Are there any features or elements to this release of Empire: Total War that are specific to the Mac version?In terms of content, the Mac version comes with every bit of extra content (The Warpath Campaign, and four unit packs, the Special Forces Units and the Elite Units of the East, West and America) pre-installed. There are also Mac-exclusive features that we add into all our games wherever possible, such as screenshots that include metadata. We also include optional features that allow players to customize their gaming setup, for example one that automatically pauses iTunes when users start playing, and one that automatically updates users’ iChat status.
We also include an automated support system in our games. Although we don’t expect anyone to experience problems, if something does go wrong, we want their support experience to be as quick, simple, and hassle free as possible.
Were there any specific hurdles that you encountered while working on bringing Empire: Total War to Mac?
All games have their own special hurdles, and Empire’s was definitely its size! Not only does the Mac version contain all the downloadable content, but the game itself is absolutely huge. Testing all the different scenarios and campaigns was a massive task.
The engine was also drastically upgraded with a new graphics renderer between Rome and Empire, so the code wasn’t that similar between the two. Often, games in the same series have similar code, which aids the porting process if you do them both. Empire was the first game in the series that used the massively updated graphics renderer, so it took a little time to get working perfectly on the Mac.
Empire: Total War Gold Edition is scheduled to be released on September 13. Read more of the interview at the link below.
