Notes

DeepWorld is a 2D Minecraft-alike Coming to Mac And IOS

It's possible to describe the Deepworld if you put several gaming catchy words in a hat, then pulled them out one at a and then arranged them. It's a 2D steampunk post-apocalyptic sandbox game with Minecraft-style creation, and block graphics that allow players access to a vast and vast world of games. Deepworld is almost a game that sounds too good to live up to it's promises, but its creators Bytebin (consisting of three men who have lots of experience in server design, but not as much in game development and design) understand they're promising quite a bit.



The version they showed me at GDC last weekend definitely did not disappoint. Not only did it include two of their characters traveling through the world together, but it also included the entire game. Deepworld's graphics might not look great on screen (they are... "stylistic" according to some) however, there's a charm in the world as you explore further. The game's beauty was discovered after the construction of a shelter with lighting fixtures and pools of light.



There's a lot of beauty in the various mechanics, as well. The game's creator describes it as "a game that is based on a concept of scarcity" which refers to all the resources that exist in this barren, arid land. When you dig, lava can be found, which creates steam, which is then transferred into pipes and utilized to power technology. There's a crafting system however, unlike Minecraft (where items must be found and constructed) The game basically provides a list of the items you can construct using the various resources you've collected.



The interface is also very nice. You can create whatever you like using the cursor on Mac. My blog While the iOS version is still in development ("There are some kinks in touch," Bytebin said), it will be possible to "draw" your creations directly on the iPad's display.



The most significant issue with Deepworld likely isn't with the game itself, however: It's likely to be keeping the servers up. The game is divided into 1200x800 blocks "zones", and the developers hope to limit these zones to a limited number of players. They could also charge players to customize or save those zones. But there will be some sort of metagame in "improving the ecosystem" of each zone, so it's not hard to see how Bytebin could be in trouble, in the event that the game proves to be extremely popular to keep its servers in operation.



Bytebin is aware of the issue. Their background is in large servers running corporate software, so they stand a chance. But we'll find out how they do when the game goes open to beta later in the year. Alpha is set to start "in the next few weeks," and there's a beta registration form for the game available now. Deepworld is a fascinating game and is a game we'll probably be happy to play on Mac and iOS.


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