MMORPG.org.pl interview

We talked to the creators of PIONER and got you some new and fascinating information about this MMO.

A few days ago we had an opportunity not only to play, but also to talk with Alexander Nikitin, the founder and CEO of GFA Games, who leads the development of PIONER."

PIONER is an MMO first-person shooter in a post-apocalypse setting. The game is a combination of genres such as MMO, FPS and Survival, which offers the players exciting PvE missions, PvP zones, a unique item crafting system, a huge arsenal of weapons, character progression for different game styles, as well as a fairly long lasting story quest.   

PIONER is one of the most anticipated MMOs, and it is expected to be out in the second half of 2025.  

How long has the game been in development? How many people are working on it?

We had some drafts, but in 2020 we started all over again. The first successful concept appeared in 2021, when the team consisted of 8 people.  

At the moment, we employ about 100 people, but that's if we count the administrative staff. 75 people are directly involved in the game on a regular basis.

We know that the release is planned for this year. Can you tell me the exact release window?

The game will be released in the second half of the year, but in the first half there will be something that fans will appreciate.

Do you have any plans for Polish localization?

To be honest, we had no such plans before the release of the latest trailer and demo for content creators.  

However, we have recently noticed a serious interest in the game from the Polish audience. This applies both to adding a game to the wish list and to audience activity. So now we are negotiating with our partners and exploring the possibilities to create a Polish localization.

Will PIONER be released in early access, or is the full version planned? What price should we expect, will there be any other versions, starter packs?

The cost of the game at the start and the various editions depend on our partners, or rather on the publisher. Unfortunately, we can't tell you the details right now.  

As for the various editions and starter packs, we are extremely interested in such a thing, since the specifics of an MMO imply a long life cycle. I think many players would like to receive an exclusive for supporting the project at the start.

What types of microtransactions will be present in the game? Should we only wait for cosmetic kits, or maybe a seasonal pass?

As for microtransactions, regardless of their form, players will ONLY be able to buy cosmetic items.  

But in general, even if we are talking about cosmetic items, our standards of authenticity are quite strict. You won't find any objects in too flashy, poisonous, neon hues that would be out of place in our world.

We believe that cosmetic items should work for the atmosphere of the game, complement it, and not spoil it.

Let's look into the future. What are the plans for PIONER after the game's release? What kind of post-release content is planned: new seasons, paid expansions?

In the context of the genre, for me personally, understanding how to develop the game world is perhaps even more important than the release itself. We plan to develop the project in several directions, taking into account the long life cycle. When it comes to content, seasons, events, content updates, and major DLCs are planned that will expand the game's world, plot, and campaign.

From a technical point of view, we are also planning operational balance corrections, the introduction of new mechanics and technical updates (for example, fresh graphic technologies).

The "Unknown" we saw in the prologue during the cutscene resembles Cthulhu a little. Can you tell us about it, or is it a spoiler that we should avoid?

I'm sure we'll hear about this more than once in the future campaign, but I want to note that we are pleased with this association, since Lovecraft's work was a source of inspiration for us.

How will the decisions made by the players affect the gameplay? Could you give me an example?

Sure. For example, during the game you will be able to increase the level of the parameter called "influence" and learn various skills, enhancing which players will be able to create unique builds.

Is the location "Shadowlands" similar to the Dark Zone from The Division?

Yes, conceptually, "Shadowlands" resembles the Dark Zone from The Division. There are some differences in the details, but the basic idea is similar.

What is the size of the map that can be explored in the open world without loading?

There are several large maps in the game, like the one you could see in the demo. In fact, there are no loading screens on these maps — all transitions between locations are seamless. Rogue Wastelands is the third largest of the five locations available for exploration. If we talk about the territory, the difference in size between it and the largest map is about 30%.

Is it possible to complete the entire story campaign in cooperative mode, or are there any restrictions?

You will not be able to complete the main campaign in co-op mode – the restrictions mainly relate to the narrative.

However, a significant part of the tasks can be completed in cooperative mode, and moreover, we have a system of cooperative dialogues with NPCs.

What is your vision of the game? In some places, during the game, it may seem that we are looking at post-apocalyptic fiction, and not at all a typical game like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

If we are talking about vision, then PIONER is a techno fantasy, not a classic post-apocalypse. Abnormal energy in this world has a much greater impact on the environment.  

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and PIONER have one common source of inspiration – this is the story "Picnic on the Side of the Road." But our interpretation is different. In some aspects, PIONER is closer to the original source than S.T.A.L.K.E.R."

From the point of view of optimization, the game works perfectly (it gives good performance on my old GTX 1070). Are you planning to switch from UE4 to UE5?

Thanks! There are such plans, but in the future as a technical update after the release.  

Right now, UE5 uses disproportionately more resources compared to the benefits it provides, but we are working on it.