Stephen Charith, creator and leading developer MMORPG ASHES of Creation, gave an exclusive interview with Thelazypeon YouTube channel, where he spoke in detail about the current state of the game, plans for the future and challenges that the developers team faces. During the conversation, key aspects of development were affected, including the system of components, combat mechanics, crafting, graphics and much more. We have collected a brief squeeze for you with all the information from the video.
Stages of Alpha 2
- The first phase of Alpha 2 took place from October 25 to December 20, 2023. Servers worked 3 days a week. The main trick was to test the network, stability and performance. More than 130,000 players participated, and the maximum simultaneous online activity reached 6,000 players on one server, which is a record for games on Unreal Engine 5.
- In the current second phase of Alpha, 2 servers work 5 days a week. It is planned that this stage will last until May 2024. The main emphasis is now placed on the balance, optimization and addition of new functions.
- The third phase of Alpha 2 starts in May 2024, and then the servers will work 7 days a week. In this stage, the gradual introduction of all the functions of the game will begin, including quests, plot lines and a deeper elaboration of systems.
The main game mechanics and their current state
- Nodes are dynamic settlements that develop depending on the actions of the players. Players can build buildings, choose specializations of nodes and participate in their management.
- Now two types of nodes are available in the game: Winstead and Mirror. The developers are working on the addition of a greater variety of nodes, including unique architectural styles for different cultures. In the future, they will be able to reach the 4th level (city), which will open up new opportunities for construction and management.
- The sieges of nodes will be introduced at the end of March 2024. These are large-scale PVP events, where players will fight for control of nodes and rare relics. The destruction of the nodes will lead to the phase of the ruins, where players will be able to fight for the remaining resources.
- The combat system is in the advanced stage of development. Stephen noted that this is one of the most important systems in MMORPG, and the team pays great attention to her.
- In Alpha 2, several classes are available, including a warrior, a magician and an archer. In March 2024, the Rogue class will be added.
- Developers are actively working on the balance and implementation of new abilities. Stephen mentioned that the combat system has already passed several iterations and has improved significantly compared to early versions.
- The crafting system and professions has not yet been fully implemented. It is planned to introduce active abilities for professions.
- Players will be able to engage in resource mining, processing materials and creating items. Frigolds system will also be implemented, which will allow players to build their homes and place resources on their territory.
- One of the most anticipated functions is the Monster Coins system, which will allow players to turn into NPC and participate in events on their behalf. Coins will have different levels of rarity, from ordinary mobs to rare raid bosses. Players will be able to pump their skills in this system and receive unique cosmetic objects. The system will be fully implemented by 2025.
Graphics and visual style
- ASHES OF CREATION uses the Unreal Engine 5 engine. Developers are actively working to improve graphics, especially in the field of lighting and materials. Stephen noted that lighting is one of the key areas that work is being done now.
- The visual style of the game is closer to realism than to stylized graphics, like in World of Warcraft. However, the developers plan to add more unique fantasy elements to make the world more recognizable.
- The game has implemented a seasons change system that affects not only the visual style, but also game mechanics, such as the rotation of resources and the appearance of mobs.
- In the near future there will be new bioms, such as Turquoise Sea and Anvil Mountains. Each of them will have unique visual and game features.
Development difficulties
- Stephen noted that the open development process, although complex, is an important part of the project. This allows you to receive feedback from the community, but also creates pressure due to criticism and skepticism from the players.
- According to the developer, the creation of MMORPG is a long and complex process that requires patience and understanding from the players. Despite this, he is proud that the team managed to maintain the initial vision of the game, despite all the difficulties.
- Stephen also admitted that sometimes criticism can be difficult for perception, especially when the project is called a “scam”. However, he expressed gratitude to the community for their support and feedback, emphasizing the importance of their reviews in improving the game.
- The transition from the Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5 required significant efforts, especially in terms of processing the world map and network infrastructure.
- The developers also faced problems when creating a system of nodes, which was supposed to be processed to ensure balance and stability.
- ASHES of Creation Red -work was much more complicated than Stephen expected. He noted that the creation of MMORPG is not only a technical, but also an emotional challenge that requires huge dedication.
Conclusion
At the end of the interview, Stephen Sharif expressed confidence that Asshes of Creation would continue to improve, and by the time the release the game will become much better than now. He called the players who doubt it to wait for the release to evaluate the final result. The developer also noted that the team will continue to work on the addition of new functions and improve existing systems to make the game as interesting and exciting for players.
