GameBanshee Feature: Darkfall Online Interview

It's been quite some time since we last checked in on Razorwax to see how progress is coming along on Darkfall Online, so sent off a batch of questions to the game's lead designer, Claus Grovdal. Here's an excerpt of what he had to say:
GB: Since the game is entirely skill-based, how do you plan on balancing issues with specific skills being more powerful or over-utilized than others?

Claus: Since every player can - technically speaking - get most skills for their own character, it is pretty much balanced straight out of the box. Having 500 skills and spells on a character is obviously great, but actual player ability determines the outcome of a fight, or how successful a tradesman or blacksmith turn out to be. You certainly can't use all 500 skills and spells at the same time, so your choices in a combat situation will be the factors that determine success or failure.

Having the biggest toolbox in the world, does not make you the best handyman around. You have to learn how to use every tool in the right way, and know which ones to pick for each job. We think Darkfall will challenge players in a new and exciting way, to depend more on their own abilities as players, than to rely on uber characters with all the levels and equipment available. It is something new, and we think the players of Darkfall will love it.