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DeepWorld is a 2D Minecraft-alike Coming to Mac And IOS It's possible to describe the Deepworld if you put a bunch gaming catchwords into the hat, then took them out one at a time and arranged them. It's a 2D steampunk, post-apocalyptic sandbox MMO, with Minecraft-style creation, and block graphics that allow players access to a vast and vast game world. Deepworld sounds almost too promising to be true to its promises, however its developers Bytebin comprised of three men with extensive experience in server architecture, but not as much experience in game design and development, are aware of what they are promising. The version that they showed me at GDC last weekend certainly did not disappoint. It didn't just include two of their characters roaming around the world together, but the entire game. Deepworld's graphics may not appear stunning in screenshots (they're ... "stylistic" it could be said) however, when you travel through more of the world, there's a charm that cannot be denied. Only after a makeshift shelter was built with lanterns extending pools of light and a storm started in the background, with lightning flashing across the sky and acid rain falling down hard, did the game's beauty really become apparent. There's plenty of beauty to be found in diverse mechanics. The game's creator describes it as "a game that is based on a concept of scarcity" which refers to all the resources available in this barren, arid land. When you dig, lava can be found and it creates steam which is then stored in pipes and used to power technology. There is a crafting system, but unlike Minecraft (where items have to be discovered and built) the game just offers up a menu of what's available to build with the various resources you've gathered. The interface is also very nice. You can create whatever you want with the cursor on Mac. While the iOS version is still in development ("There are a few kinks in touch," Bytebin said) It will be possible to "draw" creations directly on the iPad's display. The biggest issue with Deepworld isn't with the game itself. It's likely to be dealing with the maintenance of the servers. The title is subdivided into 1200x800 block "zones," and the developers hope to limit these zones to a certain number of players (and maybe eventually even charge players to modify and save these zones). However, there will be an element of meta-gaming in "improving the ecosystem" of each zone It's not difficult to see that Bytebin could face trouble, if the game turns out to be extremely popular, in terms of keeping its servers running. Bytebin is aware of the issue. Again, their background is in large servers running corporate software, so they have a fighting chance. We'll find out what they'll perform when the game enters open beta later this year. Alpha will begin "in the next few weeks," and there's a beta signup form for the game available now. Minecraft usernames Deepworld looks really fascinating and is one that we'll likely be proud to play on Mac and iOS.
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