This past week, Nexon America has released its new free, arcade style water balloon filled multiplayer battle, PopTag! I had the opportunity to ask some questions of Jaeho Hwang, the producer of PopTag to gain a little insight into this seemingly cute, but frantic game. Enjoy!

GA: Firstly, can you tell me a little bit about your role with PopTag!?
JH: Hi, my name is Jaeho Hwang, and I’m the producer of PopTag!. Mainly, I used to be in charge of BnB Crazy Arcade (PopTag!), the Asian service for Nexon Korea, and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to introduce this amazing game to US market

GA: What is the idea or inspiration behind PopTag!?
JH: Many people compare the game to Bomberman, but if you get your hands on it, you will quickly see the difference. Trapping players in bubbles makes the game more competitive AND cooperative. You can tag your teammates to save them, or you can tag your opponents take them out of the game. Besides the PvP mode, you can also team up with your friends and fight the NPC boss in Monster Mode.

GA: How important was it to put together a totally free multiplayer arcade game – and is it totally free?
JH: I guess the reason that PopTag! is loved all over the world is because the game really is free. Of course there are cash items that make you look better or give you a boost in the game, but all you need to play well is skill. Although its old-school looking game, it has been serviced in many countries for a long time so you won’t have to deal with lag or hacking. Basically, you can just casually hop into the game and enjoy it anytime you want, for free.

GA: What kind of games do you enjoy playing?
JH: I personally enjoy all types of games, from Starcraft to Modern Warfare2. Although most of these games look different, I think the core fun factor is pretty similar. The reason I like PopTag! is because it delivers a competitive and cooperative fun factor very well – if you’re really into it, you will experience more excitement than many other games.

GA: Having not played too much, and reading the character descriptions, I think I can relate to Diz, which is your favorite PopTag! character?
JH: My favorite character is Boz because I can relate to the fact that he is a very sleepy-looking character, but still fast in the game. I like decorating the character so that he looks macho and moves around like a maniac. Don’t mess with me if you see me in the game.

GA: Any insider tips for playing the game?
JH: Start with Monster Mode, and get used to the timing. If you can use the Dart and Canned Food items at the right moment, you are on your way to being a pro.

GA: I know that this is the launch week for PopTag!, but what can users look forward to in the future to keep the game exciting?
JH: PopTag! has a bunch of items and modes that will be added to the game in the future. We won’t hold them back to tease players. We will listen to our players and roll things out in a timely manner. Please enjoy the game and let us know what you want to see!

Known as BnB Crazy Arcade in Asia, PopTag! is a more casual multiplayer game that can be played in battle or cooperative modes – whether you are playing with or against someone who is right nest to you or across the country – and there is even a way for you to share your bonuses with a “sweetie.”

Head on over to Poptag.com and check out the game, the shop, and the characters. I love that the producers want feedback and ideas from the players. Start playing PopTag! today, and let them – and us – know what you think! Thanks for reading!