CES 2008: Age of Conan
One of the highlights of this job is the opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse at new titles. And meeting with a team who develops these titles is the icing on my cake.
Last week at CES in Las Vegas, I had an opportunity to sit down with Jorgen Tharaldson, Product Developer, and Jason Stone, Game Designer with Funcom to discuss Age of Conan and its upcoming release (scheduled for March 2008). Prior to our chat, we were able to get a hands-on demonstration of AoC out on the main convention floor. There were three of us surrounding Jason, anxious to see this title that has been so anticipated since its announcement, and even more so since its initial internal beta testing began back in 2006. It has been in development for approximately 4 years, and it shows. Even with the melee surrounding us - there were hundreds of people milling about - our eyes were glued to the monitor as we were given our first look at this title in real-time; not just a screenshot or a prefabricated trailer. Suffice it to say that what I had previously shrugged at and said "We'll see what happens" is now one of my most anticipated titles, as well.
When we sat down together, I asked them directly if they had to choose, what would their one achievement with this title be. Jason discussed his years as a gamer and as a developer, walking down memory lane with his various experiences, pointing out that after awhile he would get burnt out on whatever title he was having to play at the time... yet with Age of Conan, he still enjoys just logging in and playing.
It's amazing how important that one little factor can be to a game developer/designer. Seriously, when you consider it, getting paid to play games all day is certainly a dream job... but one with its own pitfalls, just like any other profession out there. |  |
 | Right out of the gate Jorgen began discussing their future plans for Age of Conan. Including an X-Box version. While we're more interested in the PC version, we did ask if they had a release date in mind... I'm sorry, folks, but the response was "We're not going to say right now". They are focusing on the PC version first, and will follow up when the timing is right with the other formats. I consider that smart marketing... make sure the game is what everyone expects first, and then take it to new heights. They have not yet determined any of the finer details regarding the X-Box version, but as soon as we know... you will know. The biggest impression I took away from my experience with this title at CES is the absolute beauty of the world. Water flowing downstream actually moves downstream, and you can almost reach out and touch it. The breeze is felt in your hair, the animals are voices on the wind, and every twitch of the creatures are seen. You can't help but get lost in this environment... the detail is so amazing, you can almost smell the sweat of your enemies on the air. But, while Funcom is actively seeking a "Mature" rating, what I viewed didn't give me the "Oh heavens... don't look, it's too gory!" that I expected. Rather, it was taken in stride as a part of the world; a part of the experience. There was one moment at a beheading scene where I cringed... but if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to count myself in the group of "sensitive humans". Yes, I'm a girl... but that doesn't mean I can't take a bit of gore here and there. So no, that wasn't why I cringed. Seeing someone lose their head should never be something you laugh at or don't remember vividly. And the animation of the action here was so vivid I felt the impact of the sword. Combat is one of the major focal points within this title, but that's not all there is. Build a city, create weapons, armor, clothing, food, and so much more. Gather allies or go it alone. Explore the world or conquer it. The choice is yours, and the options are almost limitless. |
Of course, something I was quite anxious about involves the female avatars. For those Conan fans out there, you know what I'm talking about. Barely dressed women with their anatomy almost bursting out of what little clothing they do have. While I realize that sex sells, it is terribly exhausting to constantly be faced with it in my gaming. Naturally the men reading this are sitting there saying "So? What's wrong with that?" Especially since this is a "Mature" game. But I can't help but feel a bit annoyed at having to always look at the same avatar with the long, flowing hair, and busts... busting out. And frankly, I don't think I'm alone in this. (Okay, I hope I'm not alone! If I am, well then, I guess I'm a freak!) So, I approached this topic with Jorgen.
It was quickly apparent that the team gave plenty of thought to these types of issues, including an option to turn off the blood spatter. I don't expect many will do so, but I'm glad that the choice is there for users. In today's world, just because a title has a "Mature" rating on it doesn't mean that parents will listen. Kids have a way of convincing their parents to buy it for them anyway. At least with some of these options available, Mom and Dad can set parameters for the kids while still allowing them to enjoy the truly important aspects of the title. Age of Conan is sure to entice many young players, especially since it's so talked about in other MMOs. (Several of my guild members in my current title have mentioned a few times they're ditching me for AoC when it's released. Traitors!). |  |
We were taken on a tour of the various armor/clothing options that will be available. There are a vast number of choices at this point, and the designers are still working on them. I was very impressed with the variety as well as the detail in each piece, especially considering that they have worked very hard on giving each social background their own identity through their armor. The time and attention to detail is readily apparent, thus providing a rich environment for a diverse community to appear. In many MMOs, one must be very creative in their race/class combinations to develop a unique appearance. However, in Age of Conan you can all be the same race/class and still be given plenty of options for separating your identity from those of everyone else in your clan. I hope we still see the creative combinations, however it's nice to know you can be an individual no matter what you decide to be.
 | Being a PvP player, I'm anxious to see how it's built in AoC. Naturally I am a bit apprehensive, especially considering I have yet to come across a truly balanced system. However, I will keep an open mind until I am able to judge for myself, as listening to the opinions of others is not always the best way to go in such a volatile environment. If I did that, I would have quit PvP a long time ago is it's totally unfair, and a complete waste of time for those that don't cheat! Of course those players that have played in a PvP environment for a long time will have some words of wisdom that may prove to be true, but I won't know that until I put it to the test myself. Which I'm absolutely going to do. (I apparently didn't listen when my mother told me not to play with my food!). You could say that AoC is just the same old thing, with different mobs. But I would disagree. Funcom has taken a chance on some very creative ideas, such as their real-time combat, and while it could trip them up considerably... it could also prove to be the best thing since sliced bread. It is the first mature-rated MMO to hit the market, which is also a major risk. However, the company "embraces" it, and have not yet backed down on their choices. In fact, if it weren't for rating issues, they would probably ramp it up a bit more. To me, that tells of dedication rather than mere public relations. The team behind this title firmly believes in their vision and are committed to it. While most (if not all) developers will say the same about their respective titles, none as of yet have gone to the extremes that Age of Conan is being taken to. |
Overall I have high hopes for this one. Not only in terms of actual playability, but also with dev participation. When asked who they see as their closest competitor, both Jorgen and Jason spoke up that they don't see their business as a competition. Rather, they're interested in the success of any title - regardless of who created it. This was a refreshing standpoint for me, especially considering that it felt genuine from both of them. These two gentlemen are gamers at their very hearts, not just businessmen in the gaming industry. Considering that, I expect to see great things from this endeavor. It seems that this is a labor of love for them both, and I can only hope that's true.
I'm anxious to get more game time in the Hyborian realms. The designers have kept much of the original story of Conan, including his world. There will be much to see, and I'm excited to take a look at how it's all been brought together in this fantastic world. The colors, the creatures, the people and places... there is so much in store for players that it's impossible to cover it all here. Suffice it to say that even with some trepidation about the game holding up to its hype, I am still rather confident that Age of Conan will be a fantastic success.
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