[h1]Devblog [15.01.2024][/h1] Welcome to the update in the development blog of Gnome Online! Today, I am excited to present some significant improvements and exciting new features that will enrich the gaming experience. [h2]UI Overhaul: Quality of Life Improvements[/h2] A main focus of the recent development work has been on revamping the dynamic user interface to make the gaming experience more intuitive and enjoyable. I have completely redesigned the UI to provide a clear and user-friendly interface. I am particularly proud of the new, detailed tooltips, which now contain more information about game mechanics, items, and abilities. These changes are intended to make it easier for new players to get into the game, while offering deeper insights to experienced players. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/8e4123a95e371d9c25aef5cce19b01b2c37c70d7.png[/img] [h2]Improved Crafting System[/h2] Another major update concerns the crafting system. I have fundamentally overhauled the system to make it more dynamic and rewarding. Now, the quality of crafted items depends on the player's crafting skill level. Attributes on the item are generated randomly. For each quality level, an additional +1 random attribute is added. This makes each crafted item unique. Additionally, items can be upgraded by using special materials or components. These changes are designed to make the crafting process not only more realistic but also more strategic and satisfying. As a bonus, the name of the creator is now marked on the crafted item, so other players can see who made it. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/17dabd63eea731fae2c937c87502dcec2f322932.png[/img] [h2]Revolution in the Ability System[/h2] One of the most exciting new features in Gnome Online is the overhaul of the ability system. I have lifted the restriction of five abilities per class. Instead, players can now learn countless abilities and combine them to develop unique and individual playstyles. Abilities are now learned by finding and studying books in the game, adding an additional discovery component to our world. This flexibility in the ability system opens up a new level of character customization and strategic planning. [h2]Comprehensive Graphics Update[/h2] A major highlight of the latest update is the comprehensive graphics upgrade. I have completely overhauled the graphics, resulting in significantly improved performance and richer detail. These changes provide a more immersive and fluid gaming experience. As a special feature, I have added a zoom function that allows players to view the world from different perspectives and focus on details. This feature was highly requested by many players. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/e473cdda707d3bf64c2c60d7337d5a0d20d746c2.png[/img] [h2]Dynamic Weather System[/h2] Another exciting feature is the new global weather system. From rain to snow to thunderstorms – the weather in Gnome Online is now alive and affects gameplay. These weather conditions can trigger certain events and influence player strategy. For example, an unexpected thunderstorm can decisively change a battle or a snowstorm can make exploring new areas more challenging. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/b95291f50736fa21290798501a06bc7123ea4b7e.png[/img] [h2]Overhaul of Weapon and Magic Schools[/h2] [h3]New Weapon Classification[/h3] I have completely revamped the weapon classes. Instead of specific classes for swords, axes, etc., I have simplified and made the system more efficient. The new categories now include one-handed weapons, two-handed weapons, archery, and dual-wield weapons (two weapons at the same time). This redesign allows for a more flexible and tactical approach in combat. [h3]Magic Schools and the Karma System[/h3] In terms of magic, I have also made profound changes. The magic schools are now divided into: [b]Battlemagic[/b]: This includes all attack spells and spells specifically designed for combat. [b]Sanctummancy[/b]: The school of healing, focused on healing oneself and the group in combat. [b]Enchantlore[/b]: The school of support, with a variety of buffs that can be helpful in different situations. [b]Necromancy[/b]: Deals with dark and forbidden arts. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/cdfeb660da009784cbce80a4f5a4f1bd9de0f498.png[/img] In addition to these changes, I have introduced a Karma system. Players gain or lose Karma depending on their actions and the enemies they defeat. Karma is crucial for casting certain spells in the schools of Necromancy and Sanctum Magic, adding another strategic layer to the game. [h2]Expanded and Optimized Game World[/h2] One of the most noticeable updates is the massive expansion of the game world. I have significantly enlarged and optimized the map, so it now exists as a single, contiguous world, instead of many small, separate maps. This change allows for seamless exploration and deep immersion in the world of Gnome Online. However, certain cities and dungeons remain as separate maps. [h2]Character Progression and Challenges[/h2] Character progression is now noticeably tangible. An improved weapon now inflicts significantly more damage, which in turn means that the difficulty level in battles against stronger opponents appropriately increases. This update heightens the importance of equipment choice and encourages players to constantly improve. Additionally, players now receive attribute points upon leveling up, which can be individually distributed. This means that life, energy, and mana no longer automatically increase with training but must be consciously improved with these points. This provides players with another level of personalization and strategy. Skills and abilities continue to be trained through learning by doing. [h2]Swimming and Interactions in Water[/h2] Another exciting innovation is the ability to explore waters. Players can now swim, opening up a completely new dimension of world exploration. Swimming consumes energy, requiring strategic considerations, especially when exploring distant or dangerous waters. This change significantly expands the possibilities for exploration and interaction in the game world, as ships are needed for certain distances. [h2]Introduction of the Aggro System for Monsters[/h2] An important new feature I have added is the Aggro system. This system fundamentally changes how monsters and enemies in the game react to players. In combat, monsters now generate Aggro based on various actions of the players. This means that the monsters focus on the players who generate the most Aggro - whether through damage, healing, or other special abilities. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/2c4313618b26eec0242ec2517b6d1c9e4003f37f.png[/img] [h3]Strategic Depth in Group Play[/h3] The Aggro system brings a new strategic depth to group play. Players must now carefully coordinate their roles and actions to ensure that the right player attracts the monster's attention. For example, a tank could intentionally build Aggro to protect the weaker team members, while damage dealers and healers perform their roles without drawing the monster's attention. [h3]New Challenges in Dungeons[/h3] This system also makes exploring dungeons and defeating bosses more challenging and rewarding. Each monster and boss has its own Aggro logic, encouraging players to develop specific tactics for each encounter. The ability to effectively manage Aggro will be crucial to mastering the toughest challenges in Gnome Online. [h2]Randomly Generated Dungeons[/h2] To increase the long-term fun and replayability of Gnome Online, I have introduced a system that randomly generates dungeons. This means that each visit to a dungeon is unique – with different layouts, enemies, traps, and treasures. [h3]Dynamic Exploration Experiences[/h3] Random generation makes dungeons a dynamic exploration experience. Players cannot rely on previous knowledge of the layout and must adapt to new challenges on each visit. This increases the tension and replay value, as no dungeon visit is the same. [h3]Diversity and Surprises[/h3] This feature brings enormous variety to the game world. Different combinations of enemies, room configurations, and loot distributions ensure that players must always be on their guard and adapt to new strategies. It also encourages teamwork and spontaneous problem-solving in groups. [h2]Revamped PvP System[/h2] I have overhauled the PvP system to ensure a balanced and fair gaming experience. Open PvP has been changed so that not every player is automatically involved in PvP conflicts. This gives players more control over their PvP participation and allows them to focus on other aspects of the game if they wish. [h3]Introduction of Factions[/h3] One of the most exciting innovations is the introduction of factions. These are optional and can be joined later in the game. Each faction is in competition with the others and is in a constant state of war. Players who join a faction can fight members of opposing factions anytime and anywhere. This adds a new layer of strategic considerations and loyalties to the game. [h3]Advantages and Disadvantages of Factions[/h3] Each faction offers unique advantages (buffs) as well as certain disadvantages. These can affect various aspects of the game, such as combat abilities, resource gathering, or access to special areas. Choosing a faction is not just a matter of allegiance but also a strategic decision that can influence a character's playstyle and abilities. [h2]Upcoming Features and Goals[/h2] In the coming months, I will continue to focus on improving and expanding the gaming experience. In addition to continuously fine-tuning the UI and crafting system, we plan to expand the game world with new quests and challenges. I am committed to continuously improving Gnome Online and making it an unforgettable RPG experience. [h2]Conclusion and Thanks[/h2] Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has accompanied me on this journey. Your feedback and support are invaluable. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and am excited to see your reactions to the latest changes. Stay tuned for more updates and share your thoughts and ideas with me! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/42304071/e0cc7444f3117babcd39f95ba27e07011b38f441.png[/img]