Albion Online started with the promise of becoming one of the first cross-platform MMOs. It was supposed to run on both PC and iOS and Android. But that seems no longer so important. Albion Online still has not had its release in the Apple Store or Google Play. Why not?
The promise: Albion Online set out with the idea that players could play on PC, iOS, and Android. All on one platform, all together.
The reality: Albion Online was released on PC in July 2017. It is now even on Steam. But the mobile versions are still lagging.
Download of Albion Online for iOS and Android already possible
Although Albion Online is already available on mobile, the MMORPG is still in beta there. It has to be downloaded manually:
- Here you can sign up and download Albion Online for the iOS beta
- And here you can download the client for Albion Online on Android
Albion Online is not in the major showcases of the Apple Store or Google Play. In those places, tens of thousands of apps are searched, found, downloaded, and installed every day: But not the MMORPG from Germany.
Why has Albion Online not been released on mobile yet? The technical director of Sandbox Interactive, David Salz, recently discussed this in an interview with Gamesindustry.biz.
The world has changed in the last 6 years. The role of mobile for Albion Online is significantly smaller in 2018 than what was thought in 2012.
“Tablets looked like the next big thing”
Plans have changed: In 2012, when the idea for Albion Online originated, tablets were conquering the gaming industry. Salz says:
“It looked like tablets were the next big thing. Some people even said that would be the end of PCs – just like they always do. We thought: Okay, the [end of PCs] might not be what will really happen, but [tablets] are definitely something we should not ignore.”
Therefore, they wanted to target mobile devices with Albion Online.
But then it became clear: The core audience would play Albion Online on PC because it is a hardcore game. Looking at the mobile market today, Albion is not the right game for that market.
They do not want to be that either; they feel comfortable as a hardcore MMORPG.
Mobile today as a complement for PC players
This is how Albion Online sees mobile platforms today: Today, mobile platforms are seen as an important accessory for players who primarily play at home on PC. These are “secondary platforms.”
One reason why they are not in mobile stores yet is the question of the payment model. On PC, Albion Online has chosen a “Buy2Play” model. Apparently, they are uncertain whether that would also work on iOS and Android.
They are looking at the market and will decide then.
However, it does not sound like Albion Online is in a hurry to get into the shops. According to Salz, you can already play Albion Online on iOS and Android, and many are doing so.
Albion Online – Team has 30 people in Germany, is satisfied with it
How is it going with Albion Online? By the way, Salz does not seem to be talking about a crisis after the layoffs. In the interview, he seems satisfied that he has established a studio in Germany that generates enough revenue to pay 30 people.
