Q&A With Star Trek Online’s Design Director

Perpetual Studios, developer of Star Trek Online, is still keeping mum about the MMORPG but FiringSquad was able to squeeze out a few info from the game’s design director Glen Dahlgren. In the interview, Dahlgren talks about their plans for the game including historical references and dealing with veteran players.

According to Dahlgren, they will be taking certain elements from the celebrated series but at the same time creating new ones, just like how every Star Trek era has something unique to set it apart from previous ones.

Although the MMO will be based on the Voyager timeline, the game’s timeline will be set twenty years after what we have seen on screen. Everything has evolved: technology, ships, and yes, the uniforms too. However, they will be keeping some of the themes and construction techniques but with a more updated look. The show’s characters that you love and/or hate will still be there, as well as time travelling and the familiar planets and systems.

On concerns whether the MMO will be based on licensed properties, Dahlgren says that they have set precautions and goals to make sure that this doesn’t happen with Star Trek Online: first, make sure that the underlying game is solid and approachable, second, fulfill popular fantasies. For the first goal, Dahlgren says it’s important that the game attracts not only fans of the license but also fans of the genre itself to keep coming back and playing the game.

As for fulfilling popular fantasies, while they would want to incorporate changes and give the game an evolved look, it’s important to keep in mind also the important elements that the show’s fans will be looking for. This is why they are designing the game in such a way that it starts with a noob-friendly solo experience. Then the game will progress as the player finds his way aboard a ship with other players and contributes his skills and powers, as well as engage in combat with enemies. Dahlgren let it slip that they’re working on providing other channels for high-end content and not just pure combat, but refused to further comment on it.

Dahlgren insists that it’s still too early to reveal the game’s specifics and in-depth details, but tells that players will be able to choose whether to group in space or join a crewed ship. Gamers will also be able to fly more powerful ships and vessels and the captain will have some incredible abilities that players will surely look forward to.

He also reveals that they are currently working on ensuring that new players will get the help he needs when faced with unfamiliar terrain. There won’t be auto-leveling of characters but they will provide tools to make off-line time valuable to the online experience. Other than that, Dahlgren won’t reveal anything else. Looks like we have no choice but to wait and see, and keep checking with us for further updates.

Via FiringSquad

Perpetual Studios, developer of Star Trek Online, is still keeping mum about the MMORPG but FiringSquad was able to squeeze out a few info from the game’s design director Glen Dahlgren. In the interview, Dahlgren talks about their plans for the game including historical references and dealing with veteran players.

According to Dahlgren, they will be taking certain elements from the celebrated series but at the same time creating new ones, just like how every Star Trek era has something unique to set it apart from previous ones.

Although the MMO will be based on the Voyager timeline, the game’s timeline will be set twenty years after what we have seen on screen. Everything has evolved: technology, ships, and yes, the uniforms too. However, they will be keeping some of the themes and construction techniques but with a more updated look. The show’s characters that you love and/or hate will still be there, as well as time travelling and the familiar planets and systems.

On concerns whether the MMO will be based on licensed properties, Dahlgren says that they have set precautions and goals to make sure that this doesn’t happen with Star Trek Online: first, make sure that the underlying game is solid and approachable, second, fulfill popular fantasies. For the first goal, Dahlgren says it’s important that the game attracts not only fans of the license but also fans of the genre itself to keep coming back and playing the game.

As for fulfilling popular fantasies, while they would want to incorporate changes and give the game an evolved look, it’s important to keep in mind also the important elements that the show’s fans will be looking for. This is why they are designing the game in such a way that it starts with a noob-friendly solo experience. Then the game will progress as the player finds his way aboard a ship with other players and contributes his skills and powers, as well as engage in combat with enemies. Dahlgren let it slip that they’re working on providing other channels for high-end content and not just pure combat, but refused to further comment on it.

Dahlgren insists that it’s still too early to reveal the game’s specifics and in-depth details, but tells that players will be able to choose whether to group in space or join a crewed ship. Gamers will also be able to fly more powerful ships and vessels and the captain will have some incredible abilities that players will surely look forward to.

He also reveals that they are currently working on ensuring that new players will get the help he needs when faced with unfamiliar terrain. There won’t be auto-leveling of characters but they will provide tools to make off-line time valuable to the online experience. Other than that, Dahlgren won’t reveal anything else. Looks like we have no choice but to wait and see, and keep checking with us for further updates.

Via FiringSquad