ArcheAge adds additional areas along with two new races – the Warborn and Dwarves – with the Revelation Add-on. The Art Team of Trion’s sandbox MMO had some unique ideas in their design. In an interview, the designers revealed what inspired them in their work.
Who doesn’t know the horned demon gang from Mad Max: Fury Road? What? You can’t remember the hellish minions in the post-apocalyptic epic? Well, there were no demons in the film. Rather, the wasteland action odyssey served as the primary inspiration for the designers of ArcheAge for the new demon race of the “Warborn“.
There is no beer in the Mech!
In an interview, the art design team behind ArcheAge was asked how they came up with the various ideas and concepts for the new content of the “Revelation” add-on. For the Warborn, it was clearly Mad Max, but the Dwarves are traditional Tolkien with a hefty dose of Steampunk. Moreover, we learn that there is no beer inside a Dwarf mech called “Moloch”! Have fun with the interview!
Which games besides ArcheAge have you worked on so far?
Many of the colleagues in the team have worked on various projects, including games, films, and animations. As far as games are concerned, the team has mainly worked on MMORPGs.
There is a traditional view of the fantasy figure of the Dwarf. What differences or similarities does your Dwarf have with this image? What makes the Dwarf in ArcheAge special?
The Dwarf from ArcheAge does resemble the classic image of the fantasy figure of the Dwarf. However, one special feature is the fact that the civilization of the Dwarves in ArcheAge is heavily oriented towards their unique engineering skills. Additionally, there are connections to vast areas. The Moloch is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Dwarves. Its combat capabilities exceed the limited physical abilities of the Dwarves.
What served as a model for the Warborn? Are there influences from other games, movies, etc.?
Mad Max: Fury Road provided inspiration for the Warborn. We found many similarities between the lives of the Warborn and Mad Max: Fury Road. For example, the desert areas and the tough fight for survival. The sunburned wilderness is meant to reflect this concept. In this dangerous environment, the Warborn try to realize their true potential. The clothing and dwellings of the Warborn are also based on recycled materials.
How do the new areas differ from the old? Was there a particular focus on the new areas?
The areas of the new races include new environments and climatic conditions that have never been seen before in ArcheAge. This includes the icy winter landscapes of the Dwarves and the deadly desert of the Warborn. Additionally, other areas have been added, including the peaceful Ahnimar and the stormy Rokhal Mountains. We would also like to add new areas and environments to ArcheAge in the future.
What was your idea behind the creation of Ahnimar, the homeland of the Daru?
We wanted to build a city for the Daru. This race has many roles in ArcheAge. In the Golden Plain, there are already a few Daru cities. The new area will provide more insight into the engineering skills of the Daru. Among other things, a hot air balloon will be featured. We are excited to present an area that fits very well with the characteristics of the Daru.
What physical aspect posed the greatest challenge in developing the Dwarves and Warborn?
The trickiest part was the introduction of new body types. Existing outfits had to be adapted to the new models. Many outfits look different depending on the race, which contributes significantly to player enjoyment. Honestly, everything the Warborn wears looks really tough ^^.
What happens to the Dwarves’ beer when they transform into a Moloch?
Despite their love for beer, the Dwarves need to sober up to survive ^^. Without the extensive engineering knowledge of the Dwarves, the Moloch would not be possible. We introduced it in the hope that the transformation will be strategically utilized in massive PvP battles.
What served as a model for Orchidna? Are there influences from other games, films, etc.?
Orchidna appears as the Evil Queen in ArcheAge. She is a mix of human, Serpentis, and devil. Her original young human self is replaced with a more mature, charismatic, and majestic figure filled with hate and vengeance. Charlize Theron’s role in The Huntsman & The Ice Queen was undoubtedly an inspiration for Orchidna.
What is up with her snakes? Where do they come from? What is her relationship with them?
The snakes represent Serpentis. Orchidna’s serpentine dress symbolizes the connection between Serpentis and her. Serpentis’ blood flows through Orchidna’s veins.
What is the Thunderwing Titan? A dragon? What served as a model for the Thunderwing?
The Thunderwing is a mythical giant bird that commands thunder. In the story by Minhee Jeon (author and creator of the ArcheAge universe), this being was raised by a minion. As the name suggests, the creature is based on an ancient East Asian legend about a three-legged crow that is said to have lived in the sun. The immense wings of this being and its ancient power embody this concept very coherently.
In the free-to-play MMORPG ArcheAge, players enjoy many freedoms in character development. A vast world awaits that can be influenced. Sandbox features, such as...
