Podcast 21: Hal Hanlin on Souls, Endgame, and Rift Rewards
by Arithion on Nov.22, 2010, under Blog, Podcast
Hi Everyone! The Podcast has come of age – we’re 21 today! We find this very exciting and think everyone should buy us a drink! ![]()
Hal Hanlin is our guest today. He is Rift’s Design Producer and tells us a bit about himself, and what he likes to play. He also goes over a lot of things directly Rift related and gives us some clarification on a few, and some new tidbits on others. Some of the content he covers includes:
- Soul system and its diversity
- Soul acquirement
- Rifts and all their forms
- Rewards from Rifts
- Endgame from Day 1
- Adding content after launch
- Pie!
We talk to Cindy ‘Abigale’ Bowens about the up and coming Beta Event weekend on December 3rd 2010 and how the NDA will be applicable to all participants.
Today we also launch our final random Beta VIP Pass contest. It involves Haiku’s, comments and hopefully a lot of fun. Take a listen to the podcast to find out the instructions and the topic.
We welcome English, French, and German language entires. If you’d like to post an entry in another language, please also post a translation into one of the aforementioned languages alongside the original entry. The entry must be posted in a comment on the Podcast 21 Blog Post. Anyone can enter, but only one entry per person. Entries must be in by November 26th at Midnight CST. The Winners will be notified in time to use their keys for the Dec 3 beta event.
Don’t forget, it’s Thanksgiving coming up this week, so the Podcast Team will be taking a (what we think is) well deserved break. Our next podcast won’t be until December 6th – after the first Beta weekend… but don’t worry the winners will get their keys in time to participate.
We hope you all enjoy the little contest, and the podcast.
Tuesday November 16
- TenTonhammer released an interview on Crafting and Community with Scott Hartsman.
- Massively released more information about their experiences at Gamer Day!
- Warcry came out with their Gamer Day release!
- MMORPG released their Hands-On Preview from Gamer Day!
- The Archon, a mage soul, was announced official at MMORPG!
- ZAM also released their Gamer Day information. Take a look at some of the questions answered!
- TenTonHammer also released some information on Grouping in Rift. Check out their Hands-On Preview of Group Gameplay.
Wednesday November 17
- Trion revealed the latest Rift, the Plane of Air! Check out Rift News for the information!
- MMORPG is back yet again with The Paragon, a warrior soul!
Thursday November 18
- MMORPG released yet another Rift soul: The Riftstalker!
- Abigale finally announced the first 3 Beta dates! Check out her Press Release post!
- Gamespot’s Today On the Spot had a demo of Rift on the PC.
Friday November 19
- RiftIRC is back with a Dev Chat about Dungeons!
- MMORPG released the final soul for this week, The Shaman!
Podcast: Play in new window
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- RIFT: IncGamers » RIFT Updates
December 17th, 2010 on 12:38 am[...] class pages for the Paragons, Riftstalkers, Shamans and Archons. To wrap-up, there’s a new RIFT podcast where Design Producer Hal Hanlin discusses the development cycle of the [...]



November 22nd, 2010 on 7:56 am
I am so glad yall post this so early, i listen to this every Monday morning at 6am my time as i head home from work! Thanks for you time you ladies put in this!!
November 22nd, 2010 on 8:33 pm
Thanks!
Haiku:
A Mage as always,
But which soul set shall I choose
To maim, cut and bruise.
November 25th, 2010 on 12:12 am
Haiku
There can be no peace,
A storm breaks upon the shore,
Beat the drums of war.
November 26th, 2010 on 2:42 am
Thanks for the awesome podcast. Here is my Haiku:
Resurrected Souls
Unite to Prove Your Fury
Reign in Victory
Thanks again for the opportunity and long live Rift
November 22nd, 2010 on 10:20 am
Toller Podcast mit vielen neuen Informationen.
Vielen Dank.
Salut
Hamasaki
November 22nd, 2010 on 10:23 am
I’m so glad pie was mentioned. That was the icing on top of an already iced cake for me.
November 22nd, 2010 on 11:40 am
Slightly unhappy… no one ever chooses my favorite Pie, Key Lime! /drool
The rest? Pure win!
Hiaku:
Defenders fallen
Souls return to Live again
So many choices!
November 22nd, 2010 on 11:48 am
My first time listening in, great fun and very informative!
Oh so many souls
Limitless combinations
Mash ups for the win!
November 22nd, 2010 on 12:09 pm
Must collect all souls!
Reaver, Paladin behold,
Yet more be foretold.
November 22nd, 2010 on 12:09 pm
Also I loved the interview. Great Job.
November 22nd, 2010 on 12:20 pm
I totally don’t know who messaged you during that :p lol
sorry
November 22nd, 2010 on 12:59 pm
Amazing! Well done
November 22nd, 2010 on 1:04 pm
Nice Interview Thx for it
here the Haiku
My soul moves onward
Toward the eternal unknown
Creating itself
November 22nd, 2010 on 1:27 pm
Slightly more difficult than I originally anticipated.
Discussing the souls.
Pyromancer I will be.
Come Ascend with me!
November 22nd, 2010 on 1:30 pm
Haiku:
Like tears I eat them
combinations en masse
now I can kick your
Awesome job! I never subscribe to podcasts so this one is definately a first!
November 22nd, 2010 on 1:33 pm
Haiku
*Like tears I eat them
the combinations en masse
now i can kick your
November 22nd, 2010 on 1:39 pm
Great podcast. Very good information.
And now my haiku:
I hear them calling
Rift souls seek discovery
Let me in to play!
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:00 pm
man…been out of it for so long but glad i listened to the latest pod cast…anyways =D thanks for an awesome episode~~
Haiku:
Ancient Souls of the Past
Lingures vast Within my chest
Awaken by my battle cry
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:09 pm
thx for the good podcast but the best pie needs to be the plum pie form my grandma!
An additional thanks for the chance to win a ViP-Code. Still need one
Here my Haiku:
Many souls to see
The Stormcaller as the first
Ice and Storm for me
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:11 pm
Thanks for that, lots of nice info as always. Have a good thanksgiving.
Haiku:
We gather our souls,
From past and future heroes,
Their strength will save us.
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:13 pm
A lot I mean a lot of talking… its nice to hear all of this, but I realy realy hope Rift will be finally a game after 3 years thats not gona be with million bugs at start. Nice podcast btw.
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:22 pm
I was glad to hear “soon” for release….waiting for “very soon”.
Haiku
Three souls add to me
multiple abilities
brawn, resistance and more
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:32 pm
Haiku:
Paladin of Souls
Opening Rift
Start to Glory
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:33 pm
Let the Souls fly free
Quested or through P V P
I have 1 2 3
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:36 pm
I so want get my hands on it!
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:39 pm
Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s home from work we go.
Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it’s time to have a VIP key…
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:41 pm
ChloroWarloChon
No idea how that plays
Obtained killing rifts
November 22nd, 2010 on 2:56 pm
Warlock’s Black Heart
Broken up into thousands of holes
Void shall be known the world
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:01 pm
Empty When We Start
Exploreres Travelled Hard
My Soul Now Complete
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:02 pm
Souls and Planes make me
Stormcaller I choose you see
Gain souls flexibly
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:07 pm
Soul of a Player
It is all in how we Play!
Play on you Player!
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:12 pm
Awsome souls that grant flexibility
enhancing offensive protective damaging deceptive and crowdcontroll
You make your own choice
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:25 pm
One bright soul to drink
Collector of lives and essences
We have come for you
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:48 pm
HAIKU entry for VIP Beta key:
Rift’s Beta is near
Kill, quest, craft for a new soul
Fear my Mage soul build.
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:57 pm
Very good interview. Hals was great for giving answers from. THANKS so much for this one.
Souls for us to earn,
Craft and level or fight,
Soon I will have mine.
November 22nd, 2010 on 3:58 pm
Rifts become footholds:
Ascended souls mine to gain
Shadowed paths I stalk
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:03 pm
My entry:
I see the rift open
Loot and Riches await thee
Towards we ride now
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:19 pm
The soul never dies
It lingers onward, waiting
For the Hero’s heart.
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:20 pm
Healer dreamed of a tank,
Switched his souls without any thought,
Couldn’t healed, the battle lost.
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:21 pm
Pull tear, now a rift
Pure tank this one, Air resists
Reaver for blood drain!
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:21 pm
Healer dreamed of a tank,
Switched his souls without any thought,
Couldn’t heal, the battle lost.
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:23 pm
My entry -
A Reaper is what I am,
You can try to run,
However that only adds to the fun.
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:26 pm
Entry:
So many to choose,
my heart pounds with the options.
Only time can tell.
November 22nd, 2010 on 4:37 pm
My Haiku for the vip beta key
Turbulent era
The war that will never end
Together we stand
November 22nd, 2010 on 5:08 pm
Oh Rift’s soul system
How fantastically awesome
Change whatever you like
November 22nd, 2010 on 5:09 pm
Oops, my name was supposed to be Brangdha, not Brangdh.
November 22nd, 2010 on 5:11 pm
Try this again…
Oh Rift’s soul system
How fantastically awesome
Change whatever you like
November 22nd, 2010 on 5:13 pm
Really nice podcast – so much information!!
Haiku:
Cleric calls to me
souls of wrath and balm entwined
friend and foe shall heed
November 22nd, 2010 on 5:24 pm
Join to become strong
Three souls contained within me
Change of three anytime
November 22nd, 2010 on 5:36 pm
Oh Ye Souls of Rift
How shall I choose between thee?
Oh wait, I get three!
November 22nd, 2010 on 6:09 pm
I love Hal. Every time I see him in a video or hear his voice in an interview, I get excited for the game. They really hired a great guy for getting this game out to the public. He’s just got one of those personalities that pulls you in because HE is so excited! *squeeee*
And yes … now that the “When is beta” question is out of the way, you can bug Abigale about when release is … or you can bug her about the other dates for the Beta Events. *evil grin* I was confused by your statement about 3 beta dates having been released (based off of the press release). However, I only see the December 3-December 6 (that’s actually 4 days) date. Are there 2 others that I missed? The website says that the other two event dates are still “TBD”. I iz confuzzled.
Here is my attempt at the Haiku:
Take thy brave soul, Mage
As changeable as the planes
Morph, Evolve, Ascend!
(Maladhiel)
November 22nd, 2010 on 6:14 pm
…to devour them all
the souls of the fallen
:become immortal
November 22nd, 2010 on 6:35 pm
Great interview!!
My haiku:
Me Warrior Rawr
I pound stuff with my big sword
I defend my peers
Watch out for http://www.RiftTheory.com!! Coming soon…
November 22nd, 2010 on 6:38 pm
Mage is my calling
Limitless combinations
Storm and death as one
Hope you enjoy!
November 22nd, 2010 on 8:15 pm
either by helping
or ending a mortal life
my souls multiply
November 22nd, 2010 on 8:43 pm
Rift beta is born
and gently
takes me in its arms
November 22nd, 2010 on 8:59 pm
I’m relatively new to the phenomenon that is Rift, but the more I hear about it, the more I want to play it.
Haiku:
So many choices
so many ways to obtain
cannot set in stone
November 22nd, 2010 on 9:02 pm
Look I found a soul
Rifts and kills I collect many
Shaman for the win
November 22nd, 2010 on 9:37 pm
Look I found a soul
Rifts and kills I collect many
Shaman is for the win
November 22nd, 2010 on 10:44 pm
Enjoyed another excellent podcast.
Haiku:
What soul will you choose
Do not fear the decision
For all you may be
November 22nd, 2010 on 10:46 pm
I am a healer
I am adding two new souls
I am a killer
November 22nd, 2010 on 11:12 pm
Hal talked souls; “O! O!”
Arithion exclaimed. “Would you
talk about endgame?”
November 22nd, 2010 on 11:42 pm
Hunt the Riftstalker
Now soul of a Paladin
Gotta catch em all
November 23rd, 2010 on 12:20 am
The best way to test
Transport and go find some greens
For a little bit
November 23rd, 2010 on 2:52 am
A tear in our land,
No one to cleanse Telara!
Destruction unfolds.
November 23rd, 2010 on 3:38 am
I like warriors.
Champion, Reaver, Warlord,
Paragon, are some.
November 23rd, 2010 on 5:33 am
It was very interesting, lots of good info, thanks a lot for the great work =)
November 23rd, 2010 on 8:33 am
paragon,warrior thx for all
November 23rd, 2010 on 10:07 am
A Tempest of Blades
Merciless as Raw Lightning
Warrior Soul Within
November 23rd, 2010 on 12:18 pm
my haiku for a VIP Beta key:
how to obtain souls
craft quest or raid is a way
better said just play
November 23rd, 2010 on 2:12 pm
neeeeed keyyyy—-haiku^^
November 23rd, 2010 on 3:23 pm
flexibility
switch your souls between combat
always adapted
November 23rd, 2010 on 3:45 pm
Haikus are easy
But sometimes they don’t make sense
Refrigerator
November 23rd, 2010 on 5:16 pm
Haiku:
I live through my souls,
I learn and equip my souls,
I combine my souls.
November 23rd, 2010 on 5:17 pm
Une petite en francais !
Mon âme erre
Sans clé pour entrée
A la surface de cette terre désolée
Le regard fixé,
un être en attente d’une clé
vers ce Rift désiré
November 23rd, 2010 on 6:56 pm
Another battle
Requiring a new soul
Time to switch things up.
November 23rd, 2010 on 7:52 pm
Sweet podcast as always.
Haiku:
A rift in the world
Like a tear through space and time
Fight for freedom they must
November 23rd, 2010 on 8:10 pm
The pick I shall make
Specialize make no mistake
Contest win I take?
November 23rd, 2010 on 11:39 pm
Fight To the Last Breath
Your Soul is on the line now
Victory with blades
November 24th, 2010 on 1:16 am
An unstable world
Demands nimble reactions,
Attune the right soul!
Thank you for another great podcast, and damn you for making me write a haiku!
November 24th, 2010 on 6:48 am
I see the rift open
Loot and Riches await thee
Towards we ride now
November 24th, 2010 on 7:40 am
Haiku:
Our body and soul
Different in after-life
United in rift
November 24th, 2010 on 8:22 am
this was one of your best podcasts… eva’ !
-
From shadows a song…
Allies inspired by coda
The BARD arouses
p.s.: it’s wired to syllabify in another language, hope i did it right
November 24th, 2010 on 2:07 pm
Genzong wants a key
So he shall talk with the soul
And hope for a mail
November 24th, 2010 on 2:38 pm
Haiku
I fall, bow string snapped
But know the last laugh is mine
Back again with knives
November 24th, 2010 on 3:57 pm
Only found your site this week and ended up listening to all 21 podcasts over 3 days, felt a bit like i was raiding them
not only is it very imformative it is also very fun to listen to, you ladies always sound so happy it puts a smile on my face.
Keep up the great work and thankyou.
November 24th, 2010 on 4:12 pm
I will have three souls
I guess I could have had two
But I wanted three
November 24th, 2010 on 6:56 pm
souls here, souls there
rifts will fall in the hands of many
the riftstalker stalks
November 24th, 2010 on 10:28 pm
Souls will bring us glee
Pick and choose, and you will see
Thirty-two to be
November 25th, 2010 on 1:12 am
shadows serve me well
souls approach, their doom assured
my poisoned knives thirst
November 25th, 2010 on 1:45 am
Nice contest & Thanks for the news.
Haiku in french :
Dans la nuit sourde,
L’arbre chante,
Le silence demeure.
(In the quiet night
The tree sings,
The silence remains.) … in english, something like that.
November 25th, 2010 on 6:47 am
Le rodeur rode
Une fail s’ouvre devant
La flêche sifle
November 25th, 2010 on 2:16 pm
Haiku:
First flower blooms
Soulless, dark stained ground
Life returns anew
November 25th, 2010 on 5:01 pm
Definitely looking forward to getting the new question answered…”When is release?”. Great podcast.
My attempt at a haiku:
My Rogue is a dwarf
Assassin, Ranger, Marksman
Oh which soul for me
November 25th, 2010 on 10:14 pm
Haiku:
This curse is for you,
I am surrounded by death,
For I am an Eth.
November 26th, 2010 on 2:30 am
Haiku:
From Bordem Rises Rift,
Too much beer I Have Drunken,
Oops You Need A Res.
November 26th, 2010 on 9:07 am
My haiku
Your inner self is
The harmony of your souls
living together
November 26th, 2010 on 8:21 pm
Haiku:
Righteous souls rise.
Innovators fall again.
Long live ignorance!
November 26th, 2010 on 9:18 pm
A New rift opens
Chaos starts all around me
Time to fight or die