Ashes of Mankind: Citadels Interview: Adrien David Talks Competitive Marketplace, Character Customization, and Community Support

Featuring extraction-based gameplay, first-person immersion, and unforgiving realism,  Ultra Corporation and Black Ice Studios’ Ashes of Mankind: Citadels is on a mission to make an impact in the space.

Gamers Heroes recently asked Ashes of Mankind: Citadels Lead Developer Adrien David about this upcoming title’s competitive marketplace, character customization, and devout community support – read more with our interview.

Ashes of Mankind: Citadels Interview: Adrien David Talks Competitive Marketplace, Character Customization, and Community Support

Gamers Heroes:

We saw you have an all-star cast of people leading the charge on Ashes of Mankind: Citadels, complete with impressive resumes – we’re talking backgrounds at Epic Games, EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and other major studios!

What are some of the key insights you’ve gotten from working with such a diverse team of top talent?

Adrien David:

One of the biggest insights we’ve gained is the power of diverse perspectives. Our team brings experience from major studios but also the freedom and creativity that comes with indie development. This unique mix allows us to merge the discipline of AAA production with the innovation and risk-taking spirit of an indie studio. This has allowed us to craft a game that feels polished but also bold, pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to what gamers love.

Gamers Heroes:

We saw that Ashes of Mankind: Citadels will have a competitive marketplace, one where players can set prices for the goods they manufacture, including weapons, armor, and cosmetics.

We remember the days of Diablo III’s Auction House and how popular – and wild – things got. What are some of the design philosophies that are going into this thriving ecosystem?

Adrien David:

That’s correct! In Ashes of Mankind: Citadels, the competitive marketplace allows players to set prices for goods they manufacture, such as weapons, armor, and cosmetics. However, it’s important to note that any gameplay-affecting item—like weapons and armor—can only be traded using in-game currency that’s earned or looted during gameplay.

For players interested in crafting, Ashes of Mankind introduces a unique mechanic: manufacturing licenses. These licenses, which enable players to produce specific items like weapons, can be freely traded. However, crafting the actual item still requires players to actively play the game, gather the necessary resources, and engage with the in-game systems.

This ensures a balanced economy with no pay-to-win mechanics, one of our core commitments to our players. Success in Ashes of Mankind comes from skill, strategy, and effort—not from buying your way to victory. It’s a system designed to reward active participation while fostering a dynamic player-driven economy.

Gamers Heroes:

We noticed you have a devout following on Discord, with approximately 10K members – congrats! What are some of the key insights you have gathered when working with the community for Ashes of Mankind: Citadels in a title that has been “built by gamers, for gamers?”

Adrien David:

Our community is the heart of the project. We’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly passionate players who provide invaluable feedback. The biggest takeaway? Gamers crave authenticity. They don’t just want a great game, they want to feel like they’re part of the process, they want to feel heard and included. Their suggestions have helped us refine gameplay mechanics, improve pacing, and even adjust certain visual elements. It’s a true partnership, and their enthusiasm fuels our work.

Gamers Heroes:

We’re huge fans of character customization elements in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, and love the RPG-style system that’s being implemented in Ashes of Mankind: Citadels. What led you to adopt such a detailed approach, and what are some of the most unique examples you’ve seen so far?

Adrien David:

For us, character customization is about making players feel connected to the world and their role within it. Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 showed us how impactful personalization can be, and we wanted to bring that depth to Ashes of Mankind. Players can customize everything from their characters appearance to their skill loadouts and even the gear they craft. One unique example is the way players can design their own patches for armor, marking their legacy in the Citadel. It’s not just about gameplay, it’s about lore and storytelling.

Gamers Heroes:

We saw that the Champion of the Emperor and Eternal Keeper tiers of the Kickstarter provide access into the design process of Ashes of Mankind: Citadels – that’s pretty cool! 

How are you looking for the community to help with the design process?

Adrien David:

These tiers are a love letter to gamers. We’re inviting players to become co-creators, giving them access to early builds and design discussions. Their feedback will directly influence aspects like balance, level design, and even narrative elements. It’s a collaborative effort, and we’re excited to see how their ideas shape the game. By backing us on Kickstarter, you’re not just supporting the development, you’re becoming part of our game’s DNA. It’s an opportunity to leave a mark and be part of its journey from development to release.

By supporting us on Kickstarter, you’re helping shape Ashes of Mankind: Citadels into the groundbreaking experience it’s destined to be. Join us and be part of this incredible journey: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ashesofmankind/ashes-of-mankind

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