Contact
Gameplay
Playing The Game
Q:
What is Dawn of Infinity?
A:
Dawn of Infinity will be a massively multiplayer space simulation and role playing game that takes place in a dynamic, persistent universe. In the game you pilot a spaceship around the galaxy, interacting with other players, exploring, trading, fighting, and generally going on your own adventures.
Q:
So is this a multiplayer Escape Velocity?
A:
Dawn of Infinity was inspired by the Escape Velocity series, 3 excellent titles published by Ambrosia Software. We are not affiliated with Ambrosia Software, but we are taking great efforts to keep the gameplay similar to that game.
Q:
Who is making Dawn of Infinity?
A:
There is no company making Dawn of Infinity, just anyone who wants to help out. Anyone with the skills can add to the programming code. However, we intend to keep a separate server system that runs the “official” game and scenario. The project is divided into programming and design teams.
Q:
I heard something about a game called OpenEV. Is there any connection?
A:
Yes. Dawn of Infinity was called OpenEV until it was found that Ambrosia Software objected to that name. The official name is now Dawn of Infinity, and we have phased out use of the old name.
Q:
What do I need to play Dawn of Infinity?
A:
You can download the latest version at the Downloads section. Dawn of Infinity should run on Macintosh computers with Mac OS 10.x.x and Windows computers with internet connections. More specific requirements will come as the game is further developed.
Q:
How can I stay informed about developments in Dawn of Infinity?
A:
We’ve created a number of channels to talk about Dawn of Infinity, some more active than others. First is the official website (http://www.dawnofinfinity.org), where you are right now. Our Discussion forum is currently where most discussion takes place. If you’re interested in the developer’s side of things, we have joined SourceForge at http://sourceforge.net/projects/openevgalaxy. For instant messaging we have a channel on Internet Relay Chat (IRC): irc.freenode.net, channel #doi. Our usual meeting time is 4 PM EST on Saturdays.
Q:
Can I help write Dawn of Infinity?
A:
Absolutely! If you have experience in Java, C, or C++, go to the Contact Information section to let us know you’re interested. Or, if you just have ideas you want to share, head to our Discussion forum. Keep in mind we’ve already thought through many problems and potential features.
Q:
When will Dawn of Infinity be finished?
A:
In a sense, the game is never “finished” because new features and optimization can always be added. On our Home page is a list of capabilities we want Dawn of Infinity to have. When they are all implemented, the game should play as we envision it.
Q:
Why is Dawn of Infinity progressing so slowly?
A:
Be patient. No one is being paid to program the game, so the programmers and designers will work at their own pace. Most of them have real lives too.
Q:
As an overview, what will the gameplay in Dawn of Infinity be like?
A:
In Dawn of Infinity you will fly a spaceship belonging to one of several governments. You will travel across the galaxy by jumping across hundreds of stellar systems. Most systems will contain one or more planets, moons, or stations, which you can land on. When landed you can buy ship modifications, or even a new spaceship, buy and sell goods, fraternize in the bar, or sign up for missions that various people and groups need done. We may eventually also implement a 1-system arena-style mode to be used in LAN environments.
Q:
What kind of graphics will Dawn of Infinity have?
A:
Currently, we plan to have all graphics as 2D sprites of 3D rendered models. However, in-game 3D models may be incorporated later. In any case, the view will be centered on your ship in a top-down view.
Q:
Will there be strategy, first person shooter, role-playing, or other elements included?
A:
Our goal is to mimic the gameplay of Escape Velocity. A massively multiplayer game has to be different in several key areas, but nothing as drastic as turning the game into a strategy game or shooter is planned.
Q:
Do you plan to add feature X? Could you add feature X?
A:
Possibly. Try suggesting it on our Discussion forum. We can’t add everything everyone wants, but if your idea hasn’t been discussed yet, bring it up!
Q:
How will the game handle time?
A:
In Escape Velocity, the current date depended on the mass of your ship and how many times you jumped or landed. This is unfeasible for a real-time game with multiple players, so the current thinking is that the game time will progress continuously.
Q:
How do I get Dawn of Infinity working on my computer?
A:
First, download the appropriate version from the Downloads section. Decompress the file, and open the .app (Macintosh) or .exe (Windows) file. After checking that you are online, launch the client. Enter a name and, optionally, a password, and click Login. You should start the game in space. If the server is down or you don’t have the latest version of the client, the game should tell you so. Note that because the game is still in its early stages, the procedure and specifics may change before the FAQs is updated.
Q:
I need more help getting Dawn of Infinity working.
A:
Go to the Bug Reporting forum to mention your problem. Include your platform, operating system, what you’ve tried and what happens when you try to run the program.
Q:
I’ve noticed a bug or other error while playing. Where can I mention this?
A:
Bugs should also be mentioned at the Bug Reporting forum. Remember to include pertinent information, such as your settings when the bug occurred. If you continue to have difficulties, email one of the developers for help.