Interview with Hrafn
Shual: Ok, first question: Where did you first hear about Jumpgate, and why did you make the decision to sign up?
Hrafn: I read about JG last year some time prior to Feb 02 in a gaming mag...I forget which one now...they did a write up on JG, and I had been looking for a good online space sim
Shual: And what were your impressions of the game at that time?
Hrafn: I gave JG a chance and joined up right away...in fact, it was through the free online download that I got the game... I really loved the game, but was terrified by Rollio at the time, who was always blasting people all over the place...lol. So instead of running whenever I saw him, I ran right towards him...he just ignored me.../shrug. I wanted to avoid games that were based on twitch reflexes...I am not very good at those, because I have really bad eyesight. JG is slow enough for someone like me to play, but fast enough to not be a yawn
Shual: So you started around February 2002, but you just recently reactivated your account. Why did you choose to leave, and what made you come back?
Hrafn: Frankly, I left because at the time, I didn't have the time to put in and play the way I really wanted to...devote the time to RP correctly, etc. I came back when I got an email from Themis about the free ten day give away to former players...so I came back. And here I am again.
Shual: What do you think of the attempts to lure in new players, such as the reactivation period, ad campaign, and the new "brochure" site? Will they be effective?
Hrafn: I really think these things will work....it has been a long time since there was anything out there about JG...I think that there is a large base of players out there that JG is perfect for...it is just a matter of reaching them where they can be found. So proper placement of ads, etc. at well respected sites can help bring in the new players.
Shual: Since Jumpgate was released, there have been many changes made to improve the early game, such as pure asteroids, mentor system, tutorial windows, and ships such as the medium fighter and fast transport. As a low level player, have you found these features helpful?
Hrafn: As a Quantar, I like mining, so the pures are REALLY nice...the mentor system is great for the newer players we are getting now...but I always just flew on my own and learned the hard way. The medium fighter is a nice step between n00b ships and the later 'phoon. Same with he fast transport...I love that ship...that addition has really helped me a lot...I have put in the most hours with the Fast Transport fluxing, hauling cargo and mining...the Quantar Whirlwind is a great ship for anything in your mid teens when you can buy it. I never used the tutorial windows, as I knew enough about the game mechanics.
Shual: Are there any other improvements that you feel could be made to help out new players?
Hrafn: Well, starting about as a new player can be tough in any game...but the real help to a newer player are the higher levels that help out as far as game mechanics, I can't think of anything that would really help out our newbies...the mentor system is perfect for that...the rest is trial and error.
Shual: When you reactivated your account, you were initially a Solrain, correct?
Hrafn: Never been anything other than Quantar.
Shual: Really? Then who was...err.... moving on!
Hrafn: doh!
Shual: So what attracted you to the Quantar faction?
Hrafn: The religious aspect...I thought that had the most RP potential for me...that and the mining bonus. I liked the idea of having a natural ability to do something more on the economic side of things since I am not a great twitch gamer, I wanted to make sure there was something I could fall back on if fighting didn't work out too well.
Shual: Speaking of fighting, there seems to be a lot of conflict between PvP and non-PvP players, both in-game and on the forums. How do you feel about the way PvP is implemented in Jumpgate?
Hrafn: I frankly like the HG/Civ system...I don't have an alternative to it, so it works for me. BUT, the system relys on the players more than the game mechanic; if a pvp wants to attack a civ, who wants no part of PvP, he will, which must really stink for the civ at times, but the community does have a system for dealing with that. Also, if the civ roleplays the situation out, there can be a solution other than changing the game around for them,....the community can step in and help, there are squads that will come to a Civs aid, and hunt down the the ripper...it works...sometimes it is slow, but it works.
Also, it helps to have a group of friends in game to help you...they are not hard to make really. JG has a great group of players in it. I think the biggest problem is that people complain more than they seek solutions within the system that is already in place...for me, that is where Role playing comes in...if I have a problem, I roleplay it, then allow the other players a chance to RP with me...and find a solution within the game...it is more fun that way. If there was no chance for something to go wrong, I think I would get bored with JG.
Shual: Do you think there is a reason why most players don't explore roleplaying as an option for conflict resolution?
Hrafn: I am not sure, perhaps they don't know how to employ RP in this game, or they didn't come to JG to roleplay. It is a shame really, because RP is the key to this game. It really makes the game. Anyone can haul cargo, shoot flux or whatever, but to do it in character, to stay in character when it is easier to do something else...that is the real joy of playing JG. I hope more people take my lead...that is why I make a point of RPing as hard as I do.
Shual: What do you think can be done to encourage more roleplaying? Could RP-oriented gameplay features be added, or would something community driven be a better option?
Hrafn: I think RP is up the the community. But RP incentives could work. Awards for good RP resolution, like medals works pretty well. I know as I get better at the game, I will try to create RP situations to draw others into. The GVB war that just ended was pretty darn good...the RP repercussions of that war are still going on, even though the war is over. I think if players continue to RP and set up things like the GVB war, then the game can only get better. I know I will do my part to stimulate the RP element of the game.
Shual: So where do you see Hrafn three months from now? Do you have any big goals you're currently working on? Any plans to join a squad?
Hrafn: I hope to see myself in a phoon for one! LOL! But really, I want to help stimulate RP events by my play...I am working on some ideas offline to that effect. As for joining a squad...I have been offered a spot in most of the major squads. I have made many friends, but my first loyalty is to the Quantar people...:) Perhaps I will join a squad in the next few weeks, maybe not.
Shual: Where do you see Jumpgate three months from now? Do you think the playerbase will continue to struggle with low online numbers, or have we seen
the beginning of a trend towards future growth?
Hrafn: Well, I am not expert, but I think we will see some growth, as we have, as long as we continue to reach out into the gaming world through adds and free trials. Your work on Warcry is an example of what makes the JG community great. People really LOVE this game, they want to make is a success. I think what we have been doing will work to build the community.
Shual: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
Hrafn: I would like to thank everyone in game for the great time I have been having with JG. The welcome and help I have gotten since my return has been the warmest I have ever gotten in an online game. The players and their RP make this game. I encourage everyone to keep up the good work, and of course...May the Blessings of Hamalzah be with you!
