Why a Mud?
Greetings again friends and fellow readers. It is that time again for a nice little update on what is happening here in the world of CityScape development. Today, I wanted to talk a bit about why I chose the medium of a Multi-User Dungeon (MUD for short) for this project. The first and foremost reason was skill. I have absolutely zero skill in programming and found that the MudMaker tool (found at
http://www.mudmaker.com) was perfect for my inabilities. Secondly, I found that the power of text can convey a grander sense of atmosphere than what can be achieved through a graphical user interface. I wanted to stretch my creative muscle through the art of writing and found that a MUD would be perfect for this unique environment. The ability to craft complex areas and very lively Non-Player Characters (which I will always call NPCs) in a virtual space has always been my dream and I can not stress enough the ease of use this tool has been giving me.
What Inspired This Creation?
That is an incredibly easy question to answer. I had always had a love for the supernatural and fantastical mysteries found in many cultural belief systems. I have studied the cultures of the ancient Greek, Norse, Celtic and so much more, finding a great love in ancient religions. I wanted to incorporate these long dead beliefs into a modern day environment and bring with it, a sense of the surreal supernatural powers of a fantasy creation. Many movies and books have inspired me as well, such as the Russian novels from the, "Night Watch," series which also spawned movie releases based in that world. I also found great inspiration from music such as Rammstein, Tool, VAST, Godspeed You Black Emperor and, in reality, any music that brought out the inspirational muses that help me in my writing. I wanted to bring to the table something interesting and inspiring for players. I wanted a world for them to have the freedom to act out in a fun world with other players.
It is strange to look back at what really spawned this idea. When I was younger, I fell in love with games such Zork and the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy and really felt some form of connection with the worlds crafted within them. I wanted to re-create those ideas in my own way. A certain developer, Steve Meretzky, who was responsible for Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy and the incredibly inspiring Spellcasting series, really struck a chord with me. When I finished his games, I really wanted to continue playing, even though it was over. They may have been text only, but it brought out the same feeling as reading a book. I wanted to continue to know about the characters and hear of their adventures again and again. What makes the MUD world so great is that, the story never ends. It is a book that will go on as long as their are players. The stories will play out, people will find excitement, fear, joy and determination all the while forming ties and bonds with the people around them. I love this idea and will always try to support a mature social environment for these people.
So, to wrap it up, as I tend to go on and on, I am making this game so that people can enjoy it and see a world they may never have seen before and want to envelop themselves in it and, most importantly, have fun.
What's Next?
I have been working very hard on creating the Newly Awakened Area for players. After finishing the tutorial, which I am increidbly proud of, I have started working on the city itself and building the foundation of where players will start their introduction to the world. This is the most crucial portion of world creation as it is what will bring the player in, as well as give them the first glimpse of what is happening in the world. Each class will have a unique and different view of the political structure of this world. They will be undergoing quests that are essential for their understanding of how each class works, and also on how your particular class views others around them. I want the players to know why they are there, begin creating their own stories and backgrounds, flesh out their looks and venture into the main branch of the city with a more self assured sense of themselves. The Newly Awakened area of the City Suburbs will be what prepares them for what is to the come and gives ech one of them a totally different and unique view of the world.
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