Introduction

Okay, this is an idea I had about four months ago.  I think I mentioned it in the IRC channel, but that was it.  I didn't give it any more thought.  But today, I have decided to give it a shot.

Recently, I tried to revive my own forums once more, apparently failing in the attempt.  Basically, the forums are dead, and there seems to be nothing I can do about it.  So I have decided to stay in the RMRK community and a few other forums I will frequent.  I really want to do something fun that the people will remember.  I want to do something special for the community.  This is when the thought of reviving this idea came to my mind.

Imagine a virtual place where everything revolves around the RMRK community...  Something very close to a real MMORPG experience, but where you are part of its creation.  Imagine a 2D game where you can connect with other RMRK members, chat, participate in events, hunt down random monsters, collect fun items, change your "sprite", and even have your own land and house.  Wouldn't that be fun?

And more...  Imagine a main "city" with buildings for every group (forum staff, RPG Maker fans, artists, etc.), a hall of fame, a library with lots of "books" written by the members, and even the possibility of marking your presence in that universe!  Again, you could even own land!

I say it would be fun, and more when the entire community can contribute with resources, skills and ideas.

I call this idea and potential project the "RMRK Universe", and OPEN 2D MMORPG created for a community, by the community.

Originally, I even thought about doing this for my own community, but since we were so small, and most members are currently inactive, it wouldn't have worked.

Consider this as something fun, done in our free time.  No serious storyline, just randomness and pure creativity. 

I have thought of the engine that we'd be using already, and finding a place where to host the server shouldn't be a problem.

Everyone is welcome to join.  Please give me your feedback, and tell me if you agree with the idea or not.  With enough people into the project, this could be really great!

To all of you who decide to support this idea and make it come true, thank you!


Support

You can support the RMRK Universe project by adding a userbar to your signature!  Here they are:

(Created by Skanker.  Thank you!)



(Created by NAMKCOR.  Thank you!)

Is it some kind of a virtual RMRK forum sim community? <--Can't find the right words to describe. The only way I can help is pointing out bugs in mappings and as such. I don't do civilized mappings (towns, castles)since I suck at them and I'm a very slow mapper at anywhere else. So I guess I can only be beta tester, if you want to that is....

Oh yeah, and free time? I have a few, but not that much. The clincher: I'll try to help whenever I can in whatever way. So...what about it?

I wont agree with irock cause thats like telling a toad he cant catch a fly.
lol.
You can do it, and i love the idea. Anyway i can help, i will surely

Do you mean to use an RM to make this, or VBGore, or other game engines?
If you're really dedicated to making it an manage to form an active team of experienced individuals, then It is possible to create that.

Although it wold be very laboreus.
I'll probably help if other people help, probably around the writing part or maybe a little spriting.

I am using an MMO engine.  We can use RMXP tilesets.  This is no serious MMORPG, so it needs not to be original.  The sprites, if you want.  You can make the sprite you'll use in the game.  To those having little time but wanting to contribute, you can do so with ideas for items, places and such.  And general features, of course.

The game is not going to be so big and serious that you need a huge team.  With four people playing the role of GM's, it should suffice; at least in the beginning.  The engine I am going to use has very little amount of bugs because the developer is dedicated, so that won't be a big issue.

We could say it is a virtual RMRK sim, but that wouldn't be too correct, since you are going to be requesting if you want a house.  I am going to provide free lands/homes to those who contribute to the project in any way.  Those who do not, will pay with in-game money.  However, providing the sprite you will use is not considered a contribution.  Helping with resources, time, ideas and skills are.

What I really need right now is people supporting the project, and ideas.  Suggestions.  What do you want in the game?  What do you expect from it?  Things like that.  I can start with those.

Well, here is my suggestions. I would like to see weather in the game, like rain... Also, if possible, a day and night system + seasons? That would be cool.

Also, you could make a cherry blossom area for events/weddings. I basically just want a Cherry Blossom area. ;P

I would help with clothe/hair making for sprites... but I believe you are using the XP sprites, not the 2K sprites. So I can't help on that ;(

All in all, good luck with the project, I hope it goes well.

Thanks for the ideas!  I will implement as many as I can.

Many areas will come.  Cherry blossom one, I will do my best!  I am thinking even of a "stick guy town", with pretty bad graphics made in MS Paint, LOL.  Just to give a laugh or two.

The weather system is already in.  The engine has it.

As for sprites, I think 'paperdoll' is gonna be added.  If not, you can have your own sprites and offer your own works if you want. 

Again, thank you!

If possible, depending on if the community likes it or not, If the sprites are 2K I could do a lot of clothes and hairs for them and we can add them in shops and such.

I would also like to see places like a coffee shop for the people who want a more "relaxing" environment. (I just love Coffee Shops for some reason >_>)

But to the sprites, it all depends on the rest of the community's thoughts. I could probably adapt to a new sprite base, just used to 2K style. (Used it since 2000 something, I have bad memory XP)

Ah, then I can probaby help with ideas and skills (does this means the real skills or in-game skills?)
Also, about the features....
Features in MapleStory always makes me wonder how great the game is.

Some mini-games would be nice.
Character Jobs.
Quests, lots.
Emoticons.
Odd Items.
Funny NPC's.

Since this is an idea for a small RMRK universe then I think the point isn't to make it the best MMO ever, instead, you should just make it enjoyable and look at it as an opportunity to stroll around with your friends. Don't set your goals too high, they might will backfire.

Yeah ignore what I said up there, I wish you the best of luck and I'm willing to help and dedicate myself to this 8)

I was thinking of adding jobs, but not the regular jobs.  Rather, funny things that relate to RMRK or clichés of RPG's, because this started as an RPG Maker community.  Also, using the RM2k graphics seems to me like a better choice than RMXP.  To make things more consistent, I think I will consider 2k instead of XP, even for the tilesets.

Coffee shops, place to relax, even animé towns, I am doing all of that!  We could have towns with different themes, just for fun.  What I really want is that you get lots to explore with other fellow RMRK members.

Funny NPC's are included with the towns.  Quests, I am going to think about which would be good quests for a game like this.  Maybe ones to get the rare items of the game.  Some items will unlock what I'd call "costumes", or sprites.

Emoticons, I am going to make those possible, because I think they'll help in the communication department.  And this game is more about communication and interaction than anything else!

This sounds great! I will help if you ever need it.

Good luck on this!

Anyone feeling like making a userbar to advertise in signatures?  I would do it, but this laptop doesn't have Photoshop.    I'd appreciate it a lot.

Thanks a lot for all the support! 

lolsup

WOW, GUYS!

So much support!  ;_;  I am so impressed, and happy!

I love the userbars!  Both!  I am going to format the thread a little and add those there for people to use.  This project is now official!

I am going to write some notes (after I get back) and send them to those really interested in helping.

Again, THANK YOU!

*HUGS*

This sounds like an awesome idea. I just love it

I could help with what Im best on.

Thank you!  There is always something to do.  I will try to add more info on that soon.  We'll eventually need some mappers, but first we must decide on what graphics we'll use.  I really appreciate your support.

The server can be hosted in my computer.  I have two computers, and I have actually been successful in setting up a server and making others connect to it.  So we could opt for that, or I could ask for someone to host it in a Virtual Private Server.  Lastly, if I conclude that I can handle paying one, then sure, I could have my own VPS and host the game there.    A VPS is always the best choice, because I could keep the game online almost 100% of the time.