GDC 08: Nexon's Next MMO Maginobi and the Free-to-Play Model

At GDC we met with Nexon America CEO John Chi and Community Relations Manager Joseph Wreggelsworth to talk about Maginobi, the next MMO on the way from the same people who brought MapleStory to these shores. They talk about their new game, how they got to where they are and the importance of quality in the import MMO genre.

In most games, the day/night cycle is simply there to break up the mood. Occasionally, it might impact the spawns, but that was always the core difference between the virtual world game and the modern theme park-style MMO, which are clearly quite fun, but also simplified in many respects. In Mabinogi, there is a full in-game calendar, and depending on the time of year there are bonuses associated with it. This acts as a global mechanism that nudges - if not fully directs - players around the world, and should create more variety in where people play and hunt.

The very time of day also has a measured impact. At night there are different creatures to hunt and bonuses than in the day. This extends right down to weather. For example, in a rainstorm, players who rely on fire attacks will find themselves a bit less effective. At the same time, though, that rainstorm may be the key to some neat loot.

Read more after the jump.

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