Since meditate returned alive and well from the alleged lion's den
and was able to report that JoWood isn't actually the evil incarnate,
the WoG team has decided to pay them another visit. This time, we wanted
to learn more about JoWood's international strategy for Gothic 3.
The questions are posed by Fizzban.
|
|
World of Gothic:
|
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you and
what are you doing at JoWood?
|
|
Stefan:
|
I`m Stefan Berger, the responsible Brand Manager for Gothic
3.
|
| Johann: |
I`m Johann Ertl, the Community Manager. |
|
World of Gothic:
|
In the past, the English-speaking world was rather
neglected. There was no or virtually no advertisement and it took months
before the already finished English version of Gothic 2 finally made it
to the stores. The add-on still has not been released in English. What
are the reasons for these vast delays?
|
|
Stefan:
|
We had some problems with our previous publishing/distribution
partner, but that`s all over, now we can cover the English-speaking world
better than ever.
|
| Johann: |
Although we had these Problems, the Gothic Brand is becoming
known in the English-speaking territories. There are fans, and there will
be more with every effort we start. |
|
World of Gothic:
|
Recently, there was an announcement on the JoWood board
that the English version will be released within the next weeks. Why this
sudden progress?
|
|
Stefan:
|
Because we`ve re-taken the control over the Product. Now
we can act and react!
|
|
World of Gothic:
|
On the English JoWood board, one of the Piranha Bytes
hinted that the upcoming international versions of the add-on will actually
be all the same. They will all have English audio but you can choose between
subtitles in English, French etc. Can you confirm this, will there be
a multilingual version?
|
|
Stefan:
|
Although the versions will be distributed with sub-titles,
it`s not very likely to include all the possible languages in one version.
|
|
Johann:
|
You fans know the amount of speech and text better than
anyone - there are limits.
|
|
World of Gothic:
|
There is some confusion about the availability of localized
versions of the add-on. Can you please give us a list of all released
or planned localized versions?
|
|
Stefan and Johann:
|
Poland (released)
France (Q2/3 2005)
Italy (released)
Russia
Spain (Q3 2005)
|
|
World of Gothic:
|
There are a lot of users from eastern Europe in our
forums that would like to enjoy Gothic 3 in their native languages. Will
you release fully localized versions in these countries? And if you do,
how long will the fans have to wait?
|
|
Stefan:
|
Of course we`ll try to release Gothic 3 in as many fully
localized versions as possible, but it`s simply not affordable for some
minor languages...
|
| Johann: |
I know the great feeling of playing such a game in the own
native language - I´d give my left hand for a fully localized czech version.
But we`ve got to stay realistic, the main languages will be covered. |
|
World of Gothic:
|
In the past, you didn't have much luck in publishing
Gothic in the USA. Atari never released the add-on and apparently didn't
really care for Gothic II. Your partnership with Fluent Interactive didn't
end well either. What is your strategy for the US release of Gothic 3?
|
|
Stefan:
|
There are negotiations at the moment we speak, so I can`t
tell you very much. Only that we`ll have interested and skilled publishing
partners.
|
| Johann: |
Our strategy is clear: World Domination for Gothic 3! OK,
and now for the realistic part: We are in negotations, and therefore I can`t
tell you more than Stefan did. |
|
World of Gothic:
|
For several European countries, you have already announced
co-publishing or distribution agreements. Do you already have distribution
partners for other countries or are you still looking? One of our forum
members from Australia had to import Gothic II from Europe because he
couldn't find the game at a local retailer.
|
|
Stefan:
|
Like I said before: We are trying to cover as many countries
as possible, but we can`t tell at the moment.
|
| Johann: |
Although Australia is for an European like the "Kingdom far,
far away", it`s an important market. And I`m in contact with fans from Australia,
Kanada, the US, Mexico - I`d be glad to see that everyone of them will get
his Gothic 3 without importing tricks. |
|
World of Gothic:
|
At the moment, the first quarter of 2006 is given as
planned release date for the German version of Gothic 3. After the release
of the German version, how long will it take until Gothic 3 is released
in other languages?
|
|
Stefan:
|
Around 4 weeks after the German release, the other versions
should be available…
|
| Johann: |
We`ll try to keep the time frame as narrow as possible, so
that noone feels discriminated. |
|
World of Gothic:
|
Will it be possible to play Gothic 3 without using
the mouse at all?
|
|
Stefan:
|
We'll see!
|
| Johann: |
It depends on how masochistic the player is - ok, just kidding.
Steering details are like balancing details - always subject to changes
;) |
|
World of Gothic:
|
There are rumours that you may release a console version
of Gothic 3. Is there any chance that Gothic 3 will also be released for
Mac or for Linux systems?
|
|
Stefan:
|
I can`t say anything concerning that at the moment.
|
| Johann:
|
That would be part of the World Domination strategy I
already mentioned. But don`t give too much on rumours!
|
|
World of Gothic:
|
Thanks a lot for the interview.
|
