Many MMORPG fans are hoping for a new, PvE-focused online role-playing game and fear that the new MMORPG Ashes of Creation might be too PvP-heavy. Therefore, we spoke with Intrepid Studios.
During gamescom, in our conversation with Steven Sharif and lead designer Jeffrey Bard from Intrepid Studios, the topic of PvE came up. Both encourage players who wish to experience exciting adventures in Ashes of Creation without PvP.
PvP is built on PvE
For PvP to be fun, the game must cater to PvE players: According to Intrepid Studios, it is essential for an MMO that also offers PvP to have a large population. This is achieved primarily by catering to PvE fans.
There must be an exciting lore, and challenging fights against monsters and bosses.
“PvE creates our world, PvP changes it,” was a statement during the interview.
No one is forced into PvP: If a player does not want to participate in PvP, they can choose one of the other paths to progress. You can specialize in crafting, housing, trade, or focus on making a career in the Thieves Guild or the Academy of Knowledge and try to influence the world and its development through politics.
It is possible to conduct raids, explore dungeons, continuously improve your gear, or engage with the religion system.
Character progression should not be boring: Ashes of Creation does not want to offer progression like that seen in “old-school” MMORPGs, where you do the same things over and over to finally get better.
Those who do not want to engage in adventures do not have to do so. You can try to become a master crafter and level up in that field.
Ashes of Creation aims to provide many ways to develop your character as you wish, without having to follow predetermined paths.
“Ganking” has no place in Ashes of Creation
This is how “ganking” is to be curbed: Since PvP still plays a role and it is possible to attack other players, many fear that Ashes of Creation will turn into a “gankfest”. A game where some people take pleasure in constantly attacking others.
This is where “corruption” comes into play. If you are attacked by another player, you have the option to “flag” yourself for this PvP fight. You can then respond to the fight. If not, and the other player continues to attack you and kills you, they will earn corruption points.
Those with corruption points can lose all their gear upon death, depending on the number of points. This is meant to curb ganking and griefing and encourage PvP players to choose PvP scenarios instead.
This includes sieges or caravans. There, PvP is possible in a fair setting without flagging. The team does not want ganking to have a place in the game. And for those who are not at all interested in PvP, there are many other opportunities to have fun in PvE.
