CoH Community Quiz: Taking Questions For The World Designer

Who is Melissa Bianco?
Melissa Bianco graduated from Capilano College, in British Columbia, Canada, with a Media Resources degree. She worked in the film and television industry in casting, post production, and as a talent agent in the mid-90s, which was right around the time she started beta testing MMOs. She has tested or played several MMORPGs from Meridian59 to World of Warcraft. She moved to California in 1999 and joined the Cryptic Studios Team in 2002.

What does she do?
Melissa Bianco is the World Designer for City of Heroes / City of Villains. She works in conjunction with art, programming, and other designers to design and implement new zones, map sets, zone and world events, and the occasional mission. She's well-known for putting "easter eggs" in her work and she loves to write the dialogue you see villains and NPCs saying as you wander through the zones.

Why does she call herself War Witch?
Long before Blue King Studios came on board, Cryptic Studios and NCSoft put together a comic book as a promotion to generate interest in the game. Melissa saw War Witch in the comic, loved her sassiness, and asked to use it as her board name. She began posting on the forums when the game went live as War_Witch and people just began to associate the character with Melissa. She readily admits that she didn't create the character; she just loves to use it. War Witch has become synonymous with Melissa, especially since she finds ways to slip in War Witch references any place she can.

Read War Witch's sassiness for yourself in the digital version of the early promotional comic for the original City of Heroes game. http://www.cityofheroes.com/comic/promo.html

Permalink

Woohoo, War_Witch! *em praise* Love the stuff you and your team have done.

That said -
With the reworking of prior zones, how long do you think it will be before you get to rework the Hollows? As one of the early zones, its mission and mob placement are complained about quite a bit (sub-level-10s having to navigate through level 15 mobs to get to a mission on the other side, for instance.)

I know with what's been shown so far for I10 your group's probably busy, but once the Hollows (and possibly Perez - can we have a chainsaw handed out to everyone to cut down that maze?) is redone the playerbase will probably put you up for deification...

And keep up the great dialog. :D I love some of the stuff I come across.

Hello, Melissa! First off, obligitary love...

With that said, there were some drastic variations between map design for Heroes and Villains, both in the artistic style (colors used, decorations, attitude of enviroment)and the practical aspect (the size of the maps, the linear design of the Villains versus the more varied and open ended Heroes, etc.). Would you care to discuss the differences, and what inspired the change of approach for Villains?

Hey there.

I was curious if there were plans to give villains more zones? I do understand that the hero side has been around for alot longer then the villains. But, Rogue Islands could use a few more islands, as well as contacts, to explore. Or even a villainous version of portal corps and give villains more worlds to exploit!!

Hello Melissa,

Building up new zone from the ground up must be quite intensive. So my question is, what is the process that goes into making a new zone and can you also give us a bit of what you guys did in creating the new Ritki War Zone for I10?

Thanks and keep up the great work!!

Hey war Witch

i am mostly a coh player but theres one ting i would like to ask to villians will you make rouge isles expanded since lord recluse leads it and all you think you can do that.

since You redone Fualtline i got a exploration badge at boom and said the Phalanx would call that home will you redo that and put the Freedom phalanx base there in the future.

Justice Commander

Hello War Witch!

I play both sides (heroes and villains) and I love some of the things that've been done to each. However, I notice that there's construction going on in/near Boomtown hero-side. Something new there perhaps?

Also, I read about some Villain fans clamoring for a Sewer Network ala Atlas Park. I'm undecided but will there ever be one?

Thanx for the great work.

I was just wondering if the team was going to add matching gloves for the new invention boots in the upcoming issue #10?

Like Piston Gloves?
or maybe even Rocket Belt?

Any news would be good....thanks Lvl.50 Tank Atlas Bull

Hi War Witch,

I loved the revised version of the Faultline and was wondering if there were any other zones, other than the Crash Site, that are slated for revision? I know on hero side there are a couple of zones that come to mind *cough* Boomtown, Hollows *cough*.

Also so far we have seen the HQs for a couple of the villain groups (Council, Arachnos) Are any other villain groups going to get HQs soon? (If my vote counts I would really like to see a Nemesis themed area. I've always felt they were underused.)

Thank you for all of the hard work,
AzureAvenger - lvl 50 Blaster - Triumph Server

Hey War Witch...

Just a couple questions for you that I cant seem to ever get answered.

#1: Are they ever going to expand out the SG's/VG's to more then 75 members?

#2: Where the heck is the Fusion Generator?

Hope you might be able to answer these, and help us understand a little better whats happening :)

Thx...

XxBudweiser8xX
Leader Of the Protectors of Neverland
Champion Server

Hi there.

Have you considered an underwater zone? A number of people I have spoken to commented how shallow all of the water seems to be around here...

If you take the "murky" look found in one of the shard task forces (I forget which one, but I'm sure you know the one I'm talking about) and make it blue-green tinged, you would have a great simulation of deep water, especially if there is a way to make a gradient effect the further down you go.
You could also use the same type of code as used in the reactor in the terra volta respec trials to simulate "drowning" damage, with some kind of temp item to simulate scuba gear, rebreathers, whatever.
Having bubblers able to create an air bubble around people to prevent drowning would also be quite interesting...
Adding a temp power only usable in the water area that is basically hover with different graphics ("swim") could allow movement through the water, while normal transport powers might be less useful, or even completely negated...
Also, this would give a great reason to create a whole new power set (I know, you don't do power sets, but hey, it fits the theme of the post) of water powers, including a faster swim power, water breathing, and water-related attack/defense/etc powers.

Just an idea... :)

Another idea...

I'm not sure if you also handle base design, but being able to build vertically as well as spread out horizontally would be a nice change for bases. Even if it was only a level or two extra, it would make a nice variation to the flatness of current bases.
Also, any chance of a "mansion" theme for bases? After all, two of the biggest super-groups of all time, the X-Men and the Avengers, were based in them...

For that matter, since bases are only accessible through a portal anyway, what about the "orbiting space station" style base (think "Justice League", old-school). Having a base item of a large window or viewscreen that overlooks a slowly rotating planet would be very cool.

Hi War Witch.

I'm new to COH (first week), but already while playing I can see that the way the zones are set up in this game is different than in other MMOs and quite unique and refreshing. However, something that I think should definitely be implemented, especially considering how this is basically TWO games in one (Heroes vs. Villains), is a sort of overlap between the two. I mean there's no fun having the Rogue Isles and Paragon City separate and only interacting in certain PvP zones. The idea of villains attacking Paragon City or Heroes going in to the aid of the citizens of the Rogue Isles is something I think should be taken into consideration as it adds a whole new element to the game.

A sort of PvP flagging system could be used to prevent the killing of those heroes/villains who don't want to be involved in this sort of world PvP, but in general I think intertwining the two areas would make for some exciting events (villain/hero raids, epic battles in the skies of the various zones, etc...)

Anyway, hope you take this into consideration and keep up the good work. It's a great game and it can only get better.

Question : Will there ever be a way to use Base and/or Invention Salvage to create rooms and/or items not available now ? Possibly even convert base/invention salvage into prestige to build up a base better. Just a thought. By the way I do love the game and all the new and wonderful things those with the "know how" do to make it so enjoyable for both those players who understand the tech. aspect and those of us who just enjoy playing.

I've heard a few people comment about a "passport feature". This would allow characters from one server to be switched to another. Any chance of that becoming a reality?
On a related note, what about villians switching and becoming heroes or viceversa? Clearly it can be done during events such as Valentines but what about on a more permanent basis?
Thanks.

I agree with ilnadmy, please make one big pvp-overlap server in which heroes can enter the Rogue Isles and villains can enter Paragon City, something like the way WOW-world is built.
The pvp flagging system is a good idea too for a server like that.
It should be great fun for everyone and way more realistic.
Great work, and thanks for taking the time to answer to our questions!

Dear Melissa,
My question is this. Is there a possibility for the following things to be done?
1: A respec mission that allows players to rechoose thier primary or secondary powers.
2: A Badge Given for achieved time on patrol in game at markers of 100,250,and 500 hrs.
3: The Possibility of having a shared recipe and salvage storage in base details for sg members
All these suggestions are things that have rattled me for a while. and would be good to see in game.
Lvl 50 fire/fire tanker-Odysseus Darkblade @global Phong Pok

Hello Melissa,

I agree with old school comics fan, an underwater zone would be a really really nice addition to the already very fun and enjoyable game, would open up a whole new line of enhancements, IO's Powers, and hey Mako could finally go home :) this could also be a PvP, zone, or another Rikti Crash site type place, a water zone opens up so many possibalities, that its not even funny, and i know it is a very hard task to make a completly new zone, i mean you've got the basic design, the coding, the art, the Mob design, then you have to deal with the code for the Mob paths, then add missions, and design those paths, and thats probably not even the half of it

but a water zone could easly fit into Paragon, and Rogue isle's, with underwater contacts and missions, would probably be alot of cave missions, mabye a few tech ones :) but old comic up there has a really good idea, i do support it 110% :) if that counts for much lol

My 50's
Lvl 50 Fire/Fire/Force blaster (Flaming Cowboy) (Freedom)
Lvl 50 Fire/Kinetics/Stone Controller (Blazein troller) (Freedom)
Lvl 50 Spine/Regen/Body Scrapper (Spineygen) (Freedom)
Current Veteran Reward is 21 month

Hi Melissa,

Like many of the other questions I would like to echo the clamor for "when" will we see more zones in Cov?

Also on the CoH side, when/if do they plan to remove the level requirements for certain danger zones. It creates much difficulty with teaming with friends or sg/vg teams. I think you should allow lackyed/sidekicked toons to enter the zones. That would be so much more fun and easy. Also is there any plans to make danger zones for villains?

Are there any plans to make another co-op zone?

What happened to the moon zone?

Hi Melissa,

How long does it normally take you to create one zone? And also will you ever introduce weather to creat a more realistic enviroment?

To go with my idea of more PvP overlap between the zones, I was thinking maybe adding some PvP-focused task/strike forces would be good. For instance, a group of 8 villains would have to fly into one of the Paragon zones and kill so many number of heroes, or destroy so much city property. This would add a sense of heroes vs. villains, not to mention more excitement to the regular humdrum of doing missions in the different cities once you see a group of villains wreaking havoc.

Yay War Witch!

A disparity I have noticed between the Rogue Isles and Paragon City is that the Isles are MUCH more focused...for example Nerva Archipelago has Agincourt the Longbow staging area, Thorn Isle and some city sections.
Compare this to Paragon City where cities are...alike...except for mobs and some landmarks and you often have to cross two to three zones to get to a mission door.

Is there any possibility of streamlining the zones in Paragon City and perhaps removing/reworking some zones? (I'm looking at you Boomtown and Crey's Folly)
Conversely, how about a hazard zone in the Rogue Isles?

War Witch!

- Can we get SHIELDS?
Like Blue Steel in Kings Row.
We could use it to protect ourself from fire, punches or weapon attacks.
We could toss it at foe(s).

- Can an UNDERWATER ZONE be done?
Like in Worlds of Warcraft.
We could swim and fight off monsters in Talos or Independence Port. Those zones have enough water.

- Can an OUTER SPACE ZONE be done?
We could use a spaceship's door and enter a zone with Earth and Moon as a background.
We could fly (or use a jetpack or teleport) in space to fight off aliens. Many space stations, meteors or comets could be around.

- I want to get a PASSPORT to transfer toons from one server to another, da!

Dosvidanya, War Witch!

Hey there I play both Coh and CoV and as much as the Hero's need their changes the Villains could use some too.

While exploring Port Oakes ive notice a bridge being built that leads off into the ocean and I got curious so I looked at a map of the Isles and saw a island with a rocket drawn on it now this island was too small to be warburg so i wondered if this bridge was going to lead to it. also seeing some previous questions, a Malta themed zone would be awsome (If there is andim missing itjust ignore this part.) and as a last question for those of use who would like to work on the CoH/CoV team what options would there be for us and how could we earn the right?

~Alias: Domino

Hello Melissa...

Thanks for the opportunity to comment here. :)

I would have to concur about a few things....

1) More Zones for the Villains
2) More PVP interaction (Asheron's Call did the PVP/No PVP thing by allowing PVP if the player wanted to participate..and making the non-participant unable to be damaged by participant...much to the chagrin of many Diablo Hackers)
3) Server passports would be very nice...even if it involved a small fee.
4) We do need to have SGs allow 75 accounts...though having 8 hero and 5 villain groups in the Knights on Virtue...it does include some added logistical hassles.

I have only a couple things that have yet to be asked so far.

I have heard that the 5th column are to return...and there may be a possibility of a hidden base on the Moon. This would be quite cool. Is this true?

I would like to see something more from Burkholder's Giant Robot. The whole thing screams Giant Monster...perhaps once that would be toned down a little and let it attack Atlas or Galaxy for the low level heroes have a taste of what fighting the GMs is like.

Thanks again
Sword-Wraith
Senior Knight Captain - Paragonian Knights
www.paragonianknights.com
(Level 50 Broadsword/Regeneration Scrapper}

GLOBALS: @The-Pendragon & @ Pen's Second

Hi Warwitch. First off, thanks for helping build the best mmo out there, no matter how hard I try I cant give this game up. As far as city sites go, I was curious about the progress on the 2 zones we voted on, if I remember correctly the rikti homeworld was one of the top voted choices. Will we be seeing this in the near future? Seems to be the time to implement that one what with issue 10 and all. Please please please keep adding new costume pieces whether by invention or with each new issue. Of all the things that make this game so great character differentiation is the most profound advancement vs. other mmo's. Specifically I would like to see monstrous arms such as those on warwolves (because normal human arms just look silly with the monstrous leg set) and more creature or alien type costumes such as head crests, frills and some new alien faces. I know that power color customization is on the back burner (sad face) but I'll keep my hopes up anyway that it will someday be back on the table. Looking forward to hearing the responses!
-Lightfoot

ilnadmy:
... I mean there's no fun having the Rogue Isles and Paragon City separate and only interacting in certain PvP zones. The idea of villains attacking Paragon City or Heroes going in to the aid of the citizens of the Rogue Isles is something I think should be taken into consideration as it adds a whole new element to the game.

Hi Melissa!

Some what new player here, returning after a long absence. I totally agree with the above. The only big thing missing I see is more co-op missions for heroes and villains in the 10-35 range. The new co-op content that's coming is great! But co-op would make a great addition for all levels. The actual ability to "visit the other side" is a great idea; maybe add a two hour timer and "warp them out" when their mish timer is done. My personal idea is to add missions to Pocket-D. This allows people to team up and and then enter a mission. I think this would add an immense amount of fun to the game.

Aside from that, the villain zones are great, and the Hero side holds a lot of nostalgia for me. The extra content added has been great so far. Keep up the good work!

War-Witch...sup!

I love Cov/Coh. However there are a few things that I think could make the game alot more fun. For example: a VIP pass for one villain/hero; per server, to go to the other side and join in on missions for a weekend or so to see how it is living on the other side as the opposite. Monthly respecs( just an idea.)And two new classes, like there warshade and peacebringer for the villains after lvl 50, and patron pwrs for Heros. I for one think half the fun is creating my characters costume. How's about even more costume parts like cool looking gauntlets or half human half snake, or even spider. Just an idea to sleep on.

You guys are doing awsome and we gamers appriciate the hard work u put into the game to keep us occupied and entertain. Thanks!

War Witch! The Hostest with the mostest!

Okay, profs first, love the work you've done, all round. Love the look of some of the zones in particular: Croatoa, Founders, Kings, Steel, and even Boom for it's unrelenting desolation. There are no bad zones, just some that could use a little rationalization.
Things I'd Like To See Addressed:
Super Group costs. For crying out load, samll sg's will never be able to see any real use from even having a base. The free small plot is pretty crippeling in it's geometry. My own SG the Gun Girls is open to female Gun Blasters only. That is a small pool to draw from, we will never be big. Our base is very themeful, but meager. By the by, who set the ruinous exchange rate for Inf to Prestige? I feel foolish in the that I have converted 24 million Inf for a rather paltry 84,000 prestige. I'd happily pay the rent on a bigger base, but at 1.5 million insp just for the plot.... I also support the multilevel idea instead of just a flat plot.

I know costumes aren't your gig, but alittle love on female costumes would be nice, say the impratical but ever adorable bare midrift armour, or chainmail skirt...

Another costume item: Jet Packs, yah know, Jingle Jets, or the same model, no jingle version used by the Longbow Eagles. I do have the Jet Boots, but had my heart set on another jet pack when I was waiting on I-9. It'd be easy as pie to do.

Mercy Mauser, Founder and Leader of the Gun Girls, Victory Server.

Mercy Mauser 42 B
Jurikor Jazzigor 37 B
CRU-013 Victoria 28 B
Spinalcracker 28 T
Blue Drakkon 24 D
Shimizuki No Reiko 23 S
Fallen Angel Hunter 23 S

Hi War Witch

Love the hair. Ok I have a few ideas hopefuly you you might like them. Ok here we go
1. Heros and Villans being able to go to each others Zone to do missions or explore.
2. PVP could be a promt like /duel or /execpt duel or even make a PVP button you can
toggle on or off.
3. I want to have a MM with Females pets instead of all males and maybe even change
the MMs pets Costumes/Colors also think Robot MM pets should merge to make mega
pet. lol
4. I know Paragon city and Rouge Isles cannot be the only city on the face of the
planet. where is New York again hehe J/K.
5. How about new areas like a Shopping mall, Amusement park (roller costers), Junk
yard, Huge Dam. or even a National site like Mount Rushmore just for Ideas.
6. MORE COSTUME SLOTS please you guys got me hooked on Icons I feel like a junkie.
I love making new costimes.
7. And while we are on that subject how about each costume slot could hold one
Mega Enhancement. Like Costume slot one could be your +Def costume or what ever
enhancment you put in it. Or Costume slot one could give bouns Exp and two give
Bouns Inf and so on. Just so the costume have a litte more meaning behind wich one
is the right one for certain occaisons. Hmm what number am I on ?? oh yes hehehe.
8. Last but not least You guys have done a GREAT no no AWESOME job with CoH/CoV if
any of my ideas spark something feel fee to use them I cant wait to see what is
instore for us next. Thanks, Elfieu.

HELLO WAR WITCH:

Here are the questions I have always been curious about, regarding world design for the City of Heroes/City of Villains universe...

1) How long does it take Cryptic to design a new zone for CoX? From initial concept to live release what is the rough timeline for implementing a new (and/or revamped) zone in CoX?

2) Have you ever pitched a concept for a new zone that WASN'T pursued past the initial idea? If so, can you tell us about your proposed zone? (Or, what would be a "dream zone" for you, if you could personally pitch a new zone concept today?)

3) Looking beyond Issue 10: Invasion, do you think the emphasis will continue to be revamped zones versus "new" zones, a la Issues 8 and 9? Do you foresee any "new" zones being introduced to City of Villains, a la Issue 7? Do you see foresee "co-op" zones being the new model of bringing increased parity between CoH and CoV? Or do you foresee the PvP game being allowed to evolve with a FIFTH PvP zone eventually being introduced into the game?

4) Lastly, on the CoX forums, Statesman has addressed the idea of one day allowing the player base to create custom mission maps with a toolbox similiar to the supergroup base editor: in your opinion, just how impossible would this be, and even if it was possible, do you think it would be worthwhile to allow the player base to muck around in your sandbox? :)

Thank you for taking the time to consider these questions, and I look forward to reading your answers!

Sincerely,

COLD BOB
Level 50 Ice/Ice Blaster
Infinity Server
365 Badges

Elfieu:
Hi War Witch

7. And while we are on that subject how about each costume slot could hold one
Mega Enhancement. Like Costume slot one could be your +Def costume or what ever
enhancment you put in it. Or Costume slot one could give bouns Exp and two give
Bouns Inf and so on. Just so the costume have a litte more meaning behind wich one
is the right one for certain occaisons. Hmm what number am I on ?? oh yes hehehe.

Dear War_Witch,

I know that reading through all these Posts must be a nice strain on your eyes, i know it is on mine, Reading through all of these really nice ideas is always fun, I also know that Makin a new zone is no easy task as i said in my previous post, but a good Water zone would be a very nice addition, to the already Award winning game :) and if you could get water i know that space wouldnt be to far behind.

I know this part isnt your specialaty, but as noted above, being able to slot your costumes would be very nice, having a Defence costume, or an Acuracy costume when your in a PvP battle would do much in the line of help especially against them stalkers!!!!. or if your leveling up a new toon, a nice XP boost enhancment on your costume would help. so us 50's dont have to wait till double xp weekend to level up a New toon of ours, would make things much easier.

Another thing i know isnt in your Job description is intertwining the Heroes and villian powersets, having a Elec/elec Tank would just bring the biggest grin to my face, and wouldnt fade away anytime soon, or for those squishies out there a nice Psi blaster, or Plant defender, or Robot Controller, would be very fun too, and Villians do need some lovin, so you can throw em a bone everynow an then :).... But Villians could use a Fire or even a Gravity :) Mastermind, or an Ice brute, or a Emp Corr, or an Illusion Dominator

Hey Warwitch Welcome To Warcry And i have a Question Would it Be possible to have a week long event of like a Giant monster world like a giant wormhole in the sky leading to a world of all the Giant monsters and there minions. A place where once again villains and heroes need to work together to defeat the Giant monsters and obtain all of their badges.

Oh And for the zone selection if it would be possible Steel Canyon And Port Oaks These are optinal zones Oh And Also You Should make it availble to all levels

Just a suggestion
Sincerly
Lexi Daylight
Virtue Server
Currently Lvl 17 Scrapper And Ill Team with Almost Anyone And Im Nice To People And If You Need Assitance Ill Be Glad To Help You All With Missions

Highest Hero
Lexi Daylight Virtue Server Level 17

Highest Villain
Squad Leader Lisa Triumph server Level 20

Hey Warwitch Welcome To Warcry And i have a Question Would it Be possible to have a week long event of like a Giant monster world like a giant wormhole in the sky leading to a world of all the Giant monsters and there minions. A place where once again villains and heroes need to work together to defeat the Giant monsters and obtain all of their badges.

Oh And for the zone selection if it would be possible Steel Canyon And Port Oaks These are optinal zones Oh And Also You Should make it availble to all levels

Just a suggestion
Sincerly
Lexi Daylight
Virtue Server
Currently Lvl 17 Scrapper And Ill Team with Almost Anyone And Im Nice To People And If You Need Assitance Ill Be Glad To Help You All With Missions

Highest Hero
Lexi Daylight Virtue Server Level 17

Highest Villain
Squad Leader Lisa Triumph server Level 20

Srry Bout The Spam Accidental Double Tap