While at the Game Developer's Conference, Community Laura Genender had the opportunity to talk to the folks from Nexon America about their upcoming game, Mabinogi.

Last week at GDC I met with Nexon America, the publishers behind MapleStory, to discuss their upcoming title: Mabinogi. Originally released in the Asian market, Mabinogi has already proven that it can withstand the test of time and player appeal. Through 8 Generations (expansions) of content, the game has prospered in five Asian countries; the 5th of March will mark the American Open Beta with Generation One.

First up, some company backstory. Once upon a time, there was a South Korean company named Nexon. Nexon has always been an industry pioneer: from publishing one of the first graphic based MMOs, to blazing the trail of the free to play model, they earned every ounce of success they gained. Nexon even sports an MMO with over 50% female players – Audition, a dance-based game found here.

Read more here.

Aw, man! I was under the impression that they werent going to make you pay for the reincarnation cards in the American version!!! Im flat out broke  T.T

By all appearances, it's like a 3D version of Ultima Online. Though IMO it's going to be marred by Asian MMO philosophy:

1)      Point 'n click for movement

2)      Cash shop for really good items

 
That’s the only two I can think of. Otherwise the graphics look good and the skill based system appeals to me. Oh well, guess I’d better work on those Lottery Tickets and make my own MMO. 

Wasn't UO point-and-click (regarding player movement)? Damn pathfinding!

I played the CB of Mabinogi, and it is highly addicting. There are tons of mini-games in the game, more than were mentioned in the article. Like after you tailor a piece of clothing, you must use finishing thread to complete the item and you have to click and drag your mouse to sew with the needle. It's pretty easy but it's fun too.

Except the game is for North Americans only, why didn't they mention that in the article? Alot of people will be confused that way... Damn and i really love Mabi, the game is the best F2P for me. (i love skill based sandboxy games) Why, oh, why is North America only? I know some parts of the world have their own version of the game, but Europe for example probably won't even get one...

How are more people not excited about this game?

IT takes everything that makes mmos great and amplifies them.

I mean its a real "Living" world, its not just go in and kill stuff.

Plus it reminds me of TFLO, which i will never get so this is a close second.

Well more people would be excited if it wasn't NA only

I threw up in my mouth a little

Originally posted by jiveturkey12

How are more people not excited about this game?

 

IT takes everything that makes mmos great and amplifies them.

 

I mean its a real "Living" world, its not just go in and kill stuff.

 

Plus it reminds me of TFLO, which i will never get so this is a close second.

I was thinking the same thing about TFLO! I miss it so...

i heard it was one of the most popular mmo's in korea because its not just about the combat.

I can't try this game yet ,(i am not american) -.-

I hope the Euro version is come out soon....

(Leodious: i hope you feel better now, but please tell me why are you here and tell us "you are perfect and we are not" thing? we are already know that...i'm just wondering,are you a Troll?...) <- sorry for this "off"

You guys really need to start copy editing your writers work. I have worked for papers, so I know that in any story there are going to be mistakes; there is nothing you can do to prevent typos, or a writer not knowing how to spell something (shear- to cut, which prompted this post), but what you can do is have someone other than the writer edit the story. I know form experience that I can never copy edit something that I myself have written. That is why most papers have staff dedicated to editing, because they will not have written anything. There are people that don't take this site seriously largely because of the consistent and often glaring spelling, punctuation, and sometimes terrible formatting problems (e.g. cutting off the end of a story).

Yes, no one notices when you do something correctly, but that is what you are shooting for. If no one mentions something, you are probably doing it perfectly.