Hello again friends,

I just wanted to update you all on the progress we're making with the new game client. As we've said the first round of updating the client will be in the world rendering engine. We've been releasing screenshot comparisons as we move along and the changes have been dramatic. When viewing the comparisons the image on the top is how the scene looks in the current client and the image on the bottom is how it looks with the new client. This morning we released our first screenshot demonstrating the new lighting effects.

What is most shocking about all of these comparisons is that they are loading the same level and art data. The only differences in assets between the before and after screenshots are the sky artwork and the new dynamic lights. This makes the transition to the new engine viable for a small company like ours as there is relatively little level editing work required. Additionally our players will only have a small download as all their current level and texture files will still be used in the new engine.

The new world rendering engine is extremely powerful and flexible and the screenshots show some of that new ability. We plan to release the gameplay client with the updated world rendering engine soon. Once that big change is in players' hands we'll work toward improving other aspects of the game client to improve existing features, add new features, and make the game easier for new players to learn. Although we haven't decided on what the new system requirements will be we are confident that they will be attainable by the vast majority of players and the current game client will continue to be available for players with lower system requirements.

For me personally this is a dream come true as nobody ever expected that Meridian 59's graphics would ever again be able to compete with current games. For players new to Meridian 59 the update in the look of the game will help them give the game a fair chance and learn all of the rich and deep gameplay that is there waiting for them. Meridian 59 remains one of the few games that focuses on player versus player conflict. Players can form guilds, rent guildhalls, conquer an enemy held guildhall, join an army, rise through ranks, and more. The new client will be one less barrier to discovery for those that enjoy this type of gameplay.

You can see the latest screenshot comparison at:
http://www.meridian59.com/M59-Screenshots-06.shtml

The initial announcement of the changes:
http://www.meridian59.com/M59-WorkInProgress-01.shtml

Thanks again for all of your support!

Source: Rob Ellis II - Info@NearDeathStudios.com