This document provides an overview of an upcoming fantasy sandbox massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Pathfinder universe. It outlines a three step development schedule, with early enrollment starting in Q3 2014, open enrollment in Q1 2016, and continuous development thereafter. It discusses goals of maximizing player interaction and capturing the visual style of Pathfinder, and aims to avoid the subscriber drop-off seen in theme park MMOs by taking a long-term sandbox approach like EVE Online and Ultima Online. Progress to date includes a technology demo, the Thornkeep printed module, a successful Kickstarter campaign, and work toward Milestones 1 and 2.
2. WARNING!
WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS
PRELIMINARY WORK IN PROGRESS
It has not yet been approved by Paizo Publishing
This material will continue to be polished and improved
throughout the development process
DISCLAIMER
3. WHAT WE ARE MAKING
A Next Generation Fantasy Sandbox
Persistent structures
Player-centric economy
Territorial warfare
Lots of conflict
PvP combat
Competition for resources
Competition for land
Escalations
INTRODUCTION
4. WHAT WE ARE MAKING
INTRODUCTION
MORE THAN JUST TACKLES
5. OUR GOALS
Maximize meaningful human interaction
Make a virtual world that is more meaningful
than real life
Capture the visual style of the Pathfinder RPG
GOALS
6. WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE
Step One: Early Enrollment
First paying players
Minimum viable product
Elves, Dwarves, Humans
Fighters, Wizards, Clerics, Rogues
Basic economic systems
Escalations
Non-destructible buildings
NPC-centric
Quarter Three 2014 (about a year and a quarter away!)
SCHEDULE
7. WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE
Step Two: Open Enrollment
Unlimited monthly signups
Advanced economic systems
Escalations
Persistent player constructed buildings
Territorial Warfare
Quarter One 2016 (about two and a half years away)
SCHEDULE
8. WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE
Step Three: Continuous Development
Building towards complete Core Rulebook support
Adding new Hexes / Territory
Deepening Escalations
Always more spells, monsters, magic items, character abilities
Always more character options - hair, clothing, gear, body
shapes, etc.
Always more persistency - buildings, items & objects,
mounts, etc.
SCHEDULE
9. THE THEME PARK TRAP
-
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
1,800,000
2,000,000
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Subscriber Trends - Recent MMO Launches
Age of Conan Warhammer Online RIFT Star Wars Old Republic
MMO
MARKET