The developers of AION 2 have dived deep into their philosophies around combat, exploration, and their take on a truly open world, to coincide with the MMO sequel's launch this week.
Speaking with the Future Games Show, developers from AION 2 studio NC explained how they tried to make an accessible and very expansive MMO. In the mini-doc, which you can watch below, the studio's chief business officer, Seung-Wook Baek begins by stating how the team attempted to take its existing MMO experience and combine it with new development technologies "to address the shortcomings and frustrations of existing MMORPGs."
For publishing lead In-Sub So, that can be found in AION 2's open world. Far larger than its predecessor, it's not all about size, but the ability to go anywhere you can see. In AION 2, your character comes with an impressive pair of wings, which means that this world extends over land, into the air, and even deep under the sea. "It's more than just a vast field," says So. "It's an entire world that players can explore freely, without spatial limitations, offering a truly open-world experience." That's echoed by game director Nam-Joon Kim, who teases rewards for players who fly "to higher places and [discover] what's waiting for them," and an advantage for those who use the sky to get a better strategic view of the battlefield.
But it's not just about exploration - combat will play a big part in AION 2, but you'll be able to take that on at your own pace. Kim says that those actively looking for a challenge will find it, but if you want a slower-paced experience, you'll find that too, investing in activities like gathering or monster-collecting. "Rather than forcing every player to play in a certain way," Kim says, "we want to give them more choices, allowing each player to approach battles in their own way and simply enjoy the experience." So explains further, saying "We combined AION 's unique world with a variety of PvE and PvP combat, giving players the freedom to enjoy the game however they choose. For those who have experienced AION before, we want to showcase an expanded world, while for first-time players, we want to offer the joy of an MMO where they're free to explore and play however they choose."
For Baek, launch is not just a way to bring the game to new players, but a way to show off the accomplishments of NC. "My team has accomplished so many things that I couldn't have done without their help," he says. "Their exceptional programming skills and planning abilities have made so much possible and I'm incredibly proud of them.
AION 2 is out now on PC and Android devices.
