Net Yaroze
Frequently Asked Questions
Net Yaroze FAQ
==============
V 1.0 (970117)
(c)1997 Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)
Compiled by: Bill Rehbock, John Phua, Don Thomas,
Brian Dawson, Greg LaBrec, Mike Fulton,
Peter Alau, Sarah Lodge and Molly Smith.
Information herein applies to North America only. Any
tradenames used within this document are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their owning companies.
===============================================
NOTE: MOST COMMON QUESTION OF ALL...
How do I register my interest in Net Yaroze?
E-Mail: YAROZEINFO_SCEA@INTERACTIVE.SONY.COM
(U.S. and Canada only)
PS_YAROZE@INTERACTIVE.SONY.COM
(All of Europe and Australia
including France, Germany, Norway,
Switzerland and U.K.)
NY-INFO@SCEI.CO.JP
(Japan)
Sections
--------
I. HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
II. COST, PAYMENTS, CONDITIONS
III. TECHNICAL
IV. COMPLETED WORK
V. WHERE DO I SIGN-UP?
I. HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
----------------------
Q. What does Net Yaroze mean? How is it pronounced?
A. YAROZE (yarozei), or phonetically (ya row zey) vb. means
"let's do it together" or "let's work together" in
Japanese origin. The term embraces the Net Yaroze concept
of getting members to work together and share their work
to reach meaningful objectives in what they do.
Q. When will Net Yaroze be available in the U.S. and Canada?
A. Net Yaroze is currently targeted for release within the
U.S. and Canada by late March 1997. It is possible this
may change. Interested persons should make certain they
register their interest so that they are automatically
updated when news becomes available.
Q. Is Net Yaroze planned for Mexico?
A. We want to support and service programmers in Mexico,
however, plans to do so are not in place at this time.
Q. Can I license the U.S. version of Net Yaroze to be
shipped outside of the U.S. or Canada?
A. Sony Computer Entertainment America will not accept
international transactions. Interested persons outside of
North America will be referred to other Sony facilities
for support if they exist for that region. See the answer
to the most popular question of all at the top of this
document.
Q. What is the difference between Net Yaroze and a
professional developers' program?
A. SCEA's professional developers' program is much more
intensive. The commercial package includes higher level
hardware/software tools, hardware with greater RAM
capacity, an in-depth array of on-site assistance and
on-call technical help.
Q. How will the Net Yaroze system differ from the Japanese
version?
A. All the basic elements provided in the Net Yaroze program
are universal with the exception of translated text
within support materials and the Internet address where
members go for support.
Q. Hardware-wise, how is the Net Yaroze unit different from
the North American PlayStation which is sold in stores?
A. The retail (grey) North American PlayStation hardware
unit can only read commercially developed PlayStation
game titles from licensed PlayStation developers and
publishers. The Yaroze hardware offers no territorial
lock-out, which means that that it can play both PAL
(Europe) and NTSC (Japan, U.S.) PlayStation discs.
However, the user will need a multi-format TV to do this
properly.
Q. Will Net Yaroze be available in stores?
A. Net Yaroze is an extension of the services provided by
SCEA's Research & Development department. In many ways,
Net Yaroze members become a part of SCEA's R&D
activities. This unique relationship with Sony on a
developer level will not be available from any
independent retailer to insure members get support direct
from SCEA and no where else. In short, Net Yaroze is not
a commercial product and will not be available from
retailers.
Q. Where can I get support while a member of Net Yaroze?
A. Net Yaroze integrates a World Wide Web Site with support
areas, file download areas, message areas and more. No
live telephone support is available as part of the Net
Yaroze program. Access to the Web Site is limited to one
year and renewable for a modest fee.
Q. I have a Web Site and want to interview someone about
Net Yaroze. Who should I contact?
A. Contact Molly Smith by e-mail at:
Molly_Smith@Interactive.Sony.COM
Q. May I post this FAQ file on my web site?
A. This document may be redistributed in whole in any
environment that is supportive of Net Yaroze and Sony
Computer Entertainment America.
II. COST, PAYMENTS, CONDITIONS
--------------------------
Q. How much does Net Yaroze cost?
A. Net Yaroze is anticipated to be made available for under
$1,000 in North America plus applicable taxes and
shipping. Other costs may be associated to using
Net Yaroze if the developer does not have other tools
that may be required such as a personal computer or,
perhaps, a more robust C compiler than the one provided.
Q. Can I save any money if I already own a PlayStation?
A. The Net Yaroze black PlayStation is different from those
sold in stores. It is not interchangeable for
development purposes.
Q. Can I purchase more than one Net Yaroze PlayStation?
A. The unique PlayStation designed for the Net Yaroze
program is not for sale. It is only available as a
licensed tool from Sony Computer Entertainment America.
It is possible for one individual to obtain more than one
for unique applications, however each one must be
registered separately and all terms and fees remain the
same for each.
Q. Can I purchase the Net Yaroze PlayStation for resale?
A. Net Yaroze is a developers network available and serviced
directly by Sony Computer Entertainment America. It will
not be licensed to any party for the purpose of resale.
Q. So, I can only sign-up for Net Yaroze from Sony Computer
Entertainment America?
A. Within the United States and Canada, yes. Members will
demand and expect support tools which can only be made
available under license directly from SCEA.
Q. Why does Net Yaroze cost as much as it does?
A. Net Yaroze is an economical version of professional
packages which are licensed for many, many thousands of
dollars. Net Yaroze includes all the essential elements
of a comprehensive development package plus support tools
have been streamlined to bring the price down to a level
that dedicated enthusiasts and aspiring developers can
afford. Net Yaroze is not a toy. It should be considered
only by those people wishing to seriously engage in
software development projects.
Q. Will SCEA accept planned payments?
A. Sony Computer Entertainment America will only ship
Net Yaroze products when paid in full. SCEA will not have
a financing program available.
Q. What forms of payment will SCEA accept?
A. It is anticipated that American Express, Discover, Visa
and MasterCard may be used to pay the required licensing
fees. Of course, money orders and cashier checks are
always welcome.
Q. Is Net Yaroze refundable if I don't like it?
A. Net Yaroze is not a mass market consumer item and will
not be available on any trial basis. SCEA will stand
behind every unit from a manufacturing point of view,
honoring any warranty (90 days) issue that may arise. On
the other hand, Net Yaroze is a license. The black
PlayStation is just one small part of the entire
agreement to share information. It is not refundable and
members are held accountable for their agreement to
protect proprietary information shared with them. Those
interested in Net Yaroze should consider their investment
carefully in advance.
III. TECHNICAL
---------
Q. What else is required to develop software using
Net Yaroze?
A. A 486 DX2 66MHz IBM-compatible personal computer with one
or more serial ports, 28.8 bps speed modem, an Internet
connection, 2X CD-ROM, 10MB of hard disk space, 4MB of
RAM, mouse and an SVGA monitor is minimally required for
Net Yaroze. In addition, members will need to be familiar
with the operation of such a computer as well as a basic
background using the C programming language and the
ability to access the Internet and the World Wide Web.
SCEA does not offer any training for using a computer or
the use of the programming language.
Q. Why 66MHz? How about on slower systems?
A. We recommend a minimum of 66MHz for optimum performance.
Choosing any configuration other than the minimums
recommended are at the developer's risk.
Q. Can I use the Yaroze system on my Macintosh?
A. Yes. The Net Yaroze system can run on an Apple Macintosh
with the aid of a complete development environment called
Code Warrior designed by Metroworks Software. More
information will become available soon.
Q. Can I use international CDs on a Net Yaroze PlayStation?
A. One of the "bonus" features of the black Net Yaroze
PlayStation is its ability to play software distributed
anywhere in the world.
Q. Can anyone with a PlayStation play the games I write?
A. Net Yaroze applications are only capable of being
executed by other Net Yaroze members who have a black
developers' PlayStation; however, the use of Net Yaroze
applications will be strictly subject to the terms of a
license agreement. It will not be possible to develop,
publish and distribute software created by Net Yaroze by
circumventing SCEA's established quality guidelines
applicable to commercial products that are sold through
retailers.
Q. How long does it take for a competent person to learn "C"
as a programming language?
A. That's very similar to asking how long it may take to
learn to speak French (unless you already know it). It
depends on your background, how good you want to be, how
much time per day you allocate to the learning process
and what learning skills you have. Please do not purchase
Net Yaroze to learn C. You can learn the same C on a PC
then consider applying your skills to dedicated platforms
at a later time. There are no components of the
Net Yaroze package to teach the use of C.
Q. Why is "C" the development language on Net Yaroze instead
of C++?
A. C++ may be used, however, C is usually more efficient in
a game programming environment where active programming
space may be an important issue.
Q. Is it true that the code for each Net Yaroze program
developed cannot be greater than 3.5 MB?
A. Primary RAM in Net Yaroze is 2 megabyte PLUS there are
secondary RAM locations that grant programmers up to
3.5 megabyte of working space. Game code, graphics,
audio samples and run-time libraries are limited to
3.5 megabyte because Net Yaroze drivers must be
installed. There are many commercial PlayStation titles
that are entirely RAM-resident and could have been
developed with Net Yaroze while using the CD strictly to
spool Red Book audio.
Creative developers apply compression and run-time
techniques that accomplish virtually anything they strive
for. Again, Net Yaroze can be used as a professional
tool, but it is not intended to be as robust as much more
expensive machines.
Q. How can Net Yaroze programs be made to run on a normal
(grey) PlayStation?
A. Net Yaroze participants can share their work with other
Net Yaroze members throughout the world by posting that
work on SCEA's designated server, Web Site or any other
location authorized by SCEA. The standard consumer
PlayStation is not designed to run Net Yaroze titles
directly. All commercially available PlayStation
titles are developed by "licensed developers" and
published by "licensed publishers" using a specialized
professional PlayStation development environment. Of
course, Net Yaroze members can eventually apply to become
a fully licensed commercial developer at later time.
Q. What kind of software can I develop that is most likely
to be published commercially?
A. This is hard to answer. On one hand, there seem to
be enough baseball games already. On the other hand
someone will create a new baseball game like none other
before. Successful games seem to be those that offer a
high degree of immersion and virtual world interaction.
Sports games need to be fast and lifelike. Fantasy and
arcade games need to be visually stunning and full of
surprises. Some developers start with a remake of an old
favorite and hope they can acquire a license later or
change it enough to be different such as Doom II or Duke
Nuke 'em. Other developers begin with a premise that some
completely new idea is marketable such as Tetris, Klax or
Zoop.
Q. Is the link cable supported in hardware and software?
A. There are two links that may be referred to by this
question. There is the serial link to the PC for the
Net Yaroze package and there is the game link cable
intended for head-to-head gaming between two different
PlayStations. In either case, Net Yaroze does not include
library functions to directly address either link
described above, but determined Net Yaroze members may
likely hack out solutions if they feel their applications
would benefit.
Q. Can I develop a networked application with the Yaroze?
A. Creative and experienced developers will accomplish many
things using Net Yaroze tools. Many things are possible.
That's what makes a talented developer valuable.
Q. We are mainly interested in applications of the Yaroze
outside of games, mostly visualization applications using
this technology. Is there any restriction on development
outside of games?
A. We hope the Net Yaroze program will allow a lot of
freedom in creativity in regard to what content will be
created. SCEA does not place restrictions on Net Yaroze
members as to what kind of applications to develop.
Q. Does Net Yaroze interface with any memory cards?
A. The Net Yaroze package includes the tools needed to
interface with PlayStation compatible Memory Cards which
are used in the slots above the controller ports just as
they are on the commercial versions of the game system.
Q. Can we access the CD to play audio and/or video?
A. During the boot-up of Net Yaroze, a special CD is
required on the PlayStation that contains information for
the system. After boot-up, the PlayStation CD may be used
to play Red Book audio from a standard audio CD.
It may be possible to control the CD-ROM on the PC,
however, it would be up to the developer to devise such
protocols if practical.
IV. COMPLETED WORK
--------------
Q. Who owns the rights to software developed written using
the Net Yaroze system?
A. The original author retains legal ownership of all source
code that he or she creates as part of Net Yaroze except
as protected by applicable copyright law. For instance,
users who create copies of Crash Bandicoot or Asteroids
cannot assume rights to that work. Individual authors are
legally responsible for the work in terms of infringement
of copyright, etc.
In particular, source code can be freely shared among
Net Yaroze members as desired by its creators -- in
accordance with their agreement with SCEA. Indeed, a
cornerstone of Net Yaroze is the concept of members
sharing their work and ideas, and participating in joint
projects. Note that distributed code through the
Net Yaroze program can only be downloaded by other
Net Yaroze members throughout the world. To formally
publish software for all PlayStation owners, Net Yaroze
members will need to look at becoming licensed as
commercial developers.
Q. Will my software be published commercially?
A. We hope to publish commercial products containing
software developed through the Net Yaroze program;
statiscally, however, it is not very likely that any one
project will be published.
Even a great number of projects which begin as commercial
projects never make it to store shelves. It would be
misleading to promise a great likelihood, but many of the
"big guys" do have modest beginnings. Bear in mind that
commercial software must be compelling and not infringent
on anyone else's copyrights.
Q. Is there any interest by Sony in working with companies
to develop specific applications?
A. SCEA also offers a professional developer program.
Serious developers should consider whether a hobbyist
grade package really fits their needs. SCEA will not be
looking to partner with development programs originating
from the Net Yaroze program. When commercial grade work
evolves from Net Yaroze members, SCEA will counsel with
the developer on an individual basis.
Q. Where should I start if I'm not a programmer?
A. If you are not presently a programmer, Net Yaroze will
probably not be for you right away. The best thing to do
would be to purchase some books on programming and a
BASIC or C programming package for development on the
computer. You may wish to look into some local college
courses that may be offered.
V. WHERE DO I SIGN-UP?
-------------------
Q. Where can I go for more information?
A. People interested in Net Yaroze can register their
interest by e-mailing their name, address, phone number
and email address to:
YAROZEINFO_SCEA@INTERACTIVE.SONY.COM
Sony Computer Entertainment America is also developing a
Web Site in which users can obtain more information about
Net Yaroze. The address of this site will be announced
soon. See the top of this document for registering
interest in other parts of the world.
### END OF FILE ###
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