After 7 years development and six beta tests since 2013, Tencent finally launched pre-open beta test for Monster Hunter Online. In an interview with Duowan, MHO producer Tao Weishi shared their development story and the future plans for MHO.
It’s suffering for both MHO developers and players in the past 7 years
Tao said it’s really hard to keep unremitting with the development. MHO has tried 4 engines in the past 7 years and finally they decided to use CryEngine 3. Since the opening of the non-wipe beta test on Nov 27, 2015, players seem to be happy with MHO graphics. Tao said it’s a great challenge for Chinese game developers to adapt such a huge IP but finally MHO is here and they are pride of what they have completed so far.
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MHO producer’s wish - MHO console & Western version
MHO might have offline concert in China and the MH IP will be expanded to many platforms, including the upcoming MH web browser game, mobile game and anime. Tao personally hopes MHO can be back to the console market and maybe launch a western version. However, at current situation, he can only put his energy in the Chinese PC version. Tao knows there are a lot of western players waiting for an English version of MHO but they also have to take Capcom’s feelings into account.
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Chinese style monsters are not in current plan, new weapon Gunlance coming in Jan
In Jan 2016, MHO will release a new update which will have ample content for players to explore. MHO will have monthly update in the future. Players can expect to meet new monsters, weapons or new systems.
New weapon Gunlance and three new monsters namely Shen Gaoren, Tartaronis, Rathian as well as new outfits will be available in Jan update.
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In addition, Tao emphasizes that MHO won’t be a P2W game. Only outfits without attributes and some convenient items will be sold in the cash shop, which won’t influence the game balance.
It’s suffering for both MHO developers and players in the past 7 years
Tao said it’s really hard to keep unremitting with the development. MHO has tried 4 engines in the past 7 years and finally they decided to use CryEngine 3. Since the opening of the non-wipe beta test on Nov 27, 2015, players seem to be happy with MHO graphics. Tao said it’s a great challenge for Chinese game developers to adapt such a huge IP but finally MHO is here and they are pride of what they have completed so far.
MHO producer’s wish - MHO console & Western version
MHO might have offline concert in China and the MH IP will be expanded to many platforms, including the upcoming MH web browser game, mobile game and anime. Tao personally hopes MHO can be back to the console market and maybe launch a western version. However, at current situation, he can only put his energy in the Chinese PC version. Tao knows there are a lot of western players waiting for an English version of MHO but they also have to take Capcom’s feelings into account.
Chinese style monsters are not in current plan, new weapon Gunlance coming in Jan
In Jan 2016, MHO will release a new update which will have ample content for players to explore. MHO will have monthly update in the future. Players can expect to meet new monsters, weapons or new systems.
New weapon Gunlance and three new monsters namely Shen Gaoren, Tartaronis, Rathian as well as new outfits will be available in Jan update.
In addition, Tao emphasizes that MHO won’t be a P2W game. Only outfits without attributes and some convenient items will be sold in the cash shop, which won’t influence the game balance.