Planet Coaster Livestream: Q&A with Art Director John Laws - Your Questions Needed

[Edward Lewis1]

Hi everyone,

We're running the first ever Planet Coaster live stream tomorrow night - 7PM GMT on our official YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/planetcoaster/live

For the first episode of the series we've brought along Art Director John Laws to answer your Planet Coaster art-related questions, show off a couple of exclusive short clips and give away a prize or two! We'll be bringing along other developers in the week's that follows so you'll get to ask questions about other topics in those streams.

On to business:

We need your questions for the livestream. Remember, John is the Art Director on Planet Coaster, so your questions should be focused on the art side of things. In future streams we'll be bringing in other guests to answer questions about other areas of development, but tomorrow's live stream is all about art! Any off-topic questions can be used for future streams, but won't be answered tomorrow... unless it's a lovely, flattering question about John's outfit choice, or his favourite real-life roller coasters/theme parks.

We'll take some questions from the chat, live on the night too, and we'll be taking questions on Twitter with the hashtag #askjohnlaws - make sure you tag in @planetcoaster at the end of the tweet too!

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow, and reading through your wonderful questions.

Ed

 

[Coasterbuff]

Hi John,
We all loved the Sea Shanty Players.

(1) Will we be getting other similar players for different themes you have planed?
(2) Are you planing to introduce animated parades with lots of fancy dressed characters.

Thank you

 

[Angelis1]

Hi John,

- 1) We saw that entertainers are not only "mascots" (like Rex, Chief Beef, etc ...) but also "singers" (like the "Barber Shop Group"). Except mascots and singers, Is other types of entertainers planned ? If yes, which ones ?
- 2) How many different themes have you planned for Early Access ? And for the V1.0 ?
- 3) Is there any chance to see a real restaurant, with chairs and tables ?

Thank you, and continue your wonderful work [yesnod]

PS : I do not ask the burning question about the UGC, because I think you will not answer, but just in case, this question supersedes all my questions above. [big grin]

 

[Dangermouse86]

Hi,

1) Will we see water rides?

2) What are you favourite ever Theme park rides in real life?


Thanks, and Cant wait for Early Access [hehe]

 

[WingardiumLevicoaster]

Hello,

1. For the VIP tickets we can design our own characters to be in the game. How will this work?
2. What has been your favourite thing to work on in Planet Coaster?

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your work.

 

[Zethird]

Just one question:

Is hotels and resorts is something the team talks about?

 

[Empo]

Great, I have a few Q's that I like to be A'd!

1. Can you tell us what themes will be in the base game? So far we've mostly seen Pirate theme and more generic styled stuff. But I, for one, would like to see Gulpee in his natural natural habbit: The trampline like in my sig jk The prehistoric age
2. Regarding the themes of flatrides, is is possible that you can change it akin to how one changed the theme of the entrance and exits in RCT1,2&3?

Since I am bored, I thought of attempting to list the questions asked so people can keep track of questions already asked. There are bound to be questions like that but I will not filter them. Same with the off topic questions by the way, it's already a chore without having to filter everything.


(1) Will we be getting other similar players for different themes you have planed? (Question was asked in regards to the Sea Shanty Players) - Asked by Coasterbuff
(2) Are you planing to introduce animated parades with lots of fancy dressed characters. Asked by Coasterbuff

(3) We saw that entertainers are not only "mascots" (like Rex, Chief Beef, etc ...) but also "singers" (like the "Barber Shop Group"). Except mascots and singers, Is other types of entertainers planned ? If yes, which ones ? - Asked by Angelis
(4) How many different themes have you planned for Early Access ? - Asked by Angelis
(5) How many different themes have you planned for V1.0 ? - Asked by Angelis
(6) Is there any chance to see a real restaurant, with chairs and tables ? - Asked by Angelis

(7) Will we see water rides? - Asked by Dangermouse86
(8) What are you favourite ever Theme park rides in real life? - Asked by Dangermouse86

(9) For the VIP tickets we can design our own characters to be in the game. How will this work? - Asked by WingardiumLevicoaster
(10)What has been your favourite thing to work on in Planet Coaster? - Asked by WingardiumLevicoaster

(11) Is hotels and resorts is something the team talks about? - Asked by Zethird

(12) Can you tell us what themes will be in the base game? So far we've mostly seen Pirate theme and more generic styled stuff. But I, for one, would like to see Gulpee in his natural natural habbit: The trampline like in my sig jk The prehistoric age - Asked by Empo
(13) Regarding the themes of flatrides, is is possible that you can change it akin to how one changed the theme of the entrance and exits in RCT1,2&3? Asked by Empo

(14) how many game areas and settings you plan in the game (sunny beach,winter wonderland etc.). - Asked by Zerobyte
(15) have you lights, smoke, fog imagined and goes this in the game at start,end 2016 - Asked by Zerobyte

(16) Will there be an option to change the colors of the lights. - Asked by LustraGaming
(17) Which themes will be in the game. - Asked by LustraGaming
(18) Will we be able to change the color scheme of a ride, or maybe have different skins for them according to the theme of the park. - Asked by LustraGaming

(19) Will the entrance be customizable? - Asked by Widlan
(20) Will there be seasons in the game?- Asked by Widlan
(21) Can we have ride events like RCT3? - Asked by Widlan

(22) In one image, there is artwork for the flat ride with the brain at the center (http://i.imgur.com/071Eqdt.jpg). I love *all* the variations that were shown in this image and would love to be able to pick and choose from *any* of those variations. Were those just brainstorming concepts or will we have the ability to swap in and out different themed parts to customize our rides? (Please say "yes!") - Asked by jpennin1

(23) How many variants of guests will there be or will they be procedurally generated so that we don't get multiple guest that look identical, with only different clothing? - Asked by Wilkie

(24) where did you draw inspiration from for the style of game? - Asked by jhouston
(25) what themes are there going to be at early access launch, and even launch if you know? - Asked by jhouston
(26) how big is the team working on the art? - Asked by jhouston




(27) What does your average work day entail as an art director? - Asked by SymphonyX
(28) What was the thought behind balancing the realistic aspects vs. the cartoonish aspects of the game? - Asked by SymphonyX
(29) Will the guest designer tool used for VIP Ticket be available in the final game? Will we be able to create our own guests, staff and entertainers? - Asked by SymphonyX

(30) One of the updates I was a little iffy too was the "interior design" one. I know that you are just in the process of creating much of the game yet (and its probably already covered by the design team), but I think some essential things are needed for the interior design to work right that we didnt see in that video. My question is: Are we going to have interior floor covers of some type? The paths used in the video still looked like outside paths (with round edges and all) and I would love to have something that works well with next to the interior wall of the buildings walls. There were some nice feelows that created some tupe of flooring tiles for RCT3 that worked realitively well in interior buildings (with diagonal tiles included). Seeing something similar, we could change color and pattern would made my day. - Asked by Spridley


(31) This is also similar to the interior questions. Would it be possible to add, even if its only decoration, some type of different furniture with variety of merchandise just like what you see at gift shop interiors in parks?
Sometghing like this basically:
http://jimhillmedia.com/cfs-filesys...-00-00-03/8030.DLC_2D00_36.jpg_2D00_500x0.jpg
https://secure.parksandresorts.wdpr...hop/dino-institute-shop-00.jpg?20092013091050
- Asked by Spridley

(32) I am loving the art direction I have seen so far, full of charm and personality, you really have raised the bar very high. What is your favourite stand-out piece? - Asked by stuk71


I'm taking a break now LOL

EDIT: Continuing

(33) Given that you are the art director, what rules and guidelines have you setup for what can and can't be represented in the park? For example, I believe I read somewhere that you guys have said that all the rides, scenery, etc. have to be "real-world" things - something that could physically exist and work via technology and materials that exist in the real world. Can you talk about this and whether or not there would still be room (maybe in a future expansion) for more "fantasy" parks? Examples: "lunar landscape" biomes, lava pools/flows, futuristic rides that float with rockets, fantasy areas with magically floating bridges or rides, etc. - Asked by jpennin1
(34) Internally, how have you defined the guidelines for the art style and direction for your artists? Have you just done it visually with a wall full of photos and artwork that represents the look you are going for, or do you have descriptive text and words that you define the style with like "colorful", "organic", etc.? - Asked by jpennin1
(35) How do you keep your artists on track with the vision you have established for the design? (And how do you tell someone when you really don't like something they created?) - Asked by jpennin1

(36) Have you and your team ever looked at custom art/concepts from previous genre related games that the public community has made in "other" titles?! - Asked by Guardious
(37) How far does the team dig for concept art or ideas? Do those assets become reality in game?... (In other words, does the Frontier team in general get a say in the project? IE one guy goes "hey this is really a cool thing" and everyone goes, "yea we should put that in!".) - Asked by Guardious
(38) Finally , from previous genre related titles, how has the process changed from then till now? Has it been more difficult, have people on the team like yourself or others found ways to streamline the process? Do you believe the future (After release) will be an easy sail compared to the past? - Asked by Guardious

(39) I really like the style and content of what I've seen so far. But I'm somebody who's not able to create custom scenery, so might it be possible (in future) that we could request theming that you'll create for DLC or Add-On? - Asked by rctuwe

(40) So I would assume there will be themes Coasters, Ferris Wheels and so forth, but will there be the ability to toggle between themed and non themed for these rides? - Asked by Jcnavyd
(41) Can we change the area that is out of the boarder area? Meaning the area that park is not able to build in can we choose a theme for that, i.e. city view, Desert, forest and so forth? Reason I ask is that Amusment parks are set in all different types of setting and areas. - Asked by Jcnavyd
(42) On a Night mode coudl we have the ability to adjust the brightnes of say path lights and so forth? If there is a Childrens area I could increase the amount of light the unit emits vs the standard through out the whole park? - Asked by Jcnavyd
(43) Will there be lighting kids for the rides? i.e. Windseeker, Patriot and so forth have LED light sets for them. Coult they be customized? - Asked by Jcnavyd
(44) Wil there be Fireworks? - Asked by Jcnavyd

(45) can we make our own darkrides? - Asked by stefwondergem
(46) can we choose between different restrains. like b&m new restrains and the old ones - Asked by stefwondergem

(47) i was wondering how customisable the rides themselves are graphically - will there be things like alternate looks for rides, perhaps that fit in with certain themes? If not will we be able to decorate flat land rides (perhaps inside buildings?) so that they'll fit in better with the surroundings? - Asked by DJTruthsayer

(48) Is there a feature you really would like to include at release but can't? But, Perhaps will include in a future update/expansion? - Asked by 3pmusic
(49) Will there be a similar expansion and development plans like Elite: Dangerous? - Asked by 3pmusic

(50) will there be thunderstorms and see people flee for shelter?- Asked by Luna Lulu
(51) can you customize the colours of accessories like in RCT? - Asked by Luna Lulu
(52) is there a campaign? i like a challenge - Asked by Luna Lulu
(53) can you customize your own music in game?? - Asked by Luna Lulu

(54) Will Planet Coaster use shaders to create realistic looking grass and other materials? - Asked by jpennin1
(55) How does Planet Coaster's level-of-detail system work and how much time do the artists have to spend considering LOD models? - Asked by jpennin1
(56) Will the game offer various (and custom) color correction filters to modify the look of the game? (Muted colors, vivid colors, black and white, etc.) - Asked by jpennin1

(57) Will there be mod support for the game (easy installation) - Asked by CallumBowyer14
(58) Will there be modding tool available such as the Fallout G.E.C.K or the Skyrim creation kit? - Asked by CallumBowyer14

(59) As we've seen in the various videos that have been released, there is a noticeable difference between the lovely cartoony characters and the beautiful realistic Roller Coasters and rides. How do you make sure these two different worlds don't collide with each other? - Asked by RickMarkestein

(60) have you all developed any art concepts from YouTube ie watched rct3/No Limits videos and thought, we can expand on that? - Asked by Sdanwolf

(61) You have laid out a bunch of themes, but how many themes do you all plan on having in the game? - Asked by KnoxVegas
(62) I to would also like to know more about the mascots/entertainers and possible what other groups or designs/concepts you all have come up with for this? - Asked by KnoxVegas

(63) Are you able to tell us how many coaster styles will be available at both beta launch and game release? - Asked by Coasterfan312
(64) Will trains be assigned to their own specific track like in real life (i.e. Corkscrew train goes on old Vekoma track)? I'm just curious since Corkscrew track was used for all trains in the Dev Diaries, presumably as a placeholder. - Asked by Coasterfan312

(65) Are we going to get dark rides? - Asked by JT Coaster mad

(66) Will Planet Coaster feature graphs and tools to measure the g-forces on rides?
(67) Will g-forces affect the riders?
(68) Will there be anything similar to the excitement/intensity/nausea ratings from RCT? - Asked by kythlyn

(69) I would love to get my own graphics into the game so will there be any items like signs, T-shirts, balloons or coaster car fronts that will act like billboards in RCT3? - Asked by Nemmie
(70) was there anything you were desperate to get into RCT3 that wasn't technically possiblle that is in Planet Coaster?- Asked by Nemmie
(71) From an aesthetic point of view, what's your favourite real-life ride and why, and did you get it into Planet Coaster?- Asked by Nemmie

(72) will we be able to create ´plazas´ like mentioned in a thread of angelis ? - Asked by coasterhype

Okay, I'm done! SO DONE!

 

[Zerobyte]

Hi John,

First a big tanks to you and Frontier for this nice opportunity [up]

1 how many game areas and settings you plan in the game (sunny beach,winter wonderland etc.).
2 have you lights, smoke, fog imagined and goes this in the game at start,end 2016

 

[LustraGaming]

Will there be an option to change the colors of the lights.
Which themes will be in the game.
Will we be able to change the color scheme of a ride, or maybe have different skins for them according to the theme of the park.

 

[widlan]

First, thanks for the opportunity to ask questions. It's a great pleasure to follow the game.

Here are my questions:
- Will the entrance be customizable?
- Will there be seasons in the game?
- Can we have ride events like RCT3?

Have a nice day. I wait for Early access with enthusiasm. [up]

 

[Coasterbuff]

Try and keep your questions on topic (ARTWORK or anything related to it) Read through the first post before you ask your questions. You will get the chance to ask other questions about the game when the right person will be available to answer them. Anything off topic won't get answered.

 

[widlan]

Hello Coasterbuff, are you saying this because of questions I ask? I just tought it was related to the visual of the game, sorry if it's not the case... Have a great day.

 

[EndDays]

First, I just have to say that I *love* the art style of the game so far. I think it's important to keep the "fun" and "charm" in a game like this in order to convey the fun one experiences by visiting a theme park.

My question is related to some of the beautiful concept art that's been shown. In one image, there is artwork for the flat ride with the brain at the center (http://i.imgur.com/071Eqdt.jpg). I love *all* the variations that were shown in this image and would love to be able to pick and choose from *any* of those variations. Were those just brainstorming concepts or will we have the ability to swap in and out different themed parts to customize our rides? (Please say "yes!")

 

[Coasterbuff]

Hello Coasterbuff, are you saying this because of questions I ask? I just tought it was related to the visual of the game, sorry if it's not the case... Have a great day.

I know your questions are to do with the visuals of the game and your questions may be answered, I was just pointing out that some questions do tend to get off topic, I wasn't pointing a finger at anyone in particular.

 

[Angelis1]

Hello Coasterbuff, are you saying this because of questions I ask? I just tought it was related to the visual of the game, sorry if it's not the case... Have a great day.

Nope, you are the one who is right.

Art =/= Artwork

John is not "Artwork Designer", but "Art Director" (or "Artistic Director")

So every questions are on topic for now [yesnod][up]
(exept one, in postscript and in italic)

 

[widlan]

No problem Coasterbuff, I don't take it personal... [happy]

 

[wilkie79]

How many variants of guests will there be or will they be procedurally generated so that we don't get multiple guest that look identical, with only different clothing?

 

[Coasterbuff]

No problem Coasterbuff, I don't take it personal... [happy]

Thanks widlan [yesnod] I'm having a bad hair day on here today, as you will notice from some of my other post's I have commented on. No offence intended, I just get annoyed when people keep asking the same old questions over and over again, when all the answers to them can been found on here. People need to look. [big grin] Rant over!

 

[jhouston]

1) where did you draw inspiration from for the style of game?
2) what themes are there going to be at early access launch, and even launch if you know?
3) how big is the team working on the art?

 

[SymphonyX]

1) What does your average work day entail as an art director?
2) What was the thought behind balancing the realistic aspects vs. the cartoonish aspects of the game?
3) Will the guest designer tool used for VIP Ticket be available in the final game? Will we be able to create our own guests, staff and entertainers?

Thanks!