Firefall – 2 interviews from DigiChina Expo

Firefall, developed by North America’s Red 5 Studios and heavily invested by China’s The9, is currently being exhibited at DigiChina Expo 2010 in Beijing. Since it is one of the most anticipated title at the expo, and not to mention created by veterans who helped developed Blizzard’s juggernaut, World of Warcraft, the media is no doubt anxious to interview some of the main people behind the title. Please note that both interviews are translated from Chinese text. Read on!

The first interview conducted will be between a reporter from China gaming website, 17173.com and Tony Park, Vice Chairman of The9.

Q: The stage and show area are both filled with promos for Firefall. What are your expectations for the the game?

A: Firefall is The9’s first global project and through our hardwork before and after the game launches, we actually set an aim of 12 million registered users at some point in time!

Q: Firefall is aimed at the global market, but the content and design is heavily western influenced. Does The9 have any plans to make the game a success in China?

A: The design and artistic flair of the game actually fits the bill for the China online gamers. Mark, CEO of Red 5 Studios, worked on World of Warcraft and had the chance to interact with the China industry. We are already in the midst of translating and localizing Firefall for the China market.

Q: It was stated that the first Closed Beta for the English version will start in early Spring 2011. Will the Chinese players be able to signup for it?

A: There will be no IP block or ban for the Closed Beta phase, anyone around the globe will be able to signup. The booths here at DigiChina acts as a survey and feedback platform for us to understand the China players’ views on the game.

Q: What is the biggest selling point of the game, compared to similar genre ones found in the market?

A: Firefall is a combination between MMORPG and FPS, PvE and PvP. It also has elements found from the hit series, Halo.

Q: Any plans to use Firefall as a stepping stone to develop a much larger MMO?

A: We are currently focusing everything on Firefall and its globalization, we are not currently looking at any new projects.

Q: Firefall looks gorgeous, will the system requirements be high?

A: Firefall is developed using our own Offsite Engine, which does not pale when compared to others such as Unreal 3 Engine. We will be continuing to tweak the game according to players’ feedback during the beta test phases.

And that’s it for the interview between Tony Park of The9 and a reporter from 17173.com. The next interview will be a video conference between Red 5 Studio’s CEO, Mark and the a reporter from 17172.com as well.

Q: Why choose The9 as the core investor for Red 5 Studios?

A: Some of our team members, who worked on World of Warcraft, had the chance to interact with The9 when it was still having the rights for WoW China. Both our teams have similar visions and goals, and with a good business working relationship, we can see us reaching the pinnacle of the gaming industry in the future.

Q: Who will be publishing the game in China, or Asia, since it was reported that Korean MMO giant, Webzen, actually has the rights?

A: We are indeed working with Webzen, and as our major investor, it will be The9 working with Webzen as well. Nothing is confirmed at this moment, we will be announcing the final details at a later date.

Q: As one of the developer who created much of the level 60 content in World of Warcraft, what are your expectations for Firefall?

A: Earlier, Blizzard announced having reach a milestone of 12 million registered paying users. That is the highest point now any games could go for, and we hope that we will reach that number too.

And there you have it, 2 interviews with regards to the upcoming MMO, Firefall. Registration for Closed Beta is currently up now, so do head on to the official Firefall website! Below are some pictures taken at the current DigiChina 2010 Expo.