General:Douglas Frederick's Posts

Douglas Frederick's Posts
Medium/Format	Online Forum
Interviewee(s)	Douglas Frederick
Hosted By	TES Forum

These are a few notable comments from Producer Douglas Fredrick, President of Vir2L Studios, on The Elder Scrolls. Fredrick went by Vir2Ldouglas on the official forums.

2004

What happened to the additional features for Shadowkey meant to be downloaded off the N-GAGE Arena pub? (Dec 7 2004)

There is no unlockable/downloadable content (spells/quests/downloads) for Shadowkey. Essentially, the downloads were to provide keys to unlock content already on the MMC card. In the end, as we were struggling to accomplish Arena functionality (guilds and chatrooms were also not incorporated), we opted to simply include all the "bonus" content in the actual game. This added yet more to a game that was already "large" on the N-Gage.

2005

On the future of The Elder Scrolls Travels (2005-01-06)

Hello all - I thought I would respond to recent discussions on this forum regarding future Vir2L products and respective platforms (at Hungry Donner's thoughtful request).

Vir2L business focus includes mobile and handheld consoles (N-Gage/PSP/NDS) for it's range of game titles. Regarding recent questions about future TEST products for any handheld consoles, Hungry Donner is correct in that there are no plans that have been or can be disclosed. There are active efforts to position future TEST products and there are supporters for PSP, NDS and N-Gage products. As may be anticipated, the business success of present TEST games (Shadowkey) will play a hand in future plans.

Platforms that are not receiving any consideration are PDA platforms (e.g. Pocket PC, Treo, Palms, etc). There simply isn't the widespread userbase to warrant the investments.

I'm sure it goes without saying that platform technologies, business opportunity, team resources, etc all need to be carefully understood in order to commit to product. We (Vir2L & Bethsoft) hope to bring many flavors of TEST or TES to all of you, and we're working diligently to do so. Stay tuned to these channels...when we have news we'll share everything we can here.

On the partnership between Bethsoft of Vir2L (2005-01-06)

Several comments have recently emerged on these forums regarding the Vir2L & Bethsoft relationship and TES origins. This warrants an entry here on backgrounds.

It's important to understand that Vir2L and Bethsoft roots have more parallel than most people know. Vir2L is the wireless and handheld arm of ZeniMax Media (parent corporation of Bethsoft as well). We work in the same building, formulate strategy and planning together, use the same support staff, and eat from the same kitchen. I began my tenure as division director of Bethesda Softworks in 1997 until the company restructuring in 2000. At that time, I was selected to head Vir2L and was charged with pursuing new business areas and technologies. This lead to the present Vir2L focus of wireless and handheld console games.

Regarding key TES participations, of course any TEST game is overviewed by Todd Howard, executive producer of all things Elder Scrolls (and more).

Other key Vir2L members have interesting TES & Bethsoft origins. In the days of Battlespire and Redguard, I worked frequently with Todd Howard and others. At that time, TES teams included Mark Jones and John Pearson, who more recently were the core artists for Shadowkey. Both have significant Elder Scrolls background, and those familiar with TES history will recognize this. Their participation on Shadowkey was fundamental to our strategies. Mark Jones of course has been lead artist on all three TEST games.

Greg Gorden joined Vir2L in Stormhold & Dawnstar. I stumbled onto Greg, however it was quickly recognized by Ken Rolston (who had worked with Greg at West End Games) that Greg's participation was perfect and uniquely capable for TEST. Ken Rolston needs no TES introductions, I'm sure. Again, it was a TES/Bethsoft input that helped bring about an excellent creative resource. This has evolved into three products for TEST so far.

Vir2L team members may participate in future TES products, and for example, these could be for handheld console products under the banner of Bethsoft. This wouldn't be objectionable to anyone at Vir2L or Bethsoft. We pool our creative resources and energies, and draw from this common pool of talent. We all strive to make great games that we'd be proud of. Our goals are common: to build and expand upon our achievements and success and to help one another in the process. For their part, I'm thankful to Bethsoft for this open spirit.

Now, someone around this forum (myself) better get back to work on future products for you...Thank you for the air time.