| Stellar Dawn | |
|---|---|
The Stellar Dawn logo |
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| Developer(s) | Jagex Games Studio |
| Publisher(s) | Jagex Games Studio |
| Platform(s) | Java Platform |
| Genre(s) | Sci-fi MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
| Media/distribution | Web interface (Java) |
Stellar Dawn is an upcoming browser-based sci-fi themed MMORPG under development by UK game developer Jagex.
Originally known as MechScape,[1] the project was scrapped and renamed after it was decided that the completed project did not meet the standards of the original design brief.[2] The project was overhauled and formally announced as Stellar Dawn on 14 July 2010[3] when Jagex released the official Stellar Dawn website.[4] On 10 August 2010 the first official Stellar Dawn teaser was released.[5]
The game was expected to be released in 2011, the ETA posted on the official website, however at the current time there is no information available as to when Stellar Dawn will be released for Beta.[3]
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In 2007 Jagex registered UK trademarks and various related domain names for the term MechScape.[6]
At the 2008 E3 Media and Business Summit it was announced that Jagex were working on a new MMO to be called MechScape, expected in the first quarter of 2009.[7] Henrique Olifiers, Lead Developer at the time, announced that it would be browser-based like RuneScape, but would be one or two steps beyond RuneScape HD's level of technology, that it would have a science fiction theme and that it would be aimed at an older audience.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, then CEO Geoff Iddison stated that Jagex have "got a very, very big investment into another MMO" and that it was expected to be released "early next year, Q1 2009" - when asked if he was referring to MechScape, he replied "I can't say too much more, I'm afraid."[8]
On 29 October 2009, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard announced that MechScape had been cancelled prior to its release, describing the decision as costing "tens of millions of pounds."
Much of the game, including its engine, was intended to be reused in Stellar Dawn,[9] however everything in Stellar Dawn was reinvented with the exception of some concept art.[10]
In an exclusive interview for a blog in 2009, Andrew Gower describes Mechscape, saying "It’s very much a game of exploration and discovery and has beautiful art direction and back-story which I’m not going to give away." Although this interview was conducted when Mechscape was in development, it seems that this general idea would hold true for both Mechscape and Stellar Dawn. Gower went on to describe a key difference between Runescape and Mechscape, which is likely going to be even more prominent in Stellar Dawn: "RuneScape grew very organically, whereas MechScape was created with the benefit of years of experience so is much more cohesive." From this we can expect Stellar Dawn to be a fairly complete and well-polished game upon release, which implies that the game will not be updated as frequently as Runescape.
Although very little has been revealed about the game play in Stellar Dawn, its predecessor Mechscape offers some insights to the nature of the game. It is expected that there will be four races, including Human, Pliigi, Mortiga, and an unnamed robotic race. Based on Mechscape concept art, the Pliigi are likely to be plant-like creatures who have the ability to use biology and nature to their advantage. There are fewer pieces of concept art for the Mortiga, though it can be gathered that they are physically powerful beings made of stone. Although there has not been an official confirmation of the name of the robotic race, a possible Mechscape leak has recently been found that suggests this race is named the "Impeti." Although this image is likely to be legitimate, we are not certain of it. The image consists of characters from each of the four races standing next to a vehicle that reflects the characteristics of their race. Along with the images are descriptions of the races, which are as follows:
Mortiga: The dominant species in the Narius is as mysterious as the system itself. A crystalline life form that lives underground, close to the cores of the planets, enjoying high pressure. Strong and arrogant, they plot victory.
Human: Aliens to the Narius system, the humans arrived in the doomed colony ship Kolonia and are now stranded thousands of light-years from Earth. They are survivalists struggling to establish settlements in a hostile environment.
Impeti: A race of mechanical life forms, the Impeti objective is to become stronger, faster and smarter, through constant upgrades to their minds and bodies. They are excellent scientists and a versatile species devoted to technology.
Pliigi: Cultivating their bodies with fanatic spiritual fervour, the Pliigi know no limits to their genetic engineering capabilities other than their aesthetic sense. Highly intelligent and social, this species holds many secrets.
At this point, it is unknown whether or not more than one race will be playable, although it is likely that they will all be playable in some way.
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