Eldreth Interviews Sean Dahlberg
posted at 3:09 AM on Friday, June 23rd
Mr. Eldreth interviews Sean "Ashen Temper" Dahlberg of Wolfpack Studios. Wolfpack is the developer of the highly anticipated MMORPG Shadowbane.
Mr. Eldreth: Hi Ashen. I love you.
Sean Dahlberg: lol
Mr. Eldreth: How did you manage to get yourself hired by such a big-name company such as Wolfpack?
SD: Hmmm, that is a good question. Basically, I just pestered Warden until he folded...
Mr. Eldreth: A worthy plan. *takes notes*
SD: Seriously, I think it was my stance and views on certain issues and the fact that I have the skills to get the job done and done right.
Mr. Eldreth: What do you think of the general atmosphere of the Wolfpack offices? The people? The company itself?
SD: Very nice working atmosphere... it's not stuffy but at the same time, everyone pulls together and gets the job done. There is a time to goof off and a time to get serious and everyone here seems to know the differences very well.
Mr. Eldreth: I'm not even going to bother asking if you like your job or not, because if you don't, you should be shot.
SD: haha, thanks.
Mr. Eldreth: We all know what Shadowbane is; what isn't it?
SD: Shadowbane isn't a place for the weak of heart... Many people have numerous misconceptions about Shadowbane based on their experiences in other online games. Shadowbane isn't UO. Shadowbane isn't EQ. Shadowbane isn't AC. Shadowbane is Shadowbane.
Mr. Eldreth: So you're Wolfpack's 'Internet Relations Manager'. What exactly is that and where do I get one?
SD: I have a wide assortment of duties to perform here, the first and foremost is being a link between the Shadowbane Community and the Development Team. This will be done via numerous methods, such as answering questions on the forums and via email, setting up interviews, and organizing chat sessions. Other ways that I will be releasing information will be through the official Shadowbane website by updating and maintaining it.
Mr. Eldreth: What does Shadowbane offer to the MMORPG community that other games such as Everquest and Asheron's Call (and even the ones currently in development like Horizons) lack?
SD: Can't really speak for games in development... basically because they are still in development and who knows what they will have to offer. As for games already out, Shadowbane will offer, in my opinion, what other online games are lacking right now: A good and practical PvP and GvG (Guild vs Guild) system and basing the game on guilds vice putting it in as a later patch or an afterthought.
Mr. Eldreth: Some of the screenshots of Shadowbane really do look amazing, as do all the promises and information thrown out there. How do you expect Shadowbane to compete in the market?
SD: I expect the market will be trying to compete with Shadowbane, actually... many people think Shadowbane is going to be the "sleeper hit" but lately we have been getting a lot of press... just look at E3 2000.
Mr. Eldreth: I think the shirts were responsible for the boom at E3.
SD: hehe, I am still getting requests for those shirts!
Mr. Eldreth: I know that before you were hired onto Wolfpack, you were a major fan of both the game and the crew -- why did you want to play Shadowbane back then and have your thoughts changed any since then?
SD: When I first heard about Shadowbane, I was finishing up my "career" in playing Everquest. I played almost 3 years of UO and 6 months of EQ and found both games highly lacking in what makes a game great; letting the player have a hand in shaping the world's history. I had many other issues with both games, character balancing issues, guild systems, PvP, the list could go on and on. When I read about Shadowbane, I read basically what I was doing as a hobby, putting together thoughts on what I thought would be the perfect game. The only difference is mine was called Swords & Sorcery and this one is called Shadowbane =-) As to how I think differently as when I first heard of Shadowbane... I have to say I am even more hyped. Now that I have seen the AVI, messed around in the game engine, and learned some of the inner workings of the game, it is all I thought it would be and more.
Mr. Eldreth: Speaking of the AVI, how far along do you think it is? I know a lot of people are drooling over a public release.
SD: Wish I could comment more on that, but I can't. I know we are trying a few new things with it to make it look even better which is understandable. Once the AVI is out, it won't be just fans looking at it. We will also have the "competition" trying to tear it apart and news sites/magazines scrutinizing it. It is in our best interest to have the AVI at 110% before unleashing the hounds, so to speak.
Mr. Eldreth: Speaking as a gamer, is there any advice you could throw out to the masses that are waiting for Shadowbane?
SD: Be patient =-) We don't want the initial release of Shadowbane to be a "paid beta" so to speak so we are tweaking things as much as possible on our end before anything else.
Mr. Eldreth: So we're still looking at a November beta?
SD: I would say sooner but then I would just be guessing. November is still a good and viable timeframe, though.
Mr. Eldreth: That just about wraps it up... anything you'd like to say or add?
SD: Hmm, can't think of too much at the moment. I'm working on a few projects to release to the fans but until they are done, I really can't say too much about them.
Mr. Eldreth: Well now you're just teasing.
SD: hehe, now would I do that? I mean, an Internet Relations Manager that teases the public? You have got to be joking me!
Mr. Eldreth: I may be wrong here but I think I'm sensing some sarcasm.
SD: That and for everyone to vote for the Shadowbane History as the thing they want to learn more about! I read it and it is great! I think the history would benefit many of those working on guilds, though... many like to base their guilds on aspects of the game's history. Oh, and vote for Shadowbane at PCGamer! Here, let me get you the link... Vote to Crush!
Mr. Eldreth: {shameless plug}
SD: I think "shamelessly plug the game" is in my contract somewhere.... |
