Conception
The Stonebridge map stands as a testament to the art of immersive world-building, meticulously tailored to serve as a vibrant social nucleus for our players and the pivotal launch point to other realms, including the Crypt and Farmlands. With the power of the Sandbox engine at our fingertips, our design team wholeheartedly embraced the potential for verticality, creating an underground forge reminiscent of the iconic Dungeon Siege Forge, a true architectural marvel beneath the town’s surface.
Yet, our vision extended beyond that as we sculpted a series of interconnected buildings that covered the total amount of verticality the scene would allow us to work with.. These structures were artfully entwined with a web of bridges and ladders, effortlessly guiding players through a multi-dimensional urban labyrinth. This intricate architectural approach not only serves to immerse players but also introduces a plethora of diverse gameplay objectives, seamlessly woven into the very fabric of the terrain. Every twist and turn in the city’s design is an opportunity for discovery, adding layers of complexity and engagement to the player experience.
Moreover, Stonebridge was painstakingly designed to conceal a myriad of secrets and surprises, inviting players to embark on a journey of exploration to uncover the hidden gems of Dungeon Siege’s rich lore and captivating content. The town beckons adventurers to unravel its mysteries, promising a treasure trove of rewards for those willing to heed the call. With Stonebridge as the fulcrum of your adventure, prepare to embark on an unforgettable quest into the heart of Ehb’s epic tale.
Please take a look at the map overview below (ignore the missing textures).
“EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW”
The journey into the Stonebridge experience commences as players emerge just beyond the town’s gates, setting foot in a world filled with both promise and peril. Here, they encounter an ever-watchful guard who, with a stern yet inquisitive demeanor, questions the purpose of their presence in the town of Stonebridge. The guard questions the players as they enter the town. The guard will explain the cities lore and share several pivotal locations. The players are then entrusted with a solemn quest – to seek out and rally the legendary heroes of Dungeon Siege lore, five formidable champions whose strength and valor are desperately required.
With resolute determination, players accept the call to action, plunging into the bustling heart of Stonebridge, a town thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration at every turn. The towns layout was designed to be intuitive and compels players to traverse its entirety, embarking on a journey that keeps them perpetually on the cusp of discovery. The anticipation of the unknown is woven into the very essence of the experience. At every corner, players brace themselves for the unexpected, their senses heightened by the promise of thrilling encounters and hidden treasures. Beyond the hallowed presence of Dungeon Siege’s revered heroes and its rich lore, the Stonebridge experience unfurls a collection of meticulously crafted quests and social gatherings. These not only deepen the narrative but also add layers of engagement, forging connections between players and the world they inhabit. As day fades into night and back again, the seamless transition of a day-to-night cycle adds a dynamic and immersive dimension to the experience, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Within the confines of Stonebridge, a hub of adventure, exploration, and heroism awaits, inviting players to embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the realms of Ehb.
In my pivotal role, I meticulously honed my craft in three key domains: quest design, creature/NPC interaction design, and the intricate interplay between NPCs and their environments. The overarching mission was clear – to imbue every character in the Stonebridge experience with a distinctive narrative, regardless of their prominence in the Dungeon Siege lore.
As a quest designer, my duty was to forge compelling narratives that served to fully immerse players. Each quest was a created with detail in mind – with challenges and hidden revelations, inviting players to embark on journeys of discovery.
To breathe life into the world, I dedicated myself to crafting dynamic interactions with creatures and NPCs. The objective was to provide players with meaningful exchanges, conversations that resonated, and engagements that unveiled new layers of the overarching storyline.
In addition, I meticulously sculpted the town’s environment in Stonebridge. It was essential that this meticulously designed locale seamlessly merged with the legacy of the original Dungeon Siege games. Every corner, each quest, and the layout of the town itself bore the indelible mark of homage to the franchise’s heritage. The result? An exceptional and authentic player experience, where each character, every quest, and every cobblestone paved the way for an unforgettable journey of exploration and revelation.
Please enjoy a complete playthrough video below!
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