Star Trek Online Interview
Today we have a very special interview with Craig Zinkievich, the Executive Producer of Star Trek Online. He has been kind enough to let us have an interview with him about the brand new game, so here we go.
What’s your name and tell us what you do.
My name is Craig Zinkievich and I am the Executive Producer for Star Trek Online
How long was the development time for a game of this size?
We’ve been developing the game for the past two years. It’s built on the same engine as Champions Online. We’ve been at work on the engine for the past five years, so the two years we’ve had STO, we’ve been designing specifically for the game.
The game seems to offer a lot in the ways of freedom. I guess the experience of the other games you guys have developed helped you a lot yes?
We’re always learning. Part of being a multi-game studio means we can learn a lot from other teams’ successes and mistakes. That’s helped us quite a bit, and I’m sure the next game we work on will benefit from what we’ve learned as well.
Give me the stats, how many races, ships, planets, the works, because everyone loves numbers.
We’ve got 15 playable races in game right now, and are constantly thinking about adding more. We have 36 Federation ships in, and 15 Klingon ships, with more on the way in the near future. The number of planets and points of interest is constantly growing, too, and the sheer amount of places you can visit is staggering for a new MMO.
Three ‘seasons’ are currently available, how many will there be total?
We’ve got episodic content planned for post-launch, but we don’t want to spoil anything right now. But there will definitely be more than three.
Roughly how long is each ‘season’?
Each one varies in length but it will be somewhere around 14 Episodes in each season.
Do you plan any expansions in the near future now that the game is released/releasing?
In the near term, we’re rolling out some high-level/endgame Episodes for players to enjoy. They’re all Borg-themed, which has us very excited, since the Borg of 2409 are much different than what fans of Star Trek are used to. We’re also expanding Klingon gameplay a bit, adding some PvE content that players have asked for.
From my perspective the best deal as far is subscriptions go the lifetime offer. How long do you plan on offering that deal?
We have no immediate plans to discontinue lifetime subscriptions. We like the idea of letting fans who plan to stay with STO in the long term make a commitment to the game’s future.
Do you plan on bringing some of your MMO’s to the consoles, if no why not?
It’s definitely something we’d like to see, but for now, both Champions Online and Star Trek Online are PC games.
What are your plans after STO is over and done? Another MMORG
perhaps, may I suggest Heroes the TV series.
We’re always considering new places to explore and take the company. But right now, I’m focused on STO.
Thank you for your time. Anything you’d like to say to the readers and fans out there?
Thanks to all the fans out there, we appreciate the support and hope you enjoy Star Trek Online. This is just the beginning and we look forward to working with the fans and adding even more to the Star Trek franchise.
Thanks again, ‘Live Long And Prosper’
Here’s some snippits from the Official Star Trek Online site:
”In this massively multiplayer online game from Cryptic Studios, players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship. Or, they can become a Klingon Warlord and expand the Empire to the far reaches of the galaxy.”
”Star Trek Online will be the first AAA MMO to feature space and ground combat at launch. Missions will take you and your friends into the depths of space, across exotic planets, and even inside starships! As the Captain of your very own ship, it’s up to you to lead your crew on missions that span a number of locations. You call the shots, no matter where you are.”
”Using Cryptic’s Total Customization technology, every ship you command can be customized by you, from its color to its construction. Your ship will retain a Star Trek “feel,” but it will also represent your style. What’s more, anyone can create their own species in Star Trek Online, meaning you can tell your own story about how you came to be in the galaxy. Leave your mark on the Star Trek universe!”
In addition to the games features, Cryptic also mention’s future add on content on their website.
Episodes Featuring The Borg
Looks like theres a lot more STO to come from Cryptic Studio’s. We would like to thank them for the interview and wish them the best of luck on the amazing game. Check back soon for our full review.
Check out their website for more about the game: Official Star Trek Online Site
Short URL: http://thegamershub.net/?p=3620
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