In a recent interview conducted by Lorespire, a YouTube channel dedicated to RPG content, viewers gained valuable insights into the development of Wayward Realms, an ambitious upcoming RPG from Once Lost Games. The interview, featuring Victor, the Creative Producer at Once Lost Games, shed light on the game’s unique features and design philosophy.
A Spiritual Successor to Daggerfall
Wayward Realms is being developed as a spiritual successor to The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, aiming to recapture the depth and complexity of classic CRPGs while introducing innovative new systems. Victor explained that the game’s connection to Daggerfall stems from it being “the last one that Ted [Peterson] and Julian [LeFay] worked on together.” These industry veterans, original creators of The Elder Scrolls series, are at the helm of Once Lost Games.
Returning to RPG Roots
The game’s design philosophy focuses on creating in-depth systems with multiple ways for players to develop their characters. Unlike more recent RPGs that have streamlined their mechanics, Wayward Realms aims to offer a more complex and nuanced experience. Victor emphasized their goal of “making those in-depth systems” and providing “lots of different ways you can take your character.”
A Living, Breathing World
One of the most intriguing aspects of Wayward Realms is its use of procedural generation and a Virtual Game Master (VGM) system. While the game world will be consistent across playthroughs, the VGM will tailor quests and events to the player’s choices and playstyle. Victor explained that this system allows for dynamic changes in the world, such as cities being destroyed in factional conflicts.
Character Creation and Progression
Wayward Realms promises a rich character creation system with eight playable races, each offering unique bonuses and gameplay mechanics. The game will feature a skill-based progression system without traditional character levels, emphasizing the importance of individual skills in defining a character’s abilities.
A New Approach to Magic
Perhaps one of the most exciting revelations from the interview was the game’s approach to magic. Unlike many fantasy RPGs where magic is commonplace, in Wayward Realms, magic is rare and often viewed with suspicion. Players choosing to be mages will face unique challenges and opportunities, having to seek out magical knowledge while potentially facing societal pushback.
Looking Ahead
As Once Lost Games prepares for their upcoming Kickstarter campaign, Victor tempered expectations by reminding viewers that Wayward Realms is an ambitious project from a smaller studio. While features like extensive crafting systems or life simulation elements might not be included initially, the team is focused on delivering a core adventure gameplay loop that harkens back to the depth and complexity of classic RPGs.
The Lorespire interview has certainly piqued interest in Wayward Realms, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a groundbreaking entry in the RPG genre. As development continues and the Kickstarter launch approaches, many RPG enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on this promising title.