GameOgre on Battlestar Galactica Interview w/ Philip Reisberger, CGO, Bigpoint

"Battlestar Galactica Online is a tactical space combat and adventure MMOG based upon Syfy's Battlestar Galactica series."


Gameogre: Tactical space MMORPG, Battlestar Galactica Online, will be a browser-based game. This means that players will not have to sit through a large download before being able to play. Can you tell us more about this game and the advantages of being a web browser game? What made you decide to go browser based?

Philip R: At Bigpoint, all our games are browser-based games as we believe that online games are the future of the gaming industry – particularly with the free-to-play model. Browser games offer a huge advantage to users as they can get up and running with the game immediately, without having to wait for the game or any software to download. Also, every person with access to the internet has a browser, so you’ve got a huge potential audience for the game, which can make it much more interactive for players.


Gameogre: Tell us about the storyline, and how the success or failure of missions will play a role in the story. Is it the classic human vs. alien struggle, or is it something more?

Philip R: In the game, humans and Cylons are in a constant struggle to control the universe. Players will be given missions to complete that will combine tactical space combat with exploration of the Battlestar Galactica universe. Users can choose to play as either a human or a Cylon and the missions will obviously be very different depending upon that choice.


Gameogre: How closely will the game resemble the popular science fiction show? Will the game be an expansion of content from the show, and another opportunity for fans to explore the Battlestar universe?

Philip R: Our MMO is set in the Battlestar Galactica universe between the second and third season of the TV series. At this point in the story, there was a lot of action happening and we felt that this was a good point to develop the game as allowed for us to offer lots of action opportunities for players. Therefore, it will be based in the Battlestar Galactica universe, but won’t feature the exact storylines from the show, although people’s favorite characters will make an appearance.


Gameogre: Will familiarity with the TV show help gameplay? Will those who have never seen the show be at a disadvantage during the missions?

Philip R: We are aiming Battlestar Galactica at all gaming fans who love to play MMOs not just Battlestar Galactica fans, so no-one will be at a disadvantage when playing. However, we know that there has been strong desire amongst Battlestar Galactica fans for a computer game, and hopefully we’ve kept in enough elements from the TV show that they’ll recognize the universe, and really feel immersed in it.


Gameogre: Players will be able to choose between playing as Cylons or as humans in their battles for the universe. Tell us more about these two factions and the technologies they boast. What are the advantages of each one and which one is your personal favorite?

Philip R: In Battlestar Galactica Online, players can choose to play as either Cylons or humans – the struggle between the two groups serves as the foundation of the game. Picking a side is a personal choice; players will select as the side they feel most connected to. Since this is a free-to-play browser game, players can easily create alternate accounts so they can experience both sides of the action. Gameplay wise, it’s of course very important to ensure that the experience is balanced for beginners and veterans. For fairness, we can’t allow one side the ability to become stronger than the other. Therefore, key differences between humans and Cylons are primarily visual in nature. A players experience will differ depending on which side they choose and there will be advantages and disadvantages of both. I prefer to play as a Cylon as I think it’s more fun to be able to act as the bad guy once in a while!


Gameogre: What can we expect as a new player logging on for the first time into Battlestar Galactica? What will players have to do in terms of gameplay, quests, pvp, etc?

Philip R: The gameplay is mainly action-based space dogfights where you can play on your own in teams against opponents to succeed in your mission. There are also mining options where you can train to be a miner and other missions and scenarios will look to be added in the future. There will be interaction with major characters; so for example, players can take their missions direct from characters. Players will be free to explore the universe on their own, where will be able to engage in PvE and PvP combat. Players can also tour the Battlestar Galactica, a Cylon Basestar, and a number of space outposts and planet bases.


Gameogre: What are some of the features players can expect to find in this game? What makes it unique from other Sci-Fi related games?

Philip R: One of the main advantages that will make this game unique is the nature of all our browser based games. The game will be constantly updated and new content added, without asking users to frequently redownload the game. Therefore, players will always be offered new scenarios and missions to test out which means that they should hopefully never get bored of the game!


Gameogre: How will players level in Battlestar Galactica and will there be any crafting or professions in the game?

Philip R: The leveling in Battlestar Galactica Online is a fairly swift and streamlined procedure. Players get rewarded Experience Points for their actions, which in turn accumulate and serve as a form of currency to learn skills. Skill learning is timed so it will take time to memorize the skill - its benefits are applicable immediately though (simulating general understanding and knowledge). Once a characters Experience Points reach a certain level, he advances to the next rank. Currently the game has 20 ranks or levels but there will be more added in the months to come. Same goes for the crafting – again this is something we are keen on adding after the launch of the game, making it a feature to be developed in close collaboration with the community.


Gameogre: Since the game will require no installation and is free to play, how do you plan on earning revenue from it? Will there be a cash shop, in game ads, or point system?

Philip R: All Bigpoint games are free-to-play and we monetise our games through in-game micro-transactions where players can choose to buy items that give them a boost in the game, or just be something that they have to have now. For example, in Battlestar Galactica Online, players will be able to purchase new weapons and ammunition.


Gameogre: If our readers are still unsure about trying Battlestar Galactica what would you say to them about the game to help them make up their minds?

Philip R: With beautiful graphics and innovative gameplay, Battlestar Galactica Online is going to set a new standard for browser-based MMOGs!


Gameogre: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about Battlestar Galactica?

Philip R: Sign up now for the Beta and be the first to play it at Battlestar Galactica Online - Coming soon to a browser near you!