Archive for June 2003

They Will Choose Freewill Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 4:11 AM [Filed by EdgeofEpsilon]

Serafina updated Atriarch.com with another update on combat. This time, they're toiling away on the natives' AI, specifically the age-old choice - Fight or Flight? Here's an excerpt: A couple weeks ago, we added player combat maneuvers, as well as giving Natives (npcs) their own combat maneuvers. Now we are working on the behaviors that Natives exhibit while in combat with a player, specifically when a Native should "end" combat. For example, does a Native keep attacking a player forever no matter what? Well, no, and that is what we are working on implementing. Things like a Native making decisions whether to flee, pursue, fight back, and so on, and of course, why a Native makes these decisions. Serafina also mentioned that they're going to be moving the Atriarch servers in preparation for, you guessed it, testing! There's also more info on the patch server. So go check it out!

Brave New World Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:17 PM [Filed by Herok]

The official Atriarch site was updated with news from the Atriarch Development team. Here's what they said: on the simulation engine: The team is working on the refactoring of the simulation engine for Atriarch. Many internal changes have been made to enhance the manageability of complexity inherent in large online worlds, such as Atriana. The refactoring also improves upon server stability and extensibility. Evolving the Atriarch servers is important for maintaining a back-end that is malleable as well as stable. World Fusion has two decades of experience designing and building large-scale, distributed software systems for companies, such as telecoms and financial institutions. This background is invaluable in achieving our goal of a solid and stable deployment. on the patch server: The patch server test was moved to next week, so we can incorporate the refactoring of the simulation. on world content: The process of updating the world content to be compatible with the simulation engine changes has begun. New city areas are also in the works. Player Factions: Ynarrah has sent an announcement of his intention to form the new Atriarch Faction: Imperium of Khalisen. We'll bring you an update on that when Atrios Ynarrah is prepared. Woo Atriarch!

From My Axe to Your Head Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:38 AM [Filed by EdgeofEpsilon]

The official Atriarch site was updated with new info about combat! Serafina clarifies the concept of "Techniques," among other juicy tidbits. From the main site: On shallow vs. deep maneuvers: The first set of Maneuvers represents Shallow Attacks. The second set of maneuvers in a technique represents Deep Attacks. Shallow Attacks are when your opponent is near. Deep attacks are when your opponent is further away. Deep does not mean projectile. Rather, it requires some sort of lunge, reach, stretch or some movement toward the opponent in order to make contact. Woot!

Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark Thursday, June 5, 2003 - 8:34 PM [Filed by Herok]

The official Atriarch site was updated today with details about combat maneuvers. Here is a brief snippet: on tactical combat: This week, AT game dev is working on the tactical aspect of physical combat. By physical, we mean using something physical for fighting, for example, a knife, fist, tentacle, etc, as opposed to casting. Each species has been given a set of "intrinsic attacks", including Player Characters and Natives. Also, a new french Atriarch faction was borne: Les Guetteurs, The Watchmen. Welcome! Bienvenue! You can read all the details on the official Atriarch site. Woo Atriarch!

Atriarch June Chatlog Wednesday, June 4, 2003 - 6:33 AM [Filed by Herok]

As I was unable to attend, I don't have a version of the unedited chatlog but that's all right as DQ from ATV took care of things. You can read his version of the discussion between ARC, Serafina and the community. Here's a brief snippet of one of the many conversations that took place: Taraturg: After you learn all the skills, and are powerful enough to kill the bigger creatures, what appeal is there to continue participating in combat? Serafina turg... combat is a way of life for some people. Combat is what some players are about. That is enough for them to continue. On the practical side, you can get resources from fighting. It is not the only way, but is certainly one way. Arc Let me ask you, turg: what is it about combat that appeals to you? Taraturg: For me? In other games its obviously been pretty much the only way to advance, so the appeal was the advancement. The appeal in many cases is the power (abilities and special moves) that experience in combat gives you...for me at least. Arc Myself, I prefer combat as a means to an end rather than and end itself. Serafina I actually enjoy the competition of combat. Also, I enjoy that it is something I don't really do in real-life. Arc I wouldn't assume that characters become god-like/superhero in their abilities. Serafina I find tactical combat in online games very rewarding... always fighting in a different way to see what works.

Open Dev Chat Tonight Monday, June 2, 2003 - 4:56 PM [Filed by EdgeofEpsilon]

Just a reminder, ATV is hosting an open chat with Serafina, lead designer of Atriarch. If this is your first time on IRC, you can see our very own IRC tutorial. See you there!

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