While US players are still waiting for 3Map Games's space sim Homeplanet to be published in this country (the negotiations about the release are taking place now), the development team is already finishes the add-on for the game that will include multiplayer support for the title. GGMania has conducted a brief interview with Mike Zubik of 3Map Games, who provided us an extensive information and four exclusive screenshots.

GGMania: First off, can you tell us a bit about yourself, and how you are involved in the developing process?

Michael Zubik: Hello. My name is Michael Zubik and I'm the project leader of Homeplanet: Playing With Fire from 3Map Games studio. Everything started from the Homeplanet project, I took part in its development from the very beginning, as a concept artist, and then I was making other graphics for the game (HUDs, interface, etc.)

GGMania: How closely does the MP add-on resembles the original design?

Michael Zubik: There were no major changes in game engine. The main task is to introduce the multiplayer. That's why the game will not be different from the first Homeplanet, but there will be a lot of new ships, new locations, and some changes in the interface.

GGMania: How many multiplayer maps are planned? Will the environments resemble locations in the single-player game?

Michael Zubik: Yes, the environments will resemble the locations of singleplayer. We also want to make some new locations for the multiplayer. Talking about the number of maps, we must say that we'll have mission generator for the deathmatch mode, plus the set of ready missions, plus cooperative mode for singleplayer missions mode.

GGMania: How large are the maps, and how many players will the MP support?

Michael Zubik: As far as the events of the game take part in space, the maps are quite big. Though, they are not boundless - the levels have limits, to prevent players from flying too far from each other.

GGMania: What gameplay modes will be featured in the add-on?

Michael Zubik: At the moment, we work on two modes.

- Cooperative - the ability of group passing through the campaign.
- Deathmatch - the "aces" will be able to measure with each other :).

GGMania: Can you tell us a bit more about the co-op mode?

Michael Zubik: The main aspect of co-op mode will be the main character's presence. If the player who plays his part dies, the mission is automatically failed.

GGMania: What's the most distinctive element of Homeplanet's MP that makes it stand out from other multiplayer space simulation games?

Michael Zubik: I think that's what separates Homeplanet from other simulators - original gameplay and real physics. It will be interesting for the players to fight not only against AI, but against each other too - it is interesting to try the engine in the battle with real enemies.

GGMania: What's the current status of multiplayer development?

Michael Zubik: The process of HP add-on development goes to its final stage now.

GGMania: When will the MP expansion be released? Will be the expansion part of retail version for English-speaking Europe and North America?

Michael Zubik: Svetlana Haninaeva, PR Manager of Russobit-M: The negotiations about the release are taking place now. It depends on publisher whether the expansion will be the part of the retail version or not. In Russia, for example, Homeplanet and the expansion were released separately.

GGMania: Will there be a mission editor included in the multiplayer mode?

Michael Zubik: We cannot answer this question now, but we don't exclude such possibility.

GGMania: What do you think will be the biggest obstacles in designing MP?

Michael Zubik: As the game has not been changed, the hardest for us was to write the code for MP, and the development of new campaign. And, of course, the time - one never has enough of it.

GGMania: Finally, is there anything else you wish to say about the game?

Michael Zubik: Thank you for your questions, and good luck to you all! Keep well and hope you'll enjoy our game!