The work on redesigning the world of the sandbox MMORPG Albion Online is progressing. Now the Royal Continent is getting a new layout.
The developers of Albion Online place a lot of emphasis on balancing, not only in the game systems but also in the layout and design of the world. For example, the team wants to avoid a large city becoming the only trading center in the world. This would render other cities unnecessary. Additionally, the world should not be too large to prevent ghost zones where hardly anyone stays. When the developers looked at the Royal Continent, they noticed that they could eliminate these problem areas with relatively little effort.
Map like a pie chart
The continent is now divided differently, resembling a pie chart. Each “slice” represents a biome with a city. In the center, where the biomes meet, there is a central city that serves as the hub of the PvP gameplay. Continuous sieges take place around this location. However, players can enter and exit the city through tunnels without needing to participate in the sieges. Through three ports, you can access the low, mid, and high-end parts of the Outlands, the “wild” land where guilds can stake their territories and fight for them.
New layout leads to better gameplay flow
The new layout of the Royal Continent is designed to ensure that every player has a pleasant start into the game. Because you begin on this continent and familiarize yourself with all aspects of the MMO. You gather resources, craft items, upgrade your hero, learn about the land and the lore, and take your first steps into PvP.
The new layout also leads to the center of the continent. You start on the outside, gradually working your way inward, and when you reach the central city, you will have a good grasp of the game, allowing you to visit the Outlands.
The changes will also refocus trade. The five cities (one for each biome) should create a better economic cycle. Each city has a purpose and is important for trade. The same goes for each zone of the continent. There should be no ghost zones. Additionally, the new arrangement aims to lead to a more believable game world. Albion Online is currently in its final beta phase and is preparing for release this year.
