As mentioned already, Mythic aren't starting from a clean sheet entirely, they already have the server code, tools and client of an MMOG capable of handling thousands of players in a real time full 3D enviroment, what's more they also have a lot of content such as sounds and spell effects that can be potentially reused or changed with minimal effort. Essentially due to having DAoC Mythic already have a massive head start here - sure they'll undoubtedly have to rewrite portions of the DAoC client and server but it's still FAR less work than starting from scratch, it essentially means they can be working on content creation from day 0 of development - and that's what takes a long time in MMOGs. Also as you mentioned the availability of existing models from the tabletop version of Warhammer will make creation of new characters easily and in fact, I'd imagine that miniatures are designed for production in some computer based format so it may even be possible to transfer models directly from that if GW decide to let them do so. Finally as mentioned also a lot of the lore is already there and a lot of the rulesets such as the combat systems are already there.Kesxex wrote:I am thrilled to see that Warhammer Online gets a second chance but I am doubtful that Mythic has access to the code that Climax wrote.
Now for all the people who haven't followed the development of WO here a quick breakdown:
- no levels
- no obvious knowledge how good an enemy is - that means if it is big it will hurt you
- PvP limited by choosing certain careers
- big scale battles possible in later stages where players can take over roles as lower commanders
- the heart of the Empire is the starting ground - rest developed probably as expansion packs
- expect to play not an elf - elves are very very reclusive
- character development based on Warhammer Roleplay - you choose a career, develop in it, then move to the next career
- intelligent mob behaviour - as in if orcs come together they will start moving as a big mob - no single pulling with some adds - you pull and you can have a horde chasing you
I play Warhammer tabletop for many years - and must have over 1000+ miniatures of which around 20% are painted. Games Workshop has in the last recent years expanded its franchise with establishing a publishing company (black library) and releasing special campaigns in book and organised through the web.
Now if Mythic takes over this ruleset then I have hope for the game. Games Workshop pulled out of this enterprise last year simply for the reason that the development took very long and no ROI was in sight. As to my knowledge the code written by Climax wasn't given to Games Workshop so Mythic is starting from a clean sheet.
This is what leaves me in doubt about their success. WO was seen as a new set of rules which leaves the basic structure of the Warhammer World intact. I expect that Games Workshop is looking to preserve the gothic gritty feeling that has been re-established with the current books and releases. In that regard, yes, GW will be very much after that their IP is presented in the correct way.
Having said that GW is very confident that with the right producer the results will be in the correct way. Like with the recent WH40K game titles all that was done was to give the designers a very good background, access to all miniatures (will make developing the models very easily) and most of the artwork.
Disclaimer: Yes, I work for Games Workshop. All things written in this post are my own opinion and derived either from official publishings or talks with people involved in the last Warhammer Online project. Anything covered by non-disclosure agreements, ongoing negotiations or talks at work under confidential settings have and will not make it into any post that I make - so don't ask.
It's not like the 5 to 6 year development times for WoW where a lot of the storylines, code, models, sounds had to be created from absolutely nothing - Mythic have a massive head start here and could potentially produce one of the most impressive MMOGs in the shortest time scale possible.
My only real concern is if they screw up, it's a flop and give up on DAoC in the process - I can't imagine a company justifying supporting 2 fantasy MMOGs.