The upcoming fantasy MMORPG Ashes of Creation is at the beginning of its production. Regularly, the studio Intrepid gives a behind-the-scenes look at the development. Read here the main points from the latest live stream with Q&A!
Ashes of Creation is an open-world MMORPG set in a high-fantasy world. The game itself is literally what the players make of it. The world reacts to the players and evolves with them, allowing players on each server to experience their own story.
The indie game is currently in the early stages of development after its beginnings as a Kickstarter project. At the moment, the developers are working on the “Alpha Zero” phase, which is only accessible to invited testers.
Highlights of the Livestream
Recently, there was a livestream where Lead Game Designer Jeffrey Bard and Creative Director Steven Sharif talked about the future of the game, showcased new content, and answered questions.
We have summarized the highlights of the new features and announcements for you:
- A new stage of Alpha Zero will begin in a few days.
- The development of the game is going remarkably well.
- On Monday, January 22nd, the team will offer 10 new job positions.
In addition, there was a brief insight into two new areas: an underground fortress of the Dunir and the “Underrealm”. The Underrealm is the area beneath the surface of the game world Verra. Players can explore it in many places, and it is important for the game and the story:
- the Underrealm has its own ecosystem
- The color of the realm indicates to the player what region they are in.
- It feels different from the “Overworld” and is also meant to be seen as a distinct part of the world.
- It is the birthplace and refuge of the “Tulnar” race.
In addition to these new features, Sharif also discussed plans for 2018, which will focus on the community: There will be larger testing phases for Ashes of Creation, bigger announcements, and community meetups, including at PAX East in April.
The Q&A: Community Questions
After the announcements, questions from the community that interested parties could submit beforehand were answered. We have compiled the most interesting answers for you:
World, Buildings, and “Nodes”
- For each node in the world, there is a limited number of building slots for taverns and others
- The area where a building is located determines the availability of its resources
- Taverns can only offer dishes made from local ingredients. Different dishes provide different benefits.
- It may eventually be possible to climb in certain areas.
- Player buildings are instanced – owners are safe from the gaze and interactions of other players inside.
Classes and Combat System
- The siege system, one of the most important features, will be tested in the alpha and beta phases
- various siege weapons can be crafted and purchased.
- It is likely that there will be tameable companions for combat.
- Weapons are not class-bound. Weapon types can be used by multiple classes.
- The quick-time event for the focus system will be revised.
- In response to the question about what some rather vague classes have:
- Summoners: Flex classes that complete any group by filling in any role.
- Bards: Pure team players that make the group as a whole stronger.
Cosmetics, House, and Mounts
- Purchasable cosmetics will change next month. This suggests that there will likely be a rotation.
- There will be fairy- and elf-like companions.
- Players can access a wide variety of mounts, but their custody may require prerequisites. One option would be a stable.
General
- Around January 26th, there will be the possibility to upgrade purchased packs from the website.
- This also applies to Kickstarter.
- The servers of Alpha 2 will remain as PTR servers.
- There is supposed to be a mobile app that will allow some things in the game to be controlled from outside.
- For the alphas 1 and 2 and the betas, there will be no “Non Disclosure Agreement,” so streaming is allowed.
- This will likely also apply to the next phase of Alpha Zero at the end of the month.
The entire live stream lasts about an hour and addressed additional questions regarding balance and implementations that remain an ever-present topic for development.
Are you interested in Ashes of Creation? Will you participate in the game tests to help with development? Or will you dive into the game only at release?
