Exclusive GStar Interview

MMORPG.com:

As an introduction to MU, what type of game is it, and what is its basic premise or concept? What are its high-level design goals, and what types and balance of gameplay does it aim to provide / emphasize? What does this game offer that differentiates it from other games that seem similar, both current and upcoming? When did commercial service begin, and in what parts of the world is the game currently available? In what languages? Why has this game remained popular for so many years?

Jun Hyeok Im:

MU Online is a pioneer in 3D MMORPG genre and has been such a beloved game, especially around Latin America region, over 10 years. At a first glimpse, MU online may look outdated and seems not competitive enough to draw new users who are already engrossed in other high quality graphic games.

Let me come up with another question. How could this classic game have been beloved over 10 years? Even though MU online seems that this classic game didn't catch such a dynamic MMORPG trend, it has emphasized to offer no more than a fun and persistent interaction with MU online users resulted in updating user oriented system such as multi client system and official auto hunting mode. Furthermore, a light and well optimized client is the one of main factors number of global MU online users is getting bigger as time goes by.

Not to mention the demand which came up as a repercussion from the users feeling tired of abundant and complex games, many classic MMORPG lovers consider MU online as a well made game everyone can easily enjoy. (With a mouse, almost all the actions can be controlled.)

Finally, MU online community which has been formed over 10 years is the essential point users regard MU online as home and, even though leaving MU online, they return to the continent of MU to meet companions someday. Since we think users are top priority, we always do our best to provide what users want and we try to satisfy users through continuous updates. (Major update "MU:eX 700" is upcoming in early 2012 and MU Season 6-3 update is about to be released in Dec, 2011).

MMORPG.com:

What are the major additions and changes in the latest update? How different is this update from other updates during the past couple of years? When will this update be implemented in MU global? Is this update already live in the Korean version? If so, since when, and how has the player reaction been?

Jun Hyeok Im:

The content is mainly divided into 5 parts. (UI Design Alteration, Elemental Item, Elemental Map, Elemental Monster, Guild Battle)

1. UI Design Alteration
2. Elemental Item
3. Elemental Map
4. Elemental Monster
5. Guild Battle Contents "Arka Battle"

Basically, expansion update and season update are similar, and there will be many contents updated in expansion update as well in season update. This update is not live in Korean server, but was revealed at 'G-STAR', the biggest game show in Korea.

MMORPG.com:

What is the difference between elemental items and normal items? Is there any change in existing items?

Jun Hyeok Im:

When the elemental items are equipped, one of the elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Darkness) is assigned, and the relative relationship with other elements occurs. New damage calculation is applied and thus, the existing items will also be affected by this calculation method.

MMORPG.com:

What are significant features of the new map? Why do you feel it will be especially appealing?

Jun Hyeok Im:

Akeron, the uncharted continent, has been discovered! All monsters in the new map 'Akeron' are affected by elemental system. Party-Play is highly recommended. In the new map, various hunting areas for different levels are neighboring. At the beginning of the expansion update, Akeron is made up of 1 village and 2 hunting areas and additional hunting areas will be added. The new map can be entered by NPC and admission ticket is required. Being made up of various hunting areas and elemental monsters, the new map will give party-playing users many advantages. We think those novel features would strongly appeal MU Online users who want new contents.

MMORPG.com:

Could you explain in more details about Arka Battle?

Jun Hyeok Im:

Arka Battle takes place in the new map 'Akeron' and maximum 10 guilds can be fought each other at the same time. The guilds conquering obelisks placed in each hunting area win the battle and new boss monsters appear around each obelisk. Whoever belongs to a guild can participate in Arka Battle. Any guild having more than 5 members can join Arka Battle. Maximum 10 guilds can be fought at a same time.

Simple & Fun Game Rules: The guild that takes up obelisks placed in each area in Arka wins the battle. Obelisks are defended by boss monsters. Already conquered obelisks from other guilds can be taken.

MMORPG.com:

How different will UI design be?

Jun Hyeok Im:

UI (User Interface) will be improved for user-friendly game environment. Basic functions won't be changed that much, but appearance will be totally changed.

MMORPG.com:

How much of a problem are MU Online private servers, and what plans do you have to address this issue?

Jun Hyeok Im:

We keep trying to provide better service in terms of quality and will steadily update contents, resolve hacking issues, and offering high quality customer service in order to make a difference from private servers.

MMORPG.com:

What is the development status of MU Online2, and when is it likely to enter service

Jun Hyeok Im:

We do not have any concrete plans yet. We will notify users of it if specific schedule is decided.

MMORPG.com:

Is there anything else that you'd like to tell our readers (e.g. have any important features or elements not been addressed?), something you'd like to ask them, or any other closing thoughts?

Jun Hyeok Im:

We think this update would be an opportunity not only to 1.5 million WEBZEN members but also, for many new members to gather in a place and play Global MU Online all together.