How City of Heroes Was Created

City of Heroes is the massive online game that allows gamers to become powerful defenders of Paragon City and its people from the terrible villains that threaten to turn it into a world of crime and lawlessness. But how did the creators come up with an idea for a video game that seemed like a concept begging to be done?

The cyber world of MMOs is already overly saturated with fantasy-themed games full of wizards, warlocks and magic spells, so why did it take so long for something so obvious to be introduced to gamers?

After all, the multi-million dollar super-hero film industry indicates that there is a more than ample hunger for all things of the comic book and graphic novel persuasion. So, the game-designing geniuses at Cryptic Studios seized the opportunity for fans of both comics and video games and combined the two to produce their first project, the epic City of Heroes (CoH) comic-book RPG.

Technically, CoH is not the first super hero MMO as there are plenty of games out there attempting to cash in what should be a lucrative market. Not that Batman and Spiderman haven't seen success, but they do not fulfill the needs of most RPG lovers as they must follow the respective story-line of the already famous super heroes.

City of Heroes gives gamers the chance to become their concept of a hero and an integral part of the game's evolution. The character creation process is comparably in-depth, allowing players to be anything from a spandex-clad, cape-wearing defender to an tentacle-sporting alien sent to protect earth.

According to an interview with Game Spy, CoH Powers Designer Al Rivera notes that, "A good RPG allows the player to construct his own story, adventure, and path. Licensed characters (Superman, X-Men, etc.) really don't allow that sort of creative liberty....many comic book video games have been lackluster." City of Heroes is definitely anything but lackluster, thanks to the standards of Cryptic Studios.

"What is fun?". That's the ever important question that proceeds all the decisions being made at Cryptic Studios. Cryptic Studios is based out of San Jose, California and is staffed with some brilliant and creative thinkers that are dedicated to bringing cutting-edge gameplay to the world.

The work environment at Cryptic Studios is fun and relaxed- all a part of their method of creating a place where people want to work and play and remain fervently invested in offering a fresh take on the whole MMO scene. They feel strongly that their employees should have balance in their lives and encourage personal and family time.

Like many modern-day corporations, they realize the work ethics they are fostering will result in higher quality end-products.