Dev Talk: Open-World Gameplay
Author: philip.hucknall,
published 3 years ago,
In our last [url=https://albiononline.com/news/devtalk-open-world-rework][b]Dev Talk[/b][/url], Game Director Robin Henkys introduced the visual and level design improvements coming with the [b]Lands Awakened[/b] update in November. In this newest video, he introduces open-world gameplay changes including mobs that [b]level up over time[/b], updated [b]Static Dungeons[/b], and fully reworked [b]treasure sites[/b].
[previewyoutube=b8Zdy9AFSic;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
No time to watch, or prefer a summary? Read on...
[h3]Challenges and Goals[/h3][list] [*][b]Challenges:[/b] [list] [*]Offering valuable rewards that aren't [b]static or predictable[/b][/*] [*]Avoiding [b]monopolization[/b] by powerful groups[/*] [/list] [/*] [*][b]Goals: [/b] [list] [*][b]Dynamic, unpredictable rewards[/b] available to anyone in the right place at the right time[/*] [*]Exciting gameplay opportunities for [b]all player types and group sizes[/b][/*] [/list] [/*][/list]
[b][img]//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/a1beb4113d9b9ca55690c3cb45dadfe3b123b690.jpeg[/img][/b]
[h3]Open-World Mob Improvements[/h3][list] [*]Overhauled visuals, balancing, abilities, and rewards[/*] [*]Mobs now [b]level up over time[/b]: [list] [*]"Recruits" spawn first[/*] [*]Over time these upgrade to regular or Champion mobs[/*] [*]If these remain unkilled, whole areas fill with them, offering massive rewards[/*] [*]Rewards [b]exploration [/b][/*] [*]Allows players to choose [b]worthwhile areas[/b][/*] [*]Encourages players to stray further from [b]cities[/b][/*] [/list] [/*] [*]Additional new map view mode showing [b]approximate mob value[/b] of regions[/*][/list]
[img]//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/297d05fc8861bd4ed0a54ba9125a76c40ee90615.jpeg[/img]
[h3]Static Dungeon Updates[/h3]
Mob upgrading system also applies to [b]Static Open-World Dungeons[/b]:
[list] [*]Encourages dungeon exploration beyond the entrance areas[/*] [*][b]Entrances in neighboring regions[/b] added to make dungeons interesting hotspots: [list] [*]Ensures players can’t camp one entrance[/*] [*]Can be used as emergency exits to escape powerful groups[/*] [*]Ensure that players can enter from all sides during “Dungeon Rush” Events[/*] [/list] [/*] [*]Dungeon Rush: [list] [*]Limited warning; randomized start times; last for short periods[/*] [*]Mobs and treasure chests upgrade more quickly, offering huge rewards[/*] [*]Attracts other players, leading to showdowns[/*] [/list] [/*][/list]
[img]//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/33b8d4e86f6805b63ef599611ab45b8e29be22cf.jpeg[/img]
The reworked open-world dungeons offer plenty of opportunities for different player types: [b]PvE players[/b] can explore them outside event times, while [b]PvP players[/b] can rush in during events.
[h3]Reworked Treasure Sites[/h3]
[b]Current system:[/b]
[list] [*]Fixed locations[/*] [*]Open at preset intervals[/*] [*]Many players avoid for fear of encountering well-prepared groups[/*] [*]Outdated rewards[/*][/list][b]New system:[/b]
[list] [*]Treasures now appear [b]anywhere in the open world[/b][/*] [*]Give only [b]limited warning[/b] before opening[/*] [*]Only visible to [b]nearby players[/b][/*] [*]Unlock time and visibility distance based on [b]value[/b][/*] [*]Offer opportunities for various [b]player types and group sizes[/b][/*] [*]Spawn [b]much more frequently[/b] than current treasures[/*] [*]Treasures now use the [b]rarity randomization system[/b], resulting in rare and legendary treasures[/*][/list]
[img]//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/a5cc00a6d9ccb707dcabcce0076786fd4dc9a5f1.jpeg[/img]
[h3]Resource Treasures[/h3]
Treasure system now spawns resources as well:
[list] [*]Fully charged [b]resource nodes[/b] are marked on the region map for local players[/*] [*]Type and tier of resources depends on region, but will always be [b]valuable[/b] and often [b]enchanted[/b][/*] [*]Additionally, for gatherers who want to avoid other players, the world map now shows approximate available resources by [b]type and tier[/b][/*][/list]
[b][img]//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/ff52e55a4411e4e3f8c443bca3292d2466bd0e80.jpeg[/img][/b]
[h3]More to Come[/h3]
As you can see, there are tons of new features and improvements coming to the open world with the next update, and many other features as well. Soon we'll discuss [b]new music[/b], major [b]Guild Season[/b] changes, [b]HQ Hideouts[/b] and more, so stay tuned!