Developer Futuremark has created an original sci-fi set 40 years from now when Man has been mining on the Moon and living in the International Space Station. After a mining catastrophe sends billions of tons of rocky debris into the Earth’s atmosphere, survivors are trapped on the moon and on the space station. Not able to return to Earth, conflict arises between these two groups of survivors and players step into this conflict, armed with guns, but also equipped with rocket packs as they battle in zero gravity. Jaakko Haapasalo, producer of the game, talks about taking the shooter genre into zero gravity in this exclusive interview.

What are your thoughts on the role digital distribution plays in games today?

For us digital distribution makes a lot of sense. Shattered Horizon is a multiplayer-only, PC-only title, so digital distribution was an obvious choice. Steam also enables us to respond quickly with updates and content, which is very important for a multiplayer game. For example, during our beta we put out seven large updates, one per week, and it all went amazingly smoothly thanks to Steam’s update services.

What are the challenges of creating games for digital distribution today?

Shattered Horizon

One of the challenges is simply that the digital distribution environment is changing and evolving very rapidly. There are many potential distribution partners, and many different revenue models. We chose Steam because we felt it offered the best options and audience for our game and we have been very happy. I would even say that digital distribution is a lot easier in many ways than traditional boxed retail, as there are fewer steps and less lead time between producing the game and getting it to the players.

What are the challenges of developing for the PC platform given that tech is always evolving?

Futuremark has a long history in PC development, so we are very used to evolving technology. We worked with NVIDIA on this title, which has been great because they supported us with early access to APIs and engineering support, especially in cutting-edge areas like new PhysX effects.

What are your thoughts on the shooter genre today?

I think the shooter genre is alive and well, and it’s good to see that in many shooters it’s the multiplayer side that is driving the genre forward. Even though the biggest-selling FPS games this year will be sequels, we still think there are plenty of players who are looking for something innovative and different. We are seeing this thought echoed in many reviews and in a lot of forums, too. There are many gamers who love FPS gameplay mechanics but are desperate for a game that gives them a new experience. Shattered Horizon is for those players.

What does zero gravity add to the strategy and dynamics of gameplay?

Space combat

There are very few limits on movement and routes from one part of a level to another. Teams are free to balance the risk of exposure and fast movement through the open expanse, with safer but more circuitous routes within cover. Coordinating attacks is likely to pay off more, since the variety of attack routes is large. On the other hand, defensive positions can also be found in unexpected locations. Players can fire more accurately when they are attached to a surface, but they sacrifice maneuverability so players constantly have to adapt to what is happening all around them.

Can you talk about the rocket pack and how that figures into things?

The rocket pack lets you move in any direction or roll your horizon to any orientation. It also compensates for weapon recoil. Otherwise, you’d fly off into space every time you tried to shoot someone. There is a boost mode that can get you into the action or out of trouble quickly. Your rocket pack lights up the environment when you move. Players can be stealthy by firing in the direction they want to go and then using their inertia to carry them there without lighting up their rockets.

What role does stealth play in this game?

There is an especially stealthy option called “silent running,” where you can make yourself invisible to enemy radar by turning off your suit electronics. However, when running silent you lose your own HUD and radar, audio simulation is disabled, and your rocket pack no longer compensates for recoil; so you will start drifting backwards when firing your gun. Your rocket pack no longer lights up the environment either. And since it is running at reduced power, you can no longer move as quickly.

Do you limit the rocket pack with fuel or can the entire game be played from the air?

There is no fuel limit. Boost takes a while to recharge to full readiness after use. You can play the game entirely in the air, although you’ll need to be careful to stay near cover. When you move out in the open, you make an easy target.

Can you talk about the story and the game universe?

By definition space is empty, so we needed something to create an interesting environment for the game. And as the game is set just 40 years from now it had to seem relatively plausible. This background story of having Man trapped on the Moon and in the space station creates an interesting environment -- the Earth surrounded by a ring of debris and the environs of the shattered Moon. It also gives us a reason for people to be shooting at each other. In most cases, story isn’t that important for a multiplayer game. However, we think there is a lot of potential in Shattered Horizon’s setting and in zero gravity gameplay, so we put forth the effort to give us options for expanding the game world in the future.

What's the multiplayer experience like with 32 players?

It depends a lot on the game mode, but generally it is very intense. We have short spawn times, so you are never too far from the action. Teamwork and communication are key in larger games, working together to attack or defend the control points. Some of the maps are more suited to smaller teams of four to eight to a side, so if you prefer to play just with your friends or a clan, there is that option too.

What are some of the environments players will engage in?

There are currently four levels in Shattered Horizon. Moondust and Flipside are large maps that comfortably support 32 player matches. The other two levels, ISS and the Arc were designed for smaller teams. Each level provides a different zero gravity experience from the closed-in corridors and caverns of Moondust, to the huge debris field of the Arc, to the wide open space of the ISS level. We have started work on the first content expansion to Shattered Horizon which will add more levels. These expansions will be free to all players.

How is the combat different than other FPS games?

Zero Gravity

There are many ways to play Shattered Horizon and it has been interesting for us watching tactics evolve during the beta and now with the release of the game. It is very hard to camp and flight inertia keeps people moving around. Using cover and working together is as important as in any team-based FPS game, but if you play the game like a regular FPS you will make yourself an easy target for more experienced players. The biggest difference is probably in learning to take advantage of zero gravity and the complete freedom of movement it offers. The best players are very good at moving around the levels and attacking from unexpected angles. You can fly anywhere and attach to any surface, so there are lots of tactical choices. The multipurpose weapon you carry is effective at all ranges from long-distance scoped shots through medium-range rapid fire from the hip to intense close-quarters melee combat.

Can you talk about the gameplay experience a high-end PC gamer will get with this title?

Shattered Horizon is very scalable and will run with playable frame rates on an 8800 GT - level graphics card. The game also scales very well towards the high end. SLI is supported, of course, and we have visual options that affect shading quality, shadows, post-processing, ambient occlusion and texture resolution. With all settings maxed and running at 2560 x 1600 resolution, you’ll need a monster rig to perform, but the visuals will be awesome. We couldn’t resist putting in an “ultra” setting for post-processing, for example. That will enable half-resolution, post-processing for the real enthusiasts.