Former Fortnite and Blizzard developers have come together to establish Lightforge Games, a studio with a bold vision to create a groundbreaking multiplayer RPG. This upcoming game, codenamed Project ORCS (Online Roleplaying with Collaborative Storytelling), aims to combine the captivating world-building and storytelling elements of the original tabletop Dungeons & Dragons with the impressive graphics and immersive gameplay found in modern video games like Baldur’s Gate 3.
An Evolution in Roleplaying
Project ORCS is not just another online roleplaying experience; it transcends the realm of traditional pen-and-paper roleplaying by providing a digital simulation of miniatures, dice, and more. This innovative concept takes the popular tools like Roll20 and Tabletop Simulator to new heights. Players can assume the role of a dungeon master, creating their own bespoke adventures or joining premade campaigns developed by the game’s talented developers or the creative player community. With the ability to customize characters, craft environments, and design encounters, Project ORCS grants players unparalleled freedom in shaping their gaming experience.
As players embark on this interactive journey, they will have the opportunity to carefully design their characters using an extensive character creator. Choosing from a diverse selection of classes and species, players can bring their unique vision to life. Across multiple quests, characters can level up, acquiring new skills and abilities. Each adventure will culminate with a return to a personal home base, which players can upgrade and expand as they progress. Additionally, Lightforge Games plans to introduce guilds, enabling players to form larger groups and share the vast worlds they have collectively constructed.
With a glance at the visually stunning reveal trailer, it is evident that Lightforge Games is committed to delivering a polished and visually captivating experience. The studio’s CEO, Matt Schembari, who previously served as a lead engineer at Blizzard and a UI director at Epic Games (including work on Fortnite’s battle royale mode), has brought his expertise to Project ORCS. The clean interface and seamless social interaction between players exemplify Schembari’s impressive contributions to the gaming industry.
A Vision Realized
“We’ve set out to make a roleplaying experience that has never been attempted before in the games industry. We’re calling it a Collaborative Storytelling RPG or CSRPG,” stated Schembari. The team at Lightforge Games endeavors to create an interactive canvas that encourages both newcomers and long-time RPG enthusiasts to craft their own stories in an unprecedented manner. The aim is ambitious, and only time will tell if Project ORCS manages to achieve its lofty goals. Fortunately, eager gamers will not have to wait long to find out, as the game is expected to launch into early access in 2024.
With Project ORCS, Lightforge Games is poised to revolutionize the RPG genre by marrying together the best elements of traditional tabletop roleplaying and modern video game design. This innovative concept offers a wealth of possibilities for players to embark on epic adventures, shape their worlds, and collaborate with others. Whether you are a seasoned RPG fan or new to the genre, Project ORCS promises an experience like no other, immersing players in a world where their imagination is the only limit. The future of roleplaying games is here, and it goes by the name of Project ORCS.
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