Having conquered both space and the world of collectible automatons, Lord British, also known as Richard Garriott, is now ready to get back into game development in a big way. Despite his last game, Tabula Rasa’s less than stellar performance, the creator of the landmark Ultima series is ready to try again with a game called Shroud of the Avatar. The game will be developed by his new studio, Portalarium, Inc.
Reviving the Classic RPG Experience
“While advancements in graphics and sound have been phenomenal, in many ways the virtual worlds we play in have become less real. Less open. Less immersive,” reads the project’s page. “With Shroud of the Avatar, Richard and his team will again reinvent the classic fantasy role-playing experience.”
Shroud of the Avatar aims to bring back the depth and immersion that many feel has been lost in modern RPGs. The game promises a rich narrative, complex characters, and a world that reacts to the player’s choices. Unlike many contemporary games that focus heavily on graphics and linear storytelling, Shroud of the Avatar seeks to offer a more open-ended experience where players can truly shape their own destinies.
Innovative Features and Community Involvement
One of the standout features of Shroud of the Avatar is its commitment to player-driven content. Portalarium, Inc. plans to involve the community in the development process, allowing players to contribute ideas, feedback, and even in-game assets. This collaborative approach aims to create a game that truly resonates with its audience.
The game will also feature a unique blend of single-player and multiplayer elements. Players can choose to experience the story alone or join others in a shared world. This flexibility ensures that Shroud of the Avatar caters to a wide range of playstyles, from those who prefer solitary exploration to those who enjoy social interactions and cooperative gameplay.
Moreover, the game will include a robust crafting system, housing, and player-run towns. These features are designed to create a living, breathing world where players can leave their mark. For example, players can build and customize their own homes, set up shops, and even govern towns, adding layers of depth and personalization to the game.
Richard Garriott’s vision for Shroud of the Avatar is ambitious, aiming to blend the best elements of classic RPGs with modern innovations. The game will not only focus on combat and quests but also on creating a world where players can engage in meaningful activities outside of traditional gameplay. This includes farming, fishing, and other non-combat professions that contribute to the game’s economy and social structure.
The development team at Portalarium, Inc. is also dedicated to ensuring that Shroud of the Avatar remains accessible to a broad audience. The game will support various platforms, including PC and potentially consoles, making it easy for players to join the adventure regardless of their preferred gaming device.
In addition to its gameplay features, Shroud of the Avatar will boast a rich lore and backstory, drawing inspiration from Garriott’s previous works. The game’s world will be filled with history, legends, and mysteries for players to uncover, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience.
Source Kickstarter
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