Book of Travels
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (November 2020) |
| Book of Travels | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Might and Delight |
| Publisher(s) | Might and Delight |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Release | Q2 2021 |
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Book of Travels is a role-playing video game currently under development by Might and Delight for Windows, Mac, and Linux through Steam.[1] The game was originally scheduled to be released in October 2020, but is now expected to be released Q2 2021.[2] Might and Delight has called their game a "Tiny Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game (TMORPG)".[1] Unlike Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games (MMORPGs), Book of Travels limits the amount of players on each server to "make each meeting memorable when players cross paths"[3] and "create a unique role-playing experience."[4]
Game Play
Book of Travels is described as a "social role-playing experience that doesn't hold your hand."[5] Unlike many RPGs, Book of Travels has no overarching goals, beginnings, or ends and pushes the player to create their own journey.[5] Unlike many RPGs, the game focuses on roleplaying, exploration, and personality rather than stats and numbers.[2]
Plot
Players begin their journey in the fantasy world called Braided Shore. Players create characters with various aspects such as star sign, backstory, and personality traits.[6] From the outset, players set off to explore the land of their own will or find people to travel with.[7] Players are able to gather resources, craft items, learn special abilities, with some aspects fo combat.[6]
Communication
Player to player interaction is entirely non-text/verbal, relying on a limited set of emotes that are gained through player experience.[3] The limitations on emotes is aimed at creating a richer, friendlier experience for players.[8]
Navigation
The main source of traversing Book of Travels is by walking/running through the game, however, there are alternative ways of travel including manually-powered rail carts.[4]
Music
Players will be able to play instruments together and collect new tunes.[4]
Development
The game was announced September 2019 at Tokyo Game Show, with a Kickstarter campaign announced for October 2019.[9] Book of Travels was scheduled for release in October 2020, however, the game was delayed to Q2 2021.
Might and Delight has stated that they are committed to expanding the game over time, likening their role to a Dungeon Master, hinting at new scenarios that will be up to players to find on their own.[8] Other content expansions hinted at were new levels and playable areas, characters and storylines and events.[8]
Kickstarter
Book of Travels' development was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign. After 2 weeks, Might and Delight had successfully raised over 2,516,656 SEK ($261,000) from 7,034 supporters and had unlocked a number of stretch goals.[10][11] By the end of the campaign, the developer had raised over $261,000 from more than 7,000.[5] In addition to funding, Might and Delight also crowdfunded island concepts from fans to be integrated into the game.[12]
Art Style
The game follows a "hand-painted" artstyle.[7]
Reception
Before the completion of its Kickstarter campaign, Book of Travels received coverage from numerous outlets including Forbes,[5] Gamasutra,[13] and Rock Paper Shotgun.[14] In May 2020, Wholesome Games featured Book of Travels in their Wholesome Direct.[15]
Awards
Received the "Projects We Love" Badge from Kickstarter.
Book of Travels was nominated for Best Long Feature Award at AMAZE 2020.[16]
References
- ^ a b "Book of Travels – a new online RPG". Might and Delight. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ a b "TMORPG Book of Travels gets new early access date + Steam updates every fortnight + 10 New Screenshots". www.gamasutra.com. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ a b "Book of Travels on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ a b c Morton, Lauren (2020-01-31). "Shelter developers will beta test their new "tiny MORPG" this summer". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ a b c d Jagneaux, David. "'Book of Travels' Indie MMO Raises $261K On Kickstarter By Focusing On Serene Social Roleplaying Experiences". Forbes. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ a b Watts, Rachel (2019-11-07). "Books of Travels is a serene online RPG where "you're not forced to be a hero"". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ a b "'Book Of Travels' Early Access Planned for Q1 2021 - Screens". WorthPlaying. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ a b c "Book of Travels launches in October". Gematsu. 2020-05-26. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ Marasigan, Marc (2019-09-12). "Fairy Tale-Inspired 'Book Of Travels' Unveiled At Tokyo Game Show, Kickstarter Launches Next Month". MMOs.com. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ Marasigan, Marc (2020-02-04). "Book Of Travels Unveils 2020 Roadmap, Early Access Launch Scheduled For October". MMOs.com. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ Marasigan, Marc (2019-11-26). "Book Of Travels Raised Over $160K During Their Month-Long Kickstarter Campaign". MMOs.com. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
- ^ Marasigan, Marc (2019-11-07). "Book Of Travels Has Raised Over $120K From More Than 3,000 Backers, New Stretch Goals Unlocked". MMOs.com. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ "TMORPG Book of Travels gets new early access date + Steam updates every fortnight + 10 New Screenshots". www.gamasutra.com. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ Morton, Lauren (2020-05-27). "I hope Book Of Travels turns "tiny MMOs" into the next big thing". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ "Wholesome Games". web.archive.org. 2020-05-25. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- ^ "Nominees". 2020.amaze-berlin.de. Retrieved 2020-11-09.