CCP is nothing if not a studio that takes its time with its games, developing them over a matter of years and letting the community steer development almost as much as the team. World of Darkness, their secretive vampire MMO, is a departure in the sense that CCP has been diligent in keeping it away from the community until they have something to show. Now, it seems, they’re ready to talk about it, including the long development process.
“I think there’s somewhat of a misperception on that,” according to CCP’s Chris McDonough. “When we merged with White Wolf, the first year we hadn’t even committed to making World of Darkness. Then we had to build the team, the next year we staffed up to around 25. It’s not like there was a massive group of people. This year has also been the first year the team has worked only on World of Darkness. Our team has been moved onto many different projects in this time.”
Development Challenges and Community Expectations
The development of World of Darkness has not been without its challenges. Merging with White Wolf brought its own set of complexities, especially considering the rich lore and established fanbase of the World of Darkness universe. The team had to ensure that the game would live up to the expectations of long-time fans while also being accessible to newcomers. This balancing act required meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the source material.
Moreover, the decision to keep the game under wraps until there was something substantial to show was a strategic one. In an industry where hype can often lead to disappointment, CCP’s approach aims to build anticipation while managing expectations. By focusing on internal development and only revealing the game when it reached a certain level of polish, CCP hopes to deliver a product that meets or exceeds player expectations.
The Vision for World of Darkness
The vision for World of Darkness is ambitious. CCP aims to create an immersive MMO experience that captures the dark, gothic atmosphere of the original tabletop RPG. Players will navigate a world filled with political intrigue, supernatural elements, and moral ambiguity. The game promises to offer a rich narrative experience, with player choices having significant consequences on the world and its inhabitants.
One of the most exciting aspects of World of Darkness is its focus on player-driven content. Much like CCP’s other flagship title, EVE Online, World of Darkness will encourage players to shape the game world through their actions. This could involve forming alliances, engaging in power struggles, or even creating their own storylines within the game. The potential for emergent gameplay is immense, and CCP is keen to leverage this to create a dynamic and evolving game world.
Additionally, the game will feature a variety of supernatural creatures, each with their own unique abilities and lore. Vampires, werewolves, and other mythical beings will play a central role, offering players a diverse range of characters to explore. The depth of customization and role-playing opportunities is expected to be a major draw for fans of the genre.
In conclusion, CCP’s World of Darkness is shaping up to be a unique and compelling addition to the MMO landscape. By taking their time and focusing on quality, CCP aims to deliver a game that honors the legacy of the World of Darkness universe while offering something new and exciting for players. As development continues, fans eagerly await more details and the chance to finally step into the dark, immersive world that CCP is crafting.
Source Eurogamer
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