Irth Online Wrap Report - Part 2

Lessons Learned

Oh, we've learned so much. We have learned how to be efficient. We've learned that taking extra time to plan out every last detail will actually save time in the long run. We've learned the value of communication and what happens when someone doesn't communicate. We've learned how to prioritize. We've learned how to stretch a dollar. We've learned how to coordinate the process of art, programming and world building into one joint effort, for the three efforts combined make one. We have learned a great deal. We have become a well-oiled machine, which will make further development of Irth that much easier and efficient.

If you want a game that's more than just leveling and combat, ours could be the one for you. If you want to join a community where the developers consider you a member of the dev team, this game is for you.

For the most part, I think the media has been fair with us. There have been good comments and others that have been helpful. Honestly, there is really nothing wrong with a negative comment if it's true. We need the truth if we are going to make it better. Media and the public had initially complained about combat and performance. Both were legitimate complaints, and the issues were resolved and corrected. Performance is greatly improved and combat is now awesome. If people had not been honest, combat may still be less than what it is now. Those negative comments allowed us a better opportunity to address the issues. And they were received with great appreciation.

I've also read that the graphics, characters and monsters look horrible. I don't really know what these people are looking at... old alpha screenshots? I don't know because that comment is not true. I play games; I know what competitive products look like, and our graphics are not awful. We have a beautiful world, beautiful characters and fantastic looking monsters. On the other hand, I have read media reports stating that the Irth world is impeccably and beautifully decorated with extravagant detail and high end graphics.

It is best not to get cut down by criticism and not to get puffed up by compliments. The best we can do is read comments objectively and evaluate them for what they're worth. Some people and media have their own agendas that may not be as pure as the driven snow. If an individual has a negative comment based on a personal experience, then that is fair, but we would like them to try again as we work diligently to address any and all legitimate concerns. However, if a person believes the game is bad from isolated second-hand comments that may have already been addressed, then both we and potential players have been unjustly hurt. But there's not much we can do about that other than to press on. We just want the truth. We are not perfect. The game is not perfect. But we strive for perfection.

Looking Ahead

Well, as I said before, Irth is evolving. We are only beginning. More and more features and content will be added regularly and routinely. Whoever is playing the game will determine the course we take. Game storylines will evolve from player actions.

The MMORPG market is growing. It is our goal to stay viable in a growing market by growing with it. Irth is a different game in the sense that you don't play to level out and look for another one. Irth is a game that will always evolve and prioritize the community. It is our goal to nurture this community so it will continue to grow while maintaining its infectious qualities. The community is an extension of us. The developers were just friends who loved computer games, and the community has become a manifestation of us. Or perhaps we are a manifestation of them. Either way, we have developed a symbiotic relationship. Irth is the place for friends to meet, enjoy each other's company, wage war against enemies, build great wealth, save your friend, advance your civilization, die for the greater good, and role-play in a fantasy with a community that is cream of the MMORPG crop.

Personal Thoughts

Personal thoughts? I like to put secret places all over the map. It's great when players come across an awesome little place that's not obvious. I think I'm so clever to hide and tuck away these places. But never underestimate the players; they always find everything. Maybe I'm not as clever as I think.

For the people playing the game now, thank you and look for a new monster, a golem called Orbius. He carries Orbium shavings that will have great value and should be well sought after since you will be able to do something very special with this rare and unique resource.

For the people who tried the game in beta, please come back and check it out again. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

For the people who have never played, come on in and give it a try. You can play for free initially, and see if you like it. If you want a game that's more than just leveling and combat, ours could be the one for you. If you want to join a community where the developers consider you a member of the dev team, this game is for you. So help shape the future of Irth. Jump on board. We would love to have you as a member of the Irth family.

Thanks for the opportunity allowing us to share some info about Irth. It was a lot of fun.

Tony Pungitore, Sr.

Lead Developer, Irth Online

Magic Hat Software

[Since introducing them in November of 2003 to offer post-release viewpoints from the respective teams, it has been our pleasure to publish Wrap Reports on a good number of other titles, primarily within the RPG, online world, action and strategy categories. A complete list of the previous ones may be found on the next page. - Ed.]