A new startup with developers from around the world has taken on a new project on an unprecedented scale. Orode Productions aims to redefine the MMO genre with Codename Reality.
The world’s first MMOPEG: Codename Reality is set to become the world’s first MMOPEG.
This is not a typo, as it stands for “massively multiplayer online persistent entity game.” It is hard to translate without sounding strange. It is meant to be an MMO with lasting impacts on everything.
What is Codename Reality?
The developers describe Codename Reality as a “realistic medieval/fantasy realm, in which your actions shape the world.” Codename Reality will be a game whose course will be significantly influenced by the players themselves. It is meant to be something that is “different from everything that exists.”
What is an MMOPEG? MMOPEG is a new genre that the developers want to create for Codename Reality. It is meant to represent a contrast to the classic MMO genres like MMORPGs, where there is a fixed storyline and an endgame.
A persistent world exists and develops, according to video game pioneer Richard Bartle, even when no one interacts with it. The direct and indirect interactions of NPCs and players are meant to give the world a shape and history, depending on the decisions that have been made.
You create the story: The idea behind Codename Reality is that the immersion of the game should be complete. The world should react to you and not just tell a story, as in “theme park MMORPGs” like World of Warcraft.
Codename Reality builds on the premise that you will fill the world with life, create new things, establish towns, and shape the world according to your vision. This seems to be the future of MMORPGs anyway – Codename Reality expands on this even further.
A project that even giants won’t tackle: The developers even go so far in their description to say that Codename Reality is the kind of project that “even the biggest game studios dare not approach.”
The developers are aware that they have taken on a challenging task. There are even some people on the team whose sole focus is to ensure that everything remains as realistic and coherent as possible. Orode Productions is therefore currently relying on the support of backers and participants in their vision.
Features, Kickstarter, and Release
The team aims to raise €500,000 for the project to realize it. They are relying on the help of supporters on Kickstarter. Those who help finance the development will receive titles, mounts, items, or even access to a special race, depending on the level of support.
On the Kickstarter page for Codename Reality, some of the core features of the MMOPEG are already listed:
- A permadeath system
- Simulated NPCs
- A dynamic world
- Social affiliations, such as guilds or towns
There are also some stretch goals listed, which are objectives that will be achieved if support exceeds the minimum amount. These include features like new expansions, a new class, and additional content for supporters.
Codename Reality will operate on a pay-to-play system without a subscription. At launch, the game is expected to cost a one-time fee of €40. Currently, the closed alpha for supporters contributing at least €40 (€35 as “early bird”, limited to 1500) is scheduled for August 2019, with the release set for December 2020.
