CODENAME 'PROJECT ICE'
Regnum-Irae.net, March 03, 2006
Introduction
Massive Entertainment is a premier producer of games and interactive entertainment software for a worldwide market. Its world acclaimed PC game 'Ground Control' and Ground Control2 established Massive Entertainment as one of the most innovative developers in the real time strategy genre.
David Polfeldt
David Polfeldt
Exclusive Interview with David Polfeldt, vp marketing & business development Massive Entertainment.
Summary: Regnum-Irae.net, March 03, 2006 - In an exclusive interview with Regnum-Irae.net's Staff chief (Timeline), David Polfeldt offered his views on a range of questions about the new incoming Game 'Codename Ice'. What follows is the full text of the interview.
Codename "Project Ice", Timeline vs David
Timeline: Massive's one of the top Real Time Strategy game franchises of all time. Will be the codename 'Project ICE' the final name of the Game?
David: No. "Ice" is a codename we have used several times. The first time we used it was because "Ice" sounds remotely similar to the license we were working on at the time. (But we can't tell you which license that was).
Timeline: Do you continue your RTS tradition in the new 'Project Ice'?
David: Yes, we have really looked hard at what worked with the Ground Control series and built upon that. The things that were good have been improved, and the things that weren't good have been abandoned. It's not GC3, mind you, it's something else. Something exciting, intense and immersive.
Timeline: Just how excited do you think fans are for your new game?
David: The fans we are in touch with are very excited. I hope we can live up to all the hype, :-)
Timeline: Why do you think the Massive's titles continues to enjoy such popularity after all these years?
David: We were expecting other RTS developers to reach the level we were at with GC and GC2 by now, but my impression is that the GC series is still pretty uniqe and special. There is no other game that will give you the same experience, and that's precisely why we are so excited to put out "Ice" - it has all those qualities, but it is also much more accessible. We have consumer-tested Ice loads and loads already, and gamers just love it.
Timeline: How does the title compare to its predecessors in terms of actual play? Has anything been updated or changed?
David: I can't answer this just yet. There are obvious similarities and obvious differences. Any GC fan will immediately understand what gameplay "Ice" offers as soon as the first details are announced.
Timeline: What are some of the 'Project ICE' edition's coolest specific features? ;)
David: Hahaha... I can't say! :-D At Massive we have this joke about the "hungry Dobbermans" in the backyard... We feed them with employees who break the rules. So, if I answered your question I would turn to dog-food right away.
Timeline: How much care has the design team taken to do the title's legacy proud with the Ground Control1/2 predecessors?
David: Well, lovers of the GC universe will miss a lot that was specific to that series, I'm sure about that. It's a new game in another setting, so I assume that some fans will say that it's just not the same. But the legacy as we see it has to do with other things as well, things that we are _very_ serious about: Pushing the genre to new ground, Creating the most visually rewarding strategy games ever, Focusing on the climax of the gameplay rather than the build-up, Amazing cinematics, Strong storyline... All of those "traditional" Massive elements are present, and some new stuff too. I can promise you that we have pushed ourselves harder than any time before, and that we are extremely dedicated to delivering a kickass game.
Timeline: What type of gamer do you think will most be drawn to your new title?
David: Every strategy gamer has to try this one out. Everyone. Plus I think we will attract a lot of more casual gamers too, the people who find traditional strategy games too slow.
Timeline: As long as I've known 'Project Ice', I've heard people asking you when is an 'Project Ice' movie or screenshot coming out... what you can say to them?
David: April. Keep your eyes open. The game will be announced in a magazine, followed the day after with an online announcement. Before the end of April you should have seen a trailer, some interviews and a bunch of ingame screenshots.
Regarding the screenshots, and after seeing how people react to them, let me answer a question in advance: "Yes, they ARE real. That IS ingame"
David Polfeldt | vp marketing & business development Massive entertainment