Now that Episode 2 for RF Online Philippines is just around the corner (28 August). I thought it prudent to have a looong interview with RF Brand Manager Keith Morales. It’s also been a while since I had an interview on www.gmtristan.com and I’m actually also scheduled to scour the environs for a potential Gamer Babe soon (long overdue too).

Keith, a fellow closet-geek like me, is doing a good job leading the team despite a long overdue expansion/content from the developers (CCR of Korea). With story arc events, Vangaurds (assistant GMs) and a strong community, the game is still hot. Infusion of new content will be something big for the game – the first, serious sci-fi MMORPG in the country today.

The full interview after one more click…

GM T: What are the things to expect in Episode 2? What’s the main difference between this and Episode 1? When will it come out?
Keith: Episode 2 brings more exciting game dynamics to the overall experience of players within the war-ravaged planet of Novus. Among the things to look out for are the powerful Leon Weapons, improved monster AI and skills, the much-awaited item mall and of course, the drastic changes on the maps that will change the way Chip Wars are fought – the barricades and collision detection system. It will come out this August 28.

GM T: Have you seen the items in the item mall? Can you give us a teaser of things to watch out for?
Keith: The items found in the mall are so exciting; I can’t wait to see how players will use these to gain an edge over their competition. From special ammunition, improved gems for better upgrade success to potions ranging from the standard HP recovery and potions that would give players bonuses to attack and defense at the same time. The most notable item in the mall would probably be the Upgrader sets. The upgrader set is essentially a box that would give you random potions and of course the Upgraders. The upgrader is an item that would upgrade a weapon or armor up to +7 instantly WITHOUT THE NEED FOR TALICS OR GEMS. More details on the items will be available on the RF site soon.

GM T: What about the bugs? The community has been clamoring long to fix this. What are your plans about this?
Keith: Ah bugs! Don’t we just hate them? CCR has committed to us that the terrain bugs and the ever popular Koko-Crunch bug have been fixed in the coming patch, Omicron testing with players will be the best bug test which is why we opened it up to the players. Rest assured, however, that the team is doing everything possible to coordinate with CCR in addressing all bugs in the game.

GM T: If I want to play Episode 2 and I already have the first Episode, how do I go about installing? What are the steps?
Keith: Full installation instructions can be found here.  We’re still waiting for CCR to confirm whether players who installed the new Omicron can use that to play the game when Episode 2 launches in the main worlds.
 
GM T: What are the events or marketing gimmicks you have prepared for Episode 2?
Keith: Aside from our usual story arc events and tournaments, players can look forward to new programs targeted for new players, guilds, and veteran players alike. Players will be given more avenues to take control of the game’s overall experience via player-chosen events, regular assemblies/meeting with players, and other promos to give additional value to players. Although I can’t give away any details on these yet, players are encouraged to keep checking the RF website for announcements and updates.

 
GM T: Are there any promos or contests that the players need to know?
Keith: We currently have a lot of contests that the players can join: Blog contests, Music and Video contests, the City Under Siege Finals, the Novus Chip Assault Squad Tournament and of course, our weekly Story Arc Events. All are at www.risingforce.phGM T: I know that the RF community is one of the “mature ones” right now. What’s your secret? How did you do it?
Keith: RF Online’s player community was built from the hard work of the players themselves. All we did was listen to what they wanted and that’s what we try to give them. The team always made it a point to involve the community as much as possible through board discussions, player assemblies held in our office, and of course through talking with individual players during on-ground events. I think one of the key things is also the fact that ALL members of the RF team are players of RF as well, so we know everything our players go through. We know the hardships of our Armor Riders. We know the hassles of raids and of pit-boss kill stealers, and of course, we know the frustration the Koko-Crunch bug brings. Experiencing everything first-hand actually makes it easier for us to explain to CCR what we want to happen, and ultimately, that helps us address all issues faced by our players quickly.

RF Online’s secret weapon are the Vanguards. These are players who wish to take helping the community to the next level. They sacrifice precious playing time to talk to players, to listen to their pleas, help with events, and help catch those nasty bug abusers.

Another thing that makes the RF Community one of the most behaved is the Magna Carta. Much like the Philippine Constitution, the Magna Carta serves as basis for all issues within the community, and like the Constitution, the beauty of the Magna Carta is the fact that it changes to address any changes within the community.

RF players take pride in the community they helped build, where respect is the most important thing.

GM T: RF is the only game where the players have a “real say” in the matters and issues (and they get to take part in the story). Was this a conscious decision on the RF Team’s part? How did this happen?
Keith: When RF Online first started, we felt that the one thing that other games lacked and most players wanted was some sort of control where suggestions were taken seriously and implemented when feasible, where comments and protests were not shut-down but was listened to and addressed. Hopefully, we are giving this to them. We are always thinking of ways to improve our lines of communication to players to make them feel that RF Online is truly THEIR game. After we launch Episode 2, this will be more visible via programs that would give players active participation on what events we will do.

GM T: Final words for the citizens of Novus?
Keith: Stay true to your race! Play hard, study/work harder. Seriously though, on behalf of the whole RF Team, past and present, thank you for making RF Online what it is today. If any RF Player wants to talk to me or anybody from the RF Team, feel free to come by the office and I’ll find the time to listen to whatever you have to say, you are the reason we’re working so hard. (basta walang pa-boost, enge itamz, )

See you in-game!

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Thanks, Keith! Best of luck in your launch. I’m here to support and help 110%

GM T