Update Interview

MMORPG.com:

The game has gotten some great reviews, how has it been to translate the game over to the North American audience?

Jon Belliss:

It has been at times definitely challenging, but always incredibly rewarding. One thing that is great about Perfect World Entertainment is that we are free and able to actually localize game play and content for Western audiences, not just translate the text.

While really unforgiving grind is common in MMOs coming from Asia, we were fortunate that we were able to actually change our content to make it more quest-oriented. I won't lie and say our game has no grind--every MMO has some to a degree--but we have, and continue to, adjust our game play for Western audiences.

MMORPG.com:

What changes will the new content upgrade bring to player classes?

Jon Belliss:

In terms of the recently implemented content--Warsong City--this builds upon the Genie system that was introduced in the beginning of our current expansion, called the Age of Spirits. The Genie system gives each player access to an entire new set of skills not tied to their race. With a variety of potential unknown skill, it makes PvP especially much more dynamic.

We also have major class changing content coming in our next (currently unnamed) expansion. We'll be introducing a new underwater race called the Tideborn. Their classes are tentatively called the Assassin and the Psychic.

MMORPG.com:

The zones in the game are amazing, tell us a little about what went into the design of each zone. How does the content upgrade bring to the landscape of Perfect World?

Jon Belliss:

The zones in PWI obviously have a lot of eastern influence integrated into their themes. You'll see bamboo forests, elegant Chinese architecture and beautiful waterfronts.

The Rising Tide expansion is largely centered on the concept of water. Most of the new zones are either underwater or aquatically themed. You'll see giant walls constructed of sea-horses, or enormous marshes filled with mushrooms of varying sizes and colors. All of these new zones will provide existing PWI players with a fresh new feel, while at the same time, providing them with new challenges and content to complete.

MMORPG.com:

What would you say for a new player who has never picked up an MMO before that wants to try your game?

Jon Belliss:

There is definitely a lot to love in Perfect World. One feature that both new and seasoned MMO players will enjoy is the character customization when create your character. Players can adjust lip shape, face shape, body type--you can make anyone you want, yourself included.

In terms of gameplay, new players aren't just thrown to the wolves. One feature, called the Supply Stash, is a box that is filled with various helpful items awarded every five levels. This helps new players see the items they should have around their level, but also provides them with a little in gear or weapons, free of charge.

MMORPG.com:

On the flip side, what would you say to a hardcore MMO player about trying out Perfect World? What features will bring new life into a veteran mindset?

Jon Belliss:

Veteran MMO players are quite welcome, and abundant, in Perfect World International. We are constantly adding new content for our players--we recently added the Instance Warsong City, which is a level 80+ raid-style dungeon. It is definitely challenging and our players have enjoyed learning the nuances of this newest Instance.

Another feature that veterans will enjoy is the Territory Wars. These are large-scale siege battles, with 80 vs 80 PvP combat.

MMORPG.com:

Perfect World has crossed many barriers, what do you see as your next major hurdle with the game?

Jon Belliss:

Perfect World International faces the hurdle that the general F2P industry faces: changing the hardest mindset that F2P equals low quality. The market has been flooded with direct from Asia ports, just translating the text and shipping the product out. The companies who cater to their Western users, I think will see this wave through and as more players try and enjoy F2P's, the perception will continue to change.

MMORPG.com:

Where do you see the game in six months? Are there plans for more updates?

Jon Belliss:

Unfortunately the development team in China is very secretive about future development and plans, and rightfully so. You can be sure that as soon as we receive the green light for new content related information that you'll be on our hit list.

MMORPG.com:

As a project lead on the game, what parts of your day are the most fun? What still gets you excited about working on the game?

Jon Belliss:

I have a separate PC at my desk where I have a character idling in one of the major towns. I look over occasionally and read the chat between players, world chat, guild banter, and chit-chat. To me it's exciting to hear people talking about game contents that were influenced or affected by my own actions or decisions. To know that I'm positively impacting hundreds of thousands of players on a daily basis is empowering, but more importantly, edifying.