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Interview with Bombadil from PGI Posted by live1991 2243 reads ) Interview with Bombadil from PGI



One of the industry's oldest independent developers, Piranha Games is fast becoming a much bigger fish in the Free-to-Play game marketplace. We are alive and thriving in the pond because we're strong on talent, management, and the alliances we have made with industry leaders. Our core competencies lay in Excellence through Passion, Creativity, and Humility.



Founded in 2000, we started out as an independent developer with extensive multi-platform and multiplayer experience, making FPS action games for big-name franchises. With AAA licensed titles such as Need for Speed: Undercover and Duke Nukem Forever, we took a shift in direction towards the growing Free-to-Play market with MechWarrior Online. We have a strong vision and dedication to the product we make. And our talented team contributed as the key component to our success. Looking ahead, we are committed as ever to be one of the best Free-to-Play Development Studios in the world.













Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Daeron, or "Bombadil" in MWO. I have been a BattleTech fan since 1984 when I first purchased the BattleDroids (pre-BattleTech) box set. I have read many of the novels many times over the years (currently reading The Price of Glory again), and I have played every single video game iteration since Crescent Hawk's Inception. I am married with three kids, including my own little MechWarrior-in-training.



What do you do at PGI?

I'm mostly involved in marketing, promotions, and community support. I also help run No Guts No Galaxy, a BattleTech and MechWarrior community and resource.



First MWO Comp Experience? ( playing or watching)

That would be the first Run Hot or Die, which I believe was pre-launch.



Favourite thing about MWO ?

The community, their passion and diversity. And Alex Iglesias' BattleMech designs.



What is your favourite MWO map and why?

HPG Manifold, because it plays well in most cases, it's really unique compared to the other maps, and I love the audio changes to weapons fire.



If you could change one thing in MWO, What would it be ?

Faction Warfare improvements. I'm really looking forward to what's coming in the December patch, and on into 2017 until we get it right. I played Clan Wars in World of Tanks for three years and loved it, I would really like to see MechWarriors have that same type of experience in MWO.



MRBC Has been going for 8 seasons now, how does PGI view MRBC?

As a long-lasting leader in the MWO competitive community, a substantial community-driven effort, that attracts the best teams in the game and engages participants as well as viewers within the community.



Last few seasons PGI have helped support MRBC, Giving away great prizes for the winners. Do you feel that ESPORTS will help grow the MWO brand outside the old Battletech fans

I do. The MWO competitive scene isn't for everyone, but those that are into it are really passionate about it. While the demographics within the comp scene are still diverse, I do believe that the eSports aspect in general, appeals to a lot of the younger players who aren't necessarily coming at the game with 20 years or more of BattleTech history. For many, this is their first MechWarrior title, and they aren't necessarily interested in the tabletop game or the lore. They're into it for a unique first-person shooter experience, and the high skill team play. I feel like we've got a good start, with lots of potential for growth in the eSports arena. We'll probably always be a niche game, as 'Mech games tend to be, but there's still lots of room for growth and improvement in the years to come.



PGI Entered a team in MRBC a few seasons back, how did the staff that played find the comp life?

Yes, I played on that team. It might have been a little frustrating for a few of us, but mostly fun. We were playing to have a good time and to show our support, not because we thought we could win. We didn't really have the time to practice or come up with any strategies, nor did we even really have a drop caller. So, it was what it was and I'm glad that we did it.



Did playing in MRBC Adjust the teams play style?

can't speak for everyone on this, but I'd say we're better artists, programmers, designers, and a variety of other talents, than we are competitive-level MWO players. Some of us can still dream, though.



Are we going to see PGI play MRBC again ?

I can't really answer that, but it's certainly a possibility. I would be up for it.



How hard is it to strike a middle ground when it comes to making a game more available to be used as a Esports platform and staying true to the Battletech name?

I think it's always a challenge balancing tabletop and other lore resources like the novels, with a video game, especially a multiplayer first-person shooter. Thankfully, BattleTech comes with its own built-in competitive scene with Solaris and the five arenas. That and the fact that it makes for a great spectator sport, in my opinion, makes it a natural fit for eSports.



MRBC rules give people playing and watching a different set of mechs for each drop, throwing it out there do you think PGI could look at doing sales around each season of MRBC. EG Drop 3 Commander mech on sale, Premium time on sale?

I like the idea. Definitely a possibility, let's talk about it leading up to Season 9!





The Higher division in MRBC pretty much shows you what the OP/POOR mechs are in the game, Do you guys look at the comp games when balancing mechs/weapons

Yes, we look at top-tier play as well as many other resources when balancing the game.





PGI just wrapped up their first world tournament, What have some of the highlights been for you?

Despite some of the scheduling challenges, one of the highlights for me was interacting with with the players and teams throughout the entire tournament. I was also a referee, and almost everyone I interacted with from the Qualifiers to the Finals, was having a good time and displayed great sportsmanship. That meant a lot to me. Also, MechCon and the finals were simply amazing. Definitely a highlight.



Did PGI take any lessons learnt away from their first tournament, Anything they want to do better next time?

Of course. Endeavours of this magnitude, especially for the first time, are always going to be a learning experience. I think there's room for improvement with scheduling, spectator view and tools, map usage, and plenty more. Of course we're open to suggestions, and I look forward to helping make MWOWC2017 better for players and spectators!



MWO has many passionate players what is the best way for these players to interact with PGI for ideas, Suggestions and feedback?

Default answer is the official forums and contacting support at [email protected] . While I can't promise responses to every suggestion made, I can promise that it's being read and discussed internally. Alternatively, Russ is very active on Twitter (@russ_bullock) and responds to a lot of feedback there, and I do my best to respond to all of my PM's on the forum.



Do you have any advice you would offer to new players interested in playing MWO competitively?

Just do it! There are so many helpful resources out there, from competitive-friendly units, YouTube videos, comp-level Twitch streamers, multi-divisional leagues like MRBC (you don't have to start out fighting EMP!), and many new smaller tournaments (1v1, 2v2, 4v4) popping up all the time. There are even stock-mode tournaments now, for those that like something a little different. Find other like-minded people (via the forums, reddit, Teamspeak, Discord), and have fun!



Final words?

Remember pre-Private Lobbies? When teams had to sync-drop over and over until they met on the battlefield? You guys work so hard to make these things happen, with whatever tools are available (or not available) at the time. With continued improvements to the Private Lobby options and functionality, spectator mode, and other possibilities, it's only going to get better! Also, congratulations on 8 seasons of growth and improvements to MRBC! The league is an excellent outlet for the community to fully explore the competitive side of MWO, and to test their mettle against the best MechWarriors in the game. I'm very much looking forward to season 9. I'm also excited about the many player-run leagues and tournaments out there, from veteran operations such as RHoD and NBT, to a lot of very enthusiastic newcomers running everything from 1v1 and 2v2 tournaments, to some really fun stock mode only events.

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