Here's what we intend to have when we're ready - a game that borrows elements from World of Warcraft, Foursquare and Mafia Wars, playable through the browser and eventually via a mobile device. No graphics engine for now, we're thinking compelling visuals + text.
Chapter 1 - Architecting the world: We pull in your check-ins from a popular location based service (Foursquare/Gowalla/Facebook) and reward you for checking in (with virtual currency and 'artifacts'). We build a mystical, medieval universe atop these real places. You then compete to purchase these venues and start upgrading them, fortifying them for the impending onslaught. (Yup, this bit has certainly been inspired by Booyah's MyTown, but it's also pretty much where the similarity ends). [Status: Nearing completion]
Chapter 2 - Learning the ropes: You begin exploring the universe through your check-ins. Play simple browser-based, click-driven missions to earn more currency / XP / karma / health. Head out into the world, either alone or with a band of cohorts to complete quests that require you to carry out recon / defend your properties / deliver packages / sabotage or booby-trap venues / attack other users and properties. [Status: 3-4 months away]
Chapter 3 - Choose your Adventure: Races/allegiances that reflect you and your style of play. Richer gameplay that you can influence (think swarm badges in Foursquare). And much more that we haven't thought of yet.
- Overwhelming is a mild word for how daunting it'll be to string together a playable MVP for this, so if you think you'll play, please let us know - IT'LL SPUR US ON!
- Please give us suggestions for gameplay elements you'd like to see. What we really don't want is for this to end up being another mindless social game.