New World – Zone Creation and Legacy of Crassus

Expansive areas that are fun to discover and explore are pretty much a necessity for any MMORPG, and especially one with a setting inspired by the Age of Discovery. And as such, the latest Forged in Aeternum video blog for Amazon’s New World tells us a thing or two about how that game’s developers go about creating new areas and populating them with content.

Check it out:

And here are some extra details:

Greetings, Adventurers!

Brimstone Sands, Everfall, and Monarch’s Bluffs are just a few of the zones where players continue to create their own memorable experiences in New World. But what about the experiences that created those same zones? Each territory is crafted through conversations around questions like what’s something awesome we haven’t done before, what would look cool through the lens of Aeternum, and how will this make our narrative even more immersive. The process actually begins by working backwards.

Explore the philosophy, elements, and stories behind zone creation in the video below.

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THE ROLE OF CONCEPT MOOD EXPLORATIONS IN BUILDING A ZONE

Senior Concept Artist Stuart Kim walked us through some of the zone creation process:

“Concept artists use shape language, color, material variety, and lighting in these mood explorations to evoke a desired emotion,” Stuart said. “For example, how do we amplify awe in the player when they see a majestic vista? Or perhaps we could create a stronger sense of apprehension using low-lighting & atmosphere in a dark, supernatural location? At the early stage, we’re not focusing too much on specific designs, but trying to establish the overall tone of the scenery and using our tools to achieve those results.”

“We’re also attempting to add in a sense of intrigue through directed compositions that may depict figures or the state of an object or place. For instance, you might see a settlement after it was destroyed or perhaps over-grown through abandonment and the passing of time. These visual cues provide clues as to why or how it became that way. It may even stir up more questions, which is a good thing. The team worked closely with Narrative and Design throughout production to develop the look of the world and contribute to the storytelling of Aeternum through concept art.”

Beyond that, you should also be aware that Legacy of Crassus, a new limited-time event, will be live in New World from February 21 through March 7. The event itself will have you fighting some Roman cyclopes in order to earn a bunch of new gear.

Here’s more on that:

Greetings, Adventurers!

The might of Rome threatens Aeternum from February 21 to March 7. Hunt down General Crassus’ monstrous captains and banish the shadow of Roman tyranny in an all-new event. Following a plan set in motion long ago, Crassus’ forces have invaded the southern lands to unleash the cyclopses Lucanus and Decimus. Players brave enough to face these world bosses can search for portals in Brightwood, Weavers Fen, Mourningdale, Ebonscale Reach, and Edengrove. Each victory nets Adventurers event-specific, daily rewards.

LORE

Crassus has fallen, but his most loyal soldiers vehemently carry on a final mission — an invasion of the southern lands. Are they in pursuit of conquest, revenge, or something far more sinister?

The Corrupted Legion transforms the land into barren dirt, mud, and dust. Tall banners extend upwards and small fires burn along the ground. Elite Legionnaire soldiers patrol the perimeter while a Signifer Nerva casts a spell in the middle. Moments later a portal opens…

Crimson eyes glare through the magical abyss. They blink simultaneously, yet grow farther apart. Every mighty stomp amplifies their size and ferocity. Water ripples, tents collapse, and even bears in neighboring regions scurry away from the chaotic quakes as two hulking figures barbarically emerge to a deafening silence.

Lucanus and Decimus, Crassus’ cyclops captains, raise their arms. As their massive weapons extend skyward, the shadow of Roman tyranny creeps ever closer to consuming Aeternum. This is the remains of a General seduced by corruption. This is the Legacy of Crassus.

REWARDS

Triumph over these level 66 vicious brutes for event-specific items like Lucanus weapons and Decimus armor, plus standard weapons, armor, and consumables. Note that players must deal at least 1000 damage to receive rewards.

DAILY BONUS REWARDS

Once daily, players will earn a special cache containing one of the following Legendary pieces of gear after defeating the world bosses. Players are also guaranteed to receive every reward after defeating them eight times.

• Wrath of Decimus – Great Axe
• Hoplites Great Blade – Great Sword
• Cuirass of Decimus – Heavy Chest Armor
• Fists of Decimus – Heavy Gauntlets
• Sagittar of Lucanus – Bow
• Vesuvius – Fire Staff
• Galea of Lucanus – Medium Helm
• Hobnailed Boots of Lucanus – Medium Boots
• Players will also get:
  • 1 – 3 Obsidian Gypsum
  • 500 Umbral Shards
  • A special Craft Mod that can be used to add powerful affects to crafted items. (25% chance)

Daily rewards reset at 5 AM local time. For example, if a player grabs one special cache at 4:58 AM, they’ll be able to earn another at 5:01 AM.

STANDARD REWARDS

Players will receive one of the following rewards each time they fell Lucanus and Decimus. Unlike daily bonus rewards, players can slay the world boss multiple times in one day for additional rewards.

• Each victory rewards players with either:
  • A random weapon or armor piece at their level (90% chance)
  • A special Named item from Brimstone Sands or greater Aeternum (10% chance)
• Players will also get some level-appropriate consumables (health, mana, etc.)

Thanks for your support! We’ll see you in Aeternum.