THRILLER PUBLISHING has announced the formation of a new division that will design military- and espionage-themed MMOGs (massively multiplayer online games).
The company is expected to target the largest genres, such as first person shooter (FPS) and action games. The division also plans on forming a social networking hub centred around product titles and other aggregated content.
Thriller Chairman J.W. "Wild Bill" Stealey discussed the unit's history and future plans in an exclusive interview with The News.
The News: Will Thriller be recruiting individuals with a military/intelligence background?
Stealey: "We have five US Air Force Academy graduates involved including two General Officers. We have US Military Academy friends joining the fun. One of the development groups we are working with are US Special Forces troops who are doing military simulations. We're also talking to some development teams outside the US that have military experience serving for other countries. We will have lots of ex-military in our core group!"
 The News: Does Thriller plan on eventually targeting the military simulation market to train soldiers for real life "strategic situations?"
Stealey: "We would like to do that as long as we are focused on entertainment products as our core mission. Other products we did at Microprose were used for military training including pilot training and staff training for military forces defending the Fulda Gap, a 1980's and 1990's concern. (Many members of the New Media team have strong roots in military video games going back to circa 1985-92 MicroProse).
The News: Are there any potential civilian/non-game applications that can be based on Thriller's new platform?
Stealey: "We think there are some good training opportunities but we are not focused on that right now. Anywhere good decisions are needed, when information is limited, the decision is time critical, and the possible outcomes are serious and consequential, then Thriller New Media online games could be used to train great decision making."
The News: What are some of the new technologies that Thriller can be expected to employ for this endeavour?
Stealey: "We will mostly be focused on using existing technologies well. We are focused on simulation and reality - not the best explosions. So our focus is on the event and the good simulation rather than any new technology. We believe there are very good technology platforms to use now. We will be doing some Web 2.0 technology that can allow players on all types of networked devices to participate in the community and the action of Thriller New Media online game channels."
The News: Can you elaborate on Thriller's new social networking hub?
Stealey: "This will be the community hub for anyone who is interested in military, action and espionage topics and games. We're really not at liberty to get into a lot of detail at this time, but very soon we plan on having further announcements on this. As a retired military officer, I know that the friends I developed at the Air Force Academy, in pilot training, and in my military organisations are some of the very best and trusted friends I have in the world. They are the wingmen I would fly with anytime! By combining this kind of relationship building with the excitement of simulated combat with our upcoming social networking website, we think we can build an online destination community that will be a place where like minded gamers can come to plot, plan, compete, brag, and enjoy the company of other virtual warriors."
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