After more than three years in Steam’s Early Access development, fantasy RPG Shroud of the Avatar has a full release date set for next month. Shroud of the Avatar entered Early Access in 2014, after its successful crowdfunding in 2013, and since then developer Portalarium has been steadily adding content to the game. Intended to be a spiritual successor to the Ultima series, Shroud‘s development team includes Richard “Lord British” Garriott, the creator of the Ultima series; Starr Long, the original director of Ultima Online; and Tracy Hickman, the author of the Dragonlance novels and Dungeons & Dragons modules.
According to Shroud of the Avatar‘s website, the full MMO will include episodic content, a single player mode, an open character customization system, and a player-driven in-game economy. “Players will adventure in an interactive world where their choices have consequences, ethical paradoxes give them pause, and they play a vital part in weaving their own story into the immersive world and lore surrounding them,” the website says. “Play options will include solo, party only, or open multiplayer via the Selective Multiplayer system. Players can specialize in a wide range of combat and non-combat skills, provided by a robust, classless skill system, and full-featured crafting and housing mechanics.”
Shroud of the Avatar releases in full for the PC on March 27, 2018. In the meantime, a free demo is available to download on Shroud of the Avatar‘s website.