WC: Trickster was originally a Korean game that was localized for Western audiences. How much of the ongoing development of the game is done in-house, like for live events? Or is it all made overseas and then localized?
Although Trickster Online was originally created in Korea, Ntreev USA has worked hard to make sure the content is relevant to US audiences. When we localized the game, we updated many of the cultural references in the game so that they would make sense to US players. We also create custom content in-house for the US market. For example, during Halloween last year, we created a special pet which was phenomenally popular with US players.
All our live events are hosted in the US by our GMs. Every week, we host the "O/X Quiz", a fun trivia event where players can win rewards for special in-game items.
WC: How have you found that Western MMOgamers' taste differs from Eastern players? For instance, Western gamers are more used to larger MMO "expansions" than constant smaller updates - does this affect how you run the game at all?
We've found some difference in preferences and styles to some degree. We do our best to deliver new in-game content on a bi-weekly basis. Our players regularly ask about what's coming up in the "next" patch. Even if we don't finish updating until 3 or 4am, we have players who will wait up all night just to be the first to test out the items, quests and new content.
Many of our Trickster players are accustomed to having frequent updates, but we try to keep our patches as big as possible. In terms of 'big' expansions, we try to roll out major content at least every 3 to 4 months.
WC: The level cap for Trickster is advertised as a whopping 400 - that's a pretty big number! How long would it take for the average Trickster player to reach the highest level?
This is a very hard question to answer, as it depends on the player. We've had one player reach level 400. I believe it took that player about two years of hard work, which tells you how challenging it can be. On average though, it may take more than two years. We have heard in other regions where Trickster is hosted that a few players have reached the coveted level 400 in less than 2 years. :)
