Vonderhaar reveals new Blackout info in rapid-fire interview with GameInformer

❘ Updated: 2018-09-05T00:51:28

GameInformer has shared a new interview with Treyarch’s Studio Design Director, David Vonderhaar, where he answers about 195 Questions in a “Rapid Fire QA” video posted.

Here’s a breakdown of everything he revealed:

Blackout has a player count of 80. Internal testing up to 115, “with any luck”
Treyarch Testing split-screen for Blackout
Not a simulation
Blackout might take place in North California
Treyarch is not ruling out adding characters from other Call of Duty games, but they’re current plans include Treyarch based characters

Blackout will have limited time events events to use/unlock certain content, Vahn says content may not be characters
There are a few types of Armor
No plans for cosmetic based loot in matches
Weapons do not have a rarity variation in Blackout, Vahn states in the interview that it makes the rest of the game confusing
Mission for characters and mission progression unlocks new content
Players can trade items between players, presumably within squads.
Dead players will drop their stashes, which you can loot. If you pick up a weapon that is quest related, you can take over the quest.
Zombies spawn at at least four locations at specific zombies based locations. Vahn says, “look for the ray of light”
It’s possible circle can close in on pack of zombies
Circle will be randomly directed in games. They don’t want it closing outside of the map or in water places too often.
Blackout indirectly affects other game modes
Helicopters spawn at Helipad or similar locations (locations like dirt patches)
You can pack up to 10-20 loot items onto the cargo vehicle, if you try to go over the limit, the loot will just drop off
Players are allowed to hold two primary weapons
Blackout features a “victory quote” when you win, but specifics not revealed
Zombies is the only A.I
There’s no third person. It’s all first person. “First person shooters and put them on the internet.”
The point of the beta is to ensure game tuning, item tuning, progression are all on track to the numbers Treyarch
Vahn won’t comment on Blackout going standalone, says he “makes the shoe” and not the business decisions
GameInformer asks if you can camp in a tub, Vahn says that won’t work and you won’t win like that.
Players can find Ruin’s Grappling Hook and use this. Any character can use the hook, you don’t have to be Ruin to use it.
Icon above your character
There is fall damage
Horns on vehicles can be honked
There’s no other weather than the day light setting. Vahn says “you have to be able to see.”
Firing Range and Nuketown Island mentioned
Nuketown Island has mannequins
Little Bird is a small helicopter in Blackout
Blackout will have emotes, Treyarch wants it in at launch
There is a melee weapon in Blackout that has to do with Zombies
Asked about Zombies lore, Vahn says “nova gas symbology, circle outside”
Raven Software are working with Treyarch on Black Ops 4
Vahn say enjoys SHG’s take on Prop Hunt. Say it may come to Black Ops 4 MP
There is no headquarters social space in Black Ops 4
5 Vehicles in Blackout
Vahn wanted wingsuit during introduction to BO4 but opted for parachuting
No voiced lines/dialogue between characters in BO4
At least one Mason in Blackout
There is no cross platform play
20 characters to choose from at Blackout launch, possibly 22 — all 20 characters should be in the beta.
There is some introduction to characters, but compact/small
There could be relationships between specialists
Difficult to run at 60 fps at Blackout size, but 60 fps is a consistent target and can be hit
Vahn says they will not lock FPS. Says “no way” for 30 FPS lock. Game Informer mentioned that Blackout runs at 60FPS on PS4 pretty well.
The circle may be made of Nova Gas, Vahn says being caught outside is “bad news”
Free Run is not in Blackout, but there are references to it

You can watch the full video HERE.