Hi all,

We have to make a decision on the screen size we're going to use for 'Coven'. It's not as easy as you'd think! Of course the common one is 1024x768 - I've not seen a recent game lower than that. The question is whether we should go higher.

We've pretty much decided we'll not go widescreen yet because of the size of the installed base, so we'll stick with a 4:3 aspect ratio. But if we go up to 1280x960, will we exclude a lot of players?

Or are you happy with 1024x768?

Any developers here? What's the state of the art now guys?

You input gratefully received.

Regards

Noel Bruton
Arberth Studios

Hi Noel

Thanks for taking the time to get the gamers viewpoint for Coven. 1024x768 is fine with me even though I can go higher. There have been many games that are just as beautiful at this size as many that are bigger.

I am really looking forward to playing Coven at any resolution.

Thanks for asking

1024 x 768 sounds good to me.

1024x768 is fine for me too.

1024 x 768 is good for me too!

CU

danyboy

And for me !! And how wonderful to be asked

A big thank you for that, noelbruton

1024 x 768 is great for me. I agree with Mad it is so nice to be asked. Also I am looking forward to Coven.

June

Hi Noel.

Thanks for checking with us.

Hi Noel
1024 x 768 sounds good to me also. My CRT monitor can go higher than that but the above is what I am comfortable with. Lots of folks don't own an LCD monitor or higher. If there was a choice that would even make more players happy.

Cathy

Hi Noel
I normally play at 1280 x 1024, but it seems like I'm in the minority here. I don't suppose you can make it adjustable?

Looking forward to the game, btw.

Oh, and don't mind me too much - I tend to play lower resolutions in windowed mode, as long as it doesn't go too small!

Nice of you to consider your market.

Oh, and I for one, am glad that you're not going widescreen yet.

I would be happy with 1024x768 also.

Hi Moondancer,

Ah, if everyone had LCD!

I'm afraid that in the game engine we're using, it's not practical to make it adjustable as there would have to be two copies of every graphic - Richard would kill me if asked him to do that and we'd have to dynamically reposition the hotspots - we might as well make two versions of the game, which is why we have to decide one or the other.

Thanks for the input chaps, this is great stuff.

Noel

Hi Noel, you could consider the possibility of putting the inventory and game controls on the left or right side of the screen for those who have a wide-screen monitor. That way there's no need to redo the graphics.

Of course the priority is to make the game accessible to as many people as possible, and if you have no choice for variety, then obviously you have to go with the lowest common denominator.

I had just hoped it would be possible to adjust it, but if not, then (1024x768) is probably your safest bet, especially seeing as we are talking an adventure game here. (As opposed to action games/shooters where your gamers tend to be very finicky about their graphics)

A 4:3 aspect ratio is perfect for me, also.