Book of Travels

Book of Travels is a role-playing video game under development by Might and Delight. Unlike massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), Book of Travels limits the number of players on each server to create memorable meetings with players. The early access version was released for Windows, Mac, and Linux on October 11, 2021.

Gameplay
Book of Travels is described as a "social role-playing experience that doesn't hold your hand." Unlike many RPGs, Book of Travels has no overarching goals, beginnings, or ends and pushes the player to create their own journey. Unlike many RPGs, the game focuses on role-playing, exploration, and personality rather than stats and numbers.

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. From the outset, players set off to explore the land of their own will or find people to travel with. Players are able to gather resources, craft items, learn special abilities, with some aspects of combat.

Player to player interaction is entirely non-text/verbal, relying on a limited set of emotes that are gained through player experience. The limitations on emotes is aimed at creating a richer, friendlier experience for players. 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. Players will be able to play instruments together and collect new tunes.

Development
Announced in September 2019 at Tokyo Game Show, Book of Travels' development was crowdfunded via Kickstarter. The early access version of the game was scheduled to be released in October 2020, but it was postponed four times. The Steam early access version was ultimately released on October 11, 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. Other content expansions hinted at were new levels and playable areas, characters and storylines and events. The game follows a "hand-painted" artstyle.

Reception
In May 2020, Wholesome Games featured Book of Travels in their Wholesome Direct. Book of Travels was nominated for Best Long Feature Award at A Maze 2020.