MMORPG

Margonem & Margonem mini

My Role
Game Designer
Timeline
Jul 2015 - Feb 2016

Game Overview
Margonem is a classic Polish browser-based MMORPG developed by Garmory, and it remains one of the few vast browser MMOs with a stable and dedicated player base. The game features a traditional MMORPG structure with six distinct character classes, a vast continent with numerous cities and NPCs, as well as hundreds of unique enemies and items.

In addition to the browser version, Margonem Mini was developed as a companion mobile game. Released as a simplified version, it allowed players to engage in limited combat scenarios but was not a direct port of the original game. The mobile version was discontinued in 2022.

My Role
I joined Margonem as a game design intern alongside two other inexperienced designers. Following the internship, all three of us were offered full-time positions with specific specializations. Given my passion for spreadsheets and data analysis, I focused on balancing the game’s world, particularly reworking older locations to create more engaging and challenging encounters. I also collaborated on the Margonem Mini project, assisting the lead designer in shaping the core game design.

After several months in the full-time role, I stepped away from the project due to university commitments but continued to contribute valuable insights and improvements during my time with the team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Rebalancing existing game locations to improve gameplay experience
  • Designing and implementing new quests using the in-game editor
  • Crafting and refining enemy encounters for more dynamic and engaging combat
  • Playtesting and iterating on designs based on player feedback
  • Collaborating with the community to resolve design-related issues and improve player satisfaction

Key Insights
Margonem was my first major experience in game development, providing me with an in-depth understanding of the industry and the role of a game designer. This project allowed me to hone my skills in game balancing and encounter design, two areas I found particularly rewarding. Being part of such a beloved Polish game, which still enjoys a steady player base and has spawned countless memes in the Polish-speaking internet community, was a privilege. The experience also reinforced my appreciation for the collaborative nature of game development and how player feedback can shape the evolution of a game.

Links
Margonem - Browser
Margonem - Steam