In the world of video games, new projects constantly emerge, striving to offer players something innovative and exciting. Among them, SEED stands out with its ambitious goal—to create a complete society simulation on an unexplored planet, where each player contributes to collective development. Developed by Klang Games, SEED promises to revolutionize the MMO genre by combining elements of survival, construction, and social interaction into a unified, ever-evolving world.
Contents:
- Game Concept
- Gameplay and Mechanics SEED
- Social Interactions and Politics
- Technology and Graphics
- Development and Future of the Project
- Conclusion
Game Concept
SEED positions itself as a "society simulator," offering players the ability to manage a group of colonists called "Seedlings" on a distant exoplanet. The goal of the game is to create a sustainable community capable of self-governance and development. Each player controls several characters, assigning tasks and setting priorities, allowing the colony to function even when the player is offline. The game emphasizes cooperation among players, encouraging them to form larger communities, establish governments, set laws and taxes, and develop economies and infrastructure. The absence of traditional combat mechanics highlights the peaceful nature of the game, focusing on management, planning, and social interaction.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In SEED, players start by managing a small group of colonists who must meet basic survival needs. The game offers a deep simulation where every action affects societal development.
Main gameplay aspects:
1. Meeting basic needs:
- Food: growing crops or hunting.
- Shelter: constructing and upgrading housing for colonists.
- Security: protecting from external threats and maintaining internal order.
2. Colony development:
- Building specialized structures to improve infrastructure.
- Researching new technologies to increase efficiency.
- Establishing trade relations with other players to exchange resources.
3. Character management:
- Assigning tasks to each colonist.
- Planning daily schedules.
- Developing skills to increase productivity.
4. Complex simulation system:
- Economy: every action affects resource availability and costs.
- Ecology: overuse of resources can lead to depletion.
- Social structure: unequal distribution of benefits can cause dissatisfaction among colonists.
5. Strategic planning:
- Accounting for risks such as resource shortages or internal conflicts.
- Long-term development planning for community sustainability.
Players must balance development and resource conservation to ensure their colony thrives in a dynamic and realistic simulation.
Social Interactions and Politics
One of SEED's key features is its deep system of social interactions. Players can form communities with their own governance systems and laws. With guidance from Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig, a platform was developed to allow players to choose various forms of government—from monarchies to complex democracies. This variety in political systems enables players to experiment with governance, creating unique societies. Additionally, interactions between colonies include diplomacy, trade, and joint problem-solving of global issues, adding depth and realism to the game. The social aspects encourage cooperation but can also lead to conflicts of interest that require diplomatic resolution.
Technology and Graphics
SEED is being developed using cutting-edge technologies to enable constant world simulation. Thanks to the cloud platform SpatialOS, the game world operates continuously, regardless of player presence online. This allows for a dynamic and realistic environment where events evolve without direct player intervention. The game's graphical style is characterized by a low-poly aesthetic, giving it a unique and attractive look. This approach not only enhances visual appeal but also optimizes performance, enabling the game to run on various devices without compromising quality.
Development and Future of the Project
Since its development began in 2016, SEED has undergone several funding rounds, attracting significant investments to achieve its ambitious goals. In 2019, the closed alpha testing of a prequel titled SEED Pioneers was announced, allowing players to become pioneers on the planet Avesta and lay the foundations for future colonies.
In 2021, the developers began regularly publishing devblogs, sharing details about development progress and future plans. Special attention is given to the creation of buildings and urban spaces, as well as the development of interactions between players and their "Seedlings"—virtual inhabitants of the colonies.
In 2022, Klang Games raised $41 million in a Series C funding round, which allowed them to expand the development team and accelerate the game's creation.
As of now, the exact release date for SEED has not been announced, but the Klang Games team is actively working on the project, aiming to provide players with a unique experience of society simulation in a large-scale multiplayer environment.
Conclusion
SEED promises to be a unique project combining society simulation, strategy, and social interactions. By focusing on collaboration, development, and innovation, the game offers players the chance to create a sustainable community on an unexplored planet. The use of advanced technologies and original ideas highlights the project's potential to not only redefine the MMO genre but also set a new standard for multiplayer simulators.