As promised the very first Survarium Q&A! Thank you once again for submitting so many questions! Enjoy the information!
Q: Why did you decide to go for a MMOFPS instead of a MMORPG?
A: The decision was made as we’ve spent the last 10 years making FPS games.
Q: Is there going to be some sort of RPG element to Survarium?
A: Yes, for sure.
Q: What is the planned size of the game world?
A: We will not be providing a seamless big world. Survarium is going to be a session-based game. Our plan is to constantly expand the number of new locations in the game.
Q: What kind of dangers can the player expect to find in the game world?
A: You can expect traps, anomalies, unexpected enemy actions, weird and dangerous mutants and much, much more.
Q: How true will Survarium stay to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series?
A: Many of the game elements will be in common, such as survival, anomalies, factions, mutants etc.
Q: Will there be a single player component to the game?
A: No.
Q: Will there be an offline mode which is just as limitless as the online version?
A: No.
Q: MMOs typically have a large number of players. How will you manage to keep the traditional atmosphere of isolation and survival with hundreds or thousands of people on the same server?
A: We plan to impose a limited number of players on a map per one play-session. This will make sure the game is not overcrowded with players.
Q: Will there be a solid plot, lore and story background? The lack of which is why many series gamers avoid MMOs.
A: Yes, we are building an interesting game story. It will mainly unfold through the PVE missions.
Q: What are you planning in terms of factions? Will the player be able to create his own faction or will you be given predefined choices?
A: We already have about 9 factions on our plan list. Not all of those will be available to players. Players will be able to make their own clans.
Q: Will the concepts and themes of post-apocalyptic landscapes make their way into the game design? For example, less emphasis on shops and more on bartering and trading?
A: Of course, the post-apocalyptic atmosphere will influence the gameplay, in many different ways.
Q: MMOFPS F2P don’t usually have a good reputation. What can you do to make people feel interested in your game?
A: Indeed, lately we’ve seen quite a few free2play games of very poor quality, but the tendency changes with such releases as Warface, Dota2, so we are sure the situation will soon change for the better. Anyway, our plan is to introduce a rather mild monetization in order not to press on those who want to play free of charge. All the gameplay content in Survarium will be available free of charge too.
Q: Will it be a persistent world?
A: If you mean destruction of locations under the influence of players, then no, But as the game story will unfold, the game locations will change.
Q: Will there be women in Survarium?
A: Our plan is to let you play as man or a woman.
Q: What kind of Free-to-Play model will you be employing with this game?
A: These types of specifics will be described in some of the upcoming development diaries.
Q: It seems obvious that survival is a key aspect of the project. Will survival take a priority over just shooting anything that moves?
A: Yes, absolutely!
Q: Why did you decide not to make a standard FPS?
A: As opposed to standard FPS development, an online free2play project today is a much easier way for a developer to establish direct connection with players.
Q: What engine will Survarium being built on?
A: It’s our own new technology.
Q: Will there be mutants?
A: Yes.
Q: Will there be underground levels?
A: Yes.
Q: Will there be randomly generated quests like we experienced in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.?
A: No. All quests will be hand-made.
Q: Will some sort of A-Life system be found in Survarium?
A:No.
Q: Can you explain the Sci-Fi elements of the game?
A: This is another aspect of the game that will be explained more clearly in future development diaries.
Q: Many people have unstable and unreliable internet connections; will you offer a standalone version of Survarium as well for said players?
A: Unfortunately, no standalone version will be possible with the current game model. We are hopeful that through the time of development the average internet connection will improve globally (this is at least a common trend we’re seeing these days).
Q: Will we have to pay for new weapons in the game etc?
A: Most of the weapons will be available to purchase without real money. Some premium guns will be offered for real payment, those however are will not be designed to give the player a “pay-2-win” advantage.
Q: Will there be an open beta test of Survarium?
A: Yes, this is curour plan.
Q: Will bullet ballistics still be modelled?
A: Absolutely!
Q: Will there be a reputation system? Not just for killing, but helping others in need?
A: Yes, there will be.
Q: Campfires + guitars, any plans to include these features?
A: We have been looking into the creation of role-playing locations, but it’s still something that we are discussing.
Q: The idea of Stalker was you, mostly, alone vs. the environment. How do you plan to carry this successfully over into an MMOFPS?
A: Taking into account that the entire mother nature is now against you, it’s hard to believe that being 3 or 4 of you will make you feel crowded. 
Certain missions are designed for a squad to separate, so you’ll have to act alone quite often.
Q: Will we be seeing stalkers, similar to references in Metro or will stalkers play a more primordial role?
A: Our love for “stalkerism” is very strong and we want to demonstrate the importance of it in-game!
Q: People are concerned about Survarium’s free-to-play nature, and think the game play will be shallow. What say you to them?
A: Partially answered above, what we feel is that we are by no means (as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. team) allowed to produce shallow game. Otherwise, the Zone will take us all!
. I don’t think it’s that though. I can’t put my finger on it but it looks… bright is the only way I can say it.