The Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links mobile game has seen a massive boon in Japan, hitting the six million download mark in just a few weeks since its release.
While the rest of the world won’t have to wait much longer for its official release in mid-January, there’s still a lot of questions surrounding the mobile game based on the popular trading card game.
The closed beta gave some gamers a taste of how Duel Links changes the formula with the implementation of Speed Duels and character abilities. How will those long-time Yu-Gi-Oh! players take to the changes? Also, what are the Duel Links team’s plans for the game after its release?
We had a chance to speak with Duel Links Producer Kenichi Kataoka via email about the mobile game and what fans can expect for the future of the title once it’s finally released throughout the world.
What was the inspiration behind Duel Links and the Speed Duel style of the game?
We wanted to create a game where players can enjoy Yu-Gi-Oh! on-the-go on their mobile devices, which is why we implemented short battles in a speed Duel format. Since Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is created for mobile devices, players can Duel anywhere at any time.
Duel Links has seen 5 million downloads in its first week, what type of reception have you received from users so far?
As you can see by the reviews and comments in the App Stores, we’re thrilled to see that the game is well-received. Players like how the official card game playability is the same in the mobile game, and the UI, single-player experience and the voice overs featured in the game seem to be a big hit.
When the game launches worldwide, do you expect the same reception and numbers as the Japanese launch?
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links launched in Australia and Singapore prior to its release in Japan, and we received positive responses as well – if not better – than what we have seen with the Japan launch. I believe that it will have the same reception from players when the game launches globally.
A great mechanic in Duel Links is the ability to choose a character from the series and implement their abilities into your strategy. What new characters will make their way to Duel Links outside of the ones already confirmed?
Although we can’t disclose that information just yet, we plan to include characters that play an important role in the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series, so stay tuned!
Can fans expect characters from the other Yu-Gi-Oh series like GX, 5Ds and beyond?
It’s a possibility, and we’re keeping our options open.
What was the creative process for coming up with each character’s special abilities?
When I watched important characters from iconic episodes in the original anime series, reproducing each character’s unique personalities and traits (for instance, Destiny Draw and Aroma Tactics) in Duel Links was really important to us. I wanted to offer players a way to experience the Yu-Gi-Oh world through Duel Links unlike any other card game.
There are so many Duel Monsters cards in existence. Do you expect all of them to make their way to Duel Links? Especially cards revolving around Synchro, XYZ and Pendulum summoning?
Our goal is to recreate the Yu-Gi-Oh world in an authentic way, so that includes featuring important characters and signature traits from the series. All possibilities are being discussed, so we hope to have more to share with you soon.
Are there plans for special PVP tournaments or rewards?
Yes! We are in the process of gathering feedback from players, so please let us know how we can improve the game.
How does Duel Links attract casual players and not just fans of Yu-Gi-Oh?
If you are a card game fan, you will quickly recognize the depth of the game. If you are an anime fan, you will recognize the impact of the Yu-Gi-Oh world. If you are a mobile game fan, you will recognize the convenience of being able to play the game anywhere at any time. Duel Links was especially created to appeal to those who are unfamiliar with Yu-Gi-Oh , and was developed so that it’s easy enough to pick up and learn how to play. I believe these wonderful features will satisfy players from all over the world.
