We’ve seen expansions way past RPGs, enjoy long-standing attention in open-world FPS territory, and now enjoy everything from spreadsheet simulators to music games. And now, MMOs have a new entrant from Russian indie studio NeuronHaze, Project Genom, an Unreal Engine 4-powered game that seeks to push the boundaries of open-world gameplay, space exploration, impactful player decisions, and customizing your own organs.
We talked with NeuronHaze CEO Ylya Usanov about the game’s Steam Early Access experience as an indie team, the game’s sci-fi setting and character progression, and how you’ll be able to kill a planet.
GameSkinny: With Early Access finally live, what should players expect out of Project Genom’s open world at first?
GS: What will progression look like, in terms of becoming the character you want to be? Does the customization guide you generally towards becoming a tank, or a certain kind of damage dealer? Or can you choose an alternative, less combat-focused path?
GS: How far can we go focusing only on building, exploration, crafting, research, sidekicks, etc?
GS: Concerning the focus on exploration, is this a core element for everyone to enjoy, or will there be specializations to consider that makes some players better than others at exploring the universe?
GS: With this kind of open world, how are you balancing a player’s desire to get lost, and a player’s frustration at getting lost?
GS: How will the world change due to the player’s actions?
GS: How strictly are you sticking to the tank/healer/damage structure of most MMOs?
GS: The inspirations you mention on your Steam Greenlight page (Mass Effect, Destiny, and Dead Space) are all story-driven. How large of a role will story play in the player’s experience?
GS: Given the open world of this MMO, is the narrative focus on you being a superstar, or are players one among many trying to find their way in the universe?
GS: Do you have any set plans for your official release? How will the game be supported afterwards?
GS: How insidious will the disease mechanic be? Are these basic debuffs that worsen over time, or will contracting a disease have any further implications for the player or the story?
GS: If you had to choose three words (or phrases) to describe what makes Project Genom unique, what would those be?
GS: As an indie team, how have you faring in the realm of large-scale MMO development?
GS: What are your hopes for Project Genom from here?
