-Originally posted on TINC Magazine-
Made up of 12 anonymous gaming programmers, underground company, Double Cluepon, prides itself on shunning egos and in being receptive to the feedback of those who play their RPGs.
MED: When and why was Double Cluepon created - what was the impetus, or spark, that steered you in the direction of the kind of game you want to make?
Azrael: Double Cluepon is officially 2 years old this month, and we're actually 12 folks now. Why? The simplest answer is: We felt we had it in us to build some better mousetraps.
The original impetus was: we were tired of the seeing the same old things in the MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer RPG) genre specifically, and in a [broader] sense, the game industry in general.
MED: Related: where do you see Double Cluepon fitting in, within the wider Chicago (and/or national) gaming industry/culture?
Azrael: To be blunt: we don't really.
We're more of an underground outfit, and we actually kind of shy away from the indie label. We'll make games, and let the products speak for themselves. It's why we use pseudonyms for public contact. That's not to say we don't find inspiration from the other folks doing what we do...we actually have quite a high regard for some really creative people out there. We're also a business, so we want to make money at this too. But more than anything...we're just doing what we want to do. We try to follow the ethos laid down by Robert Woodruff: there's no limit to what a person can do if that person is willing to forgo the credit. We have a solid company culture based on leaving the ego at the door.
MED: What's Double Cluepon up to now? What are you working on, or what's the next big thing for you?
Azrael: We're starting to gear up to begin Alpha testing of Emerald Kingdom soon. While most would refer to it as an MMORPG...it's actually going to have features that break that mold a bit. We're currently taking signups for Alpha Testing at: www.emeraldkingdom.com.
MED: What's your goal, for Double Cluepon, from a sales/marketing perspective?
Azrael: Simply to engage the players. I think, more than anything...players will tell you what they expect, and what they are looking for. We're doing that on Twitter, and in our other forums. We've noticed that people are starting to whisper about what we're doing, and about the underlying tech we're building for Emerald Kingdom. Right now, that's our goal really: building awareness. Not just for our products, but we want players to be aware that we're a bunch of folks who will listen to what they have to say.
MED: What's your 'dream' for Double Cluepon - what would 'success' look like for that company?
Azrael: Right now? A sustained and solid ARPU of $1.00 or higher for 5+ years on Emerald Kingdom.
