Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online Interview

Shacknews has kicked up a two-part, article-style interview (here and here) that they conducted with THQ's Danny Bilson last night about their forthcoming MMORPG, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online. The first part of the interview focuses on the "creative overlap" that the publisher believes to exist between Space Marine and DMO, while the second part dabbles in business model territory. A little something from each:
"Dark Millennium Online has, in some ways, more of an action component. It's not like an action game, but it has more of an action component than traditional--sort of more turn-based--combat systems." Due to similar mechanics, THQ has yet to decide whether or not to create a sequel to Relic's recent action title.

THQ has always billed Dark Millennium Online as an online action-RPG; however, this is the first time we've heard its release could affect other franchises in THQ's catalog.

Bilson continued, expanding on how Dark Millennium Online could affect a Space Marine sequel. He reminds me that THQ already announced the Imperium of Man is featured in Dark Millennium Online, giving players the chance to play as a Space Marine in the upcoming MMO.

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In a recent guest editorial on GI.biz, Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley postulated that EA's upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic may be the last MMO to adopt a traditional business model. Though Bilson wouldn't go into his company's stance, he did offer personal opinions on the thought.

"I believe that the content can dictate what's worth subscription, or not. I think a lot of [the MMOs] that go 'free-to-play' go secondarily 'free-to-play.'" Recent examples of titles switching business models include a slew of titles from Smedley's own company, including DC Universe Online.

"What I'm seeing from Dark Millennium Online's development is that it's extremely premium. But, really, the whole online culture may shift and [Smedley] may be right. He may be wrong. [Dark Millennium Online] is set up for all kinds of monetization. We're going to move it into whatever makes the most sense for its launch."