Interview: Interzone Entertainment’s Jeff Lyndon Talks Interzone Futebol

By Paul Sherrard | August 5, 2008 | | Filed under: Features, Interviews

The MMO Gamer: Beyond Brazil and the initial launch in Portuguese, what are your plans for more countries and languages?

Jeff Lyndon: We are planning to release in other markets as soon as Q4 2008. In 2009 we will be aggressively launching to multiple markets with full localization.

The MMO Gamer: With gameplay taking a decidedly different direction from the majority of other MMOs, in what way will players advance in the game?

Jeff Lyndon: No levels, powers, or mindless grinding. The game is designed to embrace casual and hardcore gamers with different features and gameplay.

This is not a game where we will require you to spend a certain amount of time per week to be successful. In terms of how you advance in our game, we believe practice makes perfect. Instead of asking you to do mindless self-training repeatedly, you can play in one position more often and you will develop strengths in that position.

The MMO Gamer: How do you envision an average play session for a player in Interzone Futebol? How will the experience differ from playing a console-based football game online?

Jeff Lyndon: First, you are no longer playing as a well-known football celebrity but as yourself! Rather than commanding 11 players, you are one of them and are no longer relying on a mindless A.I. teammate.

In addition, the interaction level is much higher than any console-based football game. Instead of logging into a lobby, you arrive in a virtual world, where you can socialize with other players, shop around, explore, or play some futebol.

The MMO Gamer: What are the key features in Interzone Futebol that will create a compelling experience for players and thus keep them around from month to month?

Jeff Lyndon: Players can network and make their own teams. They can join or create their own club and various leagues. Our world is always changing. There are always new secrets for you to discover. Like all online games, the community created by the players keeps them coming back for more!

The MMO Gamer: Where are you now in the development schedule for the game? What challenges have been particularly rewarding to overcome, and what challenges do you anticipate before launch?

Jeff Lyndon: We are at pre-beta stage with a confirmed launch date for our Brazilian market which we will announce soon! Our design team will start working on post-launch design features in the near future.

Managing communication among four studios in four different countries and translating three languages is our biggest challenge. The level of coordination required is insane! We are aware of the major obstructions, so we are able to improve continuously our various methods of communication.

In terms of design challenges, there are two. First, how can we ensure all players on the pitch are having a good time? Secondly, in a sports game, responsive control is crucial but in a multi-player game, Internet latency is inevitable. So far, our focus groups are very happy with how we are dealing with these factors.

Over the past 18 months, we have tackled several challenges. I would like to thank our developers and their loved ones for all their hard work, support, and believing in this project. Without them, this game would not be what it is right now! It is an honor to represent such a team and I can assure you, there’s more to come.

The MMO Gamer: Thank you for taking the time for this interview.

Further information regarding the game can be found at Interzone’s company website, http://www.interzoneentertainment.com or the Interzone Futebol homepage, http://www.interzonefutebol.com