RunUO Capabilities?

[michaeleo]

I'm just posting out of curiosity.

I've been studying up on game development, and some programming languages, 3d modeling, world building, etc...

I was curious if I could potentially design an entirely new completely 3d client (similar to wow, and vanguard, etc...) based off of UO, and the server could support it with little or no modification. Allowing for an entirely different but UO based 3d MMORPG.

The idea is that:

The file system and even file names would be named the same. Assuming here that the server could load the files this way.

The game could be customized in play style using the already in place scripting system.

The client itself would have a different name, is there client checking involved in the code?

All the 3d modeling, artwork would be custom, and I'd program into the client the ability for camera angling, first person viewing, etc...

I'd create the UI (No server dependency) in the client using the .Lua system, to develop a modern game style UI.

Is this possible or is my theorycraft off?

I know there's a few custom UO clients out there. But I really want a different feel to the game. The idea is to create an entirely different MMO using a server software that is readily available. Lets face it, it took blizzard's 126 man team 3-4 yrs to create wow. I don't have that kind of time to devote to an open and free project. So I'm researching the possible solution, by implimenting something like RunUO, and the UO concept to improve UO to a degree that's never been done before.

Think of it as kind of a UO:2 had the project not been dropped and the graphics would be reasinably better than what they had back then. Improvements in technology should allow for an improved client by simply changing graphic models, textures, camera control, and base game control systems.

[stormwolff]

Check out iris Main Page - Iris

[michaeleo]

I know about Iris2

What I am speaking of is a much larger change to the game play.

I am thinking in terms of simple game play mechanics not currently in place, with support operations scripted into the server.

Jumping over a log

Swimming in the water and under it.

Better 3d modeling using newer technology, like 3Ds Max.

Using scripts to pour base skills into a level based system.

A new UI similar the KR client, but better. More intuitive. More like WoW and Lotro, with colored icons, multiple action bars.

Character armor equip screens with models involved outside the realm of the "paper doll".

The thing is that as far as I can tell, Iris2 is simply an upgraded and better looking third dawn. Locked camera view, with the excrption of zooming in, etc..

I'm talking about turning UO into a new game, or doing what EA should have done a few years ago and still has not done.

I'm talking about changing the face of UO to such an extent, you could legitimately give it a different name.