GDN: Can we expect more video games featuring the Sanrio universe? I know there is Hello Kitty Daily which is a PDA-like application from Group Nobilis on the Nintendo DS, but are there other things in the works?

AR: Oh yes....there are dozens of Hello Kitty related games and you can expect more. In terms of a game as ambitious as Hello Kitty Online, well, let us finish the current project first, then we’ll be happy to think about the next challenge!

GDN: What was the peak number of gamers in HKO during the closed beta? Are there worldwide servers or will everyone play on the same server?

AR: Our peak for the closed beta, was around 1,000 unique players in a one-day period. It was a great experience, watching HKO grow and become sentient. By the second week the closed beta had an active player economy, and people were establishing guilds and new relationships. We are going to have a rather exclusive Founders’ Beta in October so keep an ear out for that!
Hello Kitty Online will be provided by a local publisher in each market. The first markets will be North America and Europe.

GDN: Thanks very much for your time Abigail, and the best of luck with Hello Kitty Online!

Additional exclusive screen will also be available in the October edition of GNG Magazine, so head on over to http://www.gngmagazine.com to check ‘em out.