MMORPG.com: You’ve started to outline WildStar’s history through a detailed timeline featuring a number of notable events. What was the motivation for actually sitting down and putting this collection of stories together?
Chad More: This kind of content is really important in both maintaining and extending your IP. Some of the information in the timeline was released in the months leading up to launch, so for players who are just now coming to WildStar this content is a great way to get them up to speed on the lore of our universe that leads up to when the game begins. But we are also adding some completely new information - such as Voyage of the Nomad, the story we just released - which presents previously unrevealed lore for our existing fan base. In my opinion, this kind of external content is vital to keeping your community engaged, and we are going to continue developing it in the future.
The recent (and ongoing) Loremageddon initiative was another great example of extended content that came out of the interaction between us and the community. Now that information lives on our website where anyone can enjoy it - new players and old.
MMORPG.com: Just how much of WildStar’s story exists? You’ve already stretched out over nearly 2000 years of history, but how far are future events planned out? And, just as it has a beginning, does the story have an ending?
Chad More: In terms of the story of the Genesis Prime (what we call the Nexus Saga), most of it has been planned out in detail. But there are a lot more stories that are currently in development - many of which have been hinted at in the existing game. These stories will take us beyond Nexus, to different planets where we will meet new races and encounter even larger and more epic threats. As far as an ending? The universe is a big place. I don't think we'll be running out of stories anytime soon.
MMORPG.com: Are some of these historical events likely to become playable scenarios or ship hand missions, where players are sent back in time to witness what happened for themselves? (I’m picturing an Aurin player having to ensure that the Chua get uplifted in order to protect the timeline)
Chad More: We had many discussions about that very question. It's the kind of thing that gets us excited as well. It would not surprise me at all if that kind of content were to show up in WildStar at some point in the future. Plus, the Eldan may or may night have some technology that would allow such things like to actually happen.
MMORPG.com: Have any of your plans for WildStar’s story arc changed based on feedback or influence from players? And if so, how?
Chad More: My answer to this is a resounding yes! As you might imagine, I spend a lot of time on various forums reading what the community thinks of our lore and the stories that we tell in WildStar. On one occasion in particular, someone had a really great comment about the overall story of the Eldan on planet Nexus and their thoughts about what it might mean. This sparked an idea for me that will have long-reaching consequences in the story of our universe. I can't talk about the specifics, but it definitely happened. And I think the important part of this story is that the discussions that happen in the community about our lore and stories (as well as our game in general) are extremely important. They are lifeblood of any successful IP.
MMORPG.com: So we’ve uncovered the secret of the Genesis Prime, and we’ve helped to bring the Caretaker back online. What’s next on the Nexus-fixing checklist, and when can we start chewing into it?
Chad More: Well, I can't go into too much detail. But I will say that the next chapter in the Nexus Saga will take us to a previously undiscovered location in the frozen wastes of planet Nexus. It also might be called Vault of the Archon. If I say anything else, I will probably get fired.
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MMORPG.com: What’s the pre-Eldan history of Nexus like? We get the impression that there were primitive indigenous sentients on the planet, which went through significant upheaval during the early phases of the Project. Also, does this mean that there’s an Eldan homeworld out there somewhere, or did the entire species choose to relocate?
Chad More: I would answer that question with this question: have you played Journey Into OMNICore-1? If not, I would recommend you do so.
MMORPG.com: How can we be sure that Drusera isn’t just playing the Long Con in order to win our trust, and that the Entity hasn't actually been in control for years? Are we just setting ourselves up to be betrayed, as she turns on us with evil eyes. “There is no Good, only Evil.”
Chad More: You can't be sure. That's one of the great things about this story. I wish you luck in your future decisions. If the universe comes to an end anytime soon, we'll all know that you chose poorly.
MMORPG.com: You’ve previously mentioned your huge love for the Torine. When can we expect to hear more about their story? How is the wider Cassian civilization coming to terms with news that Tresayne is still alive, and has this small army of followers?
Chad More: Again, trying hard to lose my job here. But you will be seeing Ms. Toria - as well as the powerful being that she serves - in an upcoming chapter of the Nexus Saga. (I can hear PR heads exploding in the distance.) The Torine will be definitely be central to the events that are unfolding on Nexus.
During Loremageddon, we also had a lot of questions about the Cassian Swordmaidens and what role they currently play in Dominion society - and we just released further information about them. There are concerns among the Cassians as to what might happen if the swordmaidens are reunited with their long-lost sisters. Are those concerns valid? We'll have to wait and see.
MMORPG.com: You’ve mentioned the desire to take players to other worlds in the WildStar universe – the ravaged forests of Arboria or industrial wasteland of Bezelgor come to mind. But what about exploring some of the NPC-held areas, such as the Darkspur Nebula, the Lopp homeworld of Lagos or the Ekose trade routes?
Chad More: I think that one of the best things about having a sci-fi game is the opportunity to explore the universe and go to different planets - and WildStar has such a rich variety of different races and locations beyond the confines of Nexus, that I think it would be a crime if we didn't visit them at some point. Personally, I'm looking forward to buying a kurg and getting into some serious shiny hunting on Lagos. Anyone else want to come along?
