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New version of Divergence Online is live
Divergence Online devs Stainglass Llama published a playable alpha earlier this week. Lead developer Ethan Casner says that anyone can download the game and have a look-see, but most of the gameplay functionality is reserved for those who helped crowdfund the sci-fi sandbox. Casner details how he and two programmers worked to release the first new version of Divergence in over a year, and he says that the long hours have ultimately been worth it. "This is not an MMO that exists in a series of dozens if not hundreds of servers," he explains. "The game world you're going to be entering is the only one in existence. If you know anyone else on planet Earth who plays this game, they're in the same server. It's because of this feature that anything we do in this game is exponentially more difficult to accomplish than it would be in (what passes for) an MMO of today." [Thanks Jon!]
Divergence: Online aims to Kickstart 'true player freedom' with a new sandbox
If the name Divergence: Online looks familiar, then the summer sun hasn't melted all your memories. Last February, the hard-core sandbox hopeful resurfaced with an IndieGoGo campaign to get started and create a working demo. Having met that goal, creator Ethan Casner is back with another crowdfunding campaign to spur development even farther. What does Divergence bring to the table? It claims "Maximum. Player. Freedom." with features like a skill-based system, a virtually limitless gaming word for exploration, and terrain that can be modified by either redistributing the ground itself or planting and harvesting resources. And if those features don't spell freedom for you, how about this one: Dancer, architect, tailor, and bio engineer are among the non-combat professions offered. The project is pretty close to its modest goal, but the end is swiftly approaching; those wanting to lend their support will need to do so before the campaign closes this weekend. Check out some pre-alpha footage of player-generated content in the video clip after the cut. [Thanks to Lewis for the tip!]
Hardcore sci-fi sandbox Divergence Online returns, seeks crowdfunding
Several years ago we posted about an up-and-coming sci-fi sandbox MMO called Divergence. At the time, the game promised a hybrid interface that allowed players to toggle between an action mode with crosshairs and a more traditional MMO targeting and auto-attack setup. The game subsequently dropped off the grid, but now developer Stainglass Llama and Divergence universe creator Ethan Casner are back with an IndieGogo crowdfunding project and a $50,000 goal. Divergence promises a seamless, non-linear, and modifiable world with skill-based progression and plenty of non-combat advancement opportunities. It also styles itself as a hardcore enterprise with open PvP, lootable corpses, "limited permanent death," and unique races and breeds. Of note, the game will have neither tab-targetting nor auto-attack. You can view Casner's intro video after the cut.
Indie developed Divergence Online to combine third person shooter with MMO
Divergence Online is a sci-fi hybrid of a third person shooter and MMO, from indie developer Stainglass Llama. The game is set hundreds of years in the future, in a time when human and alien civilizations clash. The rated-M game will feature a "hybrid interface" where players can switch between "RAG Mode" (Run-and-Gun Mode) with crosshairs and "MMO Mode" with auto-attack, more standard MMO-style targeting, movement, and camera control. The MMO Gamer has some early info about the game, revealed in an interview by Mobin Koohestani with Divergence Online Project Manager Ethan Casner, who is also the creator of the Divergence universe. Casner gives The MMO Gamer a brief overview of the game's concepts, lore and game mechanics in the interview. He says, "Our goal is to get as close to the feel of combat in a traditional FPS/3PS as possible, with the capabilities of an MMORPG such as character progression and a persistent world populated by (hopefully) thousands of players at the same time."
