When we first posted about Horse World Online it quickly became our top read story of the week.  Sure, the click bait title may have had a lot to do with it, but the game is more interesting than the horrifying search results that led some people to the article.  Breeding and raising horses, expanding your farm and stables, creating custom saddles, crafting a variety of items, going to competitions; there’s a lot to do in Horse World Online other than snickering when you start the breeding process.  Larissa Rintjema, the creator of Horse World Online, was kind enough to answer some of our questions about the game, Kickstarter, and of course, Brony’s.

Cliqist : So, you really like horses huh?

Larissa Rintjema : Yes. I grew up with horses and I’m fascinated with the history of how and why different breeds evolved, and how the way they are put together makes them better suited for different jobs or sports.

Cliqist : You’ve been working on Horse World Online for how long?  How long will it take to finish if you get funded?

Larissa Rintjema : The original version of the game was designed and launched in 2004, so I’ve been working on it for the last 10 years. I never intended for it to take this long but life got busy. Now my husband and I are in a position where we can put 100% effort into finishing and running this game. The plan is to launch this year, hopefully around summertime if everything goes well.

Cliqist : Where do you see it in another 5 years?

Larissa Rintjema : We have plans on creating on 3D version of the game so I’m hoping that within the next 5 years we’ll have that well underway, if not already launched.

Cliqist : What if it’s not funded?

Larissa Rintjema : If it’s not funded we’ll still carry on as planned. It just means it will take longer to finish the game and we’ll have to grow at a much slower rate. Or perhaps go with a pay-to-play option instead of free-to-play.

Cliqist : The whole horse breeding aspect is what catches the eye when looking at your Kickstarter.  What else can players do besides make babies?

Larissa Rintjema : Players can train their horses and compete against other players; learn new skills in order to become a vet, blacksmith, craftsperson, and more. Players will be able to open their own stores to sell items; and build up their stables in an isometric world. Players who have artistic ability (or not) can create their own images to use as saddles, bridles, farm building etc and sell them to other players.

Cliqist : What about for people not passionate about horses, can the game hope to hold their interest?

Larissa Rintjema : I have had a lot of people tell me they are not horse people but they are looking forward to the game because of the genetics and inheritance system. For them it’s fun being able to watch how different genes travel through a bloodline or gene pool. In reality this would take a lifetime to do, but in the game it can be done in only a few days.

Cliqist : Any chance of a Brony mode?  I’m pretty sure you would hit your funding overnight.

Larissa Rintjema : Ha, I’m sure we would definitely get funding overnight, and I have to say it is very tempting, but I think the realism, and lack of pink ponies, might turn them away.

Cliqist : You were pretty conservative with your reward tiers.  There’s no flashy physical items to give away, or travel packages.  What made you go that way?  Do you think it’s hurting you?

Larissa Rintjema : I had considered making a book about the horse breeds in the game. As much as I would love to make one I’m not sure that the time involved in putting something like that together would be worthwhile. Running a Kickstarter is certainly a learning experience. This past weekend we’ve increased all our rewards tiers, but if someone is interested in something specific we’re open to adding in new tiers.

Cliqist : Is there anything you’d like to say to someone that might be on the fence about backing Horse World Online?

Larissa Rintjema : If you are even remotely interested in the game then give it a try. There is literally nothing else like this available for people who like horses and horse games. You won’t be disappointed.

Cliqist : Can you finish us up with a Horse World Online inspired haiku?

Larissa Rintjema : Sorry, I tried but I couldn’t come up with anything. How about a joke instead?

Question: What did the horse say when it fell?

Answer: I’ve fallen and I can’t giddyup!

Thanks to Larissa for taking the time to answer our questions!

You can learn more about Horse World Online on it’s Kickstarter page.  The campaign has a goal of $6,000 and runs until February 27th.