Looking for feedback on a different kind of private server
I've been working on a private server for a little while now, and I'm looking for people who are interested in helping shape the direction of it.
This server is intentionally not going to be for everyone. It's just me working on it at the moment, so realistically, it's probably not going to be released until early next year.
My vision is a low-rate experience in terms of EXP, where the focus is on giving players a variety of content that remains relevant throughout their character's progression.
A big goal for this server is making it easier to just log in and play. I don't want players feeling like they need to block out chunks of time because a consumable, premium item, party system or temporary buff is demanding that they do so.
I'm also building the server around one simple rule:
>"If selling the solution wasn't the goal, would this feature or system make the game better?"
If the answer is no, it needs to be revamped or removed.
Supporting this, I've made the decision to never implement a cash shop.
The server will instead be funded entirely through community contributions. We'll have monthly targets to cover our costs, with anything beyond that rolling over into future months.
Those contributions will also have an impact on the game itself, with things like server-wide buffs, unique events and even physical changes to the world, with more planned in the future.
Another major change is keeping the maximum level at 120. After that, the majority of progression will mostly become horizontal rather than continuing to increase levels and stats. Progression can instead come through other systems that give you things to work towards without making older content irrelevant.
I've already implemented a number of systems designed to let players experience Madrigal in different ways while still making meaningful progress on their characters.
Here's a brief overview:
- Dynamic Events — "Ventures" Think FFXIV FATEs / GW2 Dynamic Events. Events dynamically occur throughout Madrigal, giving players reasons to explore and participate in the world.
- Level Syncing Enter lower-level content and have your level and equipment adjusted to match its difficulty. You'll still receive rewards appropriate to your real level, allowing old content to remain relevant throughout the entire game.
- Reputation Flaris, Saint Morning and Darkon each have their own reputation. You build reputation naturally through activities you're already doing in those areas, unlocking exclusive shops and rewards.
- Permanent Buffs Assist / RM buffs and certain class-related buffs are now permanent, only being lost through death, manual removal or dispelling.
- Reworked Party System A new party system designed to encourage grouping. While removing "pay for solution" mechanics such as Party Points and the requirement for Party Scrolls.
And this is only the beginning. Some of these systems are quite expansive in what they can achieve, making new types of events and content available to us.
I'm looking for people who have played a lot of Flyff and are willing to tell me what they think I'm getting right, what I'm getting wrong, and what they would change.
I have dev blogs and system showcases / info on my new discord server:
https://discord.gg/mAktHS68yr
Regardless of if this server is for you or not, i hope you guys find somewhere you enjoy playing at! Ty for reading :)