As Slash requested, i'll try to translate the interview with Mark Buccholz. I'll post and update in sporadic turns.
Mark: My name is Mark Buchholz, I personalized and coordinate the project of the Hamburg independant game developer Splitscreen Studios. Some of you might have heard of Pirate Galaxy, as it's our Debut Title - a great success.
GamesSphere: First of all, congratulations to the start of Open Beta of Steel Legions. How is Steel Legions now underway?
Mark: I was admittedly a little nervous. With Steel Legions, we've moved away a little from the standard in MMOs and have ventured a little experiment. Although we had fun in the development, the players still see some things differently and more critically. Now I'm a little more relaxed. The players like the game, the technology is stable, As our team has really done a good job.
GamesSphere: How did you come up with the story of Steel Legions?
Mark: We've thought hard about the Steel Legions scenario. First, we wanted to dirty our hands a bit, after the relatively clean universe of Pirate Galaxy. Those dirty elements would be steel, steam, oil, and historical elements. However, we did not pick up on the common scenarios such as fantasy or world wars, but created something new instead. Since we wanted to make a PvP game, we needed different parties that could take satisfaction in fighting against eachother without the need of being a dedicated player. Our artists have drawn and then built crazy unusual machines, but a sympathetic leader, and that's when we all said, this is it! We're going to make this!
GamesSphere: How many people are currently working on Steel Legions?
Mark: Our team at Split Screen Studios consists of 15 internal employees. In addition, we work with outside vendors, such as community management, music or server services. Since our games utilize on our own technology, our team can flexibly switch between projects. Internally, currently around eight people are fully involved in Steel Legions.
GamesSphere: Where lies the principle difference between the four factions and does it influence the choice of the gameplay?
Mark: No, the choice of the Empire does not affect the gameplay. The empires have identical technologies. We have chosen to do so deliberately, because we wanted to avoid the player regretting a choice they made in the past. The players have their headquarters located in different locations on the map, but generally players of all factions achieve the same goals.
GamesSphere: When you first start you get a bonus when you choose a particular faction. Is it always the weakest faction or is the bonus randomized?
Mark: I see you've seen through our little trick. Each player gets a welcome bonus, but in fact we offer an added bonus for players who join the group with the least number of current players. We want to maintain a balance between the empires.
GamesSphere: What are the options to obtain scrap metal, ammunition and useful drops?
Mark: As with most MMOs, with Steel Legions players can also meet their needs by fighting NPCs. At Steel Legions they are called "looters". Of these NPCs, players can loot all the available items in the game. The most valuable currency in the game are the gold coins. This can also be looted. In addition, we give it out as a daily bonus to the players. Since Steel Legions is free and requires no fees, it's also possible to take a shortcut and purchase gold coins directly. The players can choose to pay for the service if they want to.
GamesSphere: How can you strengthen your own colossus and unlock new possibilities in the game?
Mark: There are a number of options for upgrading. We especially like the way you can assemble various components or insert alloys to your colossus. Thus one can design their own individual machine.
We've gotten much fun with the "tactical weapons". With this, you can effectively annoy your opponents: the Tar Cannon thwarts their escape, The Nebula Cannon reduces their range, and the flamethrower will burn them.
The third special feature of Steel Legions is the team. Currently, the player can recruit up to five crew members. They offer completely different benefits in the game, from weapons experts that enhances the firepower, to Commanders for more experience points, to the Merchant whom gives you great discounts for all items. Another great aspect of this is: each crew member gains experience points and can be trained to realize its full potential.
GamesSphere: In the game itself the player levels his colossus with missions. Do you obtain only experience points, allowing for promotion to the next experience level?
Mark: Right. With Steel Legions we venture an exciting combination of PvP (fighting player) and PvE (fighting against computer-controlled units). Missions take players into fast action-packed missions against other players. For example, players defending a bunker against another team or having to steal a container of gold. Whoever wins gets experience points. Against the computer, the player can earn the necessary items, such as gold coins, ammunition, oil and repair units.
GamesSphere: Are there always completely new missions to complete?
Mark: Missions in Steel Legions are similar in principle to those of known multi-player games, in which two teams compete against each other. It's not a story, but the commander of your empire that orders you to battle the rivals. This means that there's a number of mission types that are randomly played at completely different locations on the map. You'll be escorting a transporter with my team through enemy territory, attacking an enemy bunker or plundering the ore from a rivalling empire. And the opponent will always try to prevent it.
GamesSphere: When assembling the team for a mission, will the balance be paid attention to? Can e.g. a level 1 player be pitted against a level 7 player?
Mark: This is probably the most important and most critical question for Steel Legions. Steel Legions is not an open-world PvP. The missions will lead to two teams that have nearly the same strength as possible, to ensure a mutually strong opposition.
This balancing is the focus of development in Beta, because it works, but not quite the way we want it to be.
GamesSphere: What is the advantage of higher levels anyway?
Mark: The components, which can upgrade the player are limited to the current level of the player. Those who've reached a new level, can improve their colossus in the four categories that are currently present. This means that the primary weapon, armor, engine, or the tactical weapon can be developed to more efficiently take out your opponent.
GamesSphere: What is the role of neutral elements (factories, mines) on the map? Are they reserved for missions?
Mark: If a player is destroyed, they respawn at the nearest factory of their empire. The other buildings on the map are currently targets for the missions. We'd like to work on this in the future: New building types would offer more possibilities.
GamesSphere: A key ingredient in Steel Legions is the struggle with and against other players. However, is it possible to play the game without a PvP (Player versus Player) environment?
Mark: Basically, you can't go around the clashes with other players in Steel Legions. There's no alternative PvE Mission (Player versus Environment), that we can apply. But PvE is not a central part of the game. I think Steel Legions is quite interesting especially for gamers who are looking for exciting team challenges.
GamesSphere: The terrain provides distinct advantages and disadvantages for your colossus. What are the particular factors of the terrain and how can you use them in combat?
Mark: The terrain in the battle often determines the difference between victory and defeat. Currently, there are four different types of terrain, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. On hills, the players can see and fire further, but are also easier to hit by opponents. In the woods you're a little slower, but harder to hit. Craters reduce range, but increa your defensive capabilities. Roads, not surprisingly, increase the speed.
It's exciting to see how the players cleverly use these small tactical possibilities, which has may times brought despair to the opponent.
GamesSphere: In the beginning, the player starts with the action in the game rather quickly and learn to know the surroundings. However, there is currently only one map. Are other areas or maps for higher-level players planned?
Mark: The current map is actually designed for the start of the game. It has many roads and all areas are easily accessible. New maps become more complex and a completely new look. earlier today, I saw the first test with a snow map. Especially the flamethrower makes for more fun in the snow.
GamesSphere: At the moment there is no friends list to increase teamwork. Is a friends list or something similar planned in the future?
Mark: The teamwork with the other players will be a large factor. Here, however, no classical friends list is planned, but a highly integrated system in the game, of which we will see "friends" more like "allies".
GamesSphere: Will it be possible in the future to form "alliances" with other players? If so, will there be new features relating to this, or new possibilities and advantages?
Mark: That's what Steel Legions should be about. Internally, we're still calling it the "battalion". A player can play the role of Major and build a battalion. It is a mixture of your friends list and clans. But with battalions, we still need alot more. (translator's note: I have no idea what this last sentence means o_o)
GamesSphere: Can you fight in areas or zones with the other factions?
Mark: I would not want to reveal too much, but a few things you've already figured out: new maps and battalions. The players will, in the future, leave with their battalion in new areas of the country to the rival empires to wage long-term battles. This to cut the opponent from supplies to construct buildings and to ensure your own supplies. You could say we want to principly create a complex and tactical missions MMO. I personally look forard to this, because that would make Steel Legions much larger and more versatile.
GamesSphere: Are there achievements or player rankings planned?
Mark: We've got them both definitely on the list and it will be implemented in the duration of Steel Legions. The future updates already discussed are our first priority. Both achievements and rankings will then be based on these updates.
GamesSphere: Are there any changes to which the community can look forward very soon?
Mark: In the makings are new crew members, mission types and components. More concretely, we are also working on the balancing of missions, so players will soon be able to appreciate a little more fairness in the missions.
GamesSphere: What results have you been pulled from the open beta and what is the feedback from the community?
Mark: It is important for us to see that the players also take on new game concepts. We get a lot of positive feedback. The accessibility of the game and the fast-paced action for many is the key element. We must not lose sight of Steel Legions.
But there are legitimate criticisms: the balance of the missions is not optimally managed. We're currently working on that. In addition, the players want more depth. They'll get the previously described updates.
GamesSphere: Is there anything you'd like to say about Steel Legions?
Mark: Above all, I would like to thank the support of the players in the Closed Beta, which continues now in Open Beta. It is a great pleasure.
GamesSphere: Hello Mark! We thank you for making time for an interview with us. Please introduce yourself briefly.
Mark: My name is Mark Buchholz, I personalized and coordinate the project of the Hamburg independant game developer Splitscreen Studios. Some of you might have heard of Pirate Galaxy, as it's our Debut Title - a great success.
GamesSphere: First of all, congratulations to the start of Open Beta of Steel Legions. How is Steel Legions now underway?
Mark: I was admittedly a little nervous. With Steel Legions, we've moved away a little from the standard in MMOs and have ventured a little experiment. Although we had fun in the development, the players still see some things differently and more critically. Now I'm a little more relaxed. The players like the game, the technology is stable, As our team has really done a good job.
GamesSphere: How did you come up with the story of Steel Legions?
Mark: We've thought hard about the Steel Legions scenario. First, we wanted to dirty our hands a bit, after the relatively clean universe of Pirate Galaxy. Those dirty elements would be steel, steam, oil, and historical elements. However, we did not pick up on the common scenarios such as fantasy or world wars, but created something new instead. Since we wanted to make a PvP game, we needed different parties that could take satisfaction in fighting against eachother without the need of being a dedicated player. Our artists have drawn and then built crazy unusual machines, but a sympathetic leader, and that's when we all said, this is it! We're going to make this!
GamesSphere: How many people are currently working on Steel Legions?
Mark: Our team at Split Screen Studios consists of 15 internal employees. In addition, we work with outside vendors, such as community management, music or server services. Since our games utilize on our own technology, our team can flexibly switch between projects. Internally, currently around eight people are fully involved in Steel Legions.
GamesSphere: Where lies the principle difference between the four factions and does it influence the choice of the gameplay?
Mark: No, the choice of the Empire does not affect the gameplay. The empires have identical technologies. We have chosen to do so deliberately, because we wanted to avoid the player regretting a choice they made in the past. The players have their headquarters located in different locations on the map, but generally players of all factions achieve the same goals.
GamesSphere: When you first start you get a bonus when you choose a particular faction. Is it always the weakest faction or is the bonus randomized?
Mark: I see you've seen through our little trick. Each player gets a welcome bonus, but in fact we offer an added bonus for players who join the group with the least number of current players. We want to maintain a balance between the empires.
GamesSphere: What are the options to obtain scrap metal, ammunition and useful drops?
Mark: As with most MMOs, with Steel Legions players can also meet their needs by fighting NPCs. At Steel Legions they are called "looters". Of these NPCs, players can loot all the available items in the game. The most valuable currency in the game are the gold coins. This can also be looted. In addition, we give it out as a daily bonus to the players. Since Steel Legions is free and requires no fees, it's also possible to take a shortcut and purchase gold coins directly. The players can choose to pay for the service if they want to.
GamesSphere: How can you strengthen your own colossus and unlock new possibilities in the game?
Mark: There are a number of options for upgrading. We especially like the way you can assemble various components or insert alloys to your colossus. Thus one can design their own individual machine.
We've gotten much fun with the "tactical weapons". With this, you can effectively annoy your opponents: the Tar Cannon thwarts their escape, The Nebula Cannon reduces their range, and the flamethrower will burn them.
The third special feature of Steel Legions is the team. Currently, the player can recruit up to five crew members. They offer completely different benefits in the game, from weapons experts that enhances the firepower, to Commanders for more experience points, to the Merchant whom gives you great discounts for all items. Another great aspect of this is: each crew member gains experience points and can be trained to realize its full potential.
GamesSphere: In the game itself the player levels his colossus with missions. Do you obtain only experience points, allowing for promotion to the next experience level?
Mark: Right. With Steel Legions we venture an exciting combination of PvP (fighting player) and PvE (fighting against computer-controlled units). Missions take players into fast action-packed missions against other players. For example, players defending a bunker against another team or having to steal a container of gold. Whoever wins gets experience points. Against the computer, the player can earn the necessary items, such as gold coins, ammunition, oil and repair units.
GamesSphere: Are there always completely new missions to complete?
Mark: Missions in Steel Legions are similar in principle to those of known multi-player games, in which two teams compete against each other. It's not a story, but the commander of your empire that orders you to battle the rivals. This means that there's a number of mission types that are randomly played at completely different locations on the map. You'll be escorting a transporter with my team through enemy territory, attacking an enemy bunker or plundering the ore from a rivalling empire. And the opponent will always try to prevent it.
GamesSphere: When assembling the team for a mission, will the balance be paid attention to? Can e.g. a level 1 player be pitted against a level 7 player?
Mark: This is probably the most important and most critical question for Steel Legions. Steel Legions is not an open-world PvP. The missions will lead to two teams that have nearly the same strength as possible, to ensure a mutually strong opposition.
This balancing is the focus of development in Beta, because it works, but not quite the way we want it to be.
GamesSphere: What is the advantage of higher levels anyway?
Mark: The components, which can upgrade the player are limited to the current level of the player. Those who've reached a new level, can improve their colossus in the four categories that are currently present. This means that the primary weapon, armor, engine, or the tactical weapon can be developed to more efficiently take out your opponent.
GamesSphere: What is the role of neutral elements (factories, mines) on the map? Are they reserved for missions?
Mark: If a player is destroyed, they respawn at the nearest factory of their empire. The other buildings on the map are currently targets for the missions. We'd like to work on this in the future: New building types would offer more possibilities.
GamesSphere: A key ingredient in Steel Legions is the struggle with and against other players. However, is it possible to play the game without a PvP (Player versus Player) environment?
Mark: Basically, you can't go around the clashes with other players in Steel Legions. There's no alternative PvE Mission (Player versus Environment), that we can apply. But PvE is not a central part of the game. I think Steel Legions is quite interesting especially for gamers who are looking for exciting team challenges.
GamesSphere: The terrain provides distinct advantages and disadvantages for your colossus. What are the particular factors of the terrain and how can you use them in combat?
Mark: The terrain in the battle often determines the difference between victory and defeat. Currently, there are four different types of terrain, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. On hills, the players can see and fire further, but are also easier to hit by opponents. In the woods you're a little slower, but harder to hit. Craters reduce range, but increa your defensive capabilities. Roads, not surprisingly, increase the speed.
It's exciting to see how the players cleverly use these small tactical possibilities, which has may times brought despair to the opponent.
GamesSphere: In the beginning, the player starts with the action in the game rather quickly and learn to know the surroundings. However, there is currently only one map. Are other areas or maps for higher-level players planned?
Mark: The current map is actually designed for the start of the game. It has many roads and all areas are easily accessible. New maps become more complex and a completely new look. earlier today, I saw the first test with a snow map. Especially the flamethrower makes for more fun in the snow.
GamesSphere: At the moment there is no friends list to increase teamwork. Is a friends list or something similar planned in the future?
Mark: The teamwork with the other players will be a large factor. Here, however, no classical friends list is planned, but a highly integrated system in the game, of which we will see "friends" more like "allies".
GamesSphere: Will it be possible in the future to form "alliances" with other players? If so, will there be new features relating to this, or new possibilities and advantages?
Mark: That's what Steel Legions should be about. Internally, we're still calling it the "battalion". A player can play the role of Major and build a battalion. It is a mixture of your friends list and clans. But with battalions, we still need alot more. (translator's note: I have no idea what this last sentence means o_o)
GamesSphere: Can you fight in areas or zones with the other factions?
Mark: I would not want to reveal too much, but a few things you've already figured out: new maps and battalions. The players will, in the future, leave with their battalion in new areas of the country to the rival empires to wage long-term battles. This to cut the opponent from supplies to construct buildings and to ensure your own supplies. You could say we want to principly create a complex and tactical missions MMO. I personally look forard to this, because that would make Steel Legions much larger and more versatile.
GamesSphere: Are there achievements or player rankings planned?
Mark: We've got them both definitely on the list and it will be implemented in the duration of Steel Legions. The future updates already discussed are our first priority. Both achievements and rankings will then be based on these updates.
GamesSphere: Are there any changes to which the community can look forward very soon?
Mark: In the makings are new crew members, mission types and components. More concretely, we are also working on the balancing of missions, so players will soon be able to appreciate a little more fairness in the missions.
GamesSphere: What results have you been pulled from the open beta and what is the feedback from the community?
Mark: It is important for us to see that the players also take on new game concepts. We get a lot of positive feedback. The accessibility of the game and the fast-paced action for many is the key element. We must not lose sight of Steel Legions.
But there are legitimate criticisms: the balance of the missions is not optimally managed. We're currently working on that. In addition, the players want more depth. They'll get the previously described updates.
GamesSphere: Is there anything you'd like to say about Steel Legions?
Mark: Above all, I would like to thank the support of the players in the Closed Beta, which continues now in Open Beta. It is a great pleasure.
