To date, the development team of The Secret World has almost been a secret society unto itself. We've heard whispers and tantalizing tidbits that have piqued our curiosity, seen teaser sites, and caught the occasional tweet from the front lines. Now, the floodgates are starting to open, and more details are coming to light for those craving information.
An interview with Ragnar Tornquist has just gone up on IGN and it is chock-full of tasty details about what players can expect from The Secret World. Along with the interview, there's also a pile of eerie concept art illustrating some of the many different monsters we'll see in the game -- from brain-munching zombies to mutated boss monsters. There's also some great news on how the development is going, owing in part to the work already done for Age of Conan.
So if you've been hungry for more details and a sneak-peek into more of the terrible things that await us as we take steps into The Secret World, then you'll want to head over to IGN and check out the full interview. It looks like Tornquist and the team at Funcom are creating a fascinating modern-day monster of an MMO for us to enjoy.
Reader Comments (17)
Posted: Mar 2nd 2010 4:19PM Dandmcd said
I did not know development of this game began before Age of Conan. That gives me hope it will be the most complete Funcom game at launch. They also mentioned they have years of content updates already planned out in the design stages.
I like the skill based system instead of a level progression system, I'm eager to learn how it all works.
I can't wait to see what kind of loot and character customization we'll be getting in a modern based world of sorts.
I also like they will try to change the existing world over time to make it feel like the game is constantly evolving based off players actions. I hope they keep the main hubs ever changing with new content so that the world doesn't get spread out over tons of new areas, and give us a reason to want to PvP.
The game sounds incredible, as long as they actually finish their game before launch, Funcom might have a hit on their hands. The lack of levels may have allowed them to work purely on the story and mission content, instead of building a yellow brick road to climb the level ladder on. Anyone heard if we'll be able to do a lot of the missions in any order since it is a skill based game, or will we still be having to follow a linear world? It seems lately Funcom is a doing a better job of listening to feedback, and making better decisions, so I have faith in them, this is one of only a few MMO's that actually show some promise.
I like the skill based system instead of a level progression system, I'm eager to learn how it all works.
I can't wait to see what kind of loot and character customization we'll be getting in a modern based world of sorts.
I also like they will try to change the existing world over time to make it feel like the game is constantly evolving based off players actions. I hope they keep the main hubs ever changing with new content so that the world doesn't get spread out over tons of new areas, and give us a reason to want to PvP.
The game sounds incredible, as long as they actually finish their game before launch, Funcom might have a hit on their hands. The lack of levels may have allowed them to work purely on the story and mission content, instead of building a yellow brick road to climb the level ladder on. Anyone heard if we'll be able to do a lot of the missions in any order since it is a skill based game, or will we still be having to follow a linear world? It seems lately Funcom is a doing a better job of listening to feedback, and making better decisions, so I have faith in them, this is one of only a few MMO's that actually show some promise.
Posted: Mar 2nd 2010 5:53PM Gaugamela said
The MMO industry is really in bad shape when an MMO made by Funcom is again being considered by so many people...
And the weirdest thing for me is that i am also getting interested in this game.
I did the questionary to find out which faction suits me best and i am more aligned with the templars. However, i also love the Illuminati and Dragons concept.
From the interview i could perceive that they are going to do some innovation in terms of mob AI. The game will also have an interesting atmosphere it seems. I just got turned off when i knew the locations they mentioned: it gave me the impression that this will be another MMO comprised of a bunch of instances attached together a la AoE, CO and STO.
But 3 faction PvP, and an unusual PvE sound interesting enough for me.
Now i just hope they integrate a decent crafting system in the game.
And the weirdest thing for me is that i am also getting interested in this game.
I did the questionary to find out which faction suits me best and i am more aligned with the templars. However, i also love the Illuminati and Dragons concept.
From the interview i could perceive that they are going to do some innovation in terms of mob AI. The game will also have an interesting atmosphere it seems. I just got turned off when i knew the locations they mentioned: it gave me the impression that this will be another MMO comprised of a bunch of instances attached together a la AoE, CO and STO.
But 3 faction PvP, and an unusual PvE sound interesting enough for me.
Now i just hope they integrate a decent crafting system in the game.
Posted: Mar 2nd 2010 10:23PM DevilSei said
Whats so weird? They kicked out the main guy responsible for the failures that were early AoC and AC (Goute or gouche, can't remember the bugger's name).
Plus, skill-based games are on the up-swing, so that always helps with the attention, as does anything not fantasy-based. Add onto that its set more around our current time than in the future or past, and people are definitely wanting to know more.
The way they have been handling the game adds a bit onto the intrigue as well, which is why I'm rather curious about it as well.
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Plus, skill-based games are on the up-swing, so that always helps with the attention, as does anything not fantasy-based. Add onto that its set more around our current time than in the future or past, and people are definitely wanting to know more.
The way they have been handling the game adds a bit onto the intrigue as well, which is why I'm rather curious about it as well.
Posted: Mar 2nd 2010 7:51PM (Unverified) said
Nothing about crafting, I notice.
Sounds good so far though.
Sounds good so far though.
Posted: Mar 2nd 2010 8:15PM Loki1 said
I have no idea what you mean with "sounds interesting".
He said it works exactly like any other MMO. Which means it's greed-based. Addiction to loot. Quests farming. Lots of combat.
I am immensely disappointed. I expected adventure-style puzzles, but this looks like WoW in modern times.
I don't think people need another theme park MMO.
He said it works exactly like any other MMO. Which means it's greed-based. Addiction to loot. Quests farming. Lots of combat.
I am immensely disappointed. I expected adventure-style puzzles, but this looks like WoW in modern times.
I don't think people need another theme park MMO.
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 12:22PM Loki1 said
Well it's a damn shame, i thought we were close to abandoning the WoW-cloning, really embrace some innovation. If the secret world doesn't offer anything beside collecting 10 rats' spines and continuous addicting gear rewards heroin-style, followed by constant subliminal rewarding messages such as "you're gifted, you're a hero, you're the best, you're so hard and strong and long", i'll be absolutely shocked, i assumed this game was a complete change... not sandbox, im not sure i like those, but something different, similar to SEED(what i heard about it).
I really think we are being brain-screwed into this addiction system of constant cloning of the same game in different settings. Us liking it, is like pigs liking their puddle of mud.
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I really think we are being brain-screwed into this addiction system of constant cloning of the same game in different settings. Us liking it, is like pigs liking their puddle of mud.
Posted: Mar 2nd 2010 11:11PM JediPagan said
The AoC game engine kicks serious ass. And TSW is going to benefit greatly by using the same engine, which is now very stable and performs nicely.
I love the mythos behind this game. Add in a great producer and TSW is sure to be a huge hit. Funcom will earn a good reputation with the release of this game. You can bet on it.
I love the mythos behind this game. Add in a great producer and TSW is sure to be a huge hit. Funcom will earn a good reputation with the release of this game. You can bet on it.
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 6:12AM Deadalon said
Its Funcom guys. Be carefull before even considering this one. Dont preorder - dont belive one word that is beeing said. And plz remember that the mythos and secrecy about the game is probably based on LACK of the final product when it comes to core systems and gameplay. It is playing into FUncom's hand to keep it "secret".
Just like with AOC - This might well turn out to be just pretty pictures with not much more. MMORPGs need to be so much more. And the gameplay should always come first before pretty picutures. FUncom failed with that in AOC. My thought so far is that they are failing horribly again (No info released on the core gameplay and system designs).
Just like with AOC - This might well turn out to be just pretty pictures with not much more. MMORPGs need to be so much more. And the gameplay should always come first before pretty picutures. FUncom failed with that in AOC. My thought so far is that they are failing horribly again (No info released on the core gameplay and system designs).
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 6:44AM (Unverified) said
I agree and feel the same way. Don't trust Funcom! Funny enough the development news of AoC was 'secret' until they had pretty zones and 'boobs' to show. Then the masses formed for an epic MMO with massive PvP.... uh.. so how did all that workout?? The game did not even have many of the features it claimed were in the game listed on product box.. but hey it had 'boobs'. Really.... .
Warhammer Online actually WAS better overall compared to AoC... and that is sad.
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Warhammer Online actually WAS better overall compared to AoC... and that is sad.
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 7:12AM Snichy said
How ridiculous! To negatively judge a game with a new team of developers and a boss with a history of making good games, with very little information released and no where near to release (hence the lack of information), just becuase its got FUNCOM on the box is naïve and foolish!
Its a shame that you probably miss out on a lot of good things because of that kind of ignorance and discrimination.
Im not saying this game will be good as no one knows yet, but its difficult to have an opinion on something with so little information.
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Its a shame that you probably miss out on a lot of good things because of that kind of ignorance and discrimination.
Im not saying this game will be good as no one knows yet, but its difficult to have an opinion on something with so little information.
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 8:04AM Snichy said
Here is another interview with Ragnor - just a few more bits of information...!
http://www.criticalgamer.co.uk/2010/03/01/the-secret-world-interview-with-ragnar-t%C3%B8rnquist/
http://www.criticalgamer.co.uk/2010/03/01/the-secret-world-interview-with-ragnar-t%C3%B8rnquist/
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 10:32AM (Unverified) said
No word in either article of expected release quarter / year, I see.
Posted: Mar 3rd 2010 11:26AM (Unverified) said
First of all, TSW is totally skill based, loot is just cosmetic, I'm not inventing it, Ragnor said it himself.
Also, Ragnor said in another interview that there will be PUZZLES, exploring, etc much more than in other current MMORPGs.
And... the game is supposed to be released in 18-24 months, it has been said in another interview...
Also, Ragnor said in another interview that there will be PUZZLES, exploring, etc much more than in other current MMORPGs.
And... the game is supposed to be released in 18-24 months, it has been said in another interview...








