The State of Ryzom #1
Interviews
information
02/07/2005
Fyrn
Fyrn
This however has nothing to do with todays interview, but I felt it had to be mentioned, and I urge you to check NeL out, especially if you're a prospective MMORPG developer that just hasn't gotten an idea on how to start yet.
Back to the topic - The Saga of Ryzom has recently been updated with the newest "Chapter" in it's ever evolving storyline revolving around the Planet Atys. Large Kitins invade, battles are fought on large scales at every given moment. We took Daniel Miller, Producer of Saga of Ryzom and Sabine Flier, one of Ryzom's Event Managers aside for a chat about the current status of Ryzom and what is to come in the near future.
Remember that there is still a 14-Day Trial that does not require a Credit Card available at the official website and we advise you to give it a try!
Now, we hope you enjoy the interview.
Interview with Daniel Miller
Nandini: Could you sum up the major changes that got introduced with Chapter 2?
Daniel Miller: Several new features were introduced with the release of Chapter 2. Players can now change their hairstyles and tattoos by using the services of an esthetician, they can ride Mektoub mounts and store items on Mektoub packers, they can follow the new ritual missions, and they can unlock ancient secrets of the world through their encyclopedia.
Several other elements were added, like "war zones" and "anarchic zones" where players eager to compete with other players can fight freely, and organized groups of bandits that roam the new-lands while wearing never-seen before equipment.
Several other elements were added, like "war zones" and "anarchic zones" where players eager to compete with other players can fight freely, and organized groups of bandits that roam the new-lands while wearing never-seen before equipment.
Nandini: What's up with the Mektoub mounts, why are they special enough to get a separate announcement?
Daniel Miller: The Mektoub mounts and packers were features announced since the beginning of the game, but were delayed due to other priorities. Players had been expecting them since a long time, and that's why they deserved a special announcement. They can now be purchased from stable boys along with their rations of food, necessary to make them run. Players should be careful though, as Mektoubs do not protect against attacks while riding, and can die if seriously injured.
Nandini: You were also hinting at shortage of food for Mektoubs and a search for new mounts - can you leak any concrete information on new mounts?
Daniel Miller: The Mektoub mounts and Mektoub packers are already available in towns, where you can buy them from stable boys. There is no risk of shortage of food, since the stable boys do their work properly and make sure there is always food to buy for those lovely creatures. However, if a player runs out of rations for his or her Mektoub, he or she will have to bear with a walking Mektoub, as the lovely quadruped will refuse to gallop on an empty stomach.
Nandini: We've learned that players have to prove worthy for the encyclopedia - what does being worthy entail? Will you include players that have engaged in ground breaking battles in the Encyclopedia of Atys, or is it barely the access to it that players gain?
Daniel Miller: All players already have access to the encyclopedia. However, the encyclopedia is empty at first: players have to gain the right to learn the articles of history, and to copy them into their encyclopedias. All players can participate in this quest of lore and knowledge, but they have to prove themselves worthy of it in front of the Knowledge Keeper. For this, they have to develop their skills to a certain level, and to root out and complete a set of qualifying tasks. Once the Knowledge Keeper acknowledges the players' worthiness, he will give them a ritual mission and, by completing it, the players will gain access to an article in the encyclopedia, and a new special stanza.
Nandini: What sort of information does the newly introduced Encyclopedia contain?
Daniel Miller: The encyclopedia is composed of a number of albums, each of which contains a number of articles. The articles reveal knowledge, legends, and the history of Atys, secrets of the past previously kept by the Knowledge Keepers, and now accessible to players who take on the challenges of the ritual missions. Players can also obtain new original stanzas by completing the ritual missions, and by collecting all the articles in an album, a player will gain a special title and access to special missions.
Nandini: You've announced new hairstyles and tattoos - will they be available to newly created characters only, or have you implemented a way for players to change their hairstyle in-game?
Daniel Miller: This is a feature that's already implemented. Players can now alter their hairstyle and tattoos in-game. They just have to go to the capital of their civilization, and ask the services of a hairdresser or a tattooist. The charges for the different services vary depending on the complexity of the task. Changes are reversible, as players can return anytime to get a new haircut or tattoo, so this is a great opportunity to change one's appearance to fit the occasion.
Furthermore, in the future, players will be able to learn new specific skills that allow them to act as hairdressers of tattooists themselves. More haircuts and tattoos will be available through these skills than through the NPC hairdressers and tattooists.
Furthermore, in the future, players will be able to learn new specific skills that allow them to act as hairdressers of tattooists themselves. More haircuts and tattoos will be available through these skills than through the NPC hairdressers and tattooists.
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