MMORPG.com: Your game certainly seems set up for a realm vs. realm experience. Is this an indication that there will be a PvP element in the game?

Michael Rowland: RvRvR is certainly a vital feature of the game and with 3 warring nations, a very interesting one. The key resource in RF Online is the mining area at the center of all 3 warring nations. Within this mine there are rare and valuable ores which can be processed into essential additions for weapons and armour. To gain control over this area, there are huge battles that occur every 8 hours and involve all races fighting it out for control. Group play is essential and guild play will come into its own within the game. I expect to see some great strategies being displayed over time.

PvP combat has a reward system within itself. By killing other race characters you will gain Contribution Points that will add to your overall ranking within the race. The top ranked players in any race have the opportunity to become Race Leaders, and sit on the Racial High Council. Privileges include being able to speak to the entire race through chat, coordinating attacks at the vital Core Mine Battles, being able to chat to other Race Leaders, forming allegiances with other races and having the ability to wear epic items.

All in all, the Player Versus Player element of the game will play a vital role in RF Online and will reach further as we update the game and add new content..