Gibme.com's Stifeshadow interview talks with Joseph Poppa about progress on Strifeshadow, the upcoming RTS game from Ethermoon software. The following question and answer provides what he feels is the good news and the bad news about not being a "publishing power":

Gibme: As a small team with no experience in game development, do you think you will be able to compete with the big well-established companies?

YRM: Honestly? In some ways, we can't, like publishing power, marketing, and overall budget. BUT, we are absolutely in touch with the on-line RTS gamers (because we are and we talk to them daily at our forums). I think the advantage Ethermoon and Strifeshadow has is that we've been dedicated since the start towards making the tactical combat focus of Strifeshadow absolutely superb. Gamers looking for a balanced game with good pacing for addictive and competitive on-line combat should be very pleased with Strifeshadow.

I'm sure you've purchased a real-time-strategy game and tried it out on-line, only to find out that the games last over an hour, the races are imbalanced, it's way too easy to rush, one unit dominates the game, or the 3D graphics don't look nearly so good zoomed out to the maximum view that you need to play well.

I can assure you that Ethermoon is absolutely driven to make sure Strifeshadow is 100% FUN to play, and I've had a great time playing it even during alpha testing. Replay value is so important in giving people their money's worth in a game.

Whew... long answer, I guess you can tell I feel pretty strongly about what we have to offer!=)