Would You Play an MMORPG Set in a Research Facility?
I’ve been inspired by a game called Palia, an MMORPG without combat where players explore, gather resources, and build relationships with NPCs in a cozy, Stardew Valley-like multiplayer experience. It’s made me wonder: would this concept work for a research facility setting? I’ve been developing a facility-themed game, but right now, it’s more of a roleplay sandbox without core mechanics. I’m thinking of pivoting it into a cozy MMORPG with unique facility-themed gameplay. Here’s my vision:
The Core Idea:
Deep NPC Interactions: NPCs with extensive dialogue and a reputation system to let you build meaningful relationships with coworkers.
Facility-Themed Skills: Skills like repairing, cooking, cleaning, firearm handling (non-combat), and healing. Progression unlocks better tools, recipes, and utilities—for example, an advanced wrench for handling dangerous repairs.
No Combat: The focus is on teamwork and cooperation rather than PVP, aiming to create a more relaxed, collaborative environment.
Economy and Customization: Earn money to buy upgraded uniforms, tools, or decorations for your office—a personal space where you can place items like repair stations or other utilities.
Expansive Underground Facility: A large, interconnected map to explore, full of facility sections and areas to gather resources and perform tasks.
Would a game like this appeal to you? Do you think this blend of cozy gameplay and facility management would work in an MMORPG setting? I’d love your thoughts!
(For reference: Palia is a cozy MMORPG where you explore, gather, and interact with villagers without any combat mechanics, focusing on relaxation and community.)
Here’s a review of Palia to showcase what vision i’m going for, but styled in a research facility.
I’d love to make a game like Palia but the medieval village RPG style is REALLY outplayed, and my research facility game is missing some good gameplay.
Ideas For Converting Medieval RPG Style Into Modern Facility
1. Replace Gathering Professions with Facility-Appropriate Tasks
Instead of mining, chopping trees, and fishing, create mechanics that reflect activities you’d find in a high-tech, underground research facility:
Scrapping/Disassembling: Salvage old or malfunctioning equipment for materials like scrap metal, wiring, or rare components.
Data Recovery: Explore abandoned areas or malfunctioning terminals to retrieve corrupted files or logs.
Specimen Collection: Harvest samples from plants, microorganisms, or environmental hazards found in the facility (similar to farming).
Facility Maintenance: Repair and maintain facility systems, such as ventilation, power lines, or water filtration systems, earning materials or credits.
2. Shift Crafting to High-Tech Tools and Research
Replace blacksmithing and tailoring with crafting systems that feel modern and scientific:
Engineering/Toolcrafting: Create advanced tools or gadgets like multi-tools, drones, or repair kits.
Chemistry: Craft consumables like cleaning solvents, medical supplies, or energy boosters.
Blueprint System: Unlock and upgrade recipes for specialized facility equipment, like faster repair drones or better lab equipment.
3. Replace “Farming” with Specialized Facility Roles
Instead of farming crops, players can specialize in facility-centric roles:
Technician: Maintain and upgrade machinery or keep containment systems running.
Researcher: Conduct experiments or analyze collected samples to unlock new technologies or skills.
Medic: Tend to injured coworkers or NPCs, crafting first-aid kits or restoring morale.
Logistics: Organize deliveries and shipments of materials throughout the facility.
4. Environmental Exploration and Tasks
A sprawling underground facility can provide plenty of opportunities for exploration:
Abandoned Sectors: Discover materials or data in older parts of the facility that are now unsafe or abandoned.
Dynamic Events: Address facility-wide issues like power outages, containment breaches, or environmental hazards that bring players together.
Hidden Areas: Secret rooms or passageways can contain lore, rare resources, or unique crafting stations.
5. Economy and Customization
Office Space as Your “Farm”: Each player has a private customizable office or lab where they can store materials, decorate, and install utility items like crafting stations.
Facility Store: Purchase upgraded uniforms, gadgets, or rare items.
Teamwork for Upgrades: Work with other players to fund facility upgrades that unlock new areas, resources, or global bonuses.
6. Reputation and NPCs
Expand on Palia’s social mechanics by adding facility-specific interactions:
Fellow Workers: NPCs are coworkers with personalities and roles, like a grumpy technician or a friendly researcher. Building rapport with them unlocks quests, discounts, or personal rewards.
Task Boards: Complete daily or weekly tasks (e.g., repair systems, sanitize labs) to earn reputation with specific departments.
7. Global Events to Unite Players
Introduce facility-wide challenges that require collaboration:
Containment Breach: Anomalous activity that all players must address together.
System Overload: Collaborate to repair power grids or cooling systems before a meltdown.
8. Replace Combat with Strategic Challenges
Instead of fighting, challenges could involve problem-solving or skill-based tasks:
Puzzles: Rewire circuits, decrypt codes, or solve containment procedures.
Timed Tasks: Quickly fix equipment or evacuate areas before a disaster.
Hazards: Avoid dangerous leaks, malfunctioning machinery, or environmental hazards while gathering resources.