Here are the answers to the most common Net Yaroze questions.

QUESTIONS

Can I access the PC file system from my Net Yaroze game?
A complete game needs to download from PC to PlayStation, so from within the game running on the PlayStation there is no access to the PC file system. However the game can re-access the PC to download another game (or part of a game, if there are levels, for example). The new game or part of the game needs to be downloaded manually (that is by explicit command on the PC download console - the console is called 'SIOCONS') in the development envionment provided as part of the Net Yaroze Starter Kit but can be done automatically in the Code Warrior environment.

Is there CD ROM access?
Really, there isn't 'proper' CD access in that you can't stream FMV from CD to the PlayStation, but you can access and work with small amounts of data coming from the CD (DA from an audio CD, for example).

What is the fastest download time from PC to PlayStation?
115200 bps.

Can I use C++?
Yes, you can use C++ but it is slightly more complex than using C.
The GNU compiler that comes with the Net Yaroze Starter Kit supports C++, its standard C library header files define C++ as an option. The PlayStation library header files don't have this as professional PlayStation game development is all in C - for standardisation.
You can alter the PlayStation library header files yourself to allow C++ programming but bear in mind that SCE does not support C++ game development either in Net Yaroze or for professional game developers.

When will an Application Form be sent to me?
If you have contacted us for an order form (via E-mail, telephone, FAX or post), expect it to arrive in mid March 1997.

Is it true that the Net Yaroze PlayStation is multi format?
Yes, the Net Yaroze PlayStation can play both PAL (Europe) and NTSC (Japan, USA) PlayStation discs. However, you need a multi format TV to do this properly.

Can I use the Net Yaroze system on my Mac? and Do I need Code Warrior?
Metroworks have a complete development environment which can be used on Mac or PC. A complete development environment for PC is provided as part of your Net Yaroze Starter Kit, so you do not need to buy Code Warrior unless you feel you would prefer to use this development environment. It is simply a matter of personal preference.

Who owns programs written using the Net Yaroze system?
The original author retains legal ownership of all work that he or she creates as part of Net Yaroze. It should be noted that this ownership also implies that authors are legally responsible for the work (in terms of infringement of copyright, etc).
In particular, source code and graphics can be freely distributed (both to other Net Yaroze Members and the outside world) as desired by their creators - indeed a cornerstone of Net Yaroze is the concept of Members sharing their work and ideas, and participating in joint projects.

How can Net Yaroze programs be made to run on a normal (grey) PlayStation?
Although Net Yaroze Members can share their work with other Yaroze members throughout the world, 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 specialised Professional PlayStation development environment.
However, Members can either become a licensed developer (and license the full Playstation development environment) or work with an existing licensed PlayStation developer to make their work commercially available.
You should note that compared to the freedoms of the Net Yaroze world, having programs commercially published is a complex matter. You will need a publishing deal with an established PlayStation publisher, and will have to tackle a number of technical, contractual and approval issues.

What does 'Net Yaroze' mean and how do I say it?
Net Yaroze (ya'ro'zei) vb. 1. Japanese expression of encouragement, equivalent to the German phrase "Auf Getz", roughly translates into English as "lets do it" 2. The name for a innovative project that will allow PlayStation to be used for development by anyone and everyone.

Why do Mac users have to buy an additional development kit?
The professional development system is only PC based. As Net Yaroze is a cut down version of this, we can only support PC.

When is the launch?
Net Yaroze will be launched at the end of February 1997.

When are the application forms for the development systems being sent out?
We are hoping to send them out sometime towards the end of January.

Will the Net Yaroze kit be good enough to develop commercial games?
Members can aim to make a game as complex as Ridge Racer using Net Yaroze. However, not all of the PlayStation development libraries are included in the Net Yaroze system and you will not be able to implement some features of the professional development kit (like FMV or run the game from a CD, for example). The libraries provided give ample room to develop ideas that can be ported to a professional developement system and made into a commercial game, if you find a developer or publisher who is willing to fund it. The T-Rex (dinosaur) demo, for example, can be made on Net Yaroze.

Can I use my normal (grey) PlayStation to run Net Yaroze games?
No, your normal PlayStation will not play the Net Yaroze boot disc which is required to run Net Yaroze games.

What do I need to know to get the most out of Net Yaroze?
Do not expect to use Net Yaroze to LEARN how to program. In order to get started with Net Yaroze, you should have experience of C programming to a competent level and a knowledge of a 2D graphic creation/editing tool. In addition, at least a basic grasp of a 3D modelling package and a sound creation/editing tool would be help you get the best out of you Net Yaroze kit.

How much RAM is there in the PlayStation for Net Yaroze games?
There is 2Mb of main RAM, 1Mb of VRAM (video RAM for double buffering) and 1/2 Mb of SRAM (sound RAM).

With only 2Mb, can you give some examples of what games or things can fit on it?
Ridge Racer, of course. (Go and have a look at the game and play it for a while and look at the complexity of the game and you will see what it can do.) Also, any level of any of the following games: Tomb Raider, Buster Move 2, Wipeout....(the list is huge).....

What else do I need apart from the Net Yaroze kit, PC and TV?
As long as you have the appropriate PC and TV equipment (see list) you can get programming straight away. You will probably need a Memory card (the normal grey PlayStation Memory card) to speed up serial cable downloading time.

How will I be able to play my game on the Internet?
You will not be able to actually play a Net Yaroze game accross the Internet; they can only be played via a Net Yaroze system - but you will be able to swap executable code with other Members and swap tips and ideas via the Web site.

Will there be any secondary storage options available for the Net Yaroze Playstation in future?
There are none planned at present and this is not likely in the near future, if at all.

Will there be a keyboard?
Not at present and this is unlikely to happen.

Are there any student discounts?
At the moment, there are no plans for individual student discounts, however, colleges should contact the Net Yaroze Team directly over special placements of a Net Yaroze system in their college.
Please ask your head of department to write to the following address, providing details of educational establishment with degree courses and specific courses that would be relevent to Net Yaroze. We already have a number of colleges interested in this but yours may not be one of them, so sort it out!

Contact:

Net Yaroze (Educational)
SCEE
Waverley House
10-12 Noel Street
London
W1V 4HH

Can I use C++?
Yes, you can use C++ but it is slightly more complex than using C.
The GNU compiler that comes with the Net Yaroze Starter Kit supports C++, its standard C library header files define C++ as an option. The PlayStation library header files don't have this as professional PlayStation game development is all in C - for standardisation.
You can alter the PlayStation library header files yourself to allow C++ programming but bear in mind that SCE does not support C++ game development either in Net Yaroze or for professional game developers.

Can I use the Amiga as the host machine instead of the PC?
No.