Q: With a rapidly growing MMP market, what do you think are the essential ingredients for a MMP and how does Pirates fit that bill?

Russell: There are two ways to gain an advantage: buy awareness with a large investment and/or a big license, or make a game so unlike the rest that it's impossible to ignore. A Tale in the Desert, for example, has a very small player base and is clearly a niche game, but it has a lot of awareness because it's such an unusual approach. Star Wars: Galaxies on the other hand has a big license and a fat bankroll.

In our case, we are offering a very different genre and play style. Our combat is real-time tactical naval warfare, neither click-and-forget or twitch. Our economy and politics are dynamic and tied intricately into player actions. And after the Pirates of the Caribbean and Master and Commander movies, people are more familiar than ever with the genre and eager to give it a spin.