User:Logical Gentleman/MechScape

MechScape is the codename for Jagex's upcoming Java-based science fiction MMORPG. Plans are for it to be a Mecha-like and casual, using a browser-based interface like Runescape. Jagex is keeping their plans a surprise and so is reluctant to release details on the game.

Production
Inspiration for the creation of MechScape was that the ideas for Jagex's other MMORPG, Runescape, were thought of as the game developed. This meant that the game had components of many different flavors. Jagex editors wanted a game that was more consistent and a chance to try ideas that would have been impossible to implement in Runescape.

MechScape was originally going to be released in 2006, but production was delayed several years by new additions and improvements. When discussing the release date in an interview on May 25, 2009, Mark Gerhand, the CEO of Jagex, said: For all intents and purposes the game is done. It's finished, in testing, and working. But we're in testing and going, "What if we change this..." I suppose we're so excited about what the end result can be that we're tolerating all these changes in 11th hour so to speak. There's nothing really arbitrary, it's all things we think will really help gameplay or make it more fun. I do expect it to be released in 2009, but it's hard to guarantee these as I'm sure you know. In an interview on the 18 of August 2009, Andrew Gower, the founder of Jagex, said: In terms of when it’s ready…, the version in the office is now pretty much feature complete, it’s fully playable and is due to enter the final internal testing and polishing shortly, which is massive milestone for us. How long the testing takes depends on how much we decide we still want to improve, it could be a little while longer because we’re not going to rush it, and aren’t going to launch it until it’s awesome.

Overview
The Jagex team plans to add sci-fi elements to the game that are completely distinct from current science fiction MMORPGs, which they feel contain mostly fantasy mechanics. The game will have four separate species with different skills and looks. Players will be able to align themselves with different factions. Player-built spaceships and vehicles may be included, along with cloning.