Developer Interview

News

Hey Everyone!

IO took some time to answer your guys' questions! Below is the full interview for your viewing pleasure.

Q1: What was your inspiration for Lost Saga?
A: When we first started making games, the genre that intrigued us the most was Online Action. It opened up a new world to players because they were no longer fighting against a computer controlled, AI opponent, but an actual person. The fact that you could fight against another person even if they weren't  in the same place got us excited. However, we soon found out that most online action games were boring because their gameplay was too simplistic and repetitive. We believed this "boredom" was the biggest problem with online action games and we worked hard to overcome the boring aspects of the genre. In the end, Lost Saga was born.

Q2: Where did you get the ideas for the Heroes?
A: The core concept of Lost Saga is to have multiple Heroes from throughout time and space, battle it out. One of the most charming aspects of the game is the myriad of different Heroes from movies, books, comics, animation, games and history. The world of Lost Saga has no limits or boundaries. We encourage everyone to explore the depths or their imaginations while they duke it out with their Heroes.

Q3: How long does it take for a Hero to go from concept to in-game?
A: Each Hero is different, but on average it takes about a month from paper to pixel. With each Hero idea we do a rough test to see if it would be a good fit for the game. This is the most difficult and critical step in the process. Heroes that make it past the initial test phase go though design and skill revisions and then a lengthy period of balance testing before hitting the live servers.

Q4: Are you really planning on having over 100 Heroes?
A: Yes! We, are planning to create over 100 Heroes all with unique looks, skills and backgrounds. This variety of Heroes will make Lost Saga the best online action game.

Q5: Are you going to add any new Game Modes?
A: Of course! Unfortunately, we cannot reveal any details at this time but rest assured a variety of new modes will be coming to the game for all of our fans around the world.

Q6: Do you have fun working on the game?
A: The process of creating something can be both fun and challenging. You get this indescribable feeling watching your imagination come to life. Sometimes it doesn't always go as planned which can bum you out after spending so much time and effort trying to make it the best. When this occurs, we analyze the situation and start making tough decisions to keep the quality standards we have set for the game.
The most fun thing about being a game developer is playing the game with regular players, seeing them having a great time, listening to their feedback to make the game better. You don't get to experience that in most other jobs.

Q7: What makes Lost Saga unique? Why should we play it?
A: One huge aspect that separates Lost Saga from other action/fighting games is the myriad of different ways to battle: with melee weapons, ranged weapons, magic and explosives! Most other fighting games have the players fighting with their fists. In Lost Saga you can use: 1h-swords, 2h-swords, spears, dual swords, revolvers, bows, laser guns, machine guns, bombs, mines, fire spells, ice spells, dark spells, and healing spells. Players have a ton of variety in how they want to battle and each has their own unique way to play.
Another aspect of Lost Saga that makes it unique is the "Hero Swap System". Instead of playing with just one character from start to finish, you can switch between any of your Heroes whenever you want. Not only can you simply swap the Heroes, you can make your own unique combos by combing the basic attacks and skills of all of your Heroes together.

Q8: If a Hero is "overpowered" but already in the game can it be nerfed?
A: Definitely. We are always analyzing the game data and regularly balance testing all of our Heroes. If everyone is always hiring the same Hero because it is the "best" the game would get boring and stale. We review all the Heroes to keep the game fair and balanced.

Q9: Is there going to be Story Mode?
A: We've had many ideas about a Story Mode and have even done some internal testing but nothing has been finalized. When we finish up what we are currently working on for Lost Saga we will resume designing and testing a "Story Mode" for the game.

Q10: Do you like getting ideas/suggestions/feedback from the fans? Would you ever implement a fans idea or suggestion?
A: The dev team loves hearing from the fans! The best thing to do would be to post your feedback, ideas and suggestions in the Comments and Suggestions forum here on OGPlanet. The Lost Saga team here will compile a list of suggestions and ideas and send it off to the dev team on a regular basis. It would be almost impossible to implement everyone's ideas but through the fan feedback the dev team learns a lot and strives to make the game as fun and exciting as possible for everyone.