The Secret World mini FAQ

[johnnyt305]

Frequently Asked Questions about The Secret World

Q: What company is behind this game?
A: Funcom is the company behind The Secret World. They are the Developer as well as the Publisher for this game.

Q: Who is Funcom?
A: Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of online games for PC, consoles and mobile platforms. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of more than twenty released games. Recent titles include 'The Longest Journey', 'Anarchy Online' and 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'. For corporate information please visit www.funcom.com . For information about Funcom games visit www.anarchy-online.com , www.dreamfall.com or www.ageofconan.com . Funcom is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FUNCOM.

Q: What kind of game is The Secret World?
A: The Secret World is an MMORPG(Massively multiplayer online role-playing game) that will be set on earth in modern times, and, says Funcom, is inspired by history, mythology, modern conspiracy theories, and ancient mysteries.

Q: What is going on in the world that players will be exploring in this game?
A: The game's premise presupposes that a secret world exists within ours, where monsters and ancient beings vie for control over all existence. In this version of our earth, modern cities house eerie secrets. Players will find themselves a part of some of the greatest conspiracies of the modern era as they wage war against the minions of evil.

Q: Is "The Secret World" the official name of the game?
A: As far as I can tell yes, this will be the game's official name. In the past people called the game Cry Gaia,The World Online and some other names, but the official name is The Secret World.

Q: When is The Secret World release date?
A: Although there is no release date set at the moment, Funcom devs have cleared it up a bit. They have hinted that late 2009 is a possible target and that we absolutely, do not have to wait until 2012, which was a rumored release date on some websites/blogs.

Q: When will we get new official information and updates on The Secret World?
A: The Secret World Producer, Ragnar Tørnquist has stated that there would be no official info released on TSW at least until Funcom's other MMO, Age of Conan, is released on March 25, 2008.

Q: What platform(s) will the game be released for?
A:The Secret World is in development for PC and Xbox 360.

Q: When the did idea for The Secret World begin?
The Secret World director/producer, Ragnar Tørnquist, has stated in an interview, “We started envisioning this contemporary online world more than ten years ago, and as the years passed the ideas grew and improved. We always wanted a different kind of online world, something scary and contemporary, something deeper and closer to our reality. Our goal now is to create a detailed world where players feel empowered and part of something big, something mystical and epic.”

Q: How long has this game been under development?
A. They had a working game way back in 2003 (a trailer was shown to a lucky few), using the old graphics engine that was updated in 2005. 2006 was when development really got cracking, dev staff increasing to 30-odd (including a studio in Beijing with concept artists, renderers, etc).

Q: Is The Secret World currently in Closed Beta testing?
A. The Secret World is not yet in beta testing. However, the developers have started that the game in in a "playable state." Also, they have hinted at a 2009 release date, so a closed beta could possibly begin sometime in 2008.

Q: What are these "Clues" that have been released about The Secret World?
A. So far 8 clues have been released for people to wonder about. To see these clues and read all about these secrets, please go here: http://www.crygaia.com/cgn/portal_content/timeline.cfm

Q. What kind of combat system will TSW use?
A. This is unknown. But, Since the game is a Funcom game and they are also the people behind Age of Conan(no aut-aim, no auto-attack), I would a expect combat system that requires more skill than most current MMOs out there.

Q: How many races are there to choose from?
A. Since the game takes place on Earth in modern times, this leads you to believe that playable characters will all be human.

Q. How many classes are there to choose from?
A. This is unknown at this time.

Q. What rating is The Secret World aiming for?
A. This is unknown at this time. Funcom's upcoming MMORPG, Age of Conan, is aiming for a Mature rating, so many TSW fans are hoping this game will also contain mature content.

Q: Will the game look as good as or better than Funcom's other MMO, Age of Conan?
A: Funcom created their own DreamWorld Engine™ for their games to run on in the year 2000. The DreamWorld Engine™ has more recently been rebuilt for Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures with new features, special effects and optimizations. The DreamWorld Engine™ will also be used for The Secret World.

Q: Are there any screen shots or videos about the game available yet?
A: Screen shots can be found here:
http://www.crygaia.com/cgnforums/forumdisplay.php?f=18
There are also a few teaser videos available:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ElHi2H8rfsQ
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3QMJb2E8Icw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXUoAH75Rio

Q: What kind of computer will be needed to run The Secret World?
A: This information has not been released yet. However, since the game will be running on Funcom's DreamWorld Engine™ it will most likely have requirements similar to Age of Conan which will also run on this engine. The general rule of thumb for Age of Conan has been that if you can play the single player game Oblivion you should be able to play this at least on minimum requirements.

Q: Will The Secret World take advantage of Windows Vista?
A: This information has not been released yet. Funcom's upcoming MMO Age of Conan and since they are also behind this game, The Secret World could also use this technology.

Q: Will The Secret World support technology such as Quad Core processors?
A: The Devs have stated, "Unfortunately we really don't have the information yet with which to answer most of those questions. Be assured when the information is released we will have it right here!" What is almost certain is that the game will take advantage of at least Dual Core processors as it uses the same engine that is also being used for Funcom's soon to be released MMO, Age of Conan, which fully supports dual core processors. Since this game will be released after Age of Conan, many people believe that it will use even more cutting edge technology.

Q: Will The Secret World be available for Direct Download?
A: This is not known at this time.

Q. What is the official website for The Secret World?
A: http://www.darkdaysarecoming.com/

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What information do you have that can we added here? Needs a lot more information than this, so post some stuff that can be added, Thanks.

[Scruffy]

http://www.crygaia.com/cgnforums/showthread.php?t=395

[Nookie]

Cheers!

Seems everything is pretty much unclear.

[Argontus]

Well, considering the launch date, Ragnar has stated that it won't, at least, be the year 2012

[Spyhunter]

2012 is 5yrs =( that's to long release NOW!

[johnnyt305]

This should stay at the top here like sticky I think.

[noneuklid]

Originally Posted by Argontus

Well, considering the launch date, Ragnar has stated that it won't, at least, be the year 2012

But from context, we don't know whether or not he was kidding.

[Yume]

Nice work, Johnny, thanks. A FAQ is being compiled by CGN, with insider information, but due to the holidays it's on hiatus and you'll have to be patient, grasshoppers. Until then a couple of things to add:

The expected release date is definitely not 2012. No ifs, no buts. Ragnar has also mentioned having to wait until 2009 for the Prince Of Persia movie, hinting that even though we'll have to wait that long for TSW there'll be plenty of reasons to be excited until then. Ambiguous, yes, but a hint nonetheless that late 2009 is a possible target. Things can change (ala AoC) and Funcom are keeping this particular card close to their chest, so it's all speculation. But we definitely, absolutely, do not have to wait until 2012, that much is certain.

I believe Funcom started working on the actual game in the Summer of 2006.

They had a working game way back in 2003 (a trailer was shown to a lucky few), using the old graphics engine that was updated in 2005. 2006 was when development really got cracking, dev staff increasing to 30-odd (including a studio in Beijing with concept artists, renderers, etc). I'll get confirmation from Funcom themselves and let you know.

Until then, I'm going to enjoy a nice holiday of doing nothing!

[johnnyt305]

Thanks for that information Rick.

[Nyte]

Stickied for now. Nice work johnnyt305