Interview Q&A with Firaxis associate producer Pete Murray

[Being]

To draw a parallel
"Will we have random loot drops in Diablo 3? -Well, we're drawing very heavy inspiration from Diablo 2 and 1"

It's basically a given that this feature must be in the game or it will not in fact be a Diablo game. Same applies with XCOM. (Obviously they have been very clear about the loot drop system in D3, this just as a hypothetical situation).

The concern here is that all this secrecy around it is going to mean that it is perhaps implemented in a different way from the original.. It's still there, but different.

[SectoidSquisher]

That's just it though. Why didn't this developer say the same thing? One gives a straight answer, the other is coy about it. Being might be close to the truth on this one. It might be a two part mission and not the standard UFO recovery mission from the original.
Either way, the devs really need to get on the same page when they're promoting the game. It minimizes stress and confusion among the fans eagerly awaiting every tidbit of information.

It is a bit odd. Maybe they've got some amazing reveal concerning it - I don't know.

[Zxc]

Thanks for posting. Good interview. Very laid back but confirms they are deliberately holding back some info. I think that's the way to go rather than pushing it all out in one hit. Draws it out and keeps everyone interested. Sounds like there's plans for everyone’s current questions but they will answer them when they are ready.

I don't see it as them being secretive. I think there is still just a long time until game release and they want to reveal the feature slowly, bit by bit, especially with E3 coming. They want to build the excitement as part of their marketing strategy.

I completely agree. Look at the mileage they're getting on all these threads by not telling us everything. All this speculation...it's part of the fun.

[DazzD]

Well thats just how I am reading it. Why would they release eveything they have on the game so interest dies off before it comes out. It makes far more sence to me to save the best parts to release at places like E3. The more that we are drip fed the more that we all jump on the forum and speculate...

As Zxc said, its all part of the fun!