As most gamers would have known by now, ArcheAge will begin Closed Beta 4 in Korea starting from December 8, lasting a total of 80 days (link). Other than a new continent, a new race will be made playable as well. This interview taken with Mr Jake Song was posted a few days back, but due to G*Star I was holding it back until now. Please note that not all questions were translated and some answers are summarized. Read on!
A: We have prepared quite a number of new content, as well as solving all the bugs occurred in previous tests. The main aim of Closed Beta 4 will be the new continent, which players can sail to on ships.
A: When players arrive at the new continent, they can occupy certain points or areas of it, followed by building their own castles. After that, they (I guess the guilds with castles) can fight amongst themselves. This feature will not be available during the start of Closed Beta 4 but at a later date. There is, however, still a possibility the castle siege system will not be released at all in Closed Beta 4.
A: No matter what, there will at least be one update a week. This means the game will be upgraded on a weekly and regular basis throughout the period. This is a promise we made to the players, and one we are not going to disappoint.
A: This is something we are still discussing, but we will be monitoring how players progress in the game. Although not confirmed, it should be around level 25.
A: Well, taking the ships will be the easiest and fastest way. Players will meet many monsters if they decide to swim over, so it is not advisable.
A: We feel that players might get bored floating aimlessly in the middle of the sea, hence added some boss-level monsters to roam the waters. As it is a boss battle, these monsters will drop items as well.
A: Hariharan is a human race with a slightly cute design and influenced by the Eastern cultures.
Q: With Closed Beta 4 taking 80 days, does it mean Open Beta will be delayed?
A: We are trying to get into the Open Beta phase as soon as possible. Once the content is ready, we will roll out the Open Beta phase, which we are working very hard on.
A: There will be 5000, but we will monitor the game as Closed Beta 4 begins, and we might let in more people too.
A: We are listening to players and taking their opinions to alter the class designs. Furthermore, players can look forward to a better customization feature when creating their characters. I must stress that we will not be going down the “sexy” design way for our characters, we just want to make them more beautiful and accepted by the gamers.
A: If the players want it, I might change my mind. However, this is only a thought, there are still various levels of organizational structures to go through (but you are the boss!) before confirming anything. This will need time.
A: Actually there is no specific content which players must take note of. We want players to engage in all the features found, not just concentrating on killing mobs and gaining levels. They should make good use of their time to experience the world.
A: Yes, we have updated and optimized the user interface and players will get to try it in Closed Beta 4.
A: We also pondered on this issue for some time. We are still at odds over whether to limit the number of houses built or increasing the maintenance fee, which will be concluded in the near future.
A: This will depend on the results from Closed Beta 4, there might be another Closed Beta test, and it will also be possible ArcheAge will enter Open Beta next.
