SOE and Virgin Comics announced a new Indian based MMO taken from the world of comic book Ramayan 3329. Recently we sent an interview to Virgin Comics CEO Sharad Devarajan. He was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk about how Virgin Comics will be participating in the development of this new game.

Allakhazam.com: How has the US release of Ramayan 3329 been received so far?

Sharad: The comic series has done very well, particularly as we have launched the first graphic novel into bookstores throughout the country.

Allakhazam.com: What prompted the move to try and release it as an MMO?

Sharad: We are great admirers of the work being done by Sony Online Entertainment and SOE was a big fan of the mythic world that was presented in Ramayan 3392AD which felt familiar to fantasy fans but unique in its asian characters and archetypes.

 

Allakhazam.com: Are there plans to simultaneously release the game around the world, or will this be a regional game that spreads depending on popularity?

 
Sharad: SOE will be determining the roll out strategy but we are all interested in having the game reach as many audiences around the world as possible.

Allakhazam.com: Will the movie talks effect the possible US release of the MMO?

Sharad: No.

Allakhazam.com: Will SOE be providing any of the development talent, or will this be a Virgin Comic undertaking with technological support from SOE?

Sharad: Virgin will be providing creative participation in the game but SOE will be handling all the development of the game.

Allakhazam.com: Obviously you have some very talented artists on board. Will they be involved in the making of the game, or will you hire a whole new team for the artistic portion?

Sharad: Our team will certainly play an active role in character designs and creative designs for the game.

Allakhazam.com: Has Bangalore been decided upon as the site for the studio? Were there any particularly stand out reasons?

Sharad: Bangalore is where the Virgin Comics studio is based but SOE will determine where they want to setup shop for development of the game.

Allakhazam.com: Can you tell us how it was decided to enter a partnership with SOE? Was it based on the comic from day one?

Sharad: The game is based on the comic and SOE read the series and was interested in licensing the rights for the game - so yes the comic book was the starting point for the game deal.

Allakhazam.com: With gaming in India being split between PC and console gaming, are there any plans to release this in both formats?

Sharad: That will be for SOE to determine.

Allakhazam.com: Is there anything you'd like to share with the MMO fans out there that now await news of development that will take quite a while?

Sharad: New updates will keep being announced, until the launch.

Emailed interviews are always a little rough, but we very much appreciate the time Mr. Devarajan shared with us. We'll keep you updated as development begins.

By: Becky "Tovin" Simpson