Worldspinner--looks like an instant sandbox creator

cranebump · October 09, 2014, 08:48:13 AM

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/worldspinner/worldspinner-fantasy-rpg-worldbuilder-and-map-make

trechriron · October 09, 2014, 01:00:42 PM

I backed this project. I would like to find alternatives to CC3, as I find it complicated and the "Install Ritual" to be somewhat painful. Which hurts my soul. Because it's really a nifty idea.

Anyhoos, They are expanding options based on user input. So, for instance, you can download full size digital files now (based on your KS/subscription level).

I personally would like to see City and Dungeon mapping added to the mix!

tenbones · October 09, 2014, 01:07:10 PM

Yeah I'm backing this. Looks cool.

Greentongue · October 09, 2014, 01:53:46 PM

Looks interesting but ...
"One Year Access"
"One World"
So there will be a subscription and once you create a single world, that's it?

I was hoping to be able to play with worldS not be stuck with only one.

This reminds me of the old "builder" program(s) (Nation and World).
That was fun to run just to see what got created. Sparked many an idea.
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Imp · October 09, 2014, 02:12:22 PM

Interesting!

I have used Civ games for this purpose, but Worldspinner looks more like Dwarf Fortress worldgen... I wonder how it compares to that.

crkrueger · October 09, 2014, 03:02:30 PM

I want to know what their printing costs are first. I can only print 8x11 on my computer? They say certain levels have the difference between "small" and "large" digital files. Where are these files stored and in what format?

I can get a 12x19 color map on thick paper done at OfficeMax for $1.89.
I'm expecting these guys to totally fuck you on the printing/shipping, it's part of the business model looks like.

Omega · October 09, 2014, 03:13:34 PM

Looks interesting.

But.

It is subscription based and cannot print a map unless you are a subscriber. So if your subscription lapses then the stuff created is inaccessible.

Premium Content...

Reads as alot less than they are making it to be. Explore your world! Delve into its history! etc. Makes it sound like there is a walkaround mode. But it is just calling up datapoints. Building from pregen cultures events and adventures.

That said.

Looks like they have an ambitious history generator though that populates and advances the world.

Sounds alot like a horizontal version of "How to Host a Dungeon" minus the freeform nature.

If they can expand the system to be more open then will be more viable.

Justin Alexander · October 09, 2014, 06:01:39 PM

I'm also skeptical of the history generator. They aren't actually showing any details of what it produces and most of their focus is on the "premium content" adventures that don't appear to be doing much more than randomizing the location of the adventure components.

cranebump · October 09, 2014, 06:23:34 PM

Valid criticisms, to be sure. I know I can do a quick auto-populate using Wizardawn. And I like to use hexographer for maps. For me, a trek into Realm Works might be the way to go.

Saladman · October 09, 2014, 08:37:31 PM

Ten dollars for a year's subscription seems more than fair. But then its a year's subscription all the way up the price scale, you're just paying them for printed maps instead of going to Kinko's... I'd want direct access to the data files, for printing and future use, and its not clear you get that.

Also, where'd they get two backers at the $3000 level? :jaw-dropping:

crkrueger · October 10, 2014, 06:02:36 PM

I'm not a geography guy, but looking at the samples, their river generator needs a whole lot of work.

Casts Summon Jibba and Estar.

JeremyR · October 10, 2014, 07:23:32 PM

I was interested until I saw it was a subscription service.

Omega · October 10, 2014, 08:23:33 PM

Quote from: Justin Alexander;791140I'm also skeptical of the history generator. They aren't actually showing any details of what it produces and most of their focus is on the "premium content" adventures that don't appear to be doing much more than randomizing the location of the adventure components.

Reading through it.

It looks like you select possible histories from a set of pregens and it then does an automated "pick your path" to generate an outcome.

Supposedly interacting with other histories which Im dubious of.

I suspect its very linear in its progression. But with alot of branches.

More data would help. They are kinda vague which isnt helping.

estar · October 11, 2014, 12:51:35 AM

Quote from: CRKrueger;791237I'm not a geography guy, but looking at the samples, their river generator needs a whole lot of work.

Casts Summon Jibba and Estar.

Looks similar to the rivers generated from Profantasy' Fractal Terrain which to say means it will give it the old college try but you will need to edit the results to make it useful.

Fractal terrain can be useful and I can see something like world spinner working out more or less OK. I made this map from a section of a larger map created from Fractal terrain. Mind you all I used was the coastline as the rest of it was basically garbage. The mountains and rivers were of my own creation.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAlWUjkoCIU/VDU74RwVbJI/AAAAAAAAK4M/gOKUtMRDOXs/s1600/Campaign%2BMap%2B1.jpg

Greentongue · October 11, 2014, 09:14:39 AM

Quote from: estar;791264I made this map from a section of a larger map created from Fractal terrain.

I like that map. It seems highly populated. Is it mostly human settlements and mostly peaceful?
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