Ritualistic

Will we have to preload, unlock and authenticate content as seen in HL2?

SiN Episodes will utilize the same infrastructure as Half-Life 2, so the way content is delivered will be identical.

SiN Episodes features a dynamic accuracy system.

We've been playing around with a Source conversion of the original SiN, and the entire first act has already been ported over to the new engine. The majority of our resources is currently dedicated to finishing Emergence, though, so SiN: Source hasn't really been worked on lately. We still want to get it released at some point, but it probably won't happen until after Emergence ships.

Will you be releasing the Steam version of the original SiN before SiN Episodes for the benefit of those who have not yet played it? I know for a fact I wouldn't have enjoyed HL2 nearly as much if I had played it before HL1 (even if the game can be played without knowledge of the first game).

The Steam version of the first SiN is nearly finished and we definitely plan on getting it out there. The exact nature and the timeframe of the release have not been decided yet.

Will there be a separate SDK released or do you and VALVe plan to release an SDK version that can accommodate all Source based games (HL2 + mods and SiN Episodes + extensions)?

We are planning on releasing a SDK for SiN Episodes, but the timeframe for the SDK release has not been established. As for a shared SDK between all Source-based games, given that we have added additional functionality to the Source engine that is not part of the core Source engine, a shared SDK would be difficult to implement at best.

HardCorps rookie Jessica Cannon is Blade's new sidekick.

To which extent are you planning to support the SIN community with mods and other aspects that can arise from the community?

We're definitely going to support the SiN Episodes mod community in any way we can. For starters, though, Valve's editing Wiki is a great resource for modding SiN Episodes, since both games use the same technology. As noted above, releasing a SiN Episodes SDK is also on the list, and members of the team will be stopping by the forums on a regular basis to answer questions and hang out with the community.

On top of all that, one of the great advantages of episodic content is that the community will get a new infusion of assets every few months – textures, models, you name it. Future episodes might also add new gameplay mechanics and technical features. So there will definitely be plenty of content for modders to play around with.

Why haven't we seen updates and or guidance at the puzzles at LegionPharma? It would seem this great viral campaign died and still has so much promise?

LegionPharma / SinclaireTechnologies was a great tool for building hype and getting bits of information out to the hardcore fans, but as we started moving into full development, it just started taking up too much of our time, which is why there haven't been any hints for the current puzzle. Of course, if people figure that one out, we'll most likely come up with a new one. Who knows, LegionPharma might even go back into full swing for episode 2.

That's all for now, folks. We would like to thank the SiN Episodes development team for their time. Keep checking Ritualistic for the latest news and information regarding SiN Episodes!

Related Information:
· SiN Episodes screenshots
· SiN Episodes game section
· SiN Episodes forum
· Official SiN Episodes website