andy-velasquez
Latest
Dawn of the Hunter Rangers: Touring Neverwinter's Shadowmantle module
Considering all of the exciting reveals of Neverwinter's second module, Shadowmantle, I think it's prudent to start with the unknowns. No, we don't have a specific date of release (although it will be "by the end of the year"). No, we don't know whether Druids or Warlocks or any other Dungeons and Dragons classes are in development for next year. And no, we can't tell whether there's a massive honey badger conspiracy in the city of Neverwinter. With that said, there's plenty that Lead Designer Andy Velasquez had to reveal to us for this upcoming module. For starters, it's 100% free, just in case you were wondering. Sure, Cryptic will continue to run a robust store (and doesn't seem to have any inclination to rein in the lockbox invasion), but all of the content of Shadowmantle will be available to the entire playerbase on day one. It's shaping up to be an even meatier update than Fury of the Faewild, believe it or not. The big star of Shadowmantle is the first new post-launch class: the Hunter Ranger. But this flexible fighter won't be hogging the entire spotlight; Neverwinter will also be adding a new zone, additional paragon paths, and a spiffy artifact skill system. So read on and prepare for the stampede of players rushing to be the next online Legolas-slash-Drizzt.
Neverwinter's Velasquez on lockboxes, Foundry, and Module 2
Here's an interesting thought we've all had from time to time: What if that stranger you've grouped with is actually a developer in disguise? If you've played Neverwinter, you might have already had this encounter and not even known it. Cryptic Studios Lead Producer Andy Velasquez confessed that he plays his main character -- a Tiefling Devoted Cleric -- on a separate, unknown account so that he can enjoy the game like everyone else. "I'm not special there," he said, "I'm just another player." Now that Neverwinter's had a season to launch, settle down, and add its first major update, we wanted to touch base with Cryptic about the progress of the title. We called Velasquez to chat about the ups and downs of development, the ever-present lockboxes, and a few tantalizing teases regarding Module 2.
Neverwinter talks new classes and more in latest State of the Game
It's been almost three months since Lead Producer Andy Velasquez last checked in with a State of the Game for Neverwinter, but yesterday's post touched on several new features leading up to Module 1: Fury of the Feywild. There's mention of the dedicated exploit team checking for cheaters, the NeverwinterPreview server, Module 1's new content across the board, The Foundry's uptime, and the live team. But possibly of the most interest in this article is talk of new classes and Paragon Paths, which Velasquez says will be coming by the end of the year. You can check out the full article over at the game's main site for more information.
Neverwinter State of the Game announces public test shard, raid content
While still technically beta, Neverwinter joined the rank and file of MMOverse three weeks ago with a soft launch. Since then, the game has experienced its share of issues, bugs, and exploits. To address those, as well as give players a heads-up on what's incoming, Lead Producer Andy Velasquez shared the fantasy game's first State of the Game address. Velasquez jumped right into discussing the bugs and exploits that have affected the game since open beta started and outlined the fixes that were implemented to squash them. He went on to talk about the top issues that the team was working on currently and then reveal what players can expect to see in the next few weeks. A Public Test Shard is coming to Neverwinter (to hopefully catch bugs and exploits before going live), as is new endgame raid PvE/PvP content called Gauntlgrym. Other new content includes updates in the Foundry and new companions, zones, mounts, mechanics, Paragon Paths, and a new "ranged" class.
Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two
We're back with Cryptic Lead Producer Andy Velasquez to continue our discussion of Neverwinter's beta lessons, launch preparations, and post-launch plans. We also touch on some of the comments and concerns that players had for the title and how Cryptic is addressing them. If you missed the first part of this interview, make sure you check it out before continuing!
Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part one
Andy Velasquez has seen his fair share of MMO launches, but that doesn't make a new one any less exhilarating or terrifying. As lead producer, he's the captain of the Neverwinter ship and must make sure it's seaworthy before slipping out of drydock and heading into the unknown waters of release. Metaphor or no, it's a daunting job with little downtime, especially in this final week leading up to the soft launch of open beta. Velasquez took a half-hour out of his busy schedule to sit with us and talk about the preparations being made for Neverwinter's big moment. Read on for his candid insights into beta stories, launch day, and making tough calls when tough calls had to be made.
Neverwinter releasing Q4 2012, opens French and German websites
Neverwinter was the unexpected surprise of PAX East for us, which is why we're psyched that it should be in all our hot little hands by the end of the year. Perfect World announced that its upcoming Dungeons and Dragons MMO will launch globally in the fourth quarter of 2012. As part of the global efforts, Perfect World has opened up French and German websites to cater to the diverse European playerbase. Each localized website is just as informative and media-packed as its English counterpart. Cryptic Lead Producer Andy Velasquez is quite excited to be working on the project and anticipates players' delight when the game finally arrives: "As a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, it's a rewarding experience to develop Neverwinter and contribute to the lore of the franchise. We're taking calculated steps to ensure Neverwinter will captivate players with its immersive storylines and beautiful artwork while being a fast and fluid action game." [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
Cryptic Studios' Andy Velasquez talks Neverwinter
Would-be citizens of Neverwinter are certainly waiting anxiously for Cryptic Studios' upcoming venture into the Jewel of the North, which we received favorably at PAX East last month. Well, unfortunately we're going to have to wait a bit longer, but in the mean time, MMORPG.com has a new interview with Neverwinter's Lead Producer, Andy Velasquez, to shine some light on the most civilized city in Faerun. Velasquez answers questions on a number of topics, including the decision to use 4th edition rules, the amount of content that will be available at launch, and the difference between a raid and a Dungeon Delve. It's definitely worth a read for anyone interested in the upcoming title, so if you're one of those people, head on over to the full interview and give it a look.
Neverwinter was 'almost ready to ship' before F2P MMO retooling
Last month, we reported that Cryptic Studios and Perfect World Entertainment were changing gears to render the upcoming D&D Neverwinter game more of an MMO than originally planned, complete with action combat and a cash shop to dispense vanity items and perks. Today, MMORPG.com published an interview with Neverwinter Lead Producer Andy Velasquez, in which he notes that the original title was "almost ready to ship," but the revision is nevertheless for the best: The change from CORPG to a full action RPG F2P MMO is a change that just made sense for us. Perfect World wanted to go big. Expand everything. Do more. Do better. Take your time. Really blow it out. Pushing into 2012 allows us to make these changes. Transitioning into a full-featured action RPG, free-to-play MMO allows us to reach a whole new audience of people. Never underestimate barriers to entry. With a free client, anyone can play. Try it. Where's the harm? It's better for the game, better for us, better for D&D and infinitely better for fans and gamers. With Neverwinter, we're going to prove that F2P does not describe a type of gameplay -- it only describes the fundamentals of a business model. Velasquez also discusses user-generated content and the challenges of working with a famous IP. "A ton of effort is also being made to make sure that we produce an authentic D&D experience," he says. Head over to MMORPG.com for the full interview.
Ground combat! Star Trek Online community answers, page 2
Arachnidus: Also, as has been constantly stated, with diplomacy and scientific options being available in space combat, will those possibilities be applied to ground combat as well? Diplomatic, exploration and scientific gameplay can occur in both gameplay modes, ground and space. One Tactical officer might choose a bunch of security skills and focus on defending your allies with abilities like Security Team, a power that beams down a few redshirts to guard a target.
Ground combat! Star Trek Online community answers
Your answers on ground combat in Star Trek Online are here and we think you'll be pleased with the results. This week, your questions were answered by Andy Velasquez, producer at Cryptic and all-around knowledgeable Trek guy. It's a hefty Q&A, so we hope you've got a few minutes to spare while you whittle your way through all this text. Enjoy!
Video interview tells more of Star Trek Online's goals
Cryptic is working toward a February 2010 release of Star Trek Online to much fan anticipation, and associate producer Andy Velasquez recently found some time to talk with Gamereactor for a look at the game. The discussion gave an interesting look at where Cryptic is hoping to go with Star Trek Online. Velasquez talked about the familiar "to boldly go where no man has gone before" Star Trek theme, expressing a desire for a true sense of new exploration in STO. The setup of the Genesis system, as well as the choice of a time frame in which you won't be left playing second fiddle to Picard or Kirk, serves to encourage that feeling. Valesquez also addressed the choice to start the Star Trek Online from scratch after taking over the project from Perpetual, fan feedback, and his thoughts on where STO fits into the MMO world. The full interview can be seen at Gamereactor.
Star Trek Online introduces Associate Producer Andy Velasquez
Star Trek Online has to be the sci fi MMO that has everyone interested, not just because you get to be a starship captain but also because of the lore aspect. Well the game is still in development but the official site is continuing to pump out articles relating to the game, it's development, more shiny screenshots than you can shake a stick at and glimpses into the fascinating future history of the Star Trek Universe.This time it's a 'meet the team' interview with Associate Producer Andy Velasquez. It's a nice way to get to know the minds behind the game. The piece focuses more on Velasquez's favourite computer games and Star Trek characters than the game he's producing. However he does shed a little light on his role within Star Trek Online, his background and proffers a little advice for anyone thinking of entering the games industry. So if you're not just interested in the lore and shiny ships, you might want to check this out.
