SnowCrash
13-10-06, 16:01
Here you have the answers from Holger Nathrath, CEO of Reakktor Media, on a selection of your questions.
Have fun reading!
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I am glad to see that this event has received so much response. I am sure that you understand that I cannot give you any insights into the financial and personnel aspects of the company. In the following I will try to answer as many questions as possible.
Questions regarding the product “Neocron”
What will happen after Evolution 2.2? What are the next projects that will be realized concerning Neocron?
We have several plans how the further development of Neocron will look like. The next step after Evol 2.2 will probably be another graphical update. This will not only include the replacement of existing graphics but also the implementation of new game content. These steps will not be addressed before the release of Evolution 2.2 as we are completely concentrating our attention on the current project.
We greatly hope to receive a lot of feedback when the public test server will go online.
Have there ever been plans to develop a new Neocron 3?We would lie if we would say that this topic has not been considered in the past. The whole team still cares about Neocron very much. After four years of operating Neocron, we know its strengths and weaknesses quite well. Conforming to the current specifications, the competitive situation on the MMOG market in general and the upcoming releases of titles similar to Neocron, such a project would be difficult to realize.
How far are the negotiations concerning the new payment options?
The plan is to accomplish a sensible solution which displays a foundation for future projects of Reakktor and 10Tacle Studios. We are working on a respective agreement with 10Tacle financiers and the RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) and will implement this as soon as possible. We are still hoping to offer this new payment options for the release of Evol 2.2. but only if the technical implementation is waterproof. We have learned in the past what consequences an imperfect system can produce. If problems should still persist, we will implement these options afterwards as quick as possible.
What reason would you name to reactivate a cancelled game account?
This certainly depends on the original cancellation reason. For players who know the game quite well, the balancing project will offer new challenges. Not only working out new setups, but also new challenges combat wise will enrich the gameplay. Besides this, Neocron is generally a game which is unique due to several factors. In my opinion these are the reasons why Neocron has asserted itself on the market for such a long time.
As the CEO, how far are you still involved in the planning and design for Neocron?
Of course I have to allocate my time on several different tasks. Thereby my focus lies on our projects. The communication with 10Tacle, the general organization of the company, personnel topics and other everyday occurrences are taking much time. This means that I would not do the product and our team a favour if I would interfere too much into detailed planning with my superficial knowledge about Neocron. We have a very good team of people that are currently giving their best to realize an actual improvement of the game. Of course we have aligned the frame parameters, time planning and deployment, etc. On one hand I regret the greater distance but on the other hand this is also a part of my new “role”.
Is there any association between 10Tacles acquisition of Elsewhere Entertainment and Neocron? Will the NeoReality Engine eventually be used for Neocron?
At the current point of time it would be an illusion to assume that Neocron could just be ported onto a new engine. Realizing such a step would lead to a completely new Neocron. Such plans are on the table and it has also been discussed which possibilities are at hand regarding an adjustment of the game concept. Admittedly there are some other plans and personally I do not believe in a short dated realizations of such a project.
Do you see Neocron as a successful product?
Basically this appraisal is in a large part a matter of the point of view. For Reakktor, Neocron has been a kind of breakthrough which has assured us a unique selling point inside Germany. Financially wise it has paid off and the development costs have been recovered. On the other hand I am aware of the issues that come along with Neocron and that some things could have been accomplished better. From the current point of view I would say: “Well done! Next time we make it even better!”
Questions regarding the product “Black Prophecy”
Which role does Reakktor plays in the new title “Black Prophecy”
As developer of this project, Black Prophecy is Reakktor’s next big task. Therefore the granted significance for this project is accordingly high.
Would it be accurate to say this will be a 'spiritual successor' (e.g. system shock/bio shock or xcom/ufo:aftermath) to Neocron?
Without calling Black Prophecy implicitly Neocron 3, we are remaining true to ourselves. Which means that we will not break new grounds stylistic and atmospheric wise. However, Black Prophecy will be another game genre. Which genre you might ask, but at the current time I am not allowed to answer this question.
Will Black Prophecy exclusively offered for the Asian market or are there any plans for a North American or European release?
Though this decision has not been finally made, it is aimed towards the European/north American market. According to current analysis the product would not fit the requirements of the Asian market.
When can we expect information about this new game?
Traditionally it is always awkward to speak openly about such dates. Fact is that we are in a very early stage of the project and several things have to be clarified before we can bring any details to light. I think that we can lift the curtain in approximately half a year.
Questions about the company “Reakktor Media”
What task do you have to take care of as the CEO at Reakktor? How do these tasks differ to those ones from CEOs of other company branches?
My main tasks are to organize the company Reakktor, to back up the team and to attend and control the current productions. In detail these are several small and large tasks from different topic areas that constitute the entire task. Of course this also includes the economic leadership and strategic development of the company. A main difference to other companies is the bonding to 10Tacle, so we do not directly have to rely on acquisition, and many functional and business related cross-links have been created.
The concern 10Tacle offers a service model to third parties in the area development, production and marketing of computer games. This includes task fields like project controlling, project management, marketing, etc. Do you utilize this know-how for Neocron too?
This know-how has already been deployed for Neocron 2. Basically the emphasis of the work lies on 10Tacle’s development of new projects. We can react much easier and more flexible on developments of and in Neocron and of course have a more in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
To what extent can Reakktor access the know-how and resources of the other development studios?
It is very much in the interest of 10Tacle and ours to use the synergies between the studios. This happens in both directions. As an online competence centre inside the 10Tacle group, Reakktor constitutes an important consultant for so called “online related” questions.
General questions
In which genre would Reakktor Media like to move on during or after Neocron. Will this still be MMORPGs in affiliation with end time scenarios or will these boring elves enter the office rooms sooner or later.
We at Reakktor have a passionate development team which of course has its own affections and desires. On the other hand nobody is so naïve to anticipate that you can simply develop what is the most fun. We of course orient us on the demands of the market and 10Tacle. Fact is that we concentrate mostly on developing online titles in our position as 10Tacles online competence centre.
What happened to Martin Joerg Schwiezer? Is he still working for 10Tacle and if yes, in which position?
Martin still works for 10Tacle Studios Inc. and supervises larger productions in his position as Executive Producer
Personal questions
Holger, how are you. Do you still have fun with your work at Reakktor?
My entrance to Reakktor is definitely one of the best decisions in my life and I truly never got bored in the seven years I am working here now. New different challenges always await you on which you can grow and develop yourself.
Do you like to work in the games industry or are you just the born manager?
The game industry is a very innovative field which has become much more professional in the past years. Despite my study as orchestral cellist, these have been ideal conditions to work myself into these topics, as I was able to accompany this whole process. The special attraction can be summed up by gaming, freshness, innovation, the addressed personalization and despite all that, the still non-existing necessity to wear a tie and a suit.
How long are you already working for Reakktor?
I am full time employed at Reakktor since 1999. Before that I was working as a freelancer in the level design area for Reakktor. The first contact might consequently be traced back to 1993. MJS has discovered me on the basis of my Doom levels that I have published in the internet. Some of you maybe remember the three episodes for Doom 1 with the names Serenity, Eternity and Infinity. These concoctions gave me the possibility to enter the game industry. They have been discussed in books and published in compilations whereby MJS has discovered them.
How many Rolex watches do you possess?
I possess a splendid Festina watch for 125€ from a local German warehouse and another one I have inherited from my grandfather. I also do not drive a Porsche or a cabriolet. These are all things I neither can afford nor am in need of.
Have fun reading!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am glad to see that this event has received so much response. I am sure that you understand that I cannot give you any insights into the financial and personnel aspects of the company. In the following I will try to answer as many questions as possible.
Questions regarding the product “Neocron”
What will happen after Evolution 2.2? What are the next projects that will be realized concerning Neocron?
We have several plans how the further development of Neocron will look like. The next step after Evol 2.2 will probably be another graphical update. This will not only include the replacement of existing graphics but also the implementation of new game content. These steps will not be addressed before the release of Evolution 2.2 as we are completely concentrating our attention on the current project.
We greatly hope to receive a lot of feedback when the public test server will go online.
Have there ever been plans to develop a new Neocron 3?We would lie if we would say that this topic has not been considered in the past. The whole team still cares about Neocron very much. After four years of operating Neocron, we know its strengths and weaknesses quite well. Conforming to the current specifications, the competitive situation on the MMOG market in general and the upcoming releases of titles similar to Neocron, such a project would be difficult to realize.
How far are the negotiations concerning the new payment options?
The plan is to accomplish a sensible solution which displays a foundation for future projects of Reakktor and 10Tacle Studios. We are working on a respective agreement with 10Tacle financiers and the RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) and will implement this as soon as possible. We are still hoping to offer this new payment options for the release of Evol 2.2. but only if the technical implementation is waterproof. We have learned in the past what consequences an imperfect system can produce. If problems should still persist, we will implement these options afterwards as quick as possible.
What reason would you name to reactivate a cancelled game account?
This certainly depends on the original cancellation reason. For players who know the game quite well, the balancing project will offer new challenges. Not only working out new setups, but also new challenges combat wise will enrich the gameplay. Besides this, Neocron is generally a game which is unique due to several factors. In my opinion these are the reasons why Neocron has asserted itself on the market for such a long time.
As the CEO, how far are you still involved in the planning and design for Neocron?
Of course I have to allocate my time on several different tasks. Thereby my focus lies on our projects. The communication with 10Tacle, the general organization of the company, personnel topics and other everyday occurrences are taking much time. This means that I would not do the product and our team a favour if I would interfere too much into detailed planning with my superficial knowledge about Neocron. We have a very good team of people that are currently giving their best to realize an actual improvement of the game. Of course we have aligned the frame parameters, time planning and deployment, etc. On one hand I regret the greater distance but on the other hand this is also a part of my new “role”.
Is there any association between 10Tacles acquisition of Elsewhere Entertainment and Neocron? Will the NeoReality Engine eventually be used for Neocron?
At the current point of time it would be an illusion to assume that Neocron could just be ported onto a new engine. Realizing such a step would lead to a completely new Neocron. Such plans are on the table and it has also been discussed which possibilities are at hand regarding an adjustment of the game concept. Admittedly there are some other plans and personally I do not believe in a short dated realizations of such a project.
Do you see Neocron as a successful product?
Basically this appraisal is in a large part a matter of the point of view. For Reakktor, Neocron has been a kind of breakthrough which has assured us a unique selling point inside Germany. Financially wise it has paid off and the development costs have been recovered. On the other hand I am aware of the issues that come along with Neocron and that some things could have been accomplished better. From the current point of view I would say: “Well done! Next time we make it even better!”
Questions regarding the product “Black Prophecy”
Which role does Reakktor plays in the new title “Black Prophecy”
As developer of this project, Black Prophecy is Reakktor’s next big task. Therefore the granted significance for this project is accordingly high.
Would it be accurate to say this will be a 'spiritual successor' (e.g. system shock/bio shock or xcom/ufo:aftermath) to Neocron?
Without calling Black Prophecy implicitly Neocron 3, we are remaining true to ourselves. Which means that we will not break new grounds stylistic and atmospheric wise. However, Black Prophecy will be another game genre. Which genre you might ask, but at the current time I am not allowed to answer this question.
Will Black Prophecy exclusively offered for the Asian market or are there any plans for a North American or European release?
Though this decision has not been finally made, it is aimed towards the European/north American market. According to current analysis the product would not fit the requirements of the Asian market.
When can we expect information about this new game?
Traditionally it is always awkward to speak openly about such dates. Fact is that we are in a very early stage of the project and several things have to be clarified before we can bring any details to light. I think that we can lift the curtain in approximately half a year.
Questions about the company “Reakktor Media”
What task do you have to take care of as the CEO at Reakktor? How do these tasks differ to those ones from CEOs of other company branches?
My main tasks are to organize the company Reakktor, to back up the team and to attend and control the current productions. In detail these are several small and large tasks from different topic areas that constitute the entire task. Of course this also includes the economic leadership and strategic development of the company. A main difference to other companies is the bonding to 10Tacle, so we do not directly have to rely on acquisition, and many functional and business related cross-links have been created.
The concern 10Tacle offers a service model to third parties in the area development, production and marketing of computer games. This includes task fields like project controlling, project management, marketing, etc. Do you utilize this know-how for Neocron too?
This know-how has already been deployed for Neocron 2. Basically the emphasis of the work lies on 10Tacle’s development of new projects. We can react much easier and more flexible on developments of and in Neocron and of course have a more in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
To what extent can Reakktor access the know-how and resources of the other development studios?
It is very much in the interest of 10Tacle and ours to use the synergies between the studios. This happens in both directions. As an online competence centre inside the 10Tacle group, Reakktor constitutes an important consultant for so called “online related” questions.
General questions
In which genre would Reakktor Media like to move on during or after Neocron. Will this still be MMORPGs in affiliation with end time scenarios or will these boring elves enter the office rooms sooner or later.
We at Reakktor have a passionate development team which of course has its own affections and desires. On the other hand nobody is so naïve to anticipate that you can simply develop what is the most fun. We of course orient us on the demands of the market and 10Tacle. Fact is that we concentrate mostly on developing online titles in our position as 10Tacles online competence centre.
What happened to Martin Joerg Schwiezer? Is he still working for 10Tacle and if yes, in which position?
Martin still works for 10Tacle Studios Inc. and supervises larger productions in his position as Executive Producer
Personal questions
Holger, how are you. Do you still have fun with your work at Reakktor?
My entrance to Reakktor is definitely one of the best decisions in my life and I truly never got bored in the seven years I am working here now. New different challenges always await you on which you can grow and develop yourself.
Do you like to work in the games industry or are you just the born manager?
The game industry is a very innovative field which has become much more professional in the past years. Despite my study as orchestral cellist, these have been ideal conditions to work myself into these topics, as I was able to accompany this whole process. The special attraction can be summed up by gaming, freshness, innovation, the addressed personalization and despite all that, the still non-existing necessity to wear a tie and a suit.
How long are you already working for Reakktor?
I am full time employed at Reakktor since 1999. Before that I was working as a freelancer in the level design area for Reakktor. The first contact might consequently be traced back to 1993. MJS has discovered me on the basis of my Doom levels that I have published in the internet. Some of you maybe remember the three episodes for Doom 1 with the names Serenity, Eternity and Infinity. These concoctions gave me the possibility to enter the game industry. They have been discussed in books and published in compilations whereby MJS has discovered them.
How many Rolex watches do you possess?
I possess a splendid Festina watch for 125€ from a local German warehouse and another one I have inherited from my grandfather. I also do not drive a Porsche or a cabriolet. These are all things I neither can afford nor am in need of.