It’s Monday again, and that means there’s a new Respec column. Once again, we look back at the past week and see what happened in the indie scene. And there was quite a bit …
Spatium
An MMO of a different kind is promised by naxcore with Spatium. This is a voxel-based sandbox where you travel from planet to planet within a solar system. On each world, you collect new resources to modify your spacesuit so that you can survive on the next world. You also team up with other players to fight for survival.
Additionally, it is possible to make a home on each world and construct your own fortress. Spatium is set to be funded through a Kickstarter campaign. The developers aim to raise 16,000 euros by December 23rd to release Spatium in early 2018.
The Repopulation
Problems with the sandbox MMORPG The Repopulation continue. The licensing issues surrounding the underlying Hero Engine are still unresolved, which could have further implications for the MMO. The developers informed players that there might be a longer downtime for the game until the licensing issues are resolved. They still hope for a quick solution and are already working on further plans in the background; however, nothing is finalized yet. Fans of the sandbox MMO must therefore remain patient and hopeful.
Otherland
The science fiction MMORPG based on the novels of author Tad Williams is currently being developed by the indie studio DRAGO Entertainment after it seemed like it would vanish when publisher gamigo withdrew. Now, the MMORPG is taking shape and is already playable in Early Access on Steam. A new major update has been released, introducing the game area Wood Isle with 70 new quests. Additionally, the combat system has been improved, and the level cap has been raised to 55.
ARK – Survival Evolved
The dino MMO ARK – Survival Evolved is expanding with three new gameplay areas. These include an ice cave where players must solve nerve-wracking jumping puzzles and a swamp area where the “Broodmother” resides. Additionally, you explore several ruins related to the background story of ARK. The new areas are set to be introduced into the MMO in the coming weeks.
Pangea: New World
Freshly launched is the Kickstarter campaign for the post-apocalyptic MMORPG Pangea: New World. Earlier in the last issue of our column, we introduced the Unreal Engine 4 MMO. Now, the developers have started their funding campaign. They plan to gather $250,000 by December 25th.
The game is set to be a mix of an online shooter and MMORPG, where dynamic quests play an important role. This means that the missions you complete can lead to new quests that other players can undertake. Additionally, there will be a trading system that determines the economy in the game, as well as many skills to enhance your character. Pangea is expected to release in late 2016, provided the funding is successful.
And so begins a new week full of interesting news from the indie MMO sector, which we will report on in the next issue of the Respec column.
