This time, we'll be taking a closer look at the next-generation gaming metaverse, Star Atlas, and sharing a conversation with CPO Danny Floyd to find out more about the vision behind it and what went into its development.
table of contents
- 1. What is the appeal of Star Atlas?
- 2. Danny Floyd's background
- 3. Star Atlas Release Strategy
- 4. Synergy with Unreal Engine 5
- 5. Summary
1. What is the appeal of Star Atlas?
Star Atlas is a game born from the fusion of blockchain technology and real-time graphics. It uses Unreal Engine 5's Nanite technology to achieve high-quality cinematic visuals. The game offers a new gaming experience where players can freely carry out in-game activities and transactions.
2. Danny Floyd's background
Danny is a veteran with a long history in the game industry. He fell in love with games at the age of five and has since embarked on a career in game development. He began his career with an internship at Westwood Studios, and has worked on game development at companies such as Electronic Arts and 5G Studios.
- Dominic explains that the goal of this new series, "Navigating Star Atlas," is to encourage more openness and transparency through dialogue with developers.
- Danny Floyd has revealed that in addition to his role as CPO for Star Atlas, he also serves as Game Director and Art Director, and is the original author of Star Atlas' story, characters, races, factions and other major points of contention.
- Danny talks about his history in the world of game development: He got his first Nintendo when he was 5, and asked his dad to help him learn how to make games when he was 6. He learned about different tools for game production in high school, and went on to major in art in college.
- He began his career in the games industry through an internship at Westwood Studios, and has since worked on a variety of games for companies such as Electronic Arts and 3G Studios.
- Danny also reveals that he is working on iOS app development with his brother Jacob, and has previously released a health-related app.
- He also talks about how the idea for Star Atlas was born, how it was shared with the rest of the team, and how they began to make it a reality.
3. Star Atlas Release Strategy
The release of Star Atlas will take a phased approach, first providing a basic game experience as "Season Zero," then adding various elements and features throughout Seasons 1 through 8. This will allow players to experience the evolution of the game in real time.
- Danny answers questions about the vision for Star Atlas. He explains that the development process is different because Star Atlas is crowdfunded. While a normal game develops all features in secret and releases them when they are complete, Star Atlas takes a phased approach, revealing the process along the way.
- He uses the example of Red Dead Redemption 2 to explain the difference between how traditional game companies release games and how Star Atlas releases games: Star Atlas takes a unique approach in that in-game items and skins can be owned and traded on the blockchain.
- Danny also touched on the skin system in Star Atlas, which is different in that while in traditional games developers create skins and sell them to players, Star Atlas allows players to create their own skins and sell them to other players.
- When asked about the use of blockchain, Danny explains that it allows players to control their in-game activities and transactions freely, and emphasizes that players can have real value for their time and energy in the game.
- In response to a question about the release of Star Atlas, Danny responded that the game has already been partially released, and that it may take a long time to realize his complete vision, but that he'll enjoy the process along the way.
- Danny detailed Star Atlas' release strategy. He said the game will be released as "Season Zero," which will be a full gameplay experience. Season Zero will include all the core elements of the game, including mining, crafting, marketplace, racing, PVE, and PVP.
- After that, various elements and features will be added from Season 1 to Season 8. For example, Season 1 will introduce space mining, and Season 2 will introduce in-game hunting.
- Danny uses the example of "Fortnite" to explain the game's release strategy, which he says is similar to Star Atlas's in that the game is never "done," but continues to release seasonal content.
4. Synergy with Unreal Engine 5
Star Atlas is being developed using Unreal Engine 5. The engine's Nanite technology allows for the creation of highly detailed spaceships and characters using extremely high polygon static meshes, which greatly improves the visuals in the game.
- Dominic poses some questions to Danny about Unreal Engine 5. Danny cites the reasons for choosing Unreal Engine 5 including his and his team member Jacob's familiarity with Unreal Engine 4, Epic Games' support, and the introduction of Nanite technology, which he says makes it possible to create highly detailed spaceships and characters using very high polygon static meshes.
- Dominic asks for audience feedback towards the end of the episode - he invites you to share your thoughts and requests in the comments section about which division you would like to see interviewed next.
- Danny says he hopes everyone enjoys the Star Atlas development process, and indicates his intention to continue these types of conversations in the future.
5. Summary
Star Atlas is attracting attention as a project that pursues new possibilities for games. Through our conversation with Danny Floyd, we were able to get a glimpse into the deep vision and passion behind the game's development. We're really looking forward to future updates and releases!