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The World, an Open Source MMORPG

The World brings an immersive RPG system into an organic sandbox - where living entities conspire, evolve, and change, along with the players.

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The World, an Open Source MMORPG

The World, an Open Source MMORPG

The World, an Open Source MMORPG

The World, an Open Source MMORPG

The World, an Open Source MMORPG

The World brings an immersive RPG system into an organic sandbox - where living entities conspire, evolve, and change, along with the players.

The World brings an immersive RPG system into an organic sandbox - where living entities conspire, evolve, and change, along with the players.

The World brings an immersive RPG system into an organic sandbox - where living entities conspire, evolve, and change, along with the players.

The World brings an immersive RPG system into an organic sandbox - where living entities conspire, evolve, and change, along with the players.

Gato Harvey
Gato Harvey
Gato Harvey
Gato Harvey
1 Campaign |
Los Angeles, United States
$6,855 USD 79 backers
114% of $6,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

                                       Update 11/21/13: 7 Days To Go!!!!


Thank you everyone for your donations! with 7 days to go we are excited to see all the support we've had so far! We have a small present for you to be upload shortly and in addition we convinced Lee Keramory to share his own personal Lost Ground with the community if we hit 5k! We also convinced him of something special as well to have the community create together if the full 6k is matched! Something about the community creating their own Lost Ground together! Thank you all again for your support!



Welcome to our vision to move one of the most unique MMOs into its beta stage!

The World we are trying to create will be a free MMO in which the players can decide their fate -- a world of swords, magic, and hints of advanced technology.

One of the more unique aspects of The World is the Chaos Gate (mentioned below), a device that allows one to travel to distant, and often forgotten, lands that humans were unable to reach by normal means. Players can use the Chaos Gates to travel through dangerous fields and dungeons seeking rare and long lost treasures.

Players can also relax in towns, converse with other players, and prepare for their next adventure through local shops or even in their guild bases. If a player decides not to fight, they can enjoy other activities, such as raising Neko pets and fishing. Only the most powerful of adventurers will be able to unlock the secrets of The World, and, perhaps, be the key to its salvation.

Platforms: Windows - Mac - Linux - Mobile

There is almost nothing that you will not be able to do within The World!

The Chaos Gate system is a keyword-based warping system inspired by the ".hack" series, and is unique in an MMO. By providing different keywords, one will be warped to a unique field whose features are shaped by the town you have come from and the words used. What this means is that there will be countless landscapes and each one of them will be unique. Not only this, but the dungeons will be unique as well, as they are also based off of the keywords. Of course monstersbosses, and treasures that are located within these maps will be vast, so every trip through the Chaos Gate will be an adventure.


Chaos Gate

For those who may be worried about being able to meet other players on these many variations of fields, let us ease your minds. First off, if one player provides the same keywords as another player, they will be together on the field with that other person. 

The Keywords do NOT create new (instanced) fields when they are used. They only teleport players to fields that are already made. In addition, we've found, through years of experience with this system, players, like with any other MMO, have preferred spots for camping and leveling. There will be, in any MMO, hot spots where you will find most players going through and leveling. For our system, that means there will be fields that are more popular then others. This is something the players can take advantage of. Over time, players who either prefer to play alone or with many other people will learn which fields to go to.

Classes are broken down into two categories: Basic Classes and Advanced Classes**. A Basic Class is what everyone will start out with. After some time spent leveling up, there will be a time where you will be able to choose your Advanced Class. Each Basic Class can choose from two Advanced Classes, each with their own unique advantages and skills. Normally, one of the Advanced Class choices will allow you to use a different weapon than their Basic Class. For example, a Lancer will be able to choose a Reaper, which will use a Scythe!

Basic Classes include:

  • The Knight, the hero determined to protect all people from the dangers of The World.
  • The Thief, the stealthy class that specializes in acquiring treasures.
  • The Wavemaster, a mage with magic symbols that make use of powerful spells to take down their foes.
  • The Blademaster, a balanced class in all respects, cleaves through their enemies with giant swords.
  • The Lancer, a nimble spear and staff master who uses far-reaching attacks at blinding speeds.
  • And lastly... The Runecaster! A gunner who uses a special gun to shoot cartridges imbued with powerful magic at their opponents.

Lancer Concept

**There is more information on classes as well as their advanced options to be found at our website and forum.


Another important aspect of our game, especially for one of our staff members, is the story**! No world can be made to be interesting without a rich, deep history that sets itself apart from other worlds. Although there are many things that make a game, we believe that a complex and meaningful story is what sets our game apart from many others. 

The most interesting part of an MMO of any kind is that the show must always go on. Unlike many games, where, if the story ends, the game ends; we plan to continue creating amazing stories that the players will go through as they venture through our world.

There will be two different story lines within The World. One that is easy, but mandatory to continue on your adventure, and another that will be an optional story line that is both challenging and rewarding. A small example of one of the stories is about a time when you meet a fellow adventurer, who soon becomes your mentor, aiding you throughout your quests:

You discover the legend of a powerful treasure that has been untouched by man. As you travel through the dungeon rumored to contain the treasure, you are attacked by two powerful-looking cloaked men. Try as you may, you fail to fend them off and your mentor is killed. You decide to take responsibility for what happened and embark on a quest for revenge, but we guarantee you it becomes far more than that!


Of course, there will be plenty of other quests! We have designed a large number of quests, each with their own path, each telling a tale of their own. Some quests are simply fun, designed to challenge a player or a group, but many other quests expand to include gaining knowledge of The World which cannot be found in the main story of the game. These include further understanding of the landscape, ruins, the many towns, and even monster tribes!

An example of these would include fighting what are known as the Elemental Deities. Only through optional side quests can you unlock these amazing battles and the rewards that follow.

Finally, one of the most unique features in this MMORPG is a system in which everything is affected by everything else. Players will become able to have a massive influence on the environment around them. Not only this, but, when left alone, the monsters themselves will help shape the surrounding area, leading to several surprises that await unsuspecting players. Remember, this is a world, and we plan to treat it as such.

**The back story can be found on our Website. To sum it up, The World is allowed rotate by the actions and creations of the Twin Goddesses, Aura and Luna, for through them several deities were created.

The World is a huge place that has remained unexplored for thousands of years. Only recently has the human race gathered enough strength and knowledge to expand their reach beyond their townscities, and strongholds

Together, the human race has slowly begun to expand, and is discovering the ruins of races that have long since disappeared. Many of these ruins and dungeons contain dangers that most people cannot even imagine. For those brave enough to be willing to take the risk, however, the reward will surely be great.

Using the Chaos Gate, players can explore large landscapes which are characterized and shaped by the different elements. Some areas included are: 
  • Frozen Tundras
  • Relaxing Beaches
  • Trecherous Mountains
  • Beautiful Forests
  • Arid Deserts
  • Chaotic Volcanoes
Hidden on these massive fields are the ruins of ancient races and castles that have long since been abandoned. Within these dark corridors and stairways are powerful creatures that now call these structures their new homes. If an adventurer is lucky, they may also find, beyond the dangers, a rune statue guarding long forgotten treasures such as sacred armors and rare weapons.

Monster Concept

These dungeons are not the only dangers players should be wary of. Some monster tribes have prospered above the ground, building makeshift fortresses and bases to further their reaches. Finally, there are rumors of strange lands and structures that defy all reason and lack any logical explanation.

Atop the many features of the game we've covered so far -- the environment surrounding the players -- we understand the value and importance of player to player interactions. Guilds will be in the game; they are player made and will have a vast number of functions to aid groups venturing through The World. 

Groups will be able to take advantage of many options to help organize and spread their guild throughout the lands. Guilds can even compete for special fortresses and bases located on various fields, and ward off those who try and invade them.

Another aspect of player to player interaction is Player versus Player combat, or PvP. There will be PvP interaction within The World, but not everywhere. We understand the important line that exists between players who play for PvP and those who may not prefer it, and we have always worked to please both sides. We have come to the conclusion that the more dangerous areas (PvP areas) will contain some higher level treasures. We see a nice balance from adding an extra danger in finding the most desired of weapons and armor. 

PvP will not be limited to free range slaughter. Tournaments, both official and player made, will be available to the users. Eventually, other PvP additions will be created; like Sieges, for example.

Player versus Environment interactions, or (PvE) will also be expanded beyond quests and story lines. We, the developers, love armies. We want the player to be able to experience all out war with various monster types, protecting or wiping out various monster races from strongholds for rewards. 

Elements

In both PvP and PvE, we, as a team, have decided to add what we believe to be a unique feature: the power of the elements. Although many MMOs put very little stress on things such as "fire beats wood", and "wood beats water," we plan to encourage our players to use their elemental advantage against their enemies! Monsters, weapons, and bosses stress the importance of the element they are powered by. 

There will also be a concept built around Elemental Crystals. All weapons, starting out, have a neutral base with basic weapon skills. However you can make your weapon stronger by forging an Elemental Crystal to give the weapon elemental skills and bonus damage. Although, once forged onto a weapon, they cannot be removed; these powerful new weapons will give much needed help to players on their quests.

Elemental Weapons Concept

Our development team have known each other for many years, mostly through the same website we grew up with as gamers and developers. Although we developed different professional paths, we all agree that our true desire is to design games, and we will not stop until we are able to do just that.

The Staff:

Lee, The World Producer.
Lee has been a dedicated artist and storyteller throughout most of his life and through the development process. Although Lee is not as tech savvy as the rest of the team, he has pulled through with great 3D models and amazing concepts for the game. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is currently working at a mental health center. His dream is to create a great video game, then move on to the horror genre of gaming, hoping to pull at peoples heart strings as they play. This of course, will pour into The World, so prepare for a scare!

Gato, Lead Programmer
Gato has worked along with Lee for many years on small projects for fun. Gato has not stopped pouring countless hours and hard effort into this project, continuing to out-do himself with every small update he makes. He has pushed the game as far as it has gotten today, and helped maintain the dedicated community we have.

Axl, Lead Texture/Interface Designer
Axl has continued to be a strong member of various .hack communities and eventually stumbled on this project a while back. Using his artistic talents he has helped reshape how the game looks and feels. To top it off he has also created the current forums and website, which are both fantastic.

Brian, Gameplay Developer
Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Brian has helped shape the battle mechanics and balancing in not only the classes themselves but all around combat and interactions. He is also constantly aiding in the physics of the game as well. Like all of us, he hopes to turn his skills into a long time profession of video game development.

Allen, Cinematographer/Web Developer
Allen has spent many years editing and creating videos. He then took his interest and talent professionally by developing his skills with the tools and foundation necessary. He contributed his editing skills into a community based project that he enjoyed being a part of. Combined with his editorial skills with other staffs directional and animation talents, together they've created wonderful cut-scenes rivaling what many would expect from professional gaming.

Your money will be used to push this game from a very early alpha into its beta stage. Your pledge will be used to shape this world by giving us the ability to have magnificent:

  • Music: so that not a single field or town will be dull, Animations that breathe life into the characters that inhabit The World
  • Beautiful 3D Models that can bring you joy in the simplest of moments.
  • Game changing Plugins that allow us to extend the features this game has to offer while speeding up development further.
  • Stunning Textures that compliment and expand the beauty of every model.
  • Quests and Stories that consist of grandiose epics that will inspire you not only to read them, but also to be involved emotionally.
  • Server back-end that can hold up against thousands of users interacting in a dynamic world.
  • Effects that call forth constant amusement and awe.
  • And Gameplay that is not only well thought out, but also fun.

Some examples of assets, textures, and music this will provide:

  1. New, professionally made character models, customizations and outfits.
  2. Full featured and easy to use GUI.
  3. Realistic skies full of clouds that hover over Mu Hel and the other root towns. 
  4. Fields with unique and powerful weather patterns.
  5. A robust AI system for enemies and NPC’s alike that provide the player with a rewarding and challenging experience.
  6. Full featured and detailed sound effects for PC's, NPC's, skills, and the environment.
  7. Light voice acting work for players, and NPC's.
  8. Powerful graphics optimizations that allow for the highest quality possible at minimal expense to those with lower-end PC's.
  9. Character deformations, transformations, mouth movements, and a nice array of facial alterations.
  10. Deformable terrain that will be altered by what you, NPC's, and other players do within the world. This will allow us to carve natural cliffs, caverns, pits, and caves.
  11. Beautiful and expressive magic/skill effects for all classes.
  12. Lush flora, fauna, and scenery to cover the environment in lovely detail.
  13. Tools to make it easy to host large, unique, and fun live events.
  14. Fast paced and exciting combat that lets players feel the thrill of battle during each encounter.
  15. Cut the development time down to a fraction of what’s currently required.
  16. 100+ fields to explore and unlock.
  17. 4 unique and extensive root towns.

Open Source MMO

Working on creating an MMO has been a long and difficult journey. At the time of its inception, when The World was only a dream - we had no idea that this game would require so much from us, and, while we have enjoyed the journey so far, we would like to make the path easier to travel for teams in the future -- since very few solutions exist for gamers and indie developers looking to achieve their dreams of creating an mmo aside from dedicating their entire lives to a project. 

We hope to help fill this void by offering our game's code as an Open Source Project to the developer community; along with examples and documentation, we hope that gamers and developers alike can spend less time worrying about code and spend more time creating their dream worlds.

There is a lot of extra features we would love to add into our game to make it ready for production faster. That being said, however, even with our funding request at $6,000, there is still a limit of what we can do!

Every time the funding from you, the contributors, increases the amount funded past a certain threshold, we can add extra content into the game. Although we have a lot more content planned than what is listed, these are some of the things we guarantee will make it into our game if we get enough funding!

$7,000 - An extra pre-game service before logging into The World that will be built into the patcher. Named Ultimate, players can send messages to others, check the news, and use a message board exclusively for online users without leaving the patcher itself.

$9,000 - Emotiv functioning with The World.  Emotiv will give players the option of controlling their character, and interacting with the environment entirely with their mind. We believe adding this technology will allow players to experience interaction in a whole new way. [Emotiv integration will be done when the new SDK releases in 2014 if stretch goal is met.]

$12,000 - Oculus Rift functioning with The World. Reaching this goal will allow us to put resources towards integrating The World with the amazing Oculus rift, which will provide player's with a 3D environment that they can view naturally. Along with emotiv, this will allow us to create an immersive experience like none ever seen in an mmo.


                                             Thank you all for your support!
Legal Questions
For those people who have brought up questions of legality. This project is not .hack, it is a completely unique game inspired by the .hack universe. All story elements, artwork, and names will be legally distinct at the time of release. The legal steps the team is taking to ensure the project's success include but are not limited to the above. For more information or additional legal questions please contact one of the staff members directly.

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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Choose your Perk

Badge

$5 USD
Gain a forum badge to show off your support for the project. In addition, you'll gain access to a backer-only UI skin.
11 claimed

Basic Access

$15 USD
Previous Items + Access to private game updates and detailed developer blogs.
5 claimed

Early Access (Beta)

$25 USD
Previous items + Early access to the game's CLOSED beta test! You will also be able to reserve a character name before release.
13 claimed

Early Access (Alpha)

$40 USD
Previous items + Early Access to CLOSED Alpha testing! Receive the in-game title "[Username] The Charitable"
2 claimed

Customizer

$50 USD
Previous items + Access to hidden customization features upon character creation, and a copy of the game's soundtrack.
14 claimed

Contributor

$75 USD
Previous items + a contributor-only outfit and a pet that will follow you everywhere! Receive the in-game title "Supporter of the Realm"
2 claimed

Collector

$100 USD
Previous items + Print outs of concept art, posters, and an increased inventory in-game. Become immortalized with your name inscribed into an in game monument. You will also be able have the ability to use a special Beast race.
10 claimed

Designer

$150 USD
Previous items + you will receive a custom guild banner. You will also get to design a monster that will go into the game. Receive the in-game title "Keeper of the Realm"
2 claimed

Lore Lover

$200 USD
Previous items + Book of lore for the game. Your name will be added to the credits.
1 claimed

Fan

$300 USD
Previous items + Naming of an important NPC and an IridiumBased T-shirt. A copy of the developer documentary, detailing our progress, as well as re-telling what's already gone into making this game. Receive the in-game title "Sacred Guard of the Realm"
0 claimed

Guild Member

$400 USD
Previous items + a private gondola for you and your guild to travel around in.
0 claimed

Fighter

$500 USD
Previous items + Custom starting weapons that will be made especially for contributors. In addition, you will receive an original drawing from The World Producer, Lee. Receive the title "High Priced Title!"
0 out of 25 of claimed

Team Player

$750 USD
Previous items + The team will work with you to create a completely unique boss monster of your own. You will also be given a free pass to the Beta launch party.
1 out of 20 of claimed

Creator

$2,000 USD
Previous items + Fully custom character -- will work with staff on creating the character the way they want. Receive the title "[Username] Aryth's High Wizard"
1 out of 10 of claimed

Complete Customization

$5,000 USD
Previous items + Custom locomotion animations (walk, run, sit, expressions, etc...) or custom weapon animations. You will also receive a custom weapon skin that can be used multiple times. Receive the title "[Username] Siegfre's Chosen Hero"
0 out of 5 of claimed

Investor

$10,000 USD
Previous items + Meeting the team members in person, having lunch, discussing the details/plans of project, pictures etc... Also, the team will have monthly video conferences with you -- filling you in and answering questions about the development of the game. You will also gain additional options that will allow you to organize large server-wide events. Receive the in-game title "[Username] Keramory's Number 1 Fan!"
0 out of 2 of claimed

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