Read about storyline, side kicks and more on page 2

What kind of impact will the player have on the Champions Online world? Will they be able to achieve something like the eradication of a menace, or is the content more classic and static like in many MMO?

It’s a very tricky proposition to make an MMO where players permanently impact the larger world on a large scale. A lot of work goes into creating certain types of events or enemies to make them fun and interesting – to have them completely eradicated due to player action means that all that work goes away and are never seen by players old and new. That means however cool that content was, it’s gone. While more realistic and immersive to have impact it’s not necessarily fun, especially for new players who never got to experience the content or old players who want to replay that content.

A better way to have players impact the world is through participating in game evolution. One of the great things about MMOs are the content updates which add new elements to the world. Why not have players affect those updates by their actions in the game world or fan community? It’s a concept we’re exploring right now and may show up in Cryptic games.


What kind of quests and storyline can we expect? Some related to our character? Some Super group quests? A main storyline involving everyone?

All of the core quests and storylines are closely tied with the environments. For example, in Canada you start off at the Steelhead Legion base helping relief workers rescue the victims from a downed plane crash and discover multiple plots involving ice demons of ancient evil gods and an anti-government terrorist group. As you discover new areas you get involved with new storylines.


What of super group Headquarters? Can we expect something à la City of?

We won’t be having supergroup HQs at launch. It may be something we add in a later update, especially if it becomes a highly-sought feature among the fan base. Check out the Champions Online forums and make your opinion known!


Can we expect the same Side Kick feature, since you'll have equipment in Champions Online? How will it work with this major difference?

We are looking for a similar system for Champions Online, although we are still iterating on it right now. Our main goal is to make it even easier for players to group up regardless of power level.


Is there any way you will be able to secure your character name before the Champions Online launch?
Do you plan to hold contest that will give you the opportunity to do that?

We’re actually looking at something completely different regarding character names, but it’s too early to talk about right now. Sorry!


Isn't the F2P model interesting for a MMO that offer so many possibilities in term of cosmetic micropayment?

It is interesting, but there also something to be said for subscription models that include regular free bulk updates. We’re still working out the cost details on the business-side about our final pricing structure.


Thanks very much for your time.

No problem! Everyone at Cryptic is pretty excited about how Champions Online is turning out and we are looking forward to sharing more about the game with you soon.

Thanks to Erwan “Fumble” Lafleuriel
, PC Editor at our sister site MondesPersistants.com
To read this interview in French, please visit our sister site.