Horizons: Dev Diary III on Gamespy

I really love this article I do!

Swear! really! fine! Read it and you'll see =-P

Horizons is a next-generation, fantasy-themed, massively multiplayer online game. GameSpy has been following the progress of this new MMO as it develops, passing along the details as soon as they've been released. Set in the world of Istaria, Horizons promises literally millions of character combinations that let players create an alter ego as unique as they are. We've also previewed the most fascinating new idea for player race we've yet seen in an MMO -- the ability to play as a dragon. In Volume III of this continuing series, Designer Shawn F. Carnes details a little bit about "techniques" -- player-developed abilities that take the idea of "scripts" and "macros" to a whole new level.

Before we get too far into this edition of the Horizons diary, I want to thank the folks who continue to give us interesting and constructive comments on the work we have done to date. Things are getting really hectic here in the shop, and my "zealous" game design work has never been more zealot-like -- especially concerning the areas I'm responsible for (trade skills, quests, and content). It's very exciting to start to see the more complex elements of an MMORPG finally kick in within the game. I'm also hearing, "I was playing Horizons the other day..." around the office more and more. It's pretty exciting, and those folks who will be involved in the beta are proving to be an invaluable asset for us as we continue to refine our work.

This time around, I want to discuss the fundamentals of "techniques" in the trade skill system, as well as getting a little more in-depth as to what techniques will allow within the framework of the game. We've covered this a bit in previous diaries, but I think it's time to get into what I think will make our trade skill system really shine now that we've begun hardcore testing of what's only been discussion. When you think of techniques, I want you to think of Lincoln Logs (I loved those things!) When considered separately, a Lincoln Log is a funny-looking wooden dingus. Get a bunch of them together and let your imagination go wild, though, and they make crazy-go-nuts buildings! While I may be overly simplistic in my comparison of techniques to my childhood friend, that's basically how techniques function. They can be combined and applied to a base item, giving that base item some fantastic and exciting abilities -- enhancing armor, tools, jewelry, weapons, and spells.

The rest can be found on Gamespy by clicking here.