Black Gold Online Interview - Fantasy or steampunk?

Snail Games surprised quite a few MMORPG fans with Age of Wushu. It’s only natural, then, that many are looking forward their next project, called Black Gold Online. This will be quite the departure though, as it’s based on two factions fundamentally opposed to each other: one, the Kingdom of Isenhorst, pushes technology and lives in a steampunk setting, while the Erlandir Union practices magic and lives in a fantasy-like region. We have reached to Snail Games in order to learn more.

I understand that the two factions are both seeking to gather the precious resource “Black Gold”. Does this mean that we can expect full scale open world PvP with conquerable territories, outposts and keeps? Also, do players actually use the “Black Gold” to bolster their characters’ powers?

PvP rages in every corner of Montel: most regions are flagged contested areas. Players may switch to PvP mode at will and slaughter their own brethrens. Energy wells are conquerable territory which will be the heart of Guild versus Guild warfare.
Black Gold in-game is currently implemented as a trade currency; we will have further details down the road.

 

Many players acclaimed the sandbox elements in Age of Wushu. Why did you decide for a theme park oriented approach this time, and is there a chance for you to add more sandbox elements in Black Gold Online’s future?

We chose a linear approach to deal with Black Gold Online’s character growth. Nevertheless, we implemented couple sandbox features for the gigantic continent of Montel: expect explorative visits to the Chambers of Greed, Secondary Class Roles and Adventure modes. One of the more prominent sandbox elements is where a player’s particular actions can affect the condition and balance of a village or area.

 

One of the most interesting aspects of the game is certainly the “vehicular warfare system”. However, how will you balance vehicles against characters on foot? Also, I’ve heard about air and water based vehicles - will these be a part of dedicated battlegrounds, or is it possible to have crazy open world PvP battles with infantry characters, air, water and land vehicles all clashing?
The five different types of battle vehicles will have their combat specialization. Assault type would deal higher damage to the characters while Siege types deal massive damage to other vehicles. Expect epic scale conflicts with vehicles clashing on land and air. It is definitely possible for players to team up and raid enemy cities, keep in mind that vehicles will slice through infantry like a knife down the butter.

 

Is there any form of vehicles/mounts progression with the chance to upgrade/specialize them? Also, I’ve read that you can actually loot your defeated opponent’s mount - is this true, and what will you find?
There will be a specialized path for each of the five vehicle types, and you’ll be able to acquire the blueprint through battlegrounds or quests. You can completely destroy an opponent’s vehicle in-game but the looting feature will be something for future content.
Mounts on the other hand, are simply just mounts with no progression path.

 

 

What about player looting - can you get something off the defeated corpse of your enemies in PvP? Also, what’s going to be the player limit in PvP instances/arenas?
Black Gold Online will not host a corpse system where enemies can loot your body. The current version will not implement a player limit (more the merrier!) for PvP battlegrounds, but the feature is prone for optimization.

 

I’ve read multiple times the term “Guild Wars” in relation to Black Gold Online. Age of Wushu had some great systems for this, what can players expect to find in this new game regarding clan versus clan fights?
Guild versus Guild warfare can be triggered 24/7, expect intense conflicts. Versatile usage of vehicles will often turn the tide of battle: a successful guild commander will need thorough knowledge of the five countering types.

 

Speaking of character progression, you mentioned having something similar to the system featured in Diablo 3. Can you go into more specifics? Also, will Black Gold Online feature the so called “Holy Trinity” (Tank, DPS, Healer obligatory setup) or not?
Black Gold Online will indeed feature the classic role combination of Tank, DPS and Healer. Each class is unique and specializes in offensive or supporting roles. We’re still finalizing progression path and skill talents, please stay tuned for more update.

 

What unique features are you planning for PvE modes? Will players be able to use vehicles/mounts even there?
Yes, you’ll be able to summon your vehicles for PvE occasions. There are even achievements tied to slaying monsters with your vehicle.

 

Many MMO games are being ported or developed for the new consoles, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Do you have such plans for Black Gold Online? Lastly, I know that you are planning to bring the title to North America, but what about Europe? Will you publish the game yourself, or will you give the license to some other company? 

We’ll hold off developments on the said matter at this stage. You can expect updates when we have additional details.

 

Thanks for your time.