INTERVIEW: IronWill Studios

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Feb 17th 2009 at 17:00 by Ben Parfitt

iPhone Month: The success of titles such as World of Warcraft has got the world and its dog eyeing up the lucrative persistent online market. But outside of Blizzard’s epic and a handful of other successful PC titles, the MMO market has proved a tough one to crack – particularly for those working on console or mobile platforms.

CasualGaming.biz recently caught up with Paul Hutson, boss of developer IronWill Studios whose successful debut title KingdomGame has proved that there’s a healthy market for MMO gaming on Apple’s iPhone.

CasualGaming.biz: Tell me about IronWillStudios?

Paul Hutson: I set up IronWillStudios late last year as a new development studio to house the development of Outer Empires; mainly to make it a completely separate project from Phutty Studios (which was the company I set up to run KingdomGame). The team we have here is small, just three people - working in such close proximity has made us a very tight knit group.

CG.biz: What, for you, makes iPhone an appealing development platform?

PH: The first time I had a play on the iPhone I could see the potential. It has moved the mobile industry along leaps and bounds – as can be seen by all the other mobile phone companies coming out with similar devices.

The main thing I love about the iPhone is the way that I can distribute the applications to anyone on it - not only through their app store, but also on their web apps pages at apple.com. They've also put loads of thought in to how developers can use the device with quick short cuts to the internal functions (even with the web application side of things) I certainly wasn't a fan of the apple brand before the iPhone.. now, without a doubt, I am.

CG.biz: For those who haven't heard of KingdomGame, how would you describe it?

PH: It's a massively multiplayer game set in a medieval world. Each player is given a plot of land to develop in any way they see fit. Players can build up and become a merchant or they can build up an army to attack other Kingdoms to take their resources and land.

One of the key features of the game is the "real time" building – for instance, if you decide you want to build a house it will take two hours to complete.. resources (wood, food, stone, etc) are generated by your buildings (lumber mills, farms, quarries, etc) every few minutes. Because everything takes a while to build people generally play the game every few hours for about five minutes at a time - definitely putting it in the casual gaming category.

Because the game is multiplayer (around 2000 people per world) there is a lot of social interaction through both alliances (groups of up to around fifty Kingdoms) and diplomacy, which also plays a big part in every world. In a recent enhancement navies were added so that you could invade Kingdoms in other worlds (or continents, as they're called in game) to set up colonies. Colonies allow you to harvest unique resources to give your kingdoms a bonus (for instance, one world has grapes, that can be harvested to make wine, which can be used to give your troops an attack bonus).

So, to sum up, if you like the idea of running your own Medieval Kingdom – with all the diplomacy, war and trading that comes with it – KingdomGame is something you should have a look at.

CG.biz: What have you learnt from the development and release of KingdomGame?

PH: That players will find any problem with balance, the game engine, etc then either use it to their advantage or email relentlessly about it. I was also overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to play... causing me to have to buy in a number of new servers to cope with the demand.

I've also found that players become very very passionate about their Kingdoms and alliances - with people helping each other out all over the place. When I mentioned community earlier, it really does feel like a community. Some of the people who're playing now have been playing for almost a year, which is absolutely excellent to see!

One of the coolest aspects, from my perspective, is how they go about battling other alliances – we've seen wars with 500+ kingdoms battling it out over weeks at a time. And being a merchant is definitely profitable as the need for spare resources goes up when the warring Kingdoms turn their economies over to war.

CG.biz: How much potential do you see in the iPhone MMO space?

PH: The potential is enormous, there are a lot of people out there who take trains and buses to and from work every day who love to play games. I think the iPhone is an obvious platform to host them on due to its awesome touch user interface, big screen and connectivity.

CG.biz: What would you say to those who believe connected gameplay is not suited
to gaming on the move?

PH: I think I'd point them towards KingdomGame. While not fully real time, it does work – and our upcoming title Outer Empires is built on a very similar engine but with some enhancements to make it real time. As connectivity and network coverage becomes more expansive I think that the problems of online gaming on the move will be nullified and we'll see a lot more people venturing into the field.

CG.biz: How has the iPhone, in your opinion, affected the mobile gaming business?

PH: We've gone from Java based, stand alone games (on the most part) to hugely colourful and engaging games that are accessible and very low cost to the consumer – in a nutshell, Apple has reinvented games on the mobile platform with the iPhone.

CG.biz: Lastly, what can you tell us about Outer Empires? Elite on iPhone?

PH: I'd say you've hit the nail on the head – Outer Empires is very Elite-like, with a lot extra. It's fully multiplayer, so if you see other people flying around it's more than likely another player. You can attack people, form factions, control systems (and planets), trade, research/develop new ship parts and build on planets (mining/research/farming colonies, etc) in a huge Galaxy (20K Systems, each with up to nine planets in them.)

All from your iPhone.

Comments

Leave a comment

Paul Hutson

Feb 17th 2009 | 18:59

For those who may be interested, please have a look at the games websites at the following URL.

KingdomGame :
www.KingdomGame.net

Outer Empires :
www.outer-empires.com

Gilldinium W9

Feb 17th 2009 | 19:06

Amazing game and so addictive,I started playing around 3 months ago and love the social aspect of playing with real people in an alliance, i have always been a fan of games like warcraft,its great to be able to play such games on my mobile phone. try the game and see for yourself

Jacob (Draic Kin) w7

Feb 17th 2009 | 19:18

I've been playing KG for a while now , and this is true it does become a sort of community , i think many people have found friends within their alliances as well as friends outside there alliances.
Also many player use many different strategies they run their kingdoms the way they see fit. i think thats why KG has so many players and is so successful everyone wants to see their kingdoms and alliances prevail and the fact that its real time gives you to be as active as you please.
I would suggest kingdom game to everyone.

Will

Feb 17th 2009 | 19:26

Kingdomgame is great. Been playing from when it was first released. Very fun game, and very addictive. It will have you sneaking off in work, so you can attack someone. Brilliant !!!

Feb 17th 2009 | 19:40

A well-written game able to be played with any browser and with additional customizations for play on the iPhone. Offering both free (ad-supported) play and extremely worthwhile premium additions for a nominal fee (and the removal of the ads), KingdomGame is both fast enough to offer ever-changing entertainment and slow enough to allow you to have a life outside of the game. Thoroughly recommend.

Strick

Feb 17th 2009 | 19:54

Fantastic game!
Paul and the team have done a great job and this game is definatly worth taking a look at.

Jayded

Feb 17th 2009 | 20:15

Been playing since the game was released. And I can honestly say, that for the past year, this game has kept me pretty busy and I love it!
Come join world 2!

Cubs Nation W2

Feb 17th 2009 | 20:16

All I got to say is Paul you are the man. KG is the most strategic rpg game I have ever played. Its my kg strategy against your kg strategy, may the best kg win. Amazing work you've done, Paul, can't wait to see what is on the herizon.

Sygg

Feb 17th 2009 | 20:41

awesome game. been playing for a long time and it has certainly kept me busy. love the community and the friends and enemies you meet.

Viva La Familie! lol woot

Ephision

Feb 17th 2009 | 21:02

I've played this game since the very beginning. It has developed so much since the beginning, and it has advanced so much since I first started out. I have been a member of W6 and am a former W8 member, and I haven't played a longer lasting game. A strategy game so much on a phone would normally be thought of horrible, but this game is even fun on the computer. I just can't get enough of it, and I have Paul to thank for that.

Thor will live on until the end. Join us in our conquest...

Reaper

Feb 17th 2009 | 21:26

I can't get enough of this game. Been playing for about a year now and am completely addicted. You can play for only minutes a day or keep yourself occupied with it for hours at a time. Have made some amazing friends on this game.

Nathan

Feb 17th 2009 | 21:57

I love this game I have been playing for about half a year and I play about 2-3 hours a day it is very addicting. Come join Thor the number 1 alliance on w6!

Tsunami World 3

Feb 17th 2009 | 23:07

I've been playing kingdomgame for about 5 months and have gone from playing 4 hrs a day to playing about 1-2hrs a day, there is always something to be done and upgrade possibilities are endless. There is action and adventures to be had around every corner. try it out on world 1-3 and join FLAME/FIRE and we will help you out.

Shadow w7

Feb 17th 2009 | 23:17

haha draic. I shoulda known you would post here.

Yeah I have been playing for almost a year. I have met many types of people from many different places. Japan, Uk, Germany, Switz, all over the us.
many languages get passed around to say the least.

Being a leader of an alliance my entire kg career, i am online more than five minutes at a stretch. But I have learned a lot from my new kg friends, and not just stuff about the game.

Twilight w7

Feb 17th 2009 | 23:38

i've been playing KingdomGame for half a year now and it's truely addicting and a great way to make new friends. Paul adds something new to the game at least once a month, making the game even more fun to play.
now, i'm greatly anticipating the release of OE - can't wait!

BlueHaven

Feb 18th 2009 | 00:00

KG is an awsome game. I've played since almost the begining. It has evolved and continues to evolve which is why this game is so awsome. Paul is constantly
Adding new features which keeps the game fresh.

Dude

Feb 18th 2009 | 00:12

This game will take over your life. dont play it.

Nadelian W10

Feb 18th 2009 | 00:21

I have been addicted to this game since launch... Best game ever!

Tim

Feb 18th 2009 | 01:18

I'm frigityfresh in game on w3..
I play worlds 1,2,3,710, and now 11 I am very addictive (Paul can vouch)
I've Been playing this game since late august 2008
And. I have only missed 3 days. This is the best game
Ever!!! I have never been addicted to a game got this long and have been so consistent..
Paul you rock dude !

Zebo W4-7

Feb 18th 2009 | 01:39

Great game! i love this game. been playin' since june and i love it. cant wait till OE comes out. Great work on the game Paul!

Home W2 WOOF

Feb 18th 2009 | 02:50

This game is truly mobile and rarely stagnent. I have played the game on the top of a hill in the middle of the woods, arm outstretched to the sky, relaxing by the pool working on my tan, sending off an attack while waiting for a plane to board, at the bar while my date went to the bathroom, and countless other times. No other game can do that.

Two things drives my passion for the game. The thrill of crushing an opponent (I still hold my breath while the attck results screen loads), and the brotherhood of the pack. My I phone allows me to play the game, chatzy, email, call, and text my fellow players. Unlike other games a person's personality, devotion, Amd critical thinking skills really play a factor. However all those personalities have to get along and function as a unit. Hmmm just like my forum posts long winded and rambling. Perfect. If you will excuse me I need to make my way to chat, someone is about to be crushed, fenzy on!

P.S

In case I did not make it clear, I like the game a bunch. Thanks Paul.

Woof

Stephen

Feb 18th 2009 | 04:17

I bought a iphone to play this everywhere instead of being on my home computer all the time. I've been playing since July 08. Never missed a day playing. Great fun and lots of good players. I play worlds 4 5 6 and 7.

Hells Fury W1_W7

Feb 18th 2009 | 04:38

I love this game. Been playing for close to 5 months and haven't stopped. The game really pulls you in with the game play and the community that you find in it.

Viva la Fam.

Shadow W1 alluvia

Feb 18th 2009 | 04:46

It's a really awesome game
Mi alliance
OKT

DarkEarth - W7

Feb 18th 2009 | 05:35

I'm french. I play KG for three month. With my coffee for breakfast, checking what's up during the night. At work, taking few minutes to bring food from my colonies. In my car, waiting for an appointment. In my bed, trying to sleep ... Everywhere !

I just cant let my kingdom rot away, and more than this, i cant let my alliance, my brothers in arms, my friends !!!

I've met people from US, Scotland, ... And playing with them is a real human adventure ! Findind new strategies, gathering intel about our ennemies, going on war together, lending hand to a friend beeing crushed, ... It creates real links !!!

Hey, Paul ! Thinking about a french version ?

Feb 18th 2009 | 07:11

I love how political the game can be, things get very tense for leaders at times, its a very engaging environment. And If not for the sake of your own name in lights, play to make friends!

Dunaskin W5

Feb 18th 2009 | 09:36

Great, great game. 5 minutes here, five minutes there turns into ten minutes.......

Just a good fun game that rocks as soon as you get in to a good allance :)

helen - morgane / legoland

Feb 18th 2009 | 10:21

Wow great comments and so deserved its a true testament to the game and the developers that so many people feel truly passionate about kg.
The game is the best strategic mmo game for the iphone and in my opinion for the pc as well... the fact Paul listens to the feedback is contently making improvements or adding in a new element to the game keeps it fresh and exciting.
I personally love the interaction with other players and the feeling you have when as an alliance you finally crack that target.
I used to laugh at my friend as he paused nervously over the attack button waiting for his turn or sneak of in an important meeting just to check... but after actually playing the game for the last 9 months i can say i'm truly addicted as are many others... how many stories of people setting there alarms for attacks or staying up really late have there been!!!
Paul keep up the good work and maybe think of opening a kg support group...
If OE is half as good as this then its going to be fantastic
h x

Rayjan

Feb 18th 2009 | 10:51

Amazing game, great community, new features added weekly, old ones still surprising you. Definatly a game for the casual gamer or if you want to take away the boredom from work ;p

Outer Empires seems to be the game that I have been dreaming of (Yes, I am so sad) amazing graphics. Been iPhone compatible will make for very interesting playing styles and one in which I can't wait to try out myself.

Ovogame

Feb 18th 2009 | 11:21

What a lot of spam... I don't believe 1 second that all these messages are genuine.

JC

Jackian

Feb 18th 2009 | 18:03

Im one of those playing for just coming up to 1 year. Its a great game. i still love building my kingdom but Im more into the developing my alliance and socialising online with my members. You can check out our alliance website at therulers DOT byethost18 DOT com (sorry links arent allowed)

wimba

Feb 18th 2009 | 21:56

I've been playing every day (even on holidays) for nearly a year on several worlds and it is a fantasticly addictive game, some say it is easier to quit crack that KG!

Dan (dank world 5 esnoth)

Feb 20th 2009 | 00:30

I've been playing almost a year.i was addicted since the beta version I've seen KG evolve so much in the past year. I've made friends from all over the world. I have played many I phone games and by far this is the best game I've found. Oh and KG was my first web app I got for my I phone. To Paul thanks for making us all KG addicts. Ps my wife can't stand me playing KG LOL

Aldur

Feb 20th 2009 | 12:00

A truly amazing game.
Been playing since the begining only playing on 6 worlds at the moment so you can see I'm only a part time gamer.
This game is everything that any gamer would ask for + some. It is dynamic interactive and addictive.
If you like interaction with people of all types across the world this is the game.
Then there's the new developments and forums it is so good Paul H should be knighted.
Keep up the good work

Lerdo

Feb 20th 2009 | 23:49

I am a Regional Manager and travel a lot. Hotels get boring and this has been a great way to escape from my hustle life i lead. There is nothing like after a long hard day of work of grabbing your iPhone and smashing an OV on Kingdomgame.net!
As always thanks for the game Paul!
-lerdo

Haribo

Feb 21st 2009 | 00:09

I don't know what else i would use my iPhone for if i wasn't for KG.

Great game, very addictive.

whiteRabbit w7

Feb 21st 2009 | 02:44

Man, Kingdom Game is one of the most addictive games i've played on the last 5 years... It sticks on you!! You just need to check your Alliance Forum to see what's going on!

pet'pet

Feb 23rd 2009 | 00:26

[quote=The Feeling]I can't do the walk
I can't do the talk
I can't be your friend
Unless I pretend
So give me the words and I'll say them like I mean it,
Cos you got my heart in a headlock, you stop my blood make my head soft
And god knows
You got me sewn[/quote]

A Dude

Feb 23rd 2009 | 00:56

Wow!I've been playing this game about a week and I love it! It really rocks! Awesome job dudes!

I've recomended this game to ALL my friends. I would definately donate if I were older. Great job!

Smash

Feb 27th 2009 | 20:46

What they all say is true. KG is addictive.

All my brothers play WoW and Xbox... I can have just as much fun on my phone anytime, anywhere i want. And when I get in here chatting and strategizing with everyone, its even more fun than shooting, racing, or battling the horde.

Hells Fury w1-w7

Mar 3rd 2009 | 03:10

Ovogame, every single one of these messages are genuine, if you were to actually try the game you would see that everyone here are real players and people. This game truely rocks and I've made many friends here in most worlds I'm in.

Deep

Mar 9th 2009 | 23:59

I think this game was live for less than a month when I started and I am still here. I really don't know to explain the attraction as there are lots of great games, however it has to be the networking with others! Good game that let's you learn about other guys the good and the bad!
Hehe

Deep

Mar 10th 2009 | 00:02

james

Mar 18th 2009 | 20:16

allez sur romstation pour telecharger les vrai jeux complet

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