ComPet Bulletin #9: Development update
It’s been quite some time since the last ComPet bulletin, and a lot has happened since then. More and more systems and features are being locked in as we approach the start of the closed beta. The graphics and user interfaces have gone through several iterations and will soon be as intended for the final product.
So this is where we are at now!
Most placeholder icons and graphics have been replaced by the real deal. In this picture you can see the residence, the stables, and the gold mine, as well as a fearsome Atrox guarding the city. As you can see, the city view is the main user interface from which most other features are accessed, either by clicking the icons or the buildings themselves.
All the buildings in the city will have their unique functions. The library, for example, lets you research new pet abilities (note: work in progress)
The shops will let you buy currency and purchase items and pets with said currency. You can of course also buy stuff using the currency you have collected in-game.
A battle pack is attached to a pet before arena battle. Battle packs are found in the packs shop. The winner of an arena pet battle receives a portion of the purchase price of the loser’s battle pack.
Preparing for battle includes attaching a battle pack and carefully selecting which ability set-up you want to use in the match.
The arena matches you up with an opponent for a standard pet battle. The raid function lets you attack another player’s city and try to take some of their resources. The forest lets you battle AI controlled pets and send your pets on quests.
The player versus player pet battle, the very core of ComPet gameplay, has gone through multiple graphics revisions.
Over 80 pet abilities have been designed and are being tested and balanced. Most icons, animations and backgrounds are finished. Just a few are still placeholders.
All pictures are of actual gameplay from the ComPet mobile application.
Right now we are working on the AI for pet battles versus computer controlled opponents, the quest system, as well as general balancing.
Remember to get some ComPet deeds to secure your spot in the closed beta! Go to https://competgame.com/shop/ now and get your deeds.
PLEASE NOTE: ComPet is still in development. As such, any features, systems, names or graphics mentioned or shown in this document may be subject to change.
ComPet bulletin #8: The Forest
In the previous ComPet bulletin we talked about the City Management system. This time we will take a look at the Forest, a special structure found in every city.
The Forest
The Forest provides access to the two ComPet PvE (player vs. environment) systems: Quests and Beasts.
Quests
Quests provide players with a way to keep their pets active between matches and potentially receive valuable rewards. Choose which of your pets to dispatch, pay the quest fee, and send your pets out for riches and glory.
Successfully completed quests grant rewards and new quests are offered at regular time intervals.
Beasts
The Beasts system will allow players to battle against AI-controlled pets. Players will face many different creatures and meet different characters in the single player campaign.
Not only designed for fun, the Beasts system is an important source of resources needed to improve your city and pets.
- Follow us on twitter @playComPet to receive updates on the forthcoming ComPet app!
- Go to www.competgame.com now to get your ComPet deeds!
ComPet is still in development. As such, any features, systems, and graphics of ComPet mentioned or shown in this document may be subject to change.
Compet Bulletin #7
In the previous ComPet bulletin we talked about player versus player pet battles. While the PVP pet battles are a central feature of ComPet, there are also many other cool features! In this ComPet bulletin we will take a look at the City Management feature.
City Management
Every ComPet player will have their own city to manage, where various useful structures can be built. The structures will for example offer the ability to recruit new pets, train existing pets, generate resources, and gain access to various other features and content.
The city itself and the buildings within can be upgraded in order to access new functions and pet bonuses. The city is also the main user interface from which most of your activities in ComPet originate.
ComPet will offer an exciting raid feature, where players can attack the cities of other ComPet players and pet battle them for their resources. Of course, this means defending your own city from attacks will be an important part of a successful strategy in ComPet!
We are also very happy to introduce Olivia, the ComPet in-game assistant!
When ComPet is launched, Olivia will guide you through the game, providing you with information and advice when you need it.
Follow us on Twitter @playComPet to receive more exciting updates on the ComPet app!
Visit www.ComPetGame.com now to reserve your ComPet deeds.
The ComPet app is still in development. As such, any features, systems, and graphics of ComPet mentioned or shown in this document may be subject to change.
ComPet Bulletin #6
We are currently testing the stability of the battle system. Here's a screenshot of the prototype in action!
Please note that this is a prototype built for game design and testing purposes only. It does not represent what the final product will look like. Any and all graphics shown are subject to change.
The picture shows a pet battle in full swing.
The two players take turns choosing what ability their pet will use next. The key to success in battle is to manage your pet’s health, mana, stamina, abilities and cooldowns in order to overcome your opponent. Just before the battle begins, you choose your ability set and apply buffs to your pet in order to maximize the effectiveness of your strategy and play style.
In the final product your pet will battle in vibrant environments, and have a vast amount of different abilities to choose from, which will cater to all play styles and strategies.
The pet battle is just one of many aspects of ComPet. Stay tuned for more updates and info as ComPet develops!
- Follow us on twitter @playComPet to receive more exciting updates on the ComPet app!
- Go to www.competgame.com now to get your ComPet deed!
ComPet Bulletin #5
Hello everyone!
We are happy to announce that the ComPet app has entered full production development following a successful prototyping phase. The prototype has provided useful feedback to the game design that will be input to the production development.
The app is on schedule to be launched during the first quarter of 2016 with a beta version being released exclusively to ComPet deed holders, a few months prior to the release.
If you have not yet had the chance to pick up a deed for yourself simply head on over to competgame.com before its too late!
We have also launched a twitter account for ComPet where we will post more regular updates on the development of the game, check it out at twitter.com/playcompet
ComPet Bulletin #4
Early concept of a ComPet pet gallery image.
ComPet Bulletin #3
ComPet preview screenshot of an Atrox atop a mound of gold.
ComPet Bulletin #2
Here is a preview of some Entropia-themed ComPets.
ComPet Bulletin #1
MindArk is proud to announce that the auction of ComPet deeds is going very well, with over 1 million PED worth of deeds already acquired by participants looking forward to being part of the ComPet project. The MindArk team has been both thrilled and encouraged by the great amount of interest shown in ComPet so far! In this announcement and throughout the development cycle we will be sharing lots more information about the ComPet system, including design plans and concept art.
We have also collected a number of relevant questions received from support cases and community discussions, which we hope to answer in this inaugural ComPet Bulletin.
Why is MindArk creating a separate game on a different platform?
We have learned from our marketing efforts that many potential Entropia Universe participants are lost before even logging in to Entropia Universe due to inadequate computer requirements, internet bandwidth, or other factors. ComPet will give potential participants who are interested in the concept of Entropia Universe’s RCE-MMO but are unable to play the full PC version a chance to experience at least some part of the uniqueness of Entropia Universe.
It was announced that in the free-to-play portion of ComPet, one can win points. What are the points used for?
There will be multiple currencies in ComPet. ComPet points can be obtained through lots of dedication to the game, and used to upgrade your pets or home as an alternative to using PED that can be bought for real money.
Can you provide more information about a release date for ComPet?
Though it is hard to know for sure so early in the development process, we are currently planning for a release of the ComPet app in early 2015.
Will there be an alpha test process for ComPet deed holders?
A new game such as ComPet requires lots of testing and feedback, so this is something we definitely are considering.
Does this new project mean that MindArk’s development priorities have shifted away from Entropia Universe?
MindArk’s vision for Entropia Universe has always been about making the universe deeper and broader, with a variety of experiences and features available for participants of all interests. MindArk wishes to expand the RCE universe to improve the user experience while also creating more opportunities for participants to invest and earn profits. Introducing ComPet as a standalone game and connecting parts of it with Entropia Universe accomplishes both of those goals.
That being said, rest assured that MindArk will continue to develop the core Entropia Universe platform and content as it has done for over 10 years. Development of Entropia Universe will not be negatively affected in any way by the ComPet project.
Why are there so many different types of deeds being introduced by MindArk lately?
Deeds are a great way for our participants to engage with the RCE model of Entropia Universe in a way that is totally unique in the gaming world. Previous deed opportunities have been a great success for everyone involved, and we plan to continue offering these opportunities to our participants in the future.
Will the ComPet app be available for iOS and Android devices?
The ComPet app will be offered as a standalone browser-based HTML5 application. This means it can be accessed from any platform or mobile device that has a modern web browser.
The original description of ComPet sounded a lot like gambling. Is this the case?
ComPet will be a skill-based game with some random elements included for balancing and entertainment value, very much similar to Entropia Universe.
Will all pets available in ComPet be inspired by Entropia Universe creatures, and will all pets used in ComPet be provided by Entropia Universe tamers and stables?
While the Entropia Universe taming system will definitely be a big part of the ComPet economy, not all ComPet pets will originate in Entropia Universe or be inspired by existing creatures. Many of the low-level ComPets will be generated by the ComPet system itself so that new players can get started right away. More details on the interaction between the Entropia Universe taming and stable systems and ComPet will be announced in the near future.
How does the ComPet app relate to the reimplemented Entropia Universe taming system that was announced not long ago?
As explained in the original ComPet announcement, the ‘traditional’ Entropia Universe taming system that was disabled after Version Update 10.0 will be reimplemented, with some exciting new features. In additon, the recently auctioned Entropia Universe stables will have the ability to sell pets and services to ComPet players.
Will Entropia Universe pets function in the traditional way, such as following your avatar, doing tricks, etc.?
As explained above, Entropia Universe pets will have all of their old functionality, along with lots of new features.
Will whips still be a part of the Entropia Universe taming process?
Whips will work as they did in the original Entropia Universe taming system.
What will happen to existing Entropia Universe pet deeds?
Existing pet deeds will continue to work, but the tamed creatures will have a unique status and cannot be tamed any further.