[Xfire] Chatteox: Hello and welcome to the Archlord chat--the Archlord team will now introduce themselves and start answering your questions.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Hey Guys, Mr.Ktat here
<COG> Mr.Ktat: I am the community liasion officer for ArchLord
<COG> Mr.Ktat: I shall now hand over to Mr.Relf
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: Hi guys, Eddrockett here! Director of Marketing for Codemasters Online Gaming!
<COG> Ulric: Hi Guys, Ulric in attendance, Liaison Manager for Alchemic Dream and general assistance to the Cog Team ;-)
<COG> Adam McGowan: Hey Guys and Girls, dirkdiggler here, Product Marketing Manager for ArchLord
[COG] Eddrockett: Now hit us with your questions!
[Xfire]Frederic: Hi this is Frederic from Xfire. We would like to thank you all for being here today! Thanks to the Archlord team for making themselves available! This is going to be a great chat!!! Archlord has plenty really cool and innovative features to offer.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: (I am interested in getting Archlord how different is it from other MMORPG's)
Answer: ArchLord has one major difference to all other mmo's currently on the market, Be the ArchLord! a totally unique feature where one player can rise to become hte game worlds ruler, and control taxes and the wether to name a few features!
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: SS2 Maximilian: Does choice of race heavily affect character abilities or it is more of an asthetic choice?
Answer: Players will find that each race and character does differ wildly from each other. For example you will need to adopt very different playing styles between a human night and an orc beserker. You will find that as you play the initial levels offer very similary playing but as the spells open up to you you are able to do more
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: SS2 Maximilian: How will the storyline expand? Will there be developer intervention or will it be morstly player-based?
Answer: Players will in the short term influence how the game develops, but long term we will be responsible for how the story fully develops...we do have some exciting changes coming up for ArchLord. Obviously the ArchLord will have some impact on future developing story lines
<COG> Ulric: Question: [gutenraynor: Moving to a pay-for-item system what checks do you have to make the Archlord contest anything other than the man with the biggest wallet?]
Answer: This is obviously a concern at this early stage in the pay-for-item system, however working closely with NHN and the community, we are confident that whilst items will provide some benefits to users, the main factor on deciding Archlord will still be the quality of a players pvp skills and Guild management qualities
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: Question: (are you planning to release new expansions on a regular basis?)
Answer: We are currently preparing a major free update to the game titled Episode 2!!! Keep your eyes on the website soon for more details
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <Gameloading: PVP is currently very basic and is currently without meaning. Right now, there is no reason to PVP. Are any plans made to improve this, to really turn the game into a PVP MMORPG?>
Answer: With the up and comming release of Episode II, PvP will see a massive update. Episode II is all about PvP with huge siege battles taking place on the server every month in Chantra! Believe me, these battles will be absolutley amazing featuring 000's of players, fighting against each other!
<COG> Ulric: Question: [jubjubdayout: When do you plan to introduece the guild PvP teams ?]
Answer: We have currently put the pvp league system on hold whilst we work on integrating episode 2, as we feel the features in episode 2 may enable us to provide a better league experience, also we wish to give players time to establish new guilds with returning and new players.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: TomWolf: On game goal; you have to spend a great deal of time and energy to become the ArchLord. What do you do for those three weeks of half godly power? What secondary goals are there in the game?
Answer: The ArchLord system is about more than just the ArchLord the guild sieges that make up the first step see over 300 players able to part. For those that want to PvP there is a huge amount coming up, I think this will appeal even to those players that don't want to become ArchLord.
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Since archlord went free to play, is your player amount going off the roof, your forums are always filled with peeps, how is that affecting AL?)
Answer: Yes the number of players entering the game has increased rapidly as a result of free to play and we look forward to further growing the game in the future with new exciting game updates & expansions!
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <Tareim Gaml: will there be any expansion packs made to increase the number of races/classes, and/or to add in more quests, more areas to explored, even harder creatures to kill?>
Answer: Naturally as the game progresses through it's lifecycle we will of course be looking to expand Chantra with bigger and better areas! We are always keen on recieving feedback from the community in terms of what they would like to see in the game. That's one thing we try and pride ourselves on
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (whats the diferent between archlord and guilds of wars?)
Answer: Quite simply ArchLord is a hardcore PVP game for hardcore MMO gamers! Also we have a small little feature that is to become the ArchLord ;-)
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: Gypsy: Since Archlord went F2P the Game ratings have started to improve, on many MMO sites, What else do CM think they can do to increase the player base, and game ratings ?
Answer: its really nice to see the games ratings going up, previous ratings were not what we had expected. obviously the introduction of new content and ArchLord system will hopefully see more players coming into the game and enjoying themselves.
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Gypsy: Since Archlord went F2P the Game ratings have started to improve, on many MMO sites, What else do CM think they can do to increase the player base, and game ratings)
Answer: We are currently working on a number of new free content & expansions for the game. This will help further improve the rating of the game.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <[Xfire] Artaxs: So, Episode II is free? Does that mean that future expansions will be free to download as well?>
Answer: We are currently planning a number of updates and expansions for ArchLord, at present these are all planned to be free updates to the current service. And some of these updates are truely amazing, like Episode II
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: Gameloading: Will the next update: Season of siege also contain updates to character classes, IE, new skills or abilities for certain classes?
Answer: Season of Siege will see a number of changes made to the ArchLord game including changes to spells, and classes. We shallalso see the introduction of new armour and weapons as well...also new quests will be added
<COG> Ulric: Question: [Matt: If the Archlord is so powerful, how do you plan to balance out his abilities so other players have a chance?]
Answer: The Archlord will ofcourse have some awsome powers, but the second he becomes archlord hes going to become the number 1 target for all his guilds enemies "the enemy of my enemy is my firiend" is likely to become a stance guilds take to ensure the guild with the Archlord doesnt completely dominate the world of Chantra
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (in what languages will the game be available?)
Answer: ArchLord is already available in English / French / German
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: [Sp.Cows] StarSoft: Are servers located all opver the world and split up in regions? (europe, us, japan) And will the different ppl on other servers be able to meet up?
Answer: We have data centres located around the world to ensure players get the best latancy available, the servers in the game themselves remain open to all those in Europe and North America
<COG> Ulric: Question: [{UKS}~GúnßlÅÐé/ÐàƒT: WIll there be quests and 'Soloable' missions for the RPG lover and more casual gamer?]
Answer: Whilst there is a strong focus on Guilds in Archlord, we will continue to increase and improve the solo aspect of the game for those times when you dont feel like joining your guilds activities for the day.
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Will people be able to freely play with players from other countries, such as UK & USA)
Answer: All servers are open to all countries
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <pieaholicx: Will you ever be able to forcefully overthrow the ArchLord during their month of rule?>
Answer: The ArchLord could possibly die in battle when in the open world of Chantra! If of curse you are powerful enough to bring him down! There will be uber drops from the ArchLord when he does die, however, our current plan is to allow him his reign for at least 21 days
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (How many Archlords can there be?)
Answer: For their can only be one ArchLord
<COG> Ulric: Question: [ [Sp.Cows] StarSoft: Are the developpers monitoring skill use throughout the game, and adjusting them during the time? So if one skill seems to be overpowered it will be nerfed?]
Answer: Both the Developers and our internal QA team are constantly monitoring the skills and abilities, and as in many MMO's these will be adjusted to take into account any balancing needed, either due to skill imbalance or overall population balances.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: {UKS}~GúnßlÅÐé/ÐàƒT: Is there a punkbuster etc in effect to stop 3rd part software which has ruined so many other MMORPG's?
Answer: There is not a punkbuster in affect, we do have monitoring tools to ensure that players arentt able to use third party softare,etc as well as close ingame monitoring courtesy of our fantastic in game GM team
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Where can i buy the game?)
Answer: You can buy the game from all major gaming shops or alternatively visit http://www.archlordgame.com/where_to_buy.php for a full list
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: < twemdaskar: Why is no player currently Archlord?>
Answer: At the moment there are not enough players to partake in the ArchLord challenge, therefore we are using this time to refine the system as much as possible, making it something to remember! I personally cannot wait to see the first ArchLord own the world and all it's inhabitants
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: SS2 Maximilian: How often do you intend to patch and/or expand the game?
Answer: We look to patch every couple of weeks or so, at the moment we are focusing on the final phases of testing siege II before opening it up to public testing. After that we hope to expand on a regular basis
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <SS2 Maximilian: How powerful, exactly, is an Archlord?>
Answer: The ArchLord will yield emmense power! Firstly, he will be ablle to cover vast distances of Chantra on his flying dragon mount, not only that, but he will also be able to control the weather and call upon rain and snow as and when he chooses, not to mention the meteoric showers he can flash down on his enemies
<COG> Ulric: Question: [TomWolf: On guild building; are you hoping that groups within the game will organize spontaneous or do you have systems to encourage or even force this?]
Answer: Archlord has a built in Guild system which enables players over level 20 to create a fixed guild, once formed their are improvements they can add to the guild if they are successfull in GVG, including creating your own Guild Emblem.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <Lore Mordred: what is the maximum lvl you can reach?>
Answer: The maximum level you are able to acheive in ArchLord is 100! However, the ArchLord system kicks off alot earlier then that, so there is plenty of content for players after they have been the ArchLord, that is of course if they dont get power hungry and crave more and more of it.......
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Will the ArchLord receive special items that only the ArchLord can wear? Such as armor that shows him/her as THE ArchLord?)
Answer: As ArchLord you recieve your very own ArchLord armour as does your fellow guild members within the game. The very first ArchLord to be crowned within the game will also receive a real suit of ArchLord armour currently being produced for the first lucky ArchLord to be crowned in the game within N,America / Europe.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: TomWolf: On diversity; one thing that can be seen in any forum or review of rpgs is that players love to create their character. Will ArchLord evolve in that area?
Answer: We like to offer our players as much choice as we can, players are able to change their characters through the ingame beauty artist. We hope to add more styles to this NPC as well as expand the inital choices people are able to make
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <ubjubdayout: Do you have a date to release the next Big Patch?>
Answer: The next big patch for ARchLord is currently due to appear after Christmas. This patch will be known as Episode II Season of Siege - So keep your eyes peeled and keep checking www.archlordgame.com for updates as to what Ep II Season if Siege will feature and when it will be launched
<COG> Ulric: Question: [What future plans do CM/AD have for events?]
Answer: We have recently combined our Event team with the Rf online event team, to create what we feel is a very strong group of people to design and implement future events, both single events and longer RP based episodic events. We feel this will add an extra dimension to Archlord - Infact our Gms will be announcing a Christmas Archlord event shortly
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Will we see the return of a PAYplus like system?)
Answer: PLAYplus will not return. ArchLord is a Free to Play MMO now so is and will continue to be a subsciption free based game.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <jubjubdayout: It's due out after Christmas, so some time in this year or next year?>
Answer: This update will be due out in Q1 2007 :)
<COG> Ulric: Question: [Matt: What about players who don't enjoy PvP Combat?? Will there be something else to offer them? Is it possible to create a business in-game and create an economic empire?]
Answer: Whilst Archlord is focused towards pvp, and in particular large GVG combat, there is an option for people who this doesnt interest, for example you could decide to become your Guilds Dedicated Crafter - Travelling the lands collecting manuals to craft your guild rare and powerful items.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: [KBP]DL_Sniper: Will the archold have and look diferent in armor, weapon itemsn then the other players? diferent text like a hero??
Answer: The ArchLord will look massively different to all the surrounding players. The armour will make them massive compared to those around them, as well has having name text in a different colour
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <gutenraynor: Does the Archlord keep is Dragonmount and other items acquired as AL, or are they taken at the end of his reign?>
Answer: The ArchLord doesnt get to keep his dragon mount sadly :( he will be able to keep all the money he will make from being ArchLord meaning he could buy all he needs!
<COG> Ulric: Question: [jubjubdayout: How can one become a Game Master?]
Answer: Anyone with a strong passion for games, and in particular MMO's can visit www.alchemicdream.com and visit the jobs section, where you can submit your CV to the number one MMO outsource solution providers
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: Diminished!: Are you guys gonna offer PvP, GvG Tournaments that leads to in-game prizes
Answer: We are currently trying to establish a guild tournaments outside of the siege warfare. We are currently awaiting to see how players react to the siege warfare before we fully move ahead on this, but keep an eye on www.archlordgame.com for more information
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (jubjubdayout: Will there be a chance to fight in PvP with the makers of AL?)
Answer: We don't have current plans to do this however it's a great idea and will discuss this here at COG and with our partners NHN.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <Westi: What is the stree price for ArchLord?>
Answer: If you are looking at the pricing for ArchLord, I would suggest checking out the following link www.archlordgame.com/wheretobuy.php - this will feature majority of our major partners and you will be able to get a price from their websites
<COG> Ulric: Question: [jubjubdayout: is there any plans to keep the Gmhelp chat open 24-7?]
Answer: Whilst we are keen to use this system, we are keen to get dedicated tools developed to make the service easier foe use, however at the moment the support system http://cogsupport.codemasters.com is the dedicated method for receiving support at this time
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (>>S-M<<Leigh: With the ammount of people that will be playing what is the chance of ever becoming archlord?)
Answer: One ArchLord will be crowned each month per server.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: Gypsy: Will we be getting new, higher lvling areas,, dungons, mines etc ? or is the lack of these areas there to encourage pvp and clan wars ??
Answer: Over the course of the next year or so we shall be able to open up more areas, as well as introduce more dungeons, etc
<COG> Ulric: Question: [{UKS}~GúnßlÅÐé/ÐàƒT: Are there precautions in effect to prevent Players killing others in PVE game modes? If a player dies ingame do they get to keep their items and weaponry?]
Answer: Whilst there isnt a "pve" mode as such, as Archlrod is open PVP, there is a Rogue system built in to discourage too much Ganking of players. Yes at this time when players die they keep all their items and weapons.
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: ((Warked)Geo: What is the reasoning for rewarding only one player out of the entire playerbase?)
Answer: Actually as part of the ArchLord system not only do we reward the ArchLord themself but also the fellow players guild for helping them become the ArchLord.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: < twemdaskar: How did yot manage to give Archlord it's own look and feel in a market that is heavily saturated with Fantasy games?>
Answer: Very simple. ArchLord's world Chantra is made up of 5 elements, fire, air, water, earth and magic. Each area within the game is reflective of both this, and the races which reside there, for example, the Human cities are very impressive, compared to the dark and dingy Orc areas
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <gutenraynor: I thought the fifth element was Spirit not magic?>
Answer: Indeed you are correct, well spotted, was a test you see....
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: SS2 Maximilian: How different are the races from each other?
Answer: ArchLord races are all very different, they are able to play with each other but each races has it's own distinct characteristics. As mentioned before Orc Beserkers and human knights differe from each other significantly.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <jubjubdayout: Can players suggest to you about improvements for the help guides?>
Answer: We are always keen to receive players feedback on any part of our service. We love to hear your feedback, as you are the guys that make us! Simply start a thread in the forum and we will hear you!
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: ([BhZ] lGregl: How would u describe archlord to someone who has never touched an MMORPG?)
Answer: A massively multiplayer online role-playing game where each month one player with the help of his fellow guild has the opportunity to become the all-rulling all-conquring leader of the world!
<COG> Ulric: Question: [WNxAzuraRutlan: "What is the air speed velocity of an unlaiden swallow?"]
Answer: Well to be able to tell the air speed velocity you would have to know if it was an african or a european swallow, so until that information is given i cant give you an answer.
:-)
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: ([CM] Eddrockett: Skrangle: how manny castles wil there be to fight over?)
Answer: There are 3 castles
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <Aristaios: Do you have to be level 100 before you can become Archlord if not will he be able to fight enemies if a higher level than himself?>
Answer: To become the ArchLord you will need to be level 60. You will be able to fight anyone in the game world as you will have a wealth of powers at your disposal, not to mention your guild!
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (PW|HFC™ Rexik: What is the bigest animal/monster that i can hawe and ride on him it will be Dragon or Horse ?)
Answer: Become the ArchLord and you will have the biggest mount in the game at your disposal..... :-)
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <[RP].symbolic.furios_10: is archlord a complicated game for user that never play a mmorpg?>
Answer: I wouldnt say so. Being very hardcaore in it's PvP, doesnt detract from the newbie experience. The way the early levels have been designed is to encourage players to understand their character / class and environment.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: PW|HFC™ Rexik: Why in Archlord Moon Elf’s hawe ony 2 profesions Elementalist and Hunter but Orcs and Humans hawe 3 profesions do the Moon Elf’s are worse ?
Answer: The Moon Elves are a very powerful race and the two races that they do have are incrediably powerful. The reason for just two is entwined in the lore of the game. But do not think that just having two choices makes the moon elves a weaker race, they are not...do not understimate them!
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: ([RP].symbolic.furios_10: is archlord a complicated game for user that never play a mmorpg?)
Answer: ArchLord is a hardcore game made for the hardcore gamers however now it's free to play so there's never been a better time to check it out and see for yourself! ;-)
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <zite: Who can we contact after the chat for further questions?>
Answer: We here at COG are always keen to hear your comments and feedback and we will do our best over the coming weeks to answer as many of your questions as possible through the forums
<COG> Ulric: Question: [gutenraynor: How powerful will items be? Will you be able to double or even triple your strength using items, or will it be more heavily based upon your actual character?]
Answer: THere are many ways to upgrade your armour and weapons to increase their strength and stats, from reinforcement potions, to elemental effect stones. Therefore 2 characters of similar levels could be very different in strength due to their time investment in improving their armour/weapons
<COG> Ulric: Question: TomWolf: On politics; are there other ways to expand your powers through out the world except having one of your own becoming the ArchLord? Is diplomacy important?
Answer: There are future plans to enable both alliances and War statuses against other guilds, which should add a strong diplomatic twist to guild activities in game
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <TomWolf: On land; Can a guild or a player own a piece of the world?>
Answer: There are currenlty no plans to allow players to own 'land' in Chantra.
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (.:|Ram|:.: Why does the ArchLord Trailer Dont Show Actual Gameplay?)
Answer: Download trailers including gameplay movies from here http://www.archlordgame.com/movies.php
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: Astri: Are you even allowed to say anything about what will happen with the Chantra Mall at this time?
Answer: Obviously ArchLord needs to have some sort of revenue stream in order to keep it going, allow us to keep servers running, and bring new content to the game. We are working to introduce an item selling model as I've mentioned in previous interviews and on the forums. This system will be introduced soon, as well as prices on the Chantra credits. Keep an eye on the official ArchLord site
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Gameloading: Will players be able to use siege weapons during the castke sieges)
Answer: Yes full siege weaponry will be at your full disposal...
<COG> Ulric: Question: [Gameloading: Will the castle sieges include siege weapons and, if yes, which side will be able to use them, the defenders or the attackers?]
Answer: the attacking force will have huge catapults at their disposal and the defenders will have similar weapons to defend with.
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: Diminished!: Are you guys going to add anything to help the newbies out in the game, by giving tutorials or newbie island to get a feel of the game>
Answer: We are currenlty looking at a number oif options for newbie players, including buddy programs
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: .:|Ram|:.: Why dosnt the www.archlordgame.com website work,aswell as the archlord.com site?
Answer: The Archlord.com site is hosted by the developers of the game and not by Codemasters Online Gaming. We look after and service www.archlordgame.com
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: [Charlie]‡2eZ‡Modernfree: Are there any plans for players to activley shape the gaming world? Such as owning land, buildings? Wat kind of mounts are there?
Answer: We do not have plans at the moment, but they will of course be able to take hold of the four castles that are in the game :) feedback is important so feel free to hit the forums and raise your suggestions there. the mounts are horses, tiger like creatures and rhinos
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Rct Jackson [29th ID]: how will you compete with the upcoming P2P games that have more feature and now that your free 2 play how will you compete with the many people who play guildwars)
Answer: Three words "Become the ArchLord" ;-)
<COG> Adam McGowan: Question: <cryptanthus: is Archlord a free 2 play, or is another one of those stupid game where you have to pay monthly to play online?>
Answer: ArchLord requires NO MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION. All you need to do is buy the box and get your retail key, and away you go!
<COG> Ulric: Question: [PW|HFC™ Rexik: Is there a friend's list in-game or is it integrated in the codemasters system?]
Answer: There is both a friends list, and an ignore list built into the game, so you will not only be able to see when your friends are online, but also block out any unwanted messages form anyone you currently have a grudge with.
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Question: [Sp.Cows] StarSoft: How close are you all involved with the community? Are you active on forums, ingame and fan-sites to see sugestions for the game, improvements and general impressions of the community?
Answer: As the community 'guy' for Archlord its my job to make sure that i keep up to gate with the forums as well as play the game, and check in on the fan sites. I will be looking to hold more chats like this with select members of the forums, so if you think thats a good idea let me know :D
[COG] Eddrockett: Question: (Westi: Will i need a high spec computer to play ArchLord or can i customise the graphics to ft my needs?)
Answer: The game is fully customisable and will run on most pcs...
<COG> Mr.Ktat: Thanks guys for coming along to the chat, sorry that we didn't get to all the questions. I will hopefully see you all on the forums and we can talk more there
<COG> Adam McGowan: Hey Guys, So I would personally like to thank you all very much for your great questions! As I mentioned before, we pride ourselves on reacting to community feedback. We will endevour to answer as many of your questions over the coming weeks through the forums so please keep checking www.archlordgame.com for more information. Many thanks for all your great questions and I hope we were able to provide the answers you wanted.
<COG> Ulric: Question: Was great talking to everyone here, next step is to see you in Chantra ;-)
[Xfire] Chatteox: That concludes the chat with Archlord. Thanks again to the team for coming out!
[Xfire] Chatteox: Now onto some prizes.
[Xfire] Chatteox: 10 signed copies of Archlord.
[COG] Eddrockett: Ooooooo let me have one ;-)
<COG> Adam McGowan: I'll fight you for it ;-)
[Xfire] Chatteox: 10. TomWolf
[Xfire] Chatteox: 9. Matt
[Xfire] Chatteox: 8. Aristaios
[Xfire] Chatteox: 7. Diminished!
[Xfire] Chatteox: 6. khail1
[Xfire] Chatteox: 5. Tareim Gaml
[Xfire] Chatteox: 4. [Sp.Cows] StarSoft
[Xfire] Chatteox: 3. twemdaskar
[Xfire] Chatteox: 2. zite
[Xfire] Chatteox: 1. At-Eneah
<COG> Ulric: congrats to all the winners
[COG] Eddrockett: congrats guys.... see you in chantra
[Xfire] Chatteox: I will be PMing the winners-- so don't sign off yet
