In a new Developer’s Update, the creators of Ashes of Creation introduced their character editor. It comes with some features that you haven’t seen before in MMOs or games in general. The possibilities seem more like what designers themselves get to work with.
What kind of MMORPG is this? Ashes of Creation has been in development for some time. The focus is on a developing world that sounds similar to that of New World. However, the game is still in an early phase. Initial testers say, that the MMORPG still needs a lot of polishing.
After many recent games from Asia, Ashes of Creation is currently considered by fans of the genre to be the hope from the West. The head of the game, millionaire Steven Sharif, promises one of the “largest and most successful MMORPGs.”
At the end of 2021, the developers announced that they would switch to Unreal Engine 5 and showed 18 minutes of gameplay. Now there are new insights into the upcoming Alpha 2. In a new video, developers and designers focused mainly on the new character editor.
What is so special about the editor? Unlike most other games, Ashes of Creation does not use presets that can only be combined. Instead, players get almost complete control over their appearance.
The biggest feature is the “Blending” feature. Here you can combine different presets and then use a slider menu to set which body part is more oriented towards which preset. Since the transition is smooth, the body still looks natural.
The exciting thing is that ‘families’ can also be created. By mixing two presets, the result is more or less related to both templates. The system is also supposed to be used for creating NPCs or animal companions, although it is not entirely clear whether these will be available to players to that extent.
The full video featuring the presented customization options and features can be found on YouTube. If you don’t want to watch the full 41 minutes, you can find a summary in 2 minutes by YouTuber Ritchie SH:
Designer says: “You’re actually doing my job”
This is all possible: Blending is an easy option to create your own mix from several presets. However, if you want more influence, you can also completely shape your character with the “Sculpt” feature.
In this feature, almost all body parts and areas are selectable. Through 3D modeling, you can then decide how the size, shape, or curvature of the areas should change. There are also dozens of options and sliders for:
- Shape, position, and size of tattoos and scars
- Height, weight, and circumference of certain areas like the buttocks
- Wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin tone
- Length of hair and beard
- Color transitions in body hair, such as roots for gray hair or more
“Imperfect” and more realistic looks are also possible, such as with scars. Depending on the played race, there are limits and different scaling to keep the overall picture harmonious.
Options such as different eye coloring (heterochromia or a blind eye) are also under discussion, but are not yet possible. The developers say that all this still needs a lot of work. So there will be even more possible.
When can I see more? The editor and other new features are expected to be available in Alpha 2. However, when exactly this will take place has not yet been announced. Some fans are currently speculating a start in the summer of 2022.
Pre-order customers of certain packs will then be able to participate themselves. Since the confidentiality agreement for Alpha 1 has been lifted, we assume that you will also be able to see images of Alpha 2 without access.
Ashes of Creation has been in development for over 5 years and many fans are eagerly waiting to see how good the game will actually be. We at MeinMMO also have high hopes for the MMORPG:
