We’ve managed to interview Mirko Gozzo, Marketing Manager for Ncsoft Europe, now working on Aion Marketing. His work, like he said on Gamona.de, deals with U.K. marketing management and local publishers support.

Hello Mirko, we’re pleased that you have accepted this interview.
From many questions that users have made, we’ve choose those that best fits with your experience and occupation in Ncsoft:

M.G.: Thank you, and excuse me if I’m late….but with Holydays, travels and meetings, I don’t have much time for work ;)

There will be other billing methods but Monthly? Ex. $ per hour, $ every 3-6-12 months..or even a lifetime subscription?
M.G.: The Aion business model has yet to be announced, but sure is that like other Ncsoft games, we’re working to improve and offer max flexibility on billing methods.
Not only in terms of time (monthly etc..) but also how (via paypal, credit cards, etc..).
For the time Aion will be released all this features should be on hand.
Talking about lifetimes, IMHO its not a good message to send to the customers.
It’s like to said “we’re doing great now, because the game its not that good and people wont subscribe again.”. Sure is that we’re not considering Aion in this terms.

Are you thinking about Servers-Fan sites data exchanges, for on line ranks and status info up to date? Can you say anything about?
M.G.: I cant tell too much because “What” and “How” will be implemented its not yet confirmed. We’re moving in this direction because we trust that a game success moves also through communities, and the more services we will provide to fan sites the more online and offline experience will be great.

Where will the server be installed?
M.G.: They will be installed in Francoforte like every other Ncsoft Europe servers. German servers and connections are the best you can have atm, in terms of efficiency.


How many users do you expect to have, considering how many people are looking forward for the release date. Witch ages Aion will target?
M.G.: hehe I hope as many as we can. About age target we expect form 12 to 24 (but in my experience on L2 and WOW, I know that this kind of MMO are appreciated also by an older audience – I’ve played with man who was 60 years old both in L2 and WOW)

Will be any kind of on-line shops for in game stuff, just like Guild Wars or other MMOs?
M.G.: We’re considering this opportunity in Europe and USA. As soon as we’ll decide anything I’ll let you know.

Will Aion be implemented with World events mastered by GM, like Ultima on Line for example?
M.G.: If you mean in game events, you should talk with the “Community” guys , but its on the way. (I love that kind of things).

Once Aion will be released, are you going to continue considering feedbacks and users tips like is happening in beta, or is more like to be a “Lock and delete” uncomfortable topics? Will skills and classes be nerfed in order to maintain game balanced?
M.G.: We want the game experience to be balanced and enjoyable for everyone, no matter which class you pick. All feedbacks will be considered and, if necessary ,implemented.

Considering your L2 experience , the Aion chanter will have the same tasks of L2 prophets, with long terms buffs that make users start selling them without grouping, or subscribe a second account to set up Buff-bots?
M.G.: The Dev team is still working on skills. Chanters main task will be buffs, but they will be fine also in combat.

When we’ll be able to have a dialogue directly with Dev team, like Koreans and their official forum? Rumours about new Aion.com?
M.G.: Koreans developers are not in straight contact with users. The steps are users, community and dev team. The same will happen for Europe.

What’s in you personal opinion the development status of Aion, and when it will be on shops shelves?
M.G.: The game is on Closa beta testing(season 3) atm. Next step is open beta testing that is the preamble of release in Korea. We’re working (hard) on English translation atm and we far seer the release date between first months of 2009.

Can we hope on a Limited Edition, along with Preorder and collectors?
M.G.: I don’t want to disclose anything, but know this: I’m fond of L.E. and other collector stuffs, and I’m the one who decide this kind of things heheheh.
Have you seen the Lineage II collector we have just released?
http://eu.plaync.com/eu/store/item/lineage_ii_collectors_edition/

Thank you for your time and professionalism. Good work , and of course you are welcome in AIONIC. See you

M.G.: Thank to you for the answers. If you ever need more information about the game, ask to the “Community” staff, they know it a lot!

Bye
Mirko

Source : Aionic

I've a problem with this.

The average age of a gamer in North America is 33.

This guy is suggesting that his target audience is 12-24.

Now, either this guy is terrible at his job, and is not aware of the market data, or more likely, he's aiming for a fairly niche market based on the product at hand.

Which suggest that we're looking at a border-line kids game here. I.e. Flash but no substance.

How many users do you expect to have, considering how many people are looking forward for the release date. Witch ages Aion will target?
M.G.: hehe I hope as many as we can. About age target we expect form 12 to 24 (but in my experience on L2 and WOW, I know that this kind of MMO are appreciated also by an older audience – I’ve played with man who was 60 years old both in L2 and WOW)

that part is probably translated and interpreted wrongly, he basicly sais that they expect the people who play it most will be the people between 12-24, however they know that this genre is mostly appreciated by people older as that which is why they didnt compromise on content (which does mean they would still get  lots of "substance" in, see the ultimate faq sticky :>)

Originally posted by Kurtz13

I've a problem with this.

The average age of a gamer in North America is 33.

This guy is suggesting that his target audience is 12-24.

Now, either this guy is terrible at his job, and is not aware of the market data, or more likely, he's aiming for a fairly niche market based on the product at hand.

Which suggest that we're looking at a border-line kids game here. I.e. Flash but no substance.

He is the european marketing guy, he doesn't have anything to do with the North American market.

Originally posted by Profano

Will be any kind of on-line shops for in game stuff, just like Guild Wars or other MMOs?
M.G.: We’re considering this opportunity in Europe and USA. As soon as we’ll decide anything I’ll let you know.

i really hope a cash shop doesnt happen. it wil just nerf the game and make it bad

Originally posted by Profano

Will be any kind of on-line shops for in game stuff, just like Guild Wars or other MMOs?
M.G.: We’re considering this opportunity in Europe and USA. As soon as we’ll decide anything I’ll let you know.

 

I wouldn't mind if you could buy clothes or hats to make you look different from the rest, but if we're talking special armor/weapons then... No, just no!

I don't know how it is on Guild Wars tho

Originally posted by Profano

What’s in you personal opinion the development status of Aion, and when it will be on shops shelves?
M.G.: The game is on Closa beta testing(season 3) atm. Next step is open beta testing that is the preamble of release in Korea. We’re working (hard) on English translation atm and we far seer the release date between first months of 2009.

damnn,  possible that release can be extended till summer 2009.
i must find someting to do meanwhile >_< .... lineage2.

Ermnh.... me and my friends are eagerly awaiting aion and we are all >24 year old.... so as most of the people i've been talking to about the game.

Well Atleast we know that the Aion Makerting guy in Europe is competent! :) (lol @ the irony)