Last week we got an exclusive Q&A with NCsoft concerning Lineage II's shift to free-to-play. Now we're back with more follow-up questions!

Follow-up Questions ahoy! Last week, Lineage II made the announcement that they would be going "Truly" Free-to-Play. ZAM got the opportunity to sit down with NCsoft's Associate Producer, Nico Coutant and Executive VP of Publishing, Matt Turetzky to talk about some of these upcoming changes. Well, it seems like some players, particularly the ones in Europe concerned with the physical server migrations, are concerned about what this new shift will mean for Lineage II. and I managed to catch up with Nico Coutant again for some follow-up questions and answers. Enjoy!

ZAM: One of the big questions for most players is on Innova taking over as the official European service provider when Goddess of Destruction launches. From what I can understand, it seems as though current players on the European Naia server can retain their characters, but since the Naia server is being physically moved to North America, their connection speeds might not be optimal. Thus, most European players can either start a new character on Innova, or they can stick with their characters on Naia (albeit with a slower connection speed from Europe to North America). I realize straight character transfers will not be likely, but will there be any compensation for European players who need to restart on Innova?

NCsoft: When we started planning the transition to a new service provider for Lineage II in Europe, the primary goal was to retain existing relationships and clans within the server. While we evaluated multiple complex scenarios that included server transfers, each had drawbacks that broke up the community and harmed the future health of the server. In the end, moving the server location to US and maintaining the active server community offered the most benefits. As for the overseas location/performance issue, since we already have a healthy mix of players from each region on each server, we’re confident that performance lag is not an issue. And there is no plan to offer account transfers or compensation between NCsoft West and Innova versions of Lineage II, but players are welcome to start new characters on either service.

ZAM: Will there be support for players outside of North America to purchase NCoins?

NCsoft: Yes, any players outside of North America that create a free account and purchase NCoins will be supported.

ZAM: Will the conversion rate of leftover subscription fees to NCoin be a straight cash conversion? If players subscribe now, will they be eligible for some of the free items and events taking place in L2 up to its F2P shift?

NCsoft: Yes, the equivalent dollar amount of remaining game time will be converted to the equivalent dollar amount of NCoin. Any current or new subscribers will be eligible for all promotions or events that are planned between now and launch of Goddess of Destruction. Stay tuned to our website for more details about upcoming events.

ZAM: Last question! Are there currently any pre-production plans for content past this Goddess of Destruction expansion, or are you more focused on seeing the North American transition and how it plays out?

NCsoft: Yes, Lineage II continues to evolve! There are already multiple chapters planned and in the works for Goddess of Destruction, and the game will offer additional expansions for as long as players continue to support it.

Christopher "Pwyff" Tom, Editor-in-Chief.