Discover the Magicpunk Revolution: Aerial Combat and MMO Innovation in Crystal of Atlan!

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When Crystal of Atlan‘s development team consented to discuss their work with us for an interview, I wasn’t anticipating them to share insights on their approach to essentially redesign the MMO wheel based on three core design principles. Yet, here we are, engaging in a conversation about a cross-platform MMOARPG that successfully combines airborne combat, magicpunk aesthetics, and authentic social features without giving off a haphazard, Frankenstein-like vibe in terms of game design elements – all centered on controls, strategy, and social interaction. What’s more exciting is that you can immerse yourself in this groundbreaking experience absolutely free!

As a film enthusiast captivated by the realm of digital entertainment, I’ve been eagerly following the journey of the COA team over the past two years. They’ve diligently honed their vision in Mainland China, and now they stand poised to challenge the status quo of traditional MMO structures on a global scale. With their launch now live, and partnerships with Team Liquid already secured, this is a studio that has staked everything on the conviction that players yearn for something genuinely distinct. So, let’s join hands with them as they embark on this groundbreaking adventure.

Gameplay & System Design

A: Instead of most other games, there are no charges for the classes offered. What led to this decision, and how is it ensured that both those who play for free and those who pay have a fulfilling gaming experience?

Initially, let me make it clear that Crystal of Atlan isn’t just a gacha game with an anime feel; rather, its essence lies within its combat system. We’ve designed the core gameplay around the intricate interactions between classes, abilities, and equipment builds. The primary gaming experience is centered on swift, skill-focused stage battles, highlighting player dexterity. To encourage exploration and experimentation, we’ve always kept all classes free since launch. This allows players to delve into various skill combinations each class provides without any acquisition hurdles.

We’re not doing the old-school MMO where all you do is stack your stats and spam skills.

In terms of visual design, we’ve opted for a unique style blending elements of magic and punk aesthetics, which sets us apart from typical anime-style games available. Our characters are characterized by realistic facial features, natural proportions, and enhanced musculature, aligning with our emphasis on engaging combat mechanics. This artistic direction complements the distinctive feel of an ACT game.

Atlan’s Crystal is fundamentally a Massively Multiplayer Online Action Role-Playing Game (MMOARPG). The Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) aspect provides swift, gratifying battles and ample opportunities for skillful gameplay.

Instead of the traditional Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMO) where you primarily focus on boosting your stats and repeatedly using skills, our game emphasizes class diversity, skill harmony, and genuine player manipulation. We’ve drawn inspiration from World of Warcraft-style teamwork for cooperative play (PvE), blending it with the gratifying, tactile sensation of an action game akin to Diablo. Regardless of the categorization – MMO or Action – Crystal of Atlan undeniably sets itself apart in the gaming community.

A. What’s the method behind character advancement in Crystal of Atlan? Is it based on the conventional leveling system, or does it employ an alternative strategy instead?

In Crystal of Atlan, we’ve designed a continuous loop where players traverse through levels for exploration, gather resources, and enhance their abilities. They dive into stages, collect various upgrade materials which subsequently aid in leveling up skills, crafting superior equipment, expanding the pet system, and accessing additional captivating features. The core concept revolves around becoming more powerful by delving deeper and collecting more resources.

Improving your abilities doesn’t just make battles seem more impressive; it significantly enhances your fighting efficiency too. As you gain access to additional equipment and pet choices, your power truly begins to soar. Essentially, players can consistently challenge their characters’ potential via three key areas: collaborating with various classes, enhancing their skills, and cleverly assembling their gear. Our aim is to establish a progression model that not only offers satisfaction but also allows players to customize their builds according to their unique strategies.

Would it be possible for you to discuss the advancements in your aerial combat system, as well as the methods used to enhance the thrilling, rapid-fire battle experience?

In Crystal of Atlan, we aim for combat to be more than just an eye-catching spectacle; it should also be enjoyable to engage with. To achieve this, we’ve steered clear of the conventional MMO ground-based, stand-and-attack style. Instead, we’ve introduced a combat system that extends into the Z-axis, offering a 3D fighting experience. This includes maneuvers like aerial dodges, attacking while airborne, and even creating aerial combos. Essentially, this new dimension enriches the battles.

In this design, players can quickly leap upward to evade attacks or maintain momentum with seamless aerial combos against adversaries. The overall experience should be smooth and swift, significantly enhancing its responsiveness and the force of your blows. Additionally, we’ve paid close attention to the 3D structure of our maps and integrated it into the narrative, resulting in diverse environments such as Wonderland and the Chrome Military Factory. This approach skillfully merges combat and exploration, adding rich complexity to gameplay.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, we’ve invested considerable time in refining the essential aspects. This includes elements like the accuracy of hits, the way collisions occur, and the reaction when you push an opponent back. Moreover, we’ve aimed to make the instant feedback incredibly rewarding by incorporating animations, sound effects, and more. Our goal is for every action you perform to feel authentic and simply enjoyable.

In the context of being a cross-platform MMO Action RPG, how did you successfully promote equal and productive cooperation among both PC and mobile gamers during airborne combat scenarios?

Our goal has been to preserve that satisfying, snappy fighting sensation all along, yet the main hurdle was finding a way to transfer console-grade feedback and seamless combo execution onto mobile devices.

In the process of developing the mobile version, we deliberately adjusted the skill system for touch-based functions. For example, each class can carry 12 skills, which we organized into a fan-shaped control zone that aligns with finger movements, dividing it into primary and secondary skill sections. This setup ensures your thumb can manage all functions within a confined area without needing to frequently shift around the screen.

In addition to simplifying combo creation, we’ve implemented a versatile input system that lets one action trigger multiple functions. For instance, a single key could switch between various abilities based on cooldown, while a prolonged press opens up additional options in a sub-menu. This not only streamlines gameplay but also expands the potential for intricate combos. Furthermore, certain skills now boast a full 360-degree impact range, making them easier to aim and helping more players execute impressive combos without needing pinpoint precision.

To ensure a seamless cross-platform gaming experience, we’ve carefully adjusted the game mechanics to fit perfectly on every platform, adapting the controls for optimal use. We’ve refined the HUD, haptic feedback, and visuals for consoles, making full use of DualSense triggers and vibration to enhance combat intensity and immersion. Furthermore, at the user interface level, we’ve incorporated global key mapping and a customizable radial input system to maintain the flexibility and tactical nature of gamepad controls across platforms.

Regardless of whether you’re using your mobile device or PC/console, our goal is to deliver a balanced and engaging gaming experience for all players, enabling everyone to showcase their top skills in versatile cross-platform conflicts that are both thrilling and adaptable.

Question: What strategies did Crystal of Atlan employ to strike a balance between personal play and collective teamwork in an MMO, and what significant technical obstacles did they encounter during this process?

From the outset, we aimed to blend action role-playing game (ARPG) mechanics that reward individual skills with a strong emphasis on collaboration within massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Essentially, we’ve always viewed the social interaction as the core essence of an MMORPG experience.

Instead of most MMORPGs that use fixed camera angles, we chose a fully three-dimensional, free-roaming camera system to boost immersion and control freedom. To cater to players who might be sensitive to 3D visuals, we’ve also incorporated an optional top-down view. This perspective provides a wider field of vision, making it easier to spot teammates and avoid attacks. This feature is crucial in maintaining the action-oriented combat style of Crystal of Atlan while preserving unique class specializations.

In our system, we’ve incorporated a dynamic Z-axis battle structure, adding elements like mid-air evasions and aerial combos to transform fights from a flat plane into a three-dimensional arena. By combining fundamental actions such as jumping and dodging with player skill-based interactions, users can master agile movements and enjoy accurate strike responses. Additional features like stagger, knockback effects, audio cues, and enemy reaction animations amplify the excitement of every confrontation.

As a devoted cinephile diving headfirst into this virtual cinematic universe, let me share an exciting revelation! We’ve meticulously designed a three-act narrative structure for our PvE experience, each act offering its unique level of challenge and teamwork elements. You’ll truly appreciate the progressive difference between them.

The first act, titled ‘Adventure Mode,’ is all about immersing you in the story and world. It seamlessly blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving to give newcomers a captivating introduction to our setting, slowly yet surely leading them into the heart of the game.

In the realm known as Void Realm, challenges abound—here, understanding boss behavior and coordinating with numerous characters becomes crucial for survival. Meanwhile, in collaborative dungeons like HexChess, a game that caters to 4-8 players, success hinges on strategic positioning, precise timing, and harmonious skill execution. Familiarizing oneself with the boss’s mechanics is also essential for triumph in such an environment.

In Crystal of Atlan, our goal is to blend the exhilaration of action games where players have free reign in combat with strategic teamwork based on character classes. This way, every class and playstyle contributes significantly when working together. We’re constantly refining our combat system to strike a balance between individual skill and collective coordination.

Question: How exactly does the development team in Crystal of Atlan design elements or systems to improve multiplayer interaction and collaborative gameplay for MMO players?

In our perspective, it’s not strict structures that fuel meaningful social interactions, but rather the emotional bonds forged from mutual objectives and joint endeavors. Therefore, the heart of Crystal of Atlan’s social structure revolves around cooperative dungeons.

In the game, the majority of your treasures and assets are obtained by conquering dungeons. To ensure that everyone benefits, we employ a system where shared rewards are given out. As long as the team successfully completes the run, each member will receive fair and comparable loot. This setup encourages teamwork among players as they all have a common goal.

Furthermore, our dungeon designs feature a variety of mechanisms that necessitate synchronized teamwork. These mechanisms challenge both individual abilities and the coordination of your team, taking into account their roles and assignments. Unlike solo adventures, cooperative dungeons emphasize collaboration to overcome obstacles, making each run more satisfying and enjoyable as you work together towards a common goal.

Over time, team members naturally develop authentic and meaningful relationships. Some emerge as the group’s technical specialists, while others take on roles as guides for new recruits in dungeons or strategists for character builds. As they navigate challenging dungeon journeys together, they transform into trusted companions who have fought side by side.

In the online game Crystal of Atlan, what is the function of the Fleet or Guild system in influencing the overall gaming experience?

In our view, what truly enchants an MMO isn’t merely the combat; it’s the camaraderie and friendships you develop with others. Our Fleet system, serving as our guild function, is pivotal in shaping the social landscape of the game. It not only offers a shared space for cooperative play but also a social network that fosters emotional bonding and lasting player connections.

A flourishing community is a collective endeavor where participants construct it, while developers must sustain it. To truly embody this spirit, we’ve not only amplified the Fleet function but have also dedicated significant resources towards fostering community interactions and assistance. At our game’s debut, we collaborated with Team Liquid, a prominent esports organization, to participate in live dungeon raids and broadcasts starting on Day 1 (May 28). By demonstrating professional play, we aim to ignite the enthusiasm of casual players towards team-oriented content and keep the community vibrant.

As a movie buff immersed in the gaming world, I can’t emphasize enough our commitment to making every player feel part of something grand. Before the official launch, we initiated an exciting pre-event called “Adventurers Unite.” This allowed players to jumpstart their adventures or join existing teams early on, constructing their squads in the process. This not only gave them a sense of purpose and camaraderie from the get-go but also offered opportunities for collaboration. Working together, they could earn rare titles, unique cosmetics, exceptional gear, and even challenge top guilds in thrilling head-to-head battles. It was all about unity, rewards, and an unforgettable gaming experience!

Put simply, the Fleet system serves multiple purposes beyond being a social gathering spot; it’s also an effective instrument for fostering stronger connections and reinforcing our fundamental concept of collaborative content creation and a gaming experience that thrives on social interaction.

New Player Experience & Future Development

A. In many massive multiplayer online games (MMOs), updates can happen quickly, making it challenging for newcomers who might feel overwhelmed. How are you designing the onboarding process to prevent latecomers from feeling behind? Do you incorporate a gradual introduction or something akin to a welcoming slope?

Absolutely, we’ve been closely monitoring this aspect. Following our February test, we received comments from international gamers about the learning curve being somewhat gradual. In response, we’ve completely revamped the new player experience. To start with, we incorporated a series of beginner dungeons at the beginning – these are created to help novice players grasp the game mechanics, classes, and lore swiftly, ensuring the initial encounter is both clear and captivating.

From the start, Crystal of Atlan offers you five starting character classes to select. You’re able to access any class at no cost when creating a new character, and you can make up to six characters in total – certain equipment and items are shared among them to facilitate multi-class play. To ensure flexibility and enjoyment, we grant the ability to change your class at level 15, with multiple options available, each featuring its unique skill trees and combo systems. You’re free to rearrange your skills whenever you want, or simply use the auto-build feature – ideal for both experienced strategists and beginners just getting familiar with the game.

We strive to ensure that novice players feel encouraged and self-assured while they navigate—avoiding the sensation of being overpowered by intricate mechanisms, which might discourage them from continuing.

In five years, do you envision Atlan expanding by exploring new dungeons and classes, or venturing into comic books, animations, perhaps even hosting tabletop game nights?

The title “Crystal of Atlan” is entirely unique and self-created, aiming to establish credibility and captivate players without relying on established intellectual properties. Our primary focus is ensuring that the game remains dynamic, providing a constant stream of new content to keep players engaged and rewarded as they progress through their adventure. To achieve this, we will continue to prioritize regular updates, enriching the MMO experience by introducing fresh dungeons, character classes, and systems, thereby maintaining an exciting and innovative atmosphere.

Simultaneously, we are also growing into a larger content universe related to the game. For instance, in August, we will debut our initial official esports tournament – the COA Super Glenn Cup (CSGC) Season 1. The CSGC lays the groundwork for our PvP+PvE “2+N” competitive structure, marking a significant stride in projecting our esports brand globally by establishing a professional esports presence.

To create engaging and shareable tournaments, we’re borrowing ideas from First-Person Shooter (FPS) and Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) esports, and partnering with various social media platforms to connect with gamers across the globe.

As a passionate movie reviewer diving headfirst into this captivating virtual world, I can assure you that we’re not just sitting back and watching the action unfold. We’ve formed strong alliances with leading streamers, MMO veterans, and tutorial gurus to create an engaging stream of PvP battles, dungeon guides, and meta analyses. Our commitment extends beyond the screen; we’re investing significantly in our creators, providing them with essential tools, increased visibility, and a robust platform that fosters their growth.

In addition to this immersive gameplay experience, we’ve got an official Crystal of Atlan comic series brewing! Get ready to delve deeper into the universe as we unveil these captivating stories in graphic novel form. Stay tuned for its upcoming release – it’s going to be a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss!

Moving ahead, our strategy will encompass a two-pronged methodology: Continuously refine the core game while fostering growth by organizing tournaments, live streaming, and utilizing social media platforms. This aims to establish Crystal of Atlan as an enduring original franchise with a strong and vibrant community.

Worldbuilding & Inspiration

A. What motivated the creation of the floating island world, Atlan? Was there any particular art or literature that influenced its distinctive environment in a significant way?

As a film enthusiast, I find myself drawn to a unique genre we’ve coined as “Magicpunk.” It’s an original concept that sprang from the collective creativity within our team. Some of us are captivated by Steampunk, while others, including myself, have a deep fascination with fantasy and magic. Our tastes are diverse on this creative journey. This fusion of interests led us to craft a world where technological ingenuity intertwines seamlessly with magical guidelines.

In Crystal of Atlan, “Punk” spirit is vividly portrayed, symbolizing rebellion, challenge, and rule-breaking. This essence permeates both the visuals and the narrative. The environments in this game offer striking contrasts that will captivate players. They’ll explore a world where polished, structured cities share space with chaotic underground ruins, traditional Victorian architecture clashes with modern aerotech, and ancient arcane ruins stand shoulder-to-shoulder with hyper-industrial wonders in the same cityscape… These aren’t haphazard combinations—they are carefully crafted to reflect the tension and contrast that form the core of the game’s lore.

In our exploration, we’ve delved into the intricacies of how magic and technology intertwine in this world. The universe of Crystal of Atlan is built on a magitech basis—you’ll find floating islands, cities with mechanical infrastructure, advanced weapons powered by arcane forces, and bosses that fuse magical awareness within mechanical bodies. This blend imbues the traditional industrial feel with a fresh twist from magical technology, resulting in a distinct visual and powerful structure for the world.

Instead of crafting merely an aesthetically pleasing fantasy realm, we aim to develop a richly textured cosmos brimming with intrigue, contrasts, and narratives exploring human nature and fate.

A: From where did the concept of the World Pillar, which keeps the floating continents aloft, originate in our creative space, as hinted in our lore teasers? Which tale or written work initiated this thought?

Absolutely, we drew considerable influence, similar to the sacred World Tree “Yggdrasil” in Norse lore, which symbolized a divine connection spanning both heaven and earth.

In our interpretation, the towering crystal structure known as Crystal of Atlan’s World Pillar serves as the basis for our narrative. This immense column in the sky is believed to be the originator of all magitech energy and the cornerstone of our lore. The World Pillar has been a constant presence, radiating energy since time immemorial. It triggered two Magitech Revolutions but also brought about a deadly disease called “Decay.” The Crystal, representing the crystallized power of the World Pillar, fueled technological progress while stirring up conflicts and wars among factions. Is the World Pillar a boon or a bane? What caused it to explode, and what happens next? These questions form the crux of our story.

As a cinephile, I found an intriguing element from a film that seems to have left its mark on the world of Crystals in Atlan, and it may come as a surprise to many gamers. Can you guess which movie it is?

The animated film “Castle in the Sky” by Hayao Miyazaki significantly influenced our creative process. The concept of civilization residing on floating islands, along with the fusion of steam technology and magic, served as a catalyst for the design of our own floating realm.

In creating our world, we drew significant influence from the “magitech” concept prevalent in early Japanese fantasy literature. This idea served as a cornerstone in our design process, blending magic with technology to form a system that appears mystical yet is grounded within an advanced and structured civilization. Final Fantasy VII offers a fine illustration of this integration in their game.

In terms of “Punk,” we embraced its gritty industrial feel and defiant spirit, making conflicts between civilizations and power struggles the heart of the player’s adventure. These influences softly shaped the mood and attributes of Crystal of Atlan, enabling us to explore and advance in visual aesthetics, narrative, and game mechanics.

In the merging of these factors, Rhine City emerged – a locale brimming with the palpable friction and dichotomy between two realms appearing to run parallel yet entangled in strife. It became apparent that this conflict-ridden environment afforded us greater liberty for gameplay and design exploration.

Development Journey & Creative Stories

Could you share what your significant achievement or “we nailed it!” moment in the project was? Was it reaching the stage of a first playable build, a triumphant victory over the beta boss, or perhaps another noteworthy event?

Our team is quite fresh-faced – many of us were born in the 90s and spent our childhood immersed in video games. We experienced the peak years of PC MMOs such as World of Warcraft, Dungeon Fighter Online, and Dragon Nest, and became avid fans of console action titles like Dark Souls, Monster Hunter, and Devil May Cry. As we continued to play, our desire to develop a game grew stronger and stronger.

Initially, we had three fundamental guidelines in mind:

1. Our primary focus was on creating an authentic action game with seamless controls, ample movement options, and impactful combat, rather than relying solely on accumulating stats while stationary and rapid keyboard pressing.
2. We understood that the addition of cooperative multiplayer dungeons would revive the excitement of working together and conquering raids side by side.
3. Lastly, we aimed to introduce a unique setting—Magicpunk—a fusion of fantasy magic and industrial machinery, to construct a world that stands out from the rest.

Instead of focusing solely on multi-platform distribution, this move represents a significant leap forward for us in terms of both technology and content enhancement.

Our greatest “We Did It” moment came when Crystal of Atlan officially debuted in Mainland China in 2023. That was the moment we realized—all our efforts, our dedication and perseverance, had been worth it. Now, this game is going global, and for the first time, it’s also launching on PlayStation 5, along with mobile and PC versions. This isn’t just about cross-platform distribution; it’s a significant leap in terms of technology and content quality for us. We fine-tuned the Head-Up Display (HUD), controls, and visuals specifically for PS5 to ensure console players get the best possible immersive Action RPG experience. For us, this is another significant milestone on our journey.

Were there any appealing elements or concepts that we had to remove from the ultimate worldwide game edition in the end?

frankly, during the worldwide rollout of Crystal of Atlan, we didn’t need to make significant cuts or reductions in content. The game has been operational in Mainland China for nearly two years, allowing us ample time to evaluate and improve its core gameplay, pace, and monetization. As a result, we believe that this is the ideal moment for a global launch.

Absolutely, it’s understood that players outside Mainland China may have distinct playing styles and tastes compared to those in China. With this understanding, we made several modifications tailored for the global release. For instance, we increased the speed of content delivery, streamlined character advancement, and enhanced gear build effectiveness. These changes aim to offer a more seamless and balanced gaming experience for players worldwide.

Question: If we wanted to instantly convey the essence of our studio to new players by placing them in a specific in-game location within just ten seconds, where would that be and what makes it special?

In the realm of Atlan, Rhine City stands out as a contemporary, bustling metropolis. It boasts the second-largest harbor following the Empire, houses a prestigious Magitech Institute, and serves as the headquarters for the Adventurers’ Guild. This city embodies the principles of inclusivity, exploration, and relentless progress, reflecting the very essence of adventurous spirit.

Our team embodies many facets that are evident in what we create. We value openness, diversity, and the freedom to express ourselves. Instead of conforming to conventional MMO frameworks, we aim to challenge the boundaries of Magicpunk and prioritize striking visuals and refined systems. Rhine City isn’t merely a starting point for your adventure—it encapsulates everything our team represents in terms of worldbuilding and innovative gameplay design.

The Crystal of Atlan isn’t simply seeking your attention, it’s sparking your interest. From the sleek, interactive battle system to a realm that blends Victorian technology and ancient ruins into an unique creation, there’s a consistent thread: dedication. Each dungeon feature, class interaction, and world detail is a testament to a team that truly cares.

Perhaps what makes it unique is its investment potential for players. Its future direction remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: it’s not your typical MMO. Instead, it’s a labor of love with the drive to soar, backed by a great deal of determination.

To learn more about the Crystal of Atlan, including its global aspects, characteristics, and attributes, feel free to visit their official website. If you’d like to connect with the community and stay updated on news, you can choose to follow them on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Discord.

The “Crystal of Atlan” has been released across platforms including PC, mobile devices (Android and iOS), and PlayStation 5! Jump into the action, build your own fleet, and create a legend in the skies. To get started, you can download Crystal of Atlan for free right here.

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2025-05-28 17:23