To coincide with the launch of Perfect World International: Genesis, Staff Writer Paul "LockeColeMA" Cleveland talked with Product Manager Clifton Chu to find out what the expansion brings to the game.

ZAM: Do you have any information you could share about new zones in Genesis?

Chu: Players who start off in the Earthguard zone will experience firsthand their lush forest cities, filled with vegetation, warm earthen floors and dwellings built high among the cliffs with waterfalls. Throughout the city, players can view the monolithic face motif with their simple, yet primal features, which speaks to the origins of the Earthguard.

ZAM: One of the most interesting features coming out is guild bases. What will the bases add to the game, and how will players unlock new features?

Chu: Guild bases have been one of the most requested features from our players to date. With the introduction of guild bases, guilds will be able to have their own area to congregate as well as unlock faction-specific quests, skills and items as they upgrade them by completing daily quests.

ZAM: What will the new manufacturing skill bring to the game?

Chu: Runecrafting will give players the ability to craft powerful runes that produce various buffs and effects. Crafting is a popular feature in the game and with Runecrafting being open to all races, all players will have a new crafting skill to master.

ZAM: What changes have been made to the user interface?

Chu: The user interface is getting a bit of a face lift. Since launching in 2008, we’ve listened to player feedback and have incorporated much of it into streamlining the user interface to be more intuitive and up to date.

One of the improvements to the user interface was to give the main menu icons a refresh. Previously, they were small and hard to click on, especially when displayed in a high resolution, so by increasing the size and changing the graphics for the icons, the main menu is not only clearer, but also more intuitive. The entire user interface has been given a fresh new look and we’re really excited to see what the players think.

ZAM: What other features should players look forward to with Genesis? And what's next for Perfect World International?

Chu: In addition to the mentioned features, there will also be a whole slew of new fashions available for the new and existing races. On top of that, some sets will unlock new dance moves, which will add a unique touch that many gamers will appreciate. 

We really look forward to listening to player feedback for future expansions. A great example of this is the inclusion of the guild base feature, which originated from the players.

One thing that we like to say to players who still might be on the fence is that since our games are truly free-to-play, you have very little to lose by trying them, but a whole lot to gain, especially if you are tired of paying a monthly subscription fee.