Even though the release of the upcoming MMORPG Ashes of Creation is still some time away, we talked about this topic with Steven Sharif and lead designer Jeffrey Bard from Intrepid Studios at gamescom.
The release of a new MMORPG is a delicate matter. If you can’t convince right from the start, then the chances are good that the MMO will not be successful and quickly fade away. However, the developers of Ashes of Creation are not afraid of the release, unlike the team behind Crowfall.
MMO veterans ensure the release date is met
There is only one chance for a good start: Like many other MMO developers, Intrepid Studios believes that a new MMORPG has only one chance for a good release. If this works, the path to success is paved. If the release fails, it will be extremely difficult for the game to recover. Most games do not succeed in that.
Developers are not afraid of the release: Even though a release is always difficult, the Intrepid Studios are not afraid of the launch of Ashes of Creation. What matters is the “momentum” you start with. If an MMORPG already has a large population before launch, it provides certain momentum for the launch. This community wants to play the game and thus represents the drive.
This is why the release will succeed: Of course, it is up to the development team to deliver a good product. However, Steven Sharif and Jeffrey Bard explain that they made sure to assemble a team of the best veterans in the MMO industry.
Where are the developers from? Many former developers from the Everquest series, Vanguard, Planetside, Star Wars Galaxies, DC Universe, and many other MMORPGs are working on Ashes of Creation.
Therefore, the team is convinced that they will release a high-quality product that has been perfectly implemented. “The momentum, the execution, and partners like my.com are a recipe for success!” While my.com as a publisher raises skepticism among some players.
The team is confident in the game
Alpha 0 is an indicator of success: The Intrepid Studios have launched the Alpha 0 for players with diverse backgrounds in the gaming industry. They did not want to offer Alpha 0 for purchase, but instead allowed handpicked individuals to receive specific feedback. The Alpha 0 was assembled in five months.
The map is the size of the world of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, there are seven dungeons, and you can level up to level 10. Additionally, it offers several other features from the complete game to provide a first glimpse into the MMO. Even the node system is included.
All of this works and is well-received by testers. The developers behind it, some of whom have more than 20 years of professional experience, were amazed that such a thing could be achieved within such a short time. This shows Steven Sharif and Jeffrey Bard that they can meet their goals within the timeframe they set while delivering a high-quality MMORPG.
Release date before 2020: The team is so convinced of the project, so passionately involved, and everything is currently running so smoothly that a release is aimed for before the year 2020 and seems feasible for Intrepid Studios – even if it should only be December 31, 2019, as was jokingly added. There has been no change to this goal; they are still on schedule, Sharif said.
Will the MMORPG be released in German? That is the goal. A major advantage is that they could start localization early. Discussions are already ongoing regarding its implementation. There will also be language-specific, i.e., German servers.
