1. Sanctuary Functions

GAMEPRESS: So far, most of our information is limited on how Sanctuaries function. We can see that anyone putting any dinosaur in any Sanctuary likely returns a constant amount of DNA when that dinosaur is returned, but we can't crack the equation for how much DNA can be earned by playing, interacting, and feeding dinosaurs. Can you share how that works from Sanctuary level 1 to 20? What are the returns for each rarity? We're really trying to narrow in on if the returns are worthwhile for an Alliance to focus on one Sanctuary to level 20 or to spread it out on a few.

LUDIA: That’s a good question, and the answer is unfortunately quite complex, and I can’t go into too many specifics. Also, keep in mind that we did not intend to reveal all that complexity in the game in order to keep the game accessible and friendly for our casual audience and not overwhelm them. But seeing how passionate you are with these numbers, let me try to shine some light!

The formula for calculating the amount of DNA received when caring takes a lot of parameters into account. The main factor is obviously the rarity: a Common creature gives more DNA than a Rare or Epic. Then the game looks at the dinosaur’s preference. Each creature will give more or less DNA for different care actions (ex: the same dino will give 30 DNA for feeding but 25 for playing, just because that creature prefers food). We also consider if it’s the first time you performed a care action or if you did it repeatedly. I’m sure you noticed that if you feed a creature multiple times in a short period of time, the second and later times, you get less DNA. That’s because that creature is not so hungry anymore. You should wait a few hours before feeding it again or do another care action like playing. I’m looking forward to how you will “solve” and find the most optimal way of caring for creatures!

-Francis, Geo-loc game designer ✌



2. Sanctuary Placement

GAMEPRESS: There are a ton of sanctuaries spread out across the globe, but each individual player can only put dinos in a handful. Is there any plan to have some of these sanctuaries removed or to perhaps pre-filled with a few AI dinosaurs to encourage people to get interesting DNA from various sanctuaries? It would be great to see more sanctuaries filled than unfilled and right now it seems there are far more unfilled. And it would be cool to see some arena exclusive or even maybe "sanctuary exclusive" DNA out of the feature!

LUDIA: These are very cool ideas, and we also have lots of cool ideas on our side too. While we worked on Sanctuaries, let me tell you, we had lots of ideas! And we have big plans for them! I can’t make any promises, but we definitely want to improve Sanctuaries. I’m unable to confirm timing for any of these updates though. We usually prefer delivering geo-location features during spring and summer, because it’s more enjoyable to go outside during these seasons, but please don’t take that as a promise! Sanctuaries and geo-location are just one part of our game, and we have lots of ideas and plans for battle and everything else too! :)

-Francis

3. Sanctuary DNA

GAMEPRESS: The free DNA from sanctuaries is much appreciated. What were your hopes that players would achieve out of the system? What do you see as the biggest advantage sanctuaries bring to the table?

LUDIA: Our intention with sanctuary was really to bring a co-op experience to the game. To encourage players and Alliances to join forces and tackle the difficult challenge of bringing a Sanctuary to a high level to gain bigger rewards. We have been a bit unhappy with the current balancing though. That’s why we are planning to ship improvement on that front in 1.9. With this change, you should see more value in leveling up a sanctuary. Sanctuaries are also a great tool to get specific DNA of those creatures in the game that are super hard to find. By placing them in a Sanctuary, you are guaranteed a certain amount every day.

Yes, it might seem like it’s not that much, but for those hard to find creatures, it’s certainly better than never seeing them in the wild! The trick is to be consistent in your Sanctuary visits every day to maximize the amount of DNA you can get. I remember seeing great guides online (good job, you all!) on how to do that, by providing the right type of care actions and working with your Alliance friends. Make sure you follow them and you’ll get your required DNA in no time!

-Francis

4. Sanctuary Sharing

GAMEPRESS: There has been some concern about higher-level Sanctuaries being "taken over" by other Alliances. Our Alliance got a Sanctuary to level 12 and just before we renewed it (by leaving a slot open) another Alliance "stole" the share by taking it over themselves and filling the last spot. We eventually got it back after leveling the Sanctuary up, but was this also something considered in the system?



LUDIA: Yes, we knew this could happen. I personally think it’s interesting aspect of gameplay. That being said, we never explored Sanctuaries becoming some sort of attack and defense game, so if it becomes too much of a nuisance, we’ll look into it.

-Francis