August 4, 2006
New Pirates of the Caribbean Online Video and
Q&A
Disney Online has released a new video for
Pirates of the Caribbean Online as well as a Q&A with Oren Aviv, President of
Production at Walt Disney Pictures. Pirates of the Caribbean Online “Video
Insider” #2 features footage from the red carpet at the Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest movie premiere; including interviews with the
actors, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Bob Iger (CEO, Walt Disney) as well as gameplay
footage. The Q&A can be read below.
Click here to download Pirates of the Caribbean
Online Video Insider #2.
Inside the Captain’s Quarters
An interview with Oren Aviv – President of
Production, Walt Disney Pictures
Were you surprised by the huge response to
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest"?
I don’t think anyone expected "Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest" to break all of the box-office records it has.
We’ve seen a truly phenomenal response to these characters and their adventures
from fans of all ages around the world.
As a seasoned Studio executive, when you were
working on "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and then
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest," did you have any indications that
these films would end up being so immensely popular?
We knew the ride was very popular in the Parks,
and then once work began on the first film, we realized these were very
compelling characters. It was great to see Jack Sparrow come to life through
Johnny Depp’s work. Also, we were working with talented professionals like Jerry
Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, and they created this amazingly detailed and
immersive new world that fans obviously responded to.
Will the adventures featured in "Pirates of
the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest" also be included in-game?
Yes, the game will extend the world and legends
introduced in both the first and second films. Players will experience firsthand
what it is like to exist in the same world as Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and
Elizabeth Swann. The game doesn’t mimic the exact storylines, but it will
include some of the films’ epic battles and evil antagonists, such as encounters
with the relentless Kraken and Davy Jones.
How can we expect to see Pirates of the
Caribbean Online grow with future film titles? What can you tell us about the
third movie?
Since the MMO genre is an expansive, ever-growing
world, new game elements can be added regularly, so there are no real limits to
the size of the universe or the extent of adventure. Fans of the films will feel
like they’re stepping into a world they know and love as they partake in a wide
variety of adventures, driven in part by a narrative that will unfold from the
characters they know.
How involved is the cast of the film in the
game’s development?
The characters from the films are one of the
biggest parts of the franchise’s appeal, so the game will incorporate the main
actors’ likenesses wherever possible. For example, Jack Sparrow walks players
through the basic tenets of the Pirate’s code in the beginning of the game. Will
Turner teaches players sword fighting, and Elizabeth Swann helps players master
the subtle art of manipulation.
How involved is the film Studio in the game’s
development?
We have a great team at the Studio that guides
the overall Pirates franchise and they’ve worked closely with the game
developers to ensure it reflects the quality, action, and excitement associated
with the films.
What are some of the themes from the "Pirates
of the Caribbean" franchise that will carry over into the game?
Adventure is the most prominent theme which makes
Pirates perfect for the MMO game genre. Players can immediately jump in and
battle other Pirates at sea. And there will be magic and voodoo elements similar
to those seen in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest." Like the films,
the game will also be a lot of fun. For example, when players visit local pubs
to play parlor games, cheating will be encouraged which is very Jack
Sparrow-like.
What role will Pirates of the Caribbean Online
play in the Pirates universe?
This game will expand the Pirates of the
Caribbean universe and allow fans of the films to interact with the elements
they love most about the adventures of Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Elizabeth
Swann. It’s the first and only MMO based on the Pirates franchise and will be an
ongoing, ever-changing experience that will engage fans during, between, and
beyond the movie and DVD releases.
Why is "Pirates of the Caribbean" such a good
fit for an MMO game?
An MMO format allows fans a chance to experience
for themselves what it’s like to exist in the same world as Jack Sparrow, Will
Turner, Elizabeth Swann and the other characters made famous in the films.
Players can forge their own identities, join up with others, sail the seven
seas, and battle the undead almost without limit. As an MMO, the game becomes a
totally immersive and social experience that allows players to grasp that sense
of vastness and freedom that is different from non-MMO games.
