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Jason Koerperich: During our closed beta test we were highly focused on localizing the content, partly to get our internal processes of report/fix/implement working 100%, but also in gathering feedback of what our users wanted to see in the future.

It is true that Requiem is already commercially launched in other parts of the world, but that doesn’t mean that we are simply porting Requiem.  Requiem from the start has been a game designed for western players’ likes and dislikes, our community is that western player base the game was intended for.  The feedback we gathered during our closed beta has already begun to change the direction that Requiem is headed, I have every reason to believe that further continued feedback will morph Requiem into the game our players have been waiting for.  

Playfully we quip about how the other commercial launches of Requiem are just beta testing for the “real” launch we are doing at playrequiem.com.  

Jason: This is a tough question due to how many updates to both systems and contents that are being worked on currently.  As MMO players are aware, an MMO continuously evolves as its life goes on.  Requiem will be no different in that regard.  When we launch there will be several content enhancements such as new starting zones and new quests, the DNA, and Beast Possessions systems will of course be there in full glory as well.  

Several things are being worked on that will likely make an appearance in Requiem early in its commercial life, such as a new pvp system and new race/class choices.  This list is not an all inclusive list as any breakthroughs we are able to get packed in between now and launch will also be included.  As an aside the ability to develop right up to the last minute is a nice benefit to having a download only client and no retail presence.

There are a few things that for sure will be different between the Launch and beta; such as the non-inclusion of any item mall or premium service offerings during the Open Beta.  Whatever privilege and enhancements that may come from those systems won’t be present in the Open Beta.  

Jason: Currently we are looking for more subtle game enhancements from our item mall. Exp enhancers, reset items, perhaps even some restorative items are likely candidates for our Launch time Item mall. Later we will work with the community to see what else they want to see after they get a chance to try out the basic offerings. Right now we don’t have a “money/exp box” planned, that you just open to get a level or Lant, which is our in-game currency.  

Any equipment offerings will of course have to be carefully balanced against what is offered in-game and player interest.

Jason: Currently we’ve only finished our Closed Beta test, with our Open Beta right around the corner.  Our game client is 100% free, so software is never a cost to     our customers.  Just as with our other titles we will be offering continual expansion support for Requiem.  This will include new races, classes, new places to go, and the things to do while you are there, as well as new ways of interacting with the world.  
    
In short, it is quite likely that a significant game update will follow shortly after the launch.

Jason: Live events are definitely something we will be planning for Launch and beyond.  In closed beta all efforts were being spent on bug collection and reporting.  We will also likely be testing out some different in-game events during open beta.

Jason: Offering a title like Requiem as a free-to-play MMO was a very difficult choice, considering the amount of premium content that we have planned for the near future, but it was one that we were most excited about as well. During our closed beta period, there was some initial confusion from the community as to whether or not Requiem would be a traditional monthly subscription-based product sold as a box at retail. I think this really reflects the level of quality and value that gamers feel they will get from playing Requiem, and we feel that the title will be very competitive in not just the free-to-play MMO space, but also among the top-tiered subscription-based MMO environment as well. We have very high hopes for this title, believe it has massive potential and will be putting a lot of our attention on constantly updating and adding exciting new content in the years ahead.

Jason: We will be wiping between our closed beta and open beta periods, this is certain. Quite likely there will be a wipe prior to our commercial launch as well.  However that second wipe may occur prior to the Open Beta close.  The 2nd wipe possibility/timing is still being discussed as it could possibly tie into a benefit package we offer our Beta Testers.

Jason: There are many different elements that really make Requiem stand out from other MMOs such as our Beast Possession system, where players can fully transform into powerful monsters (‘Altered Beast’ style) complete with stats, separate sets of armor, weapons and abilities completely independent of the player’s main character. I think this really adds a unique dynamic that will make group partying very interesting. Players will have to think outside the scope of a traditional MMO.

While Requiem is a MMO in a traditional sense, it is a very bloody and violent title. As such, utilizing the Havok engine, players can slice and dice monsters into a bloody corpse and watch their heads, arms, or legs fall off and roll down the hill, all in a very satisfying and realistic way. I think the death animations in Requiem are truly the most engaging aspect of killing the grotesque monsters that inhabit the world and are some of the best you’ll see in a MMO game currently. It is truly gratifying for me to kill a monster and see it flopping around on the ground even after it is dead, or pulverizing a monster into several different pieces in my Beast Possession form.

But the most interesting aspect is really our Nightmare system, a period of time in the Requiem world where the truly powerful, most horrific of all monsters come out to destroy everyone and everything in their paths. The Nightmare time really adds a whole new strategy to MMO gameplay and forces players to think twice before wandering mindlessly into the areas where Nightmare creatures come out. It will be interesting to see how players deal with this aspect of the game as it ties in to many of the various quests storyline and as the Nightmare creatures hold some of the most precious and valuable items in the game.

Jason: The battle grounds are definitely a focus for guilds.  Depending upon how the guilds utilize the PVP and battle ground dynamics in Requiem future expansion may be made to offer even more types of guild focused activities aside from PVP, raids, and social fun.

Jason: During the Beta only PVP zones were available.  We also have the options of PK servers as well.  Currently the entire PVP system is being worked on to make it more dynamic and enjoyable not only on the killing side but balanced for the victim side as well.  Seems that is always the difficulty with PVP/PK systems regardless of games.

Jason: If you are looking for an adult oriented game in a horrifying, yet beautiful world of grim technology and magic populated by Nightmarish creatures and Heroes beyond reproach, then Requiem: Bloodymare is right up your alley. We will be having an open beta very soon and our commercial launch following closely afterwards. To adventure in Ethegia is completely free for those who wish to take up the challenge!