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Into Outer Space
"I've always wanted to do a realistic galactic colonization game," admits Wright, as he weaves his way into discussing his next intriguing game concept. "A lot of the game would be focused on the issue of whether there is other intelligent life in the galaxy," he says. "I've been researching this for more than three years now, and I'm pretty sure we are the only intelligent species in the galaxy. Given that assumption, a galactic colonization game would occur over millions of years - your opponents become your ancestors."
"A galactic colonization game would occur over millions of years - your opponents become your ancestors."
- Will Wright discusses what may be his next project.
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Of course, the obligatory academic hook is included in the design, this time being Drake's Equation, known among scientists as a formula that calculates the number of intelligent civilizations able to communicate within our own galaxy. Wright wants players to enter their own assumptions about the factors in the equation, including the number of stars in the galaxy and the percentage chance of intelligent life, then sculpt the game around those parameters. "If we really are the only intelligent species, that puts a huge responsibility on us," suggests Wright.
A piece of concept artwork for SimMars: A Greenhouse.
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Perhaps the more immediate responsibility for man is in the colonization of other planets, and Maxis has that covered too. Now in development is SimMars, collaboration between Maxis and NASA that will actually let players create the first colony on the Martian planet. Although still very early in development, the game is grounded in hard science and will include a massive research tree as society invents and discovers new technologies to help in colonizing the red planet.
The space suit players will wear when colonizing the red planet in SimMars.
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Using a 3D accelerated graphics engine, SimMars will explore the ideas of using atmosphere generators on Mars and have goals such as creating an infrastructure so you can walk on the surface of the planet without a spacesuit. "Because of SimCity, NASA was very interested in working with us to simulate what could happen when colonizing Mars," says producer Dan Brazleton as he sits in an office filled with NASA photos, concept art, and sketches. "It's exciting to be working on a game concept that could actually become a reality in the near future."
Next:
A Positive Prognosis
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