FAQ about Visions

Visions is a MMORPG currently in development, set in 2nd Century Holy Land, starting at 100 AD, during the reign of Trajan. Visions is a quest and skill based game (as opposed to a level based game) in an online persistent world, meaning the game will always be ready when you are. You can invite your friends to join you at a specific time or you can login and meet new friends already playing in the game world.

What is a MMORPG?

The term MMORPG is an acronym for Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. Which means that it is a computer game that is designed to be played online with a bunch of other people all playing the same game with you at the same time. In a MMORPG the game is always waiting for you; all you need is a computer, the game client, and an internet connection.

Are you really creating this game with a volunteer team?

Yes, everything is being done by volunteers. All the programmers are volunteers, the artists are volunteers, the writers are volunteers, the researchers are volunteers, the musicians are volunteers, and the recruiters are volunteers. We have no funding, no sponsors, and no budget. There are no paid positions. Of course, we would like to have funding and paid staff, but we've been functioning with volunteers for the past 3 years. We connect with our development tools and communicate using the internet.

When can I play it?

The development process includes planning, early development, content implementation, Alpha testing, and eventually Beta testing which preceeds live release. Visions is not yet ready for Alpha testing. It took us about 8 months to make the transition from the old engine we were using to the TSE (now called TGEA) game engine, and now we are creating the content which is slowly being implemented. When we are sufficiently advanced in the game development process, Alpha testing will begin. Register on the Forums and check frequently for announcements on the development progress and Alpha/Beta Testing opportunities.

"Soft woman" by Visions concept artist: Kyle Cooper

A game in the Holy Land... how can that be?

This is a chance to experience history as a participant! We plan to make an interactive environment full of quests and intellectual advancement opportunities. Players will be able to choose a character (human of course!) from among several different cultural backgrounds, customize their appearance, and enter a game world full of challenges and adventure. There will be social interactions, opportunities for players to develop customized communities, settle an area, or travel the landscape seeking adventure and fortune. There is an underlying story which will serve as an ulterior motive toward an end-game experience, but there will be plenty of activities to participate in besides that single goal.

Is this a religious game?

The game will be set post Bible writing, beginning about 100 AD, in hopes to avoid conflict with any Biblical storylines. The original idea developed from a desire to create a Christian game, that is fun and exciting (traits often attributed to secular games) while still encouraging Christian values. Visions hopes to go a step beyond that and reach out to players from all walks of life who are looking for a refreshingly different kind of Role Playing Game unlike any other currently available. It is our hope that players will enjoy playing the game regardless of personal belief in God.

Will there be any fighting in it?

In the 2nd century people faced brigands, thieves, soldiers (and wars), wild animals, social and political uprisings, and all manner of dangers on a daily basis. In order to create even a semi-realistic world, we feel we must include some element of danger and provide a means of self-defense. So yes, expect there to be some fighting in it.

What about tradeskills?

We plan to incorporate a rich and captivating tradeskill system which will allow the players to generate a diverse economy within the game world. Players will be able to pursue training among a variety of professions such as Soldier, Hunter, Entertainer, Potter, Farmer, Physician... and several others. Players will develop their character's skills according to their own interests and curiosity, and according to the distances travelled in persuit of new knowledge.

What about Mounts?

We have several riding mounts planned for use by the characters. Each mount will have unique traits, and will come in a variety of qualities. If all goes according to plan, players will even be able to breed their animals to try and produce higher quality offspring. And yes, we plan to have carts and chariots implemented eventually. The ETA on mounts and vehicles is not yet known.

Will there be any player housing?

Yes! This is a high priority goal on my list. Players will have to work hard to achieve quality housing, but once attained, it will be a useful resource as well as a safe haven. Players will be able to decorate their homes and yards to some degree. If all goes as planned players will even be able to plant gardens and trees on their property. This level of dynamic interaction with the world requires very intensive programming skills, and considerable time to implement. If you know any programmer who might be interested in helping us write the code for the game, please have them contact me! Sparkling (And PLEASE add tinyzoo@yahoo.com to your "Trusted" email list, so that my reply doesn't get lost in a spam box! Thank you!)

What are the system requirements?

Exact system specifications have not yet been established, but we want as many people as possible who want to play the game to be able to play the game. We already know a few system specs to expect however simply based on the Torque Shader Engine (from Garage Games if you want to read further on it yourself). An advanced 3D video card which supports "Pixel Shaders" will be required. The engine supports next generation 3D graphics features such as dynamic lighting, shadows, and many special effects. As such it also requires the hardware to support these features. Anticipate at least 1+ gig RAM and a high end graphics card. We are making every effort to optimise the game for players by reducing polygon count on our 3D models, compensating this with more detailed textures, normal mapping, and bump maps in hopes that our game will accommodate most modest computer systems while still satisfying the need for eye candy.

How much will this game cost to play?

The final decision for payment options has not yet been made but we hope to make the game available to as many people as possible. We hope to make the game software available as a free download, or a low-cost download. We anticipate that players will want a CD purchase option as well however, as the total client download currently is over 1.5 GB compressed. Pricing for a CD purchase option has not yet been evaluated. At this point in time we are planning to use a sliding scale subscription model for game access, although this plan is subject to change depending on financial requirements for the project. At this point we do plan to offer a temporary free trial for new users. We want everyone to be able to experience Visions, who wishes to.

How can I help?

#1. Volunteer your time and talents. If you have time in your schedule, you're willing to work for free until we get funding, and you have skills in any of the following: 3D game programming in C++, Torque Scripting, or MySQL databases; 3D modeling, Animation, UVwrapping, texturing; writing (quests, short stories, poetry... etc.); sound engineering or digital music composing, 3D terrain development, Biblical history, or generic C++ programming experience and willing to learn and work with the team - fill out this form! Job Application

#2. You can donate financially. Even $12 helps. If half a million people were to donate $12 we would have sufficient funding for 2 or more years. If you are only able to make a 1 time donation of any amount, or if you are able to make a faith-promise donation of $12 a month for 12 months, either would be greatly appreciated. If you are not able to donate time, but can donate money, please use the Donation button in the side menu to the left or at the bottom of this page.

#3. Pray for us. If you don't have the time, a needed talent, or the money to contribute, please pray for us. We are creating this game in faith as we feel directed by the leading of our hearts. Yet with any project of this magnitude there are always moments of doubt or frustration. We understand that there will be problems along the way as with any development project, but please pray that we will handle each situation wisely and to the best possible outcome for all who are involved.

#4. Tell your friends! We are tremendously dependant on player interest for this game to be a success. Please share the link http://www.visionsgame.com with all your online gaming and role playing gamer friends. Post the link in your Church bulletin. Put an ad in your local newspaper. The more people who support our cause, the faster we'll be able to get the game completed.

Please Donate!

Please note all donations are non-refundable, and non-tax-deductible.

Visions - Donate! - Tinyzoo - Blog

Email me: Sparkling