Volker Hirsch (Director of Game Design Travian Games GmbH)

You have already worked on well-known (board) games such as “Magic the Gathering” or “Dungeons&Dragons”, and now you can apply your ideas to browser games. What special characteristics or advantages does the digital world have compared to world of board and card games?

Video games generally reduce interactivity. In a traditional Pen&Paper role playing game, a player can attempt to solve problems with new and creative ideas, while a video game only allows limited, predefined input. However, feedback is quicker and more direct in video games – in a real-time fight, for example.
Another advantage of digital games is the processing of complex data and processes. Want to multiply ten dice rolls and apply the results to armor values, weapon damage and personal attributes? No problem! The result is calculated flawlessly in seconds.
But for me, the most interesting advantage is that the players are networked online. The ability to find other eager players at any time and to included them in a greater gaming experience is just fantastic, making it possible to implement ideas that would not be possible for traditional board games because you would never be able to get so many players together at the same time. 

Why did you turn your back on board games and trading card games to work specifically on browser games?

After nearly 20 years of working intensively on “analog” games, there were hardly any opportunities to learn something new. Digital games have always been something that I have worked on privately. I programmed my first game in 1984 using Basic. Later, I worked on many collaborations with video game producers such as BioWare or Blizzard/Activision. Finally, I spent nearly 10 years as a consultant primarily for this sector.
The opportunity to make browser games with Travian Games is an exciting and extremely fulfilling challenge. The possibility of reaching millions of players around the world, playing together in their own world, perfectly matches my area of specialization: meta-games. Travian Games is unique in this respect, as it gives me the freedom to implement my ideas in a professional environment.

You also train new games industry professionals at the Games Academy. What are the benefits for new game designers, for example, if they start working at Travian Games?

Travian Games focuses on the quality of its products, and therefore directly on its game design work. Unfortunately, this is not always the approach taken in the games industry. Specifically, this means that our games designers all work in their own department and can easily communicate and swap ideas. Nobody has to deal with a problem alone. Our team also includes some very experienced game designers, enabling new team members to learn much more than can be taught in the relatively short time available in training courses or workshops (although these are also provided).
But the communication and cooperation within the project team is very different, because role definitions support team thinking and non-hierarchical structures. Travian Games also provides its employees with a safe workplace in a pleasant and relaxed environment.

Last of all, our core market orientation is also very attractive for many game designers. The prospect of developing games with real depth often chimes with game designers' own passion for quality games.