Ten Ton Hammer - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

Ten Ton Hammer: In what other ways will NCsoft West players benefit from the year and more the game has been live in Korea? Do you believe that Aion has the potential to be the most PvP balanced and stable MMO we've seen at release in the West?

Brian Knox: Aion launched in November 2008 in Korea. When we launch Aion in our market, we’ll do so with all the recent updates and balances previously released in Korea. We have the benefit of releasing a product that's seen a quarter million people playing simultaneously, providing tremendous insight to the game balance and client/server stability. Every launch has its share of difficulties, but the release schedule should absolutely benefit from the Live experience gained in other markets.

More Aion Screenshots and Concept Images. Aion GDC gallery >>

Ten Ton Hammer: We've seen other MMOs "go vertical" in terms of zone layout - the "Recluse's Victory" area in another NCsoft title (City of Heroes / City of Villains) is a great example. Now we see Aion bringing this paradigm shifting feature into a fantasy MMO. How important is flight and flying combat to the Aion experience, and how early in the game will players "earn their wings"?

Brian Knox: All players are provided an "Ascension" quest at level 10, which is achievable within a day or two for a new user. As the player progresses, flight becomes more useful and, eventually, a requirement in the Abyss levels. Almost immediately, the flight mechanic can become useful in escaping ambushes or retreating from combat. You may also use it for a convenience mode of travel--say, flying over the back wall of a city rather than running half way 'round to the front gate. Or imagine a healer, hovering out of harm's way as a gladiator wages melee combat below under their protection.

Ten Ton Hammer: Obviously there's a huge community of gamers itching to play Aion. In what ways can players contribute and be a part of the game in the months leading up to the preview event and launch, aside from learning Korean?

Brian Knox: It's obvious we have a fan base just waiting to play Aion. We're ramping up our community effort and have recently hired Lani "Liv" Blazier in the Community Manager role. We're also in the process of relocating some of our staff from the EU office to the Seattle office for effective NCsoft West support across all our supported territories--so we'll be sharing more information and community initiatives (as well as contests!) to allow players to be involved as we prepare for launch. Now, the real question you're asking is "when can we get our hands on the product in early access? We'll be making announcements on dates when gamers can get in and try the game soon--very soon. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.aiononline.com for the latest news!

Thanks to Brian Knox for taking time for us during this busy GDC week, and thanks also to
Jeane Wong and Jennie Sue of OnePR for setting things up!