That is... HIGHLY ambitious, mostly the part about it being 3d.
I mentioned somewhere else that a buddy of mine actually started the community over at freemmorpgmaker.com , a site that now has over 20k users in three languages. It's a free, top down, 2d MMO engine. Probably easier to get going, though not as polished as the unreal engine.

I can't code or anything, I am not a clever pony, but YOU HAVE MY QUILL! I am a writer over there by the same name (Thorn) and would happily write for you, whichever engine you use. We'll need quests, after all.

>>15831
Thanks Thorn, I didn't wanna say much about myself yet but I am a professional 3d artist that has worked in a video game studio (that flopped), I'm now doing freelance and looking for another studio job, so the 3d part would actually be the easiest part of it all (but still would need another modeler and animator), I'm also very proficient in unreal editor, know it all but to code unreal script.
I hope that makes people more comfortable in joining the project.
yes, this is huge but not impossible, it would probably take a team of 4 about 6 months to have a working client, and that's working on freetime.

Sounds like a big project! I'd be willing to do a bit of writing for it, if more hooves are needed. Reply or shoot me an email when you get that far!

Nice, that kind of background makes this way more reasonable then!
I was brought up in a house BUILT by the gaming industry. My dad worked on the original Need for Speed, along with a lot of other games. Between that, doing writing for MMO's over at the freemmorpgmaker forums and playing Equestria of Warcraft for YEARS, I've got a pretty good view of what makes good quests and stories in games.
Anyway, that's my credentials. Here's hoping we get some more people involved, and this takes off!

>>15835
Musemallow: thanks anypony I can get my hoofs on is useful, specially in spreading the word and website/forum management, and other kinds of writing ingame.

>>15842
That's really cool Thorn, you must be very proud of you dad, I love the need for speed franchise.
I'd love to have you as a writer for the game's quest and stuff, right now I need people to spread the word that this is a serious project so we can get an idea of how much the user base would be.
I know it might be a little too much to ask but if any MOD is willing, please pin this thread, I need all the exposure I can get.

Again please tell me if you would like to be in a virtual Equestria where you could go on quest with your pony friends and maybe have a house, business, clotting :P and much more, all in nexgen graphics.

I would suggest using the Unity 3D engine. I've seen great results come from mostly free games(most of the time they are) and it seems easy to use/make. Though ive never worked with it, i often play the games that run on it.
For example Fusion Fall and Dead Frontier both run on it and many other mmos

Glad you'd consider me part of the herd for this ambitious project! Give me a shout whenever, and my quill is as good as yours.

>>15831
did somepony say "3-D"?

>>15882
I really feel more comfortable doing the project in unreal engine since I know so much about it, its easy to learn and has a large userbase, and already has online infrastructure for steam.

>>15919
that's a good start! I usually start that way, blocking out the forms. email me some of your work if you're interested in joining the project. I was thinking of doing all the ponies and variations but depending of how massive the customization gets, I might need an extra hoof, specially with props.

>>15914
you can start right now by checking out which are the best places to announce the project, Deviant art and such.
I should have a friend doing the website shortly and this week I'll found a game studio just for this project (no joke)


also happy to announce that I got another official member, shes a personal friend and a GREAT artist, also a fan of MLP but hasn't seen the new show yet, she will do the concept art and orthographic views for the modelers.

stay tunned and please, more feedback.

Sounds good! If you like, email me a pitch for the game based on what your vision of the finished product will be like so I'll know what to tell people about. :) Doesn't have to be anything too detailed, just something to hook prospective players and/or staff members.

1. Making a MMO is a *EXCEEDINGLY* time consuming/work intensive undertaking
2. Rather than leap for a platform like Unreal which has graphics chops, I'd recc a platform which takes care of all the virtual Equestria client/server mess. Unity3D is a decent choice, so are platforms such as Opensim, RealXtend.
3. This would run the risk of attracting unwanted legal attention from Hasbro, for fairly obvious reasons.

>>15971
okay, what's your e-mail address?

>>15996
I understand what you mean and here's what I think.

1: you're completely right, but It wouldn't be a full blown mmorpg, I;m thinking more of a server client service of the likes of team fortress 2 or cod

2: We would need to find some good programmers in that case (hardest to find), the thing is that I by my self can already make a complete game in UDK without programing much, thanks to its userfriendlyness, Its already got the online infrastructure I'm looking to incorporate into the game so its only minor steps to do what I want to do.

3: the project would be non profit, no paypal no ads no worries for copyright infringement. plus it could be kid friendly depending on the server you join.

thanks for your feedback, that's what I need to figure all this things out.

>>15998
click my tripcode :)

OMFG DO IT!!!
if this actually happens it will be the best thing ever created other than mlp itself.

i do have some 3dsmax experience but i think there's probably lots of people here that can do better. I'll try to help but i may busy a lot.

I dont know 3d or much coding but i am experienced in flash animation, and website/forum relating things so if you need a hand with that im willing to join in on the project. This sounds like a fantastic idea, i love ponies and i love mmorpgs so together would be amazing!

>>15978
yeah, I should be preparing something like an official announcement soon, I'll email you and also post it here.

>>16012
thanks, It has to come to fruition :P

>>16017
We really could use someone like you, please email me some of your work and well be in contact.

If you need someone for concept art, character design, website art, or interface design, I'm your man :) Also have some programming experience (I work as an iPhone developer), but all of my programming knowledge is mac-based. Hit me up if you need anything I have to offer!

>>16132
yes, your skills are needed :P
Right now character design and later interface design, I'm planning of using scaleform for the UI which should be easy for you to learn, if not another programmer or me can put it ingame and you can just do the design.
also your expertise with iphone related stuff might come in useful, UDK has full support for iphone.
Maybe we can make some kind of client that checks your stats and even plays a lowress version of the game so you can chat, farm and quest on the go.(but that's too far off right now)


btw, these people have to drop their email if they wanna contribute to the project: Thorn, Midnight, Ekushia.
I need to get all the contributors in one place so we can discus the gameplay and art direction.
WE STILL NEED A GOOD UNREAL SCRIPT PROGRAMMER. that should be sorted when I start looking for talent on the mod communities.
the website with forums should be up in about a 3 days to a week.

moar feedback plz.

I would suggest posting some links to unreal code examples and/or getting starting guides. I've been programming for years (although I by no means have the time to devote to such a project, unfortunately - I may be able to lend a hoof in the May-August time frame if you're still looking for coders at that point), and I have not come across Unreal before, so I think you should advertise for general programmers that can pick up the language rather than for the one or two bronies who may have the proper experience and happen across your post. I think the best thing to do is provide the freeware and the means to learn the language, and once the welcome mat (for lack of a better term) is out, you'll have an easier time of enticing new users.

Also, speaking from my experience on the fan-made trailer for the Teen Titans ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adT1TIrh69o ), it's good to have a tight group together on the project. We have a site, but most of the work is accomplished during bi-monthly meetings on Skype where the team leader talks with the people working on the project and sets out reasonable goals for the project over the next two weeks (the site is mostly for posting progress images). I think you should also think about some stepping stones along the way - it will be a long process to make a game as you're describing, so it would be good to have some checkpoints (such as minigames that may not be MMORPGs) to show off your progress, entice new supporters to your project and show dedication to completing your final goal. I also think it's great that you're getting an early start on this while the fandom is strong, and even growing. One of the biggest obstacles I feel the Titans Trailer project has had trouble with was finding users who are still fans of the show and would be interested in taking part in it.

And as I'm sure yo're aware with games - you want to hammer down the *exact* feature specs before you write one line of code, it's far too easy to wonder off on a tangent when coding gets started and jeopardize the completion of the project.

>>16315
Hi ParallelLogic, you're right, I regret not posting a little more about unreal script, its pretty much the same as JAVA so any JAVA programmer should be able to pick it up fast. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnrealScript http://www.udk.com/
and we would always welcome you into the project when you have the time. the website should be up later this week so drop in.

I'm planning to do exactly what you said you guys did with your project organization, Skype or other messaging tool would be used alot by the core dev team, and the forums by the fan base so they can be heard and seen by us, and to show them what we got so thus far.

I'm planning of making Pony Ville first and then when the online infrastructure is all set up, start doing other areas, But the main goal for the first weeks would be to model all the main ponies and buildings for Pony Ville and get them in the engine. So I am making a list of all the main things we need to accomplish in order to have something working and cool the soonest plausible.

thanks for your comment ParallelLogic, do pay us a visit on the forum and here when you can.

I also want to clarify to all you ponies that we will not stray from the "Friendship Is magic" art direction, every pony, every building will look like it belongs in this generation of Equestria .

i can write. actual writing, natch. i can't code for shit.

so if the project ever starts getting off the ground, then i'll become relevant.

#ponymmorpg at irc.geekshed.net
come on here and we can properly discuss it lol.

>>16388

Where is everypony? D:

Im sorry but this is awesome. full support here.

I'm a total cripple when it comes to IRC. If I ever figure it out, I'll see you on there.

>>16786
>>16817
Ekushia and I have been in communication through email, and are discussing the best way for the group to communicate so were not using the Irc now. we'll keep you posted.

If you guys want someone else to try and help up I'm available.

>>16343

Java? If it's like java then I should have no problem picking it up.

I'd be glad to help, with anything, the only problem is I might be a little busy. So yeah you got my hoof

I have experience in UDK (not in scripting unfortunately, but I do know some kismet) and know how to model. If you are seriously about this, why don't you guys make a separate board or something so its easier to keep track.

Having said that, I think the idea of an MMO, even a simple TF2 type mod. would be very ambitious.

I think the first thing is to build the models and the scenery in UDK and have the ponys properly rigged and animated in UDK. Then, make simple interface changes, and go from there.

>>16988
We would be very grateful if you could join us.
just email me so I can let you know when the website is up and other business related stuff.

>>17115
Just to recap what has been said in this thread:
1. A website and forum is being made
2. some of the project's confirmed contributors are professionals in their field, including my self.
3. a game studio is being created just for this non profit project.
4.This is going full steam ahead.

we would like if you could join us if you can, drop me an email and we'll discuss further.

>>16943
everypony is welcome to help. keep checking for updates.

>>17115

I'm going to try to get around to modelling ponies for this project:
http://www.ponychan.net/chan/80/media/res/358.html

Could the model be used for this project too?

We could kill two birds with one stone.

>>17319
Thanks Kixu but I would prefer to model the ponies my self for style consistency, But I do need alot of help with buildings and environments if you're interested.

>>17332

Sure. Just send mean email with some concept art and I can go from there.

What Filetype should the end result be? The only program I'm very familiar with is Maya, so i might have to learn a new program. Anything should be cake after Maya, though, I imagine.

Oh, and I can do concept art too, though that might be pushing it considering how packed my schedule is going to be next quarter.

Here's my email: Kixu@gmail.com

I'd love something simple like a pony version The Endless Forest (http://www.tale-of-tales.com/TheEndlessForest/). Just making an original pony character and fucking around in a 3D environment with other ponies would be hella sweet.

>>17555
then you're gonna love what we have in store for you!
just you wait.

Awesome project!
Are you using cell shading?

>>17611
That's something that has to be discussed by the team and the members on the project's forum.
I don't wanna use cellshading.
I feel like a full fleshed 3d Equestria with awesome lighting and rim shading for the ponies is in order.

>>17612
okay this thread is just 2 days old but when do you think you guys can show us some first stuff? i mean you're all experts aren't you?

any thoughts about the worlddesign? grimdark, realistic or happy-happy-joy-joy? Or kind of Lord of the ring: some really bright, nice and wonderfull places like the shire and some damn creepy and dark places like mordor.

I'm always lurking on this thread.
And it sounds awesome.
Keep the work ponys :3~

>>17667
Not all of us are experts in our field but do have enough experienced to get the assigned job done; at least that goes for the core team that is still being assembled.
We are also allowing amateur people into the project because I'm not one to deny an opportunity to someone; this is a great project to get experience and most likely if the project is successful those people would land a nice job in the game industry if they wish.
Having said that, I can tell you that it's not going to take us much time before we’re willing to show something; maybe I’ll show a model of a fully finished character that would be the standard for the rest of the models by next week, and the forums would have constant updates on the development.

here's a little preview of the public anouncement, its still a WIP so bear with me.

Friendship Is Magic: Online is a free mmorpg (not associated with Hasbro) where you and your fellow pony friends can roam all over pony Ville and venture into the wild side of Equestria.

Questing might involve helping Pinkie Pie with her shenanigans or trying to prove your worthiness by challenging Rainbow Dash to a race.
Every pony in Equestria is customizable and from its birth, it’s in a quest to find what his or her special talent is and consequently get their cutie mark.
That is a small pitch; now let’s talk about the actual features of the game system.
Online infrastructure: Steam seems to be the most reliable online structure available for unreal engine; it’s fully integrated and allows us to do the following.
Separate servers for different kinds of people: We are aware of the mature audience the show has and the escapism and fun a game like this can offer, however we really want to make the game safe for children,
A distributable server environment allows a player to host his own game that people online can choose to join, a server browser with parental controls will be incorporated into the game’s main menu so you can switch servers easily and be sure your son or daughter are safe by locking the game to a verified kid safe dedicated server.
Server admins can take control of any NPC in the game; Rainbow Dash for example.
On the flip side of things; there can be servers with no such restrictions for adults that want to enjoy the full privilege of being one, within certain boundaries and the approval of the server owner of course.

>>17668
thanks I hope you follow us on our website too.

>>17677
your pic says it all: awesome!

website where?

>>17745
http://skullinabox.com/ that's probably going to be the name of the game studio too.
right now the website is empty but should be full of info and have a forum in the next 2 days or so.

btw the IMBALANCE tittle is just part of the default theme so don't mind it.

Send ya an E-Mail.
I'm a coder and would love to help, with the little flipside of me being on the other side of the pond for most of you guys (German here))