Actual landmarks, like the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt, and world history also impact the visual style, and that's why people will be familiar with the gameworld. It's not some totally fictional environment.
We've been thinking about the concept for Atlantica Online Gold for a long time, and have spent about three years working on it. Most of that time was for researching and developing the turn-based system and making it work for an online game.

The closed beta begins in mid-July, and the commercial launch will follow soon after. The game first debuted last October in South Korea, and is now also available in China. The North American version, which has been localized for English-speaking audiences, builds upon the original with updates that are more tailored to this region.

Jonric: What kinds of gamers make up your core target market, and what do you see as the main opportunities for and barriers to success?

Kim Tae Gon: Atlantica Online Gold should have strong appeal for strategy RPG gamers aged 15 to 23. And we hope to attract console players with our goal-driven action and the turn-based combat system. Having them make the transition to world of MMOGs is the main opportunity with the game since it combines console RPG and MMO features. A barrier will be that some MMO players just won't be interested in or comfortable with turn-based combat.

Jonric: Are we correct to assume the game will be free to play with optional item purchases? Why did you choose this model?

Kim Tae Gon: Yes, our revenue will come through the micro-transaction model. We really believe this will play a major role in how online releases are monetized in the future. We think it gives players more options. They can come and try the game without making a financial investment. If they really get into it, they can purchase items to help them level up faster or to make certain things more convenient. We feel this approach will attract more people to experience Atlantica Online Gold for themselves, and we just hope to give them a fun experience so that they'll want to keep playing.