An exclusive interview with Duel Links Producer Akitsu Terishima.
Q: What were some challenges introducing Xyz summoning in Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links?
A: Integrating the Xyz summoning mechanic wasn’t much of a problem, because we had been thinking about it for a while. However, the Xyz summoning animations took us quite a bit of time, because we tossed around a lot of ideas with the team. We put a great deal of effort into the 3D summoning animations, more than ever before. I’m sure the quality of the finished product will meet your expectations, so please check it out.
Q: How did you determine what Xyz cards were going to be released during its initial launch?
A: While deciding on which Xyz Monsters to include in Duel Links, we primarily focused on two things. First, we wanted players to have fun with the new experience of Xyz summoning. Second, we wanted to surprise players with huge change that Xyz summoning brings to Dueling strategies. We believe the cards we selected will live up to your expectations, so please look forward to it.
Q: What were your thoughts about bringing ZEXAL for Western Audiences?
A: There are fans who are already familiar with Yu-Gi-Oh ZEXAL as well as those who are not yet. With this update to Duel Links, we’d like you to have fun and experience the world of Yu-Gi-Oh ZEXAL and it’s new characters.
Q: Will there be any gameplay updates that will come with the ZEXAL update?
A: This is going to be the biggest update in Duel Links history. Xyz summoning will have a huge impact in duels, and with that strategic evolution you can look forward to a ton of fun gameplay.
Q: What characters do you foresee coming into Yu-Gi-Oh ZEXAL world.
A: We plan to introduce some ZEXAL characters shortly after the ZEXAL world is released. Unfortunately, I can not reveal the details quite yet, but please look forward to future announcements.
Q: Are there any other characters not from the ZEXAL world coming to the game?
A: We do have plans to add some characters to rosters of other Yu-Gi-Oh worlds. However, I can’t go into detail just yet, so please wait for further news from us.
Q: Will be able to place cards in specific zones like the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG?
A: Our goal is to offer a game were others can easily enjoy Dueling, that is the concept of Duel Links. If we allow players to select which zones to play their cards in, the Duels will take much longer, so currently we are not considering this change.
Q: Are there any menu, Deck-Building, or other design updates coming with the ZEXAL update?
A: We have plans to update and improve the User Interface, both for playability and user-friendliness.
Q: Are there any new Yu-Gi-Oh ZEXAL events that we can look forward too?
A: I can’t reveal details about that just yet, and I’m sure Yu-Gi-Oh ZEXAL fans have very high hopes, so let me assure you that our plans for upcoming events live up to your expectations. Please keep an eye out for announcements of the event details, as well as information on which characters are added to the roster.
Q: Any last surprises for the Yu-Gi-Oh ZEXAL world that we can look forward to?
A: With this update we are adding a new Yu-Gi-Oh world, new characters that you can duel with, and the newly implemented Xyz summoning mechanic. We are working hard as a team to introduce these exciting elements to you. We hope you’ll love this new update.
~Duel Links
