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Roma Victor: Interview with Nick Witcher
Dana
Member Posts: 2,415
A long time ago we did what we called part one of an interview with Nick Witcher over at RedBedlam. Better late than never, we now have the second half of that interview for you here today. Nick goes in-depth on some aspects of the upcoming historical MMORPG.
;) MMORPG.com: As a small company, you face more challenges than the big guns. How have you dealt with this and created a game that has such hype?
Nick Witcher: Basically, we've got to where we are by facing down these challenges; and the number one advantage of having no heavy artillery is that you're forced to depend upon heightened creativity and innovation in order to out-flank the enemy. We also always knew that we would only stand a chance if we really involved our community from the start and listened to what they were saying and wanted from an MMORPG. In nearly all industries, the majority of companies strive to listen to their customers and provide them with what they want. We felt this wasn't always true in the virtual world industry at the time and that decisions were obviously being made either with little understanding or without much concern for the end user. At RedBedlam we always intended to do things differently and we believe that we have been rewarded by this approach: the proof is the incredibly loyal community following that Roma Victor now enjoys. |
You can read the full interview here.
Dana Massey
Formerly of MMORPG.com
Currently Lead Designer for Bit Trap Studios
Comments
Its all those little details that make this game great. I realy hope they make it.
Keep up the good work
I'm thinking this will just be one of those little niche games that will appeal to a narrow group of mmo players. Why do I have this opinion?
First and foremost, they are shooting themselves in the foot in the graphics dept. Granted, gameplay will always win out over graphics, but these graphics are already horribly dated compared to many mmo's already released, and by the time the game launches they will be even further behind the curve.
Second, as a historical mmo, it is in effect limited on what can be done in the context of history, unless ofcourse they take certain creative liberties.
Third, it's a historical'. Collectively as the human race, we have been there and done that. What would make me want to relive it, other than some romantic notions of what life must have been like. But there again, the graphics do not make me nostaligic or feel romantic toward the past.
It does sound like they have some good ideas though, but without the money to realize those ideas in an attractive and marketable package, I'm inclined to believe this game will never make it to publish, or do poorly in the reviews.
But hopefully, the developers prove me wrong.
*fidget*
C'mon C'MON C'MON! I can't wait!
SWG NGE introduced allot of customers to several new concepts:
-Forums, critics, and reviewers.
-Graphics don't make the game.
-Networking with other players online.
There was a game with lousy graphics, it was cheap to buy, and millions of kids played it. Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. It didnt just have lousy graphics, it had ZERO GRAPHICS.
I think as the technology and mmo genre continues to evolve though, folks expectations are being raised. People want BOTH, great gameplay and great graphics.
There is really too much competition out there to skimp in one dept. or the other.
1st stop complaining about the grahics, have you not read the other thread? They will be turned up upon realease....oh, why am I bothering?
2nd Yes, I am sure they will be taking creative liberties else upon the date that Rome ended so will the game. Don't think after 4+ years of planing and coding they are willing to commit to that.
3rd I am sure alot of people will be buying in game money ot help them along. This game has so much hype they should make alot of money in the first month.
I think the focus on the "bad" graphics is starting to show the lack of imagination the new generation of PC gamers posses. From all indications this will be an excellent and stimulating game for multiple gaming styles. The fact that this game is set in history as opposed to fantasy makes it a very refreshing change from the same 'ol same 'ol. Hopefully when they release and turn the graphics up it will be enough to satisfiy those that find perfect graphics important as without their support it is doubtful the old guard that is still around from the days of text games will be enough to keep it going.
I am looking forward to this game with great anticipation as I have been drifting from game to game ever since Satan On Earth decided to go after the 12 year old crowd with their NGE, and throw a very complex and enjoyable game(to those that like to think as oppse to react) in the garbage. This game is looking like it may be the first one since that attrocity was committed on 11-15-05 to be a a stimulating game play experience.
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A nice article and interview. Full marketing bull shit mode on eh?
All I can say is that the devs must have a lot of untested code to bring out very very quickly (1st of May my ass) if this game is to be anything like what they describe.
This game has serious potential though. Perhaps more than anything else out there.
I believe this game will do just fine, ALTHOUGH they have not sold all 1,500 pre orders yet. And they were SUPPOSED to launch this game within 10-15 days from now. But was pushed back to May.
The graphics are rough, but that is for serverload reasons. That and so more people can run the beta without the l33t sk33t gaming comp.
The developers ideas are fresh, and they post feedback for their fanbase. So they score an automatic 10 in my book for customer service. Not many MMO companies do this, Except, Sigil Games, CCP, and Heroes journey dev team.
Since their is NO REQUIRED monthly fee, little jimmy can have mom happily buy him this MMO seeing as the other competitions comes with a not so pleasant 15.95 price tag a month.
The gameplay looks fantastic, the player verse player aspect of the game will be insane. When you are able to create any object around you, and being able to destroy it walks hand in hand with full player immersion to a game. God knows when I have a house built ingame I will have sleepless nights until I hire NPC guards for my home. Just the fact of full looting, and non +3 Cute attributes on items such as Fuzzy Squirell hat of the Whale or whatever l33t name comes up. Makes the game more immersive.
Immersion is a key point to most MMO's to create an addiction kind of hold on a person, these developers have targeted that PERFECTLY. With the ability of free will and skill training, the game is endless, and not cookie cut like others, thus giving the player more imagination and ability to do more new and unique things that will keep people entertained for years to come.
This will be a niche market game for a while, but just like CCP (Eve-Online) they will get noticed eventually. Anyways, who wants to play a game based on flavor of the month gamers, not me no thanks. I like my games out of the spotlight, you get a better community out of it for the long haul.
With all that this game has to offer, I have no idea how I kept on overlooking it.
I'm almost more pysched about this than Vanguard
I dont believe its a bad thing that this game is not for everyone. That is something i have been saying on these forums, and even said in my player preview of RV on this webiste.
For those who are looking for something different then every mmo ever made since UO( eq, AeqC, DAeqOC, SWeqG, etc etc) and love the concept of a realistic and historically accurate hardcore mmo. Then this game is for you.
as for the interview, a good one. Although its no secret that I am in the test since I wrote that preview.. I can say that I eagerly await the full release of this game so we can get down to the buisness of recreating ancient Rome :P.
In 30+ beta tests, and all the games ive followed.. these devs are the best. I've followed Darkfall since day one and they treat their fans like we dont exist. I fully support RB and their game.
_____________________________________________
"Old UO is now but a dream that will live in the hearts of the faithful for eternity."
Think you have what it takes to take the 'Oath of the legion' and become a true soldier of Rome?
Service guarantees citizenship!
Game will never be a big hit. Ever. Not with that graphic. Call me a shallow person or whatever but I did my days in Doom 1 and Quake 1... Was fun... 10 years ago.
I mean you just can't come out with that kind of game... I don't care if it has most uber crafting system ever... If it looks like shit I will not be playing it. I can't sit infront of my comp 5h a day and to be looking in some 10 times outdated graphics that makes me eyes hurt.
Game will have it fans. Yes. There will be some playerbase. But it's not for everyone.
Just my opinion... Sorry for not liking ugly graphic I guess
PS: Don't say "It will be done before relise"... Every one says that. When I see it, I will belive it.
I have a whole lot of hope for this game. If they are able to successfully implement half of their ideas, it will be an immersive and addictive game. This is, in principle, exactly what ive been waiting for. Now lets just see how it turns out.
/crosses fingers
"The man who exchanges Liberty for Iconic classes is a fool deserving of neither." - Me and Ben Franklin
This game is basically everything I've been looking for in a game.
NO MONTHLY FEE, now when I don't feel like playing money won't be going down the drain
IMMERSIVE WORLD, so it doesn't feel like a game, no stupid items, realistic crafting, full looting, full PvP.
I'm pumped!
I for one really like the fact that most of the newer gen players are not liking this game because of graphics.
It's going to be F2P so that right there opens the gates for a complete community breakdown, but you tak on some graphics that aren't jaw dropping and that eliminates the L33+ players who just want to bash heads on their uber system.
If this game gives us half of what is promised I will be playing it for years.
The problem with the new gen gamers is that they were never around to see how in depth and immersive older games were. This MMO dumbdown is getting to me, and this game looks like they are bringing back the good ole days.
Also remember this, Polygon counts can only do so much, the real graphics lie within texturing. If you look at the textures you can plainly see that they are well done. Plus if they turn up the graphics which I don't think they will do, you may get your precious polygons.
Just look at what WoW did, low poly's great textures, sign me up for RV.