Post by FenrirXIII on Oct 28, 2008 22:52:04 GMT -6
That's right ladies and U. Dye, this is the hot spot for the latest interview with The Brotherhood member Kija!
Final Fantasy- The Hunting Grounds
Kija v8 Interview by Fenrir.
Fenrir: Most of the current player base is a mix of very 'veteran' players, and newer players. I would like to ask you a few questions about yourself so that everyone knows the same stuff.
1.) When did you first come to know & play Final Fantasy- The Hunting Grounds?(FF:THG)
Kija: I first joined sometime in late 2002 or early 2003 when the game first came out. Pogrus had told me to join, and I have been a big fan ever since.
2.) How and when did you join The Brotherhood?
Kija: After version four, the work on version five had come to pretty much a halt. A lot of the original Brotherhood members had left, but like many other players, I wanted to see the game finished. Mahn emailed Dagolar about getting the source files and helping to finish the game. We joined the Brotherhood and got to work. I joined as a programmer and began to learn Dream Maker by going over the source files. My only previous programmer experience was from learning a bit of Java when I took computer science classes in high school. The classes definitely helped, but I still had a lot to learn.
3.) What were your feelings about the game at that time?
Kija: I was very excited to be able to work on the game and see it continue. It was always one of my favourite games and being able to work on a game you love was nice. I think the timing that allowed me to join was one of those things that just feel lucky. It could have been anyone, as we were not the only ones that ever asked for the files. But I think things have worked out pretty well.
4.) Do you have any comments about the time when we almost lost FF:THG to someone else?
A: Since Mahn 'saved' the game, does that make Mahn #1? Who has the final say on really big changes?(if any)
Kija: Mahn had emailed Dagolar about getting the files to help finish the game. At the time, Shoobs was in control, so we joined the Brotherhood under her to help finish the game. Before we joined, she also had a programmer, Von Fanel, working with her to finish the game. However, they both ended up leaving too not long after. At the time, I do not think having two programmers was really a good idea anyways. Although Mahn is the one that made the email, that in the end saved the game, he is not the owner. While we were working on the game, we still spoke to Dagolar and would show off what was done so far.
After Shoobs left, Dagolar decided to come back after seeing the amazing progress that had been done to the game. We continued to work under Dagolar all the way until version seven when Dagolar left again to work on the sequel. When Dagolar decided to leave, he had messaged me and told me that he was giving me control over the game; however, I do not think who has ownership or control is really important, as that goes against what the Brotherhood is meant to be.
We are all a part of a team, and we all make the decisions. No one has a final say on anything. I remember when Dagolar had control, I use to argue with him for hours over things, hoping to change his mind. We once argued for over six hours until we both looked at the clock in surprise and decided to do something else. It was a pretty crazy argument. Having discussions is good though. It is just when one person says "It is going to be like this, too bad" is when problems occur. It would be a sad day when a decision could be made by only one person.
Fenrir: Now that we know a bit more about you, let's move along to the game itself. I'll start with a bit of version history.
5.) With each release of versions 5, 6, and 7, did you have a central, all-encompassing direction with which to take FF:THG further? Aside from adding more story-based content, that is.
A: If so, how have you stayed/swayed from that direction?
B: Now that V8 has taken longer than any other update aside from the initial v5, have you set a direction to help guide you into future updates beyond v8?
Kija: From version one to version seven, I think the direction had been pretty set. However, after that, a lot has changed to take the game further than once was ever imagined. The original version eight was a lot different. There are still some things to work out, but the new direction is coming together, and it will take the game to new heights to increase its story and the world and atmosphere it is contained in. There have been some influences from games that I have played, as I am sure others in the Brotherhood have as well.
While I think game play is important, one of the things that always comes back to me is the atmosphere. It is a part of the game that really draws in you and allows you to enjoy that game play. One of my favourite games I have ever played, Fable, has an awesome atmosphere created by its very amazing music and art style. From the moment the kid appeared on the screen and walked around in the small village, I already felt hooked. It is that sort of thing that I, and the other members, want to do for this game as well. The game has a lot of interesting cultures and stories behind them, and allowing that to come through more for the world would be great.
Game play wise, the major influences would probably be World of Warcraft and Neverwinter Nights. Some of the ideas that I want for the game are a little similar to some of the aspects of those games. Do not expect it to be some copy though. One of the important things about using an idea is making sure that idea is used well, not just copied because you think it is cool. It has to work within the game and have a reason to be in the game.
6.) On the topic of v8 being a long time in development, lets discuss a bit about that. Real life events can interrupt our dreams and ambitions for online endeavors. What kinds of pressure(s) have you been experiencing? Tell us about the struggle. =)
Kija: One of the biggest hurdles in development is having a job. It takes up a lot of time that could have been used to work on the game instead. It has greatly slowed down the progress of the game. When I first started work on version eight, I did not have a job yet and could spend all day working on new things. It was very nice, but I hope everyone understands that having a job is very important too. There have been other occurrences that have hindered the game as well, such as computers being stolen, files accidentally being overwritten losing hours of work, and other nasty things.
7.) Furthering the topic of v8 being a long time in development, how has recruiting gone for FF:THG development? I know it is customary to not allow outsiders to help in development. Were you ever at the point where you considered looking for help outside of the FF:THG community?
Kija: The Brotherhood always seem to be changing as members leave and new ones come take their place. We have recently gained two new members, U. Dye and Kain who came out of retirement. Those that leave are missed, but we have confidence that anyone who joins will be able to work hard as well and help see the game come to completion. I can never consider allowing outside work. I feel it is very important that the work only remains in the Brotherhood. I am not sure how the other members feel about it, but that is very important to me.
Fenrir: I think I can speak for everyone when I express our thanks and admiration for taking on the duties required of running The Brotherhood and coordinating the subsequent updates to the game. You could have easily given up long ago. The community has had members come and go, and one could argue it is slowly dieing out. Oldbies started showing up less, and eventually stopped coming at all. New players do not see alot of oldbies so they do not see an established community of veteran players and thus don't tend to stick around long.
8.) How do you feel about the current state of the community? Do you wish things were different, and how so?
Kija: I think the community, for the most part is great. There are a lot of interesting and fun people in the game that are willing to help each other and new people out and have fun doing it. There is the occasional trouble maker, but compared to other games, I think we have done well in that regard. Having more players would be nice I suppose, but that aspect is understandable.
9.) V8 has been in development for so long that it may be over-hyped by both players and/or perhaps The Brotherhood itself; Expectations may have increased far surpassing what was intended. Have you considered setting a content limit for yourself to release v8 sooner, and plan the extra stuff into v9/v10?
Kija: Version eight's content cannot be cut anymore than what it already is. We are already releasing it in pieces, as shown by the boss battles. However, a very large portion of it is required to release in one piece, as they all work together. The new area will have creatures created and balanced around the new battle system and engine, so those two things have to be finished before the new area can be released. The new battle system uses abilities given by the new level system, so that also must be finished.
What will most likely happen is that the new battle system and level system will be released at the same time, and the new area sometime after. I suppose someone could say to not do a new level system or battle system and simply upgrade what we already have by adding a few more powerful abilities and call it a day, but I think that would be a horrible idea and would just lead to more balance problems and a very disappointing new area and game. I think a lot people overestimate what exactly has been done so far.
Unfortunately, there is still a lot to do. The battle system, level system, and new area are not even close to being finished. The majority of it does not even have programming yet. It takes a lot of work to make sure it is done right, and I think that is important. I do not want to rush it and release some crappy system just so we can say we finished it. Even for a lot of the battle system and class system, there are still arguments over what should occur. These disagreements do not really help finish the game, but things are slowly coming together. The main argument deals with traditional game play and one that changes a lot.
Some believe it would be too different and think that the traditional game play is what makes the game good. Others believe that the traditional game play hurts the game, and that the game could be so much more if it was changed to something more. An example is one could say every class using MP is a little silly. Someone might say it makes things simple, and that simple, traditional aspect for the classes is fine the way it is. As for as I know, everyone in the Brotherhood agrees that not every class should use MP though.
Fenrir: I think we covered some good information here, and I'm glad we were able to speak today. It is in my opinion that developers should be in communication with their fan base community as games progress. Feedback is just as important and it helps to foster good relationships and feelings in everyone involved. A strong community is definitely what has kept this game alive, and I am very happy to keep that level of communication alive here as much as possible. We know you also post in regards to suggestions, which have reached massive levels in the Suggestions section of the forum... And with all that said and done, I only have a few closing questions.
10.) Would you please elaborate any further comments you would like to share with us?
Kija: I tried to elaborate as much as I could, but if you have any questions about an answer, I will be glad to answer it or try to explain my previous answer in more detail.
11.) Are there any new details about v8 that we haven't heard about, or may be rumored but not 'official?' (screenshots of new monsters, or a dungeon, or a new class or battle system?? etc.) =)
Kija: I have heard a lot of funny rumors that are completely untrue. Some of the things people come up with are a little crazy. I am not able to give out anymore new information yet. I do have a lot that I would love to discuss that I want to do for the game, but even if I did not feel it was not time to talk about it yet, the disagreements the other members have over it would still mean anything that I said would not be official anyways. Perhaps in the future we could discuss those disagreements in more detail, and possibly later post the final outline, so people have a little more idea of what to expect beyond what has already been said.
Final Fantasy- The Hunting Grounds
Kija v8 Interview by Fenrir.
Fenrir: Most of the current player base is a mix of very 'veteran' players, and newer players. I would like to ask you a few questions about yourself so that everyone knows the same stuff.
1.) When did you first come to know & play Final Fantasy- The Hunting Grounds?(FF:THG)
Kija: I first joined sometime in late 2002 or early 2003 when the game first came out. Pogrus had told me to join, and I have been a big fan ever since.
2.) How and when did you join The Brotherhood?
Kija: After version four, the work on version five had come to pretty much a halt. A lot of the original Brotherhood members had left, but like many other players, I wanted to see the game finished. Mahn emailed Dagolar about getting the source files and helping to finish the game. We joined the Brotherhood and got to work. I joined as a programmer and began to learn Dream Maker by going over the source files. My only previous programmer experience was from learning a bit of Java when I took computer science classes in high school. The classes definitely helped, but I still had a lot to learn.
3.) What were your feelings about the game at that time?
Kija: I was very excited to be able to work on the game and see it continue. It was always one of my favourite games and being able to work on a game you love was nice. I think the timing that allowed me to join was one of those things that just feel lucky. It could have been anyone, as we were not the only ones that ever asked for the files. But I think things have worked out pretty well.
4.) Do you have any comments about the time when we almost lost FF:THG to someone else?
A: Since Mahn 'saved' the game, does that make Mahn #1? Who has the final say on really big changes?(if any)
Kija: Mahn had emailed Dagolar about getting the files to help finish the game. At the time, Shoobs was in control, so we joined the Brotherhood under her to help finish the game. Before we joined, she also had a programmer, Von Fanel, working with her to finish the game. However, they both ended up leaving too not long after. At the time, I do not think having two programmers was really a good idea anyways. Although Mahn is the one that made the email, that in the end saved the game, he is not the owner. While we were working on the game, we still spoke to Dagolar and would show off what was done so far.
After Shoobs left, Dagolar decided to come back after seeing the amazing progress that had been done to the game. We continued to work under Dagolar all the way until version seven when Dagolar left again to work on the sequel. When Dagolar decided to leave, he had messaged me and told me that he was giving me control over the game; however, I do not think who has ownership or control is really important, as that goes against what the Brotherhood is meant to be.
We are all a part of a team, and we all make the decisions. No one has a final say on anything. I remember when Dagolar had control, I use to argue with him for hours over things, hoping to change his mind. We once argued for over six hours until we both looked at the clock in surprise and decided to do something else. It was a pretty crazy argument. Having discussions is good though. It is just when one person says "It is going to be like this, too bad" is when problems occur. It would be a sad day when a decision could be made by only one person.
Fenrir: Now that we know a bit more about you, let's move along to the game itself. I'll start with a bit of version history.
5.) With each release of versions 5, 6, and 7, did you have a central, all-encompassing direction with which to take FF:THG further? Aside from adding more story-based content, that is.
A: If so, how have you stayed/swayed from that direction?
B: Now that V8 has taken longer than any other update aside from the initial v5, have you set a direction to help guide you into future updates beyond v8?
Kija: From version one to version seven, I think the direction had been pretty set. However, after that, a lot has changed to take the game further than once was ever imagined. The original version eight was a lot different. There are still some things to work out, but the new direction is coming together, and it will take the game to new heights to increase its story and the world and atmosphere it is contained in. There have been some influences from games that I have played, as I am sure others in the Brotherhood have as well.
While I think game play is important, one of the things that always comes back to me is the atmosphere. It is a part of the game that really draws in you and allows you to enjoy that game play. One of my favourite games I have ever played, Fable, has an awesome atmosphere created by its very amazing music and art style. From the moment the kid appeared on the screen and walked around in the small village, I already felt hooked. It is that sort of thing that I, and the other members, want to do for this game as well. The game has a lot of interesting cultures and stories behind them, and allowing that to come through more for the world would be great.
Game play wise, the major influences would probably be World of Warcraft and Neverwinter Nights. Some of the ideas that I want for the game are a little similar to some of the aspects of those games. Do not expect it to be some copy though. One of the important things about using an idea is making sure that idea is used well, not just copied because you think it is cool. It has to work within the game and have a reason to be in the game.
6.) On the topic of v8 being a long time in development, lets discuss a bit about that. Real life events can interrupt our dreams and ambitions for online endeavors. What kinds of pressure(s) have you been experiencing? Tell us about the struggle. =)
Kija: One of the biggest hurdles in development is having a job. It takes up a lot of time that could have been used to work on the game instead. It has greatly slowed down the progress of the game. When I first started work on version eight, I did not have a job yet and could spend all day working on new things. It was very nice, but I hope everyone understands that having a job is very important too. There have been other occurrences that have hindered the game as well, such as computers being stolen, files accidentally being overwritten losing hours of work, and other nasty things.
7.) Furthering the topic of v8 being a long time in development, how has recruiting gone for FF:THG development? I know it is customary to not allow outsiders to help in development. Were you ever at the point where you considered looking for help outside of the FF:THG community?
Kija: The Brotherhood always seem to be changing as members leave and new ones come take their place. We have recently gained two new members, U. Dye and Kain who came out of retirement. Those that leave are missed, but we have confidence that anyone who joins will be able to work hard as well and help see the game come to completion. I can never consider allowing outside work. I feel it is very important that the work only remains in the Brotherhood. I am not sure how the other members feel about it, but that is very important to me.
Fenrir: I think I can speak for everyone when I express our thanks and admiration for taking on the duties required of running The Brotherhood and coordinating the subsequent updates to the game. You could have easily given up long ago. The community has had members come and go, and one could argue it is slowly dieing out. Oldbies started showing up less, and eventually stopped coming at all. New players do not see alot of oldbies so they do not see an established community of veteran players and thus don't tend to stick around long.
8.) How do you feel about the current state of the community? Do you wish things were different, and how so?
Kija: I think the community, for the most part is great. There are a lot of interesting and fun people in the game that are willing to help each other and new people out and have fun doing it. There is the occasional trouble maker, but compared to other games, I think we have done well in that regard. Having more players would be nice I suppose, but that aspect is understandable.
9.) V8 has been in development for so long that it may be over-hyped by both players and/or perhaps The Brotherhood itself; Expectations may have increased far surpassing what was intended. Have you considered setting a content limit for yourself to release v8 sooner, and plan the extra stuff into v9/v10?
Kija: Version eight's content cannot be cut anymore than what it already is. We are already releasing it in pieces, as shown by the boss battles. However, a very large portion of it is required to release in one piece, as they all work together. The new area will have creatures created and balanced around the new battle system and engine, so those two things have to be finished before the new area can be released. The new battle system uses abilities given by the new level system, so that also must be finished.
What will most likely happen is that the new battle system and level system will be released at the same time, and the new area sometime after. I suppose someone could say to not do a new level system or battle system and simply upgrade what we already have by adding a few more powerful abilities and call it a day, but I think that would be a horrible idea and would just lead to more balance problems and a very disappointing new area and game. I think a lot people overestimate what exactly has been done so far.
Unfortunately, there is still a lot to do. The battle system, level system, and new area are not even close to being finished. The majority of it does not even have programming yet. It takes a lot of work to make sure it is done right, and I think that is important. I do not want to rush it and release some crappy system just so we can say we finished it. Even for a lot of the battle system and class system, there are still arguments over what should occur. These disagreements do not really help finish the game, but things are slowly coming together. The main argument deals with traditional game play and one that changes a lot.
Some believe it would be too different and think that the traditional game play is what makes the game good. Others believe that the traditional game play hurts the game, and that the game could be so much more if it was changed to something more. An example is one could say every class using MP is a little silly. Someone might say it makes things simple, and that simple, traditional aspect for the classes is fine the way it is. As for as I know, everyone in the Brotherhood agrees that not every class should use MP though.
Fenrir: I think we covered some good information here, and I'm glad we were able to speak today. It is in my opinion that developers should be in communication with their fan base community as games progress. Feedback is just as important and it helps to foster good relationships and feelings in everyone involved. A strong community is definitely what has kept this game alive, and I am very happy to keep that level of communication alive here as much as possible. We know you also post in regards to suggestions, which have reached massive levels in the Suggestions section of the forum... And with all that said and done, I only have a few closing questions.
10.) Would you please elaborate any further comments you would like to share with us?
Kija: I tried to elaborate as much as I could, but if you have any questions about an answer, I will be glad to answer it or try to explain my previous answer in more detail.
11.) Are there any new details about v8 that we haven't heard about, or may be rumored but not 'official?' (screenshots of new monsters, or a dungeon, or a new class or battle system?? etc.) =)
Kija: I have heard a lot of funny rumors that are completely untrue. Some of the things people come up with are a little crazy. I am not able to give out anymore new information yet. I do have a lot that I would love to discuss that I want to do for the game, but even if I did not feel it was not time to talk about it yet, the disagreements the other members have over it would still mean anything that I said would not be official anyways. Perhaps in the future we could discuss those disagreements in more detail, and possibly later post the final outline, so people have a little more idea of what to expect beyond what has already been said.
I can't help but chuckle at that. I bet he fixed some typos of his.