The research and development process for Dawn World has been set out here on a month by month basis during the 2.5 years development cycle so far. Each stage is detailed together with any further thoughts.

Static model placement. Level of detail switching as you move towards the variuos scenes.

Static model research introduction such as village and farm buildings, carts and market stalls. We bought most of the models and checked for good texture mapping and fit for the visual style of the game.

Improved server code. client login and player data store for position, character visual styles and inventory data.

Intial server communication and process loop establishe on test server. Game connection established and basic positional data tested tested on multiple clients.

Server technology researched, languages, optimum host providers, scalelable server platforms and communications performance requirements.

How will a map be drawn and textured. Early maps equate to 2km by 2km with a screen resolution of 1024*768 @ 24bit colour, resultng in 90 frame per second. Ambient and directional lighting introduced. Working within acceptable tolerences. Unique gameplay concept implemented. Opted to use HLSL shader technolgy.

Early research shows that it is posssible, the key points is graphics and the all important framerate to maintain a realistic look and feel. Direct Mouse and Keyboard capture accomplished. 3D world navigation of camera, forward, backward, strafe and mouse point all coded. Basic model loading lighting. Ideal test host secured. Unique gameplay concept discussed.

Many available game engines tested. Some good, many prove not to return high enough frame rates on minimum spec machines when buildings or characters were introduced. Research into efficient 3D modelling technology. Where to host server technolgy.

3D World environment research, is it possible to accomplish the goals? What technologies are out there? 3D Engines? Programming Languages? Target machines? Distribution methods? What technologies to use, what ones to build.

Main concept meet:
General idea To have a game powered by the interaction of the players. The more players the more diverse the game world would be. To have the game-play diverse, interesting and semi realistic. To have good graphics with smooth interaction. All this equates to a semi realistic MMORPG siding more with real world adventures.
Time to Research a few things....