• Chris detailed the difficulty of hitting development milestones. He expressed that expectations around development phases are higher than ever before. In an important moment, Chris discussed the “rhetoric” that often surrounds development. He stated that communities often shout, “Just put it out there and let people try it!” Chris emphasized that if companies do “just put it out there,” the tone of that rhetoric changes wildly if the game isn’t quite ready for that big moment. The vibe goes from understanding to a harsh criticism on the drop of a dime. Chris clarified that, “Pantheon is not approaching Alpha with thoughts of perfection in mind.” There are defined, clear goals of where the game needs to be. All this to ensure Pantheon leaves the proper impression when it becomes publicly consumed.

• Adam commented on how different systems like dispositions, traits, atmospheres, and NPC AI tie into the content of Pantheon. Adam defined that these systems are not simply an on or off switch. These systems are interwoven into everything that is “Pantheon.” They are to help prevent a perception of “Ground Hogs Day” that has been an issue within several MMORPGs. Their implementation helps Pantheon break away from stagnant content that creates a been-there-done-that feel. Visionary Realms wants to avoid a lack of uniqueness in day-to-day gameplay. On traits and dispositions, it creates a way to give true distinction in what it’s like to fight different entities within the world of Terminus. This means fighting an animal should feel different than fighting a humanoid enemy. Combating a skeleton should feel different than combating a wraith. The goal is to create familiarity, yet, add variables that create the unexpected. Adam also dropped new information that not all traits and dispositions are being created to add challenge. There should also be moments where players feel lucky to encounter a lucrative rare enemy trait or disposition.

• Chris chimed in on the common trend of a very one-dimensional experience in MMORPGs, driven commonly by combat, needs to change. In Pantheon, there is a need to surprise the player. We want players to find themselves in unpredictable environments or moments that tie into the player’s journey–events that occur dynamically. The example used was, on a rainy day walking down a street can result in getting sprayed with mud from a passing car. Walking down that same street on a bright and sunny day could result in you finding a $100 bill laying in the street. Creating varying moments within the world, which encourage rediscovery is a key for Pantheon–a step towards creating a new and exciting experience we do not get currently within the genre.