Jump to content

Sea of Thieves

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 82.4.96.159 (talk) at 09:23, 9 December 2019 (Content). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Sea of Thieves
Developer(s)Rare
Publisher(s)Microsoft Studios
Director(s)Gregg Mayles
Producer(s)
  • Joe Neate
  • Adam Park
  • Drew Stevens
Designer(s)Mike Chapman
Programmer(s)Peter Campbell
Artist(s)
  • Ryan Stevenson
  • Peter Hentze
Writer(s)
  • Chris Allcock
  • Mike Chapman
Composer(s)Robin Beanland
EngineUnreal Engine 4
Platform(s)
Release20 March 2018
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Sea of Thieves is an action-adventure game developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Studios for Windows and Xbox One, released on 20 March 2018. The game allows players to take the role of a pirate sailing the seas of a fantastical world either solo or as part of a crew of up to four players, with gameplay presented from a first-person perspective. The game features both co-operative and player versus player combat, and includes cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows.

Upon release, Sea of Thieves received mixed responses from critics. Critics praised the game's gameplay and style, with particular focus on the game's sailing mechanics. However, the majority of critics found the game to be lacking in content at launch, and criticized the full-price tag. Additional criticism was directed towards repetitive quest design and performance issues.

Gameplay

Sea of Thieves is a pirate-themed action-adventure cooperative multiplayer game played from a first-person perspective.[1][2] The game features cross-platform play between Windows-based personal computers and Xbox One video game consoles.[3] A group of players travel and explore an open world via a pirate ship and assume different roles such as steering, hoisting sails, navigation, and firing cannons.[2][4] Players embark on quests, collect loot and engage in combat with other players.[4] Sea of Thieves is a shared game world, which means groups of players will encounter each other regularly throughout their adventures.[2] The game has a cartoonish art style and an exaggerated physics engine that allow players to perform stunts, like being shot out of ship cannons.[3][5]

Players can collect coins by completing missions called voyages, taking loot from other ships, or raiding a skeleton fort that contains large amounts of gold. The player aims to become a pirate legend. The gold can be used for purchasing everything from re-skinned weapons to new hulls and sails for the ship. These items are cosmetic and do not affect combat. The weapons are given to the player at the start of the game, and have five rounds of ammo before needing to find an ammo box to restock. The four usable weapons are a flintlock pistol, a blunderbuss, a sniper rifle, and a cutlass. Two weapons can be carried at once.

Development

Sea of Thieves was developed by Rare.[1] Its pirate themes can be traced back to Rare's Project Dream, another pirate-themed video game in the 1990s that eventually became Banjo-Kazooie.[6] However, pirate themes in Rare's projects have existed as far back as the original Donkey Kong Country in 1994.

Sea of Thieves was developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4.[7] Development started in 2014 with the idea of "Group Shaped Narrative", which game director Gregg Mayles described as "a clumsily titled concept [that] envisaged a different type of multiplayer game where players would create 'experiences that are entertaining to watch'".[8] The game, code-named "Athena", did not originally focus on pirates at the time.[8] Instead of a regular character creator, the game features an "infinite pirate generator", that randomly generates a carousel of eight pirates with various body types and faces; players can pick one to play, look at eight more, or can lock one appearance in place while the others change.[9] In November 2016, Rare launched the Insider Programme to give select members access to an in-development version of the game. Rare used the Insider Programme for testing purposes and to get feedback from players.[10]

In June 2015, Rare announced Sea of Thieves at Microsoft's Xbox press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2015 (E3) alongside a compilation of thirty previous games, Rare Replay.[11] Gameplay was first shown at E3 2016.[1] The game was scheduled to launch on Windows and Xbox One in 2017, but it was delayed until 20 March 2018.[12][13] The game is part of Microsoft's Xbox Play Anywhere cross-buy program, meaning that purchasers of the downloadable version of the game can play the game on both a Windows 10 computer and an Xbox One.[10] Additionally, the game is playable at launch for those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass.[14]

An "Anniversary Update" was released in April 2019, adding a large amount of new content to the game, including a story component and a standalone player versus player mode.[15] In September 2019, the game added a microtransaction store allowing players to purchase virtual coins that can be used to buy in-game cosmetics.[16]

Reception

Sea of Thieves received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[17][18] Many noted that the game was lacking in content, and criticised Rare's decision to charge full-price.[29]

Writing for Polygon, Russ Frushtick gave the game 6.5/10, saying "Sea of Thieves has the foundation of an incredible experience. It is a true pirate game that simulates the experience of piracy perfectly. And yet, after those first few jaw-dropping hours, you’re going to start feeling less like Blackbeard and more like Blackbeard’s accountant."[26] Similarly, Kirk McKeand of VG24/7 wrote that the game "just needs more. It needs more ways to play, more mission variety, more enemy variants than just different coloured skeletons, and more meaningful progression. If these things don’t appear soon, I can see player numbers dropping off substantially after a short while."[30] Michael Goroff of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game a 6/10, writing "Sea of Thieves' world isn't completely lacking in achievement, thanks to its luscious visuals and excellent sailing mechanics, but it feels completely undercooked in terms of actual gameplay. Perhaps ironically, Sea of Thieves feels like the skeleton of a game rather than a fully realized experience."[20] IGN's Brandin Tyrell gave the game 7/10, writing that it had "a good foundation that's fun with friends" but was bogged down by a repetitive grind.[25]

Upon release, a large number of players reported having trouble logging into the game. Rare studio head Craig Duncan and executive producer Joe Neate explained that due to a higher-than-expected number of players getting the game on day one, they had to turn some away in order to stop servers from crashing.[31]

Accolades

The game won the "Most Disappointing" award in Giant Bomb's 2018 Game of the Year Awards.[32]

Year Award Category Result Ref
2016 Game Critics Awards Best of Show Nominated [33]
Best Original Game Nominated
Best Online Multiplayer Nominated
Gamescom 2016 Best Xbox One Game Won [34]
Best Social/Online Game Nominated
Best Multiplayer Game Won
Golden Joystick Awards Most Wanted Game Nominated [35]
2017 Game Critics Awards Best Original Game Nominated [36]
Best Online Multiplayer Nominated
Golden Joystick Awards Most Wanted Game Nominated [37]
2018 Develop Awards Animation Nominated [38]
Visual Design Nominated
Music Design Nominated
Sound Design (Rare Ltd) Nominated
Gameplay Innovation Nominated
The Independent Game Developers' Association Awards 2018 Best Action and Adventure Game Nominated [39][40]
Creativity Award Nominated
Best Audio Design Nominated
Visual Design Won
Golden Joystick Awards Best Audio Design Nominated [41][42]
Best Co-operative Game Nominated
Xbox Game of the Year Nominated
The Game Awards 2018 Best Multiplayer Game Nominated [43]
Titanium Awards Best Artistic Design Nominated [44][45]
Best Social/Family Game Won
Australian Games Awards Multiplayer/Online Title of the Year Nominated [46]
2019 D.I.C.E. Awards Online Game of the Year Nominated [47]
NAVGTR Awards Design, New IP Nominated [48]
Game, Original Action Nominated
15th British Academy Games Awards Evolving Game Nominated [49]
Multiplayer Nominated
Italian Video Game Awards Innovation Award Nominated [50]
Ivor Novello Awards Best Original Video Game Score Won [51]
The Independent Game Developers' Association Awards 2019 Best Social Game Nominated [52]
Golden Joystick Awards Best Game Expansion (Anniversary Update) Nominated [53]

References

  1. ^ a b c Alexander, Julia (11 June 2017). "Sea of Thieves coming in early 2018". Polygon. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Totilo, Stephen (15 June 2016). "How Rare's Co-Op Pirate Game Sea Of Thieves Works". Kotaku. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  3. ^ a b Hall, Charlie (13 June 2016). "Rare's next game is a multiplayer pirate adventure". Polygon. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  4. ^ a b Moser, Cassidee (14 June 2016). "E3 2016: Sea of Thieves is a Massive Pirate Sandbox". Shacknews. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  5. ^ Chan, Stephanie (11 June 2017). "Microsoft's Sea of Thieves shows how you use cannons to board ships". VentureBeat. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  6. ^ Rare Ltd (22 December 2015), Rare Revealed: A Rare Look at Dream, retrieved 29 March 2018
  7. ^ Thang, Jimmy (12 July 2016). "Tim Sweeney Criticizes Microsoft/Oculus and Talks Project Scorpio". GameSpot. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  8. ^ a b Mayles, Gregg (24 January 2018). "Nearly 4 years ago, a clumsily titled concept envisaged a different type of multiplayer game where players would create 'experiences that are entertaining to watch'. Today we'll start to find out whether #SeaOfThieves has achieved this pic.twitter.com/vblR45ywF7". @Ghoulyboy. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  9. ^ "Rare, Give Me a Little Control in Making My 'Sea of Thieves' Character". Vice. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  10. ^ a b Donnelly, Joe (23 November 2016). "Sea of Thieves launches early access 'Insider Programme'". PC Gamer. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  11. ^ Lee, Ben (15 June 2015). "Rare's Sea of Thieves announced as Xbox One and PC exclusive at E3 2015". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  12. ^ Pereira, Chris; Dayus, Oscar (11 June 2017). "E3 2017: Sea Of Thieves Delayed Until 2018". GameSpot. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  13. ^ Seppala, Timothy J. (8 December 2017). "Pirate simulator 'Sea of Thieves' hits Xbox on March 20th". Engadget. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  14. ^ Spencer, Phil (23 January 2018). "Xbox Game Pass Expands To Include New Releases From Microsoft Studios". news.xbox.com. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  15. ^ Marshall, Cass. "Sea of Thieves' anniversary update includes an ocean of adventures". Polygon. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  16. ^ Wales, Matt. "Sea of Thieves launches microtransaction store, includes £25 ship set". Eurogamer. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  17. ^ a b "Sea of Thieves for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  18. ^ a b "Sea of Thieves for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  19. ^ Devore, Jordan (23 March 2018). "Review: Sea of Thieves". Destructoid. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  20. ^ a b Goroff, Michael (23 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves review". EGMNow. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  21. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (23 March 2018). "Fun In A Shallow Pool - Sea of Thieves - Xbox One". Game Informer. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  22. ^ Tamburro, Paul (26 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves Review – Rarely Exciting (Xbox One)". Game Revolution. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  23. ^ Brown, Peter (27 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  24. ^ Loveridge, Sam (23 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves review: Doesn't have the (sea)legs for longevity". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  25. ^ a b Tyrell, Brandin (27 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves Review". IGN. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  26. ^ a b Frushtick, Russ (22 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves review". Polygon. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  27. ^ Wilde, Tyler (23 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves review". PC Gamer. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  28. ^ Bell, Alice (27 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves review". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  29. ^ "Sea of Thieves reviews round-up – all the scores for Rare's wonky pirate adventure". VG247. 22 March 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  30. ^ McKeand, Kirk (22 March 2018). "Sea of Thieves review: an ocean of possibility, but nothing below the surface". VG247. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  31. ^ "Sea of Thieves team issues candid video update on persistent technical issues". Polygon. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  32. ^ Jeff Gerstmann (28 December 2018). "Here's What Won". Giant Bomb.
  33. ^ "Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2016 (2016 Nominees)". Game Critics Awards. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  34. ^ "Best of Gamescom 2016 Winners Selected by Gamescom Committee". The Video Game Librarian. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  35. ^ Sam Loveridge (15 September 2016). "Golden Joystick Awards 2016 voting now open to the public". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  36. ^ "Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2017 (2017 Nominees)". Game Critics Awards. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  37. ^ Eri Gaito (13 November 2017). "Golden Joystick Awards 2017 Nominees". Best in Slot. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  38. ^ MCV staff (21 May 2018). "Announcing the Develop Awards 2018 nominations shortlist". MCV. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  39. ^ Suzi Stephenson (19 September 2018). "TIGA Announces Games Industry Awards 2018 Finalists". The Independent Game Developers' Association. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  40. ^ "2018 Winners". The Independent Game Developers' Association. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  41. ^ Tom Hoggins (24 September 2018). "Golden Joysticks 2018 nominees announced, voting open now". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  42. ^ Connor Sheridan (16 November 2018). "Golden Joystick Awards 2018 winners: God of War wins big but Fortnite gets Victory Royale". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  43. ^ Christopher Grant (6 December 2018). "The Game Awards 2018: Here are all the winners". Polygon. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  44. ^ "Titanium Awards 2018". Fun & Serious Game Festival. Archived from the original on 7 July 2019. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  45. ^ Matthew Handrahan (10 December 2018). "Red Dead Redemption 2 wins Best Game at Fun & Serious Festival Awards". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  46. ^ "Your 2018 Winners". Australian Games Awards. 19 December 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  47. ^ Eddie Makuch (10 January 2019). "God Of War, Spider-Man Lead DICE Awards; Here's All The Nominees". GameSpot. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  48. ^ "Nominee List for 2018". National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  49. ^ Stefanie Fogel (14 March 2019). "'God of War,' 'Red Dead 2' Lead BAFTA Game Awards Nominations". Variety. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  50. ^ "Italian Video Game Awards Nominees and Winners". Italian Video Game Awards. 11 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  51. ^ Gil Kaufman (24 May 2019). "Mariah Carey and The 1975 Win 2019 Ivor Novello Awards". Billboard. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  52. ^ Suzi Stephenson (19 September 2019). "TIGA Announces Games Industry Awards 2019 Finalists". The Independent Game Developers' Association. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  53. ^ Stephen Tailby (20 September 2019). "Days Gone Rides Off with Three Nominations in This Year's Golden Joystick Awards". Push Square. Retrieved 21 September 2019.


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sea_of_Thieves&oldid=929958891"