'll get for mearly replying anyways)

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Damokles
21
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Joined: 28th May 2003
Location: Belgium
Posted: 16th Oct 2005 19:58
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EA never answered to any of my emails (3)
Which were about games I couldn't install anymore (since I have my new pc)

- Mind the gap -
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Fallout
22
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Joined: 1st Sep 2002
Location: Basingstoke, England
Posted: 16th Oct 2005 20:26
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Yeah, this is for my project. What I might do is try and hunt down a member of the team directly, like a lead programmer or something and contact them. I think individuals are more likely to be responsive than EA who we all know are the Microsoft of the Games industry ... although seeing as Microsoft are well on their way to taking over the games industry, that statement could be complete cack.

@Raven
Thanks, but the fact aren't useful to me unless I can prove by references or experiments that they are true. That's why I ideally need software to allow me to find this info out for myself. Cheers anyway.

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David R
21
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Joined: 9th Sep 2003
Location: 3.14
Posted: 16th Oct 2005 20:43 Edited at: 16th Oct 2005 20:43
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David Perry (http://www.dperry.com/)
Keeps a large list of email addresses of Industry professionals, and guys from Westwood/EA are bound to be on there. I just can't remember where the hell it is ....

(may of been taken off, but scour his site anyways)

Quote: ""Don't tell him your name Pike!"
"
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Grog Grueslayer
Valued Member
19
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Joined: 30th May 2005
Playing: Green Hell
Posted: 17th Oct 2005 04:24
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Quote: "EA never answered to any of my emails "


Why would you want to contact the Devil?
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Fallout
22
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Joined: 1st Sep 2002
Location: Basingstoke, England
Posted: 17th Oct 2005 12:15
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Thanks David. I couldn't find that email list but that site was quite interesting anyway. I'll keep poking about.

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Van B
Moderator
22
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Joined: 8th Oct 2002
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted: 17th Oct 2005 12:36
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Personally I'd do some research on C&C:G modding, like how people get their own media into the game - perhaps that'll tell you how to access the individual model files, maybe even convert them to a checkable format.

Being able to show a nice render of the C&C vehicle alongside your own would be great material for your write-up.


Van-B

Put those fiery biscuits away!
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Fallout
22
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Joined: 1st Sep 2002
Location: Basingstoke, England
Posted: 17th Oct 2005 15:07
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Very good idea mate. Cheers for that. I wasn't aware there was a C&C:Generals modding scene, but I should definitely have a look into that. Nice one.

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Van B
Moderator
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Joined: 8th Oct 2002
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted: 17th Oct 2005 15:10
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Ohh there's some mad skills in the C&C mod scene - the one I tried was to swap the vehicles for mechs, like a mechwarrior mod - it was beautifully put together, did'nt work, but it shows that it is possible. I'll have a nose around my install tonight, see if I can figure anything out.


Van-B

Put those fiery biscuits away!
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