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{{Short description|Free to play MMORPG}}
{{primary sources|date=October 2008}}
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox VG
{{primary sources|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox software
| title = PlaneShift
| title = PlaneShift
| image = [[File:PlaneShift logo.jpg|200px]] | developer = Atomic Blue
| logo = PlaneShift logo.gif
|screenshot = POTD for PlaneShift Unreal Release 0-7-45.jpg
| publisher =
|caption = Picture of the day for PlaneShift Unreal Release 0.7.45
| designer =
| developer = Atomic Blue (Volunteer Team)
| license = Content: [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]<br>
| released = {{Start date and age|2002|05|02|df=yes}}
Source code: [[GPL]]
| latest release version =
| engine = PlaneShift Engine
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2024|df=yes}}
[[Crystal Space]] for 3D
| latest preview version = v0.7.45
| released = Under development. Last release on December 10, 2009 (0.5).
| latest preview date = {{Start date and age|2024|09|24|df=yes}}
| genre = [[MMORPG]]
| license = [[GPLv2]] (PSLegacy source code)<br /> PCL (content)<ref name="PCL"/><br />[[proprietary license]] (PlaneShift Unreal<ref name="PSsource"/>)
| modes = [[Multiplayer]]
| programming language = PlaneShift Engine, [[Crystal Space]] for 3D
| ratings =
| genre = [[Multiplayer]] [[Fantasy]] [[MMORPG]]
| platforms = [[Mac OS X|Macintosh]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Linux]], [[BSD]], [[Solaris (operating system)|Solaris]]
| media = [[Download]] or [[BitTorrent (protocol)|BitTorrent]]
| platform = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]]
| repo = http://www.sf.net/projects/planeshift
| requirements = '''Minimum'''
| website = http://www.planeshift.it
* 1&nbsp;[[Hertz|GHz]] [[CPU]]
* 512&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] or more of [[Random access memory|RAM]]
* 64&nbsp;MB 3D [[video card]]
* 1.0&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] free [[Hard disk drive|HD]] space
* 56&nbsp;kbit/s or faster Internet connection

'''Recommended'''
* 2&nbsp;[[Hertz|GHz]] [[CPU]]
* 1&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] of [[Random access memory|RAM]]
* 128&nbsp;MB 3D [[video card]]
* [[Broadband]] Internet connection
| input = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[Computer mouse|mouse]]

}}
}}


'''''PlaneShift''''' is a [[cross-platform]] fantasy [[MMORPG]] in [[software development|development]]. [[Client (computing)|Client]] software is available for [[Linux]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[Mac OS X]]. It is a no-budget project produced by a group of developers, founded by Luca Pancallo, and guided by the Atomic Blue [[non-profit]] organization. The server side engine code is completely written from scratch by the PlaneShift team, while the 3D rendering features are based on the [[Crystal Space]] 3D engine. The game engine is released under the [[GNU General Public License|GPL]]. The content is released under a [[Proprietary software|proprietary license]].<ref name="pslic">http://www.planeshift.it/license.html</ref><ref name="web3d">{{cite book|url=http://www.web3d.org/x3d/learn/presentations/Web3DGames2007Workshop.pdf#page=6|title=A survey on Virtual World Creation Platforms|publisher=[[Web3D]] Games 2007 - First International Workshop|year=2007|last=Bartle|first=Richard A.|page=5}}</ref>
'''''PlaneShift''''' is a [[freeware|free to play]], [[cross-platform]] [[3D computer graphics|3D]] Online [[MMORPG|Multiplayer Role Playing Game]] in a fantasy setting. The game requires [[Client (computing)|client]] software to be installed on the player's computer. The project is no-budget and produced by a group of developers guided by the Atomic Blue organization.<ref name="planeshift.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it |title=PlaneShift. Download and information on Atomic Blue Corporation PlaneShift |publisher=planeshift.it |date=2013-11-05 |accessdate=2014-04-22}}</ref> The development team comprises volunteers from mostly European countries and North America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it/psworldmap |title=PlaneShift World Map |publisher=Planeshift.it |date= |accessdate=2014-04-22}}</ref>

The game is free to play, with no monthly fee, no premium upgrades, and no advertising on the site or in game.<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/pix/PSinPCgamer_small.jpg, PC Gamer UK October 2001</ref><ref name="pslic"/>

The game is currently in the [[Software release cycle#Alpha|alpha]] stage of development at version 0.5, codenamed ''Arcane Chrysalis''. The current version "Arcane Chrysalis" was released to the public on December 10, 2009.<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/, news pages 2002-2009</ref>

Here is a list of the major versions:
* The first major version (0.1) released on May 2, 2002 was codenamed ''Atomic Blue''.
* The next version (0.2) was released on March 7, 2003 and codenamed ''Molecular Blue.'' The ''Molecular Blue'' server was shut down on December 16, 2004.
* On December 24, 2004 a new version 0.3 was released, ''Crystal Blue''<ref name="LXF#64">Linux Format March 2005 Issue 64, Pg 13</ref>.
* This was subsequently replaced by the version codenamed, ''Steel Blue'' on March 2, 2008.


==Setting==
==Setting==
''PlaneShift'' is set inside a colossal [[stalactite]] named Yliakum, divided into eight levels, of which the lower two are flooded.<ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref> Life is possible because a huge crystal, named ''The Azure Sun'', draws light from the surface of the planet. ''PlaneShift'' currently has 12 playable [[race (fantasy)|races]]<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/planeshift/index.html?tag=result;title;0</ref> that all have their own homelands and characteristics<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/setting-overview.html 3.2. Overview of the Known World<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Outside of Yliakum are the Stone Labyrinths and through these the player can access even more areas, like the cave in which the stalactite hangs.
''PlaneShift'' takes place inside a colossal [[stalactite]] named Yliakum.<ref name="tux#20">[[Tux Magazine|TUX]] December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref> Players begin in the main city, Hydlaa, where they will start their journey. In most recent setting ''PlaneShift'' has 9 playable [[race (fantasy)|races]],<ref name="Races">{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it/Races |title=PlaneShift Races |publisher=Planeshift.it |date=2024-10-01 |accessdate=2024-10-01}}</ref> after returning a playable status to Diaboli, making Kran race playable and removing playable status from Ynnwn. Each race has their own homelands and characteristics. The races feature standard fantasy types, like elves and dwarves, but also humanoids made of rock and winged amphibians. Though set underground, life is possible because a crystal named the Azure Sun draws light from the surface of the planet.


===Races===
==Gameplay==
[[File:Planeshift bd01.jpg|thumb|Screenshot showing Eagle Bronze Doors, an in-game area in ''PlaneShift'']]
Many different races populate the world of Yliakum. Players can choose to create a character with any one of these races:


''PlaneShift'' gameplay is based on classical [[MMORPG|Multiplayer Role Playing Game]] style, with exploration, magic, single player or team based combat and quests. A major goal of the game is to explore and learn. This can either be done by reading books or by learning about the world by speaking with the [[Non-player character|NPC]]s. The interaction with the NPCs is based on predefined answers the player can pick from a list, and also a freeform text entry, which uses natural language parsing to interpret the text.<ref name="linux-magazine" /> Some of these NPC's provide quests and guidance on how to proceed to gain items and powers. The quests are sequenced to allow character progression in the different skills of the game. There are also events, hosted by Game Masters, that allow for unique quests, festivals and happenings. Players increase their character's skills by completing these quests in the game. The game has strong focus on [[Role-playing|Role-play]] (RP). IC (In-Character) behaviour and speech are promoted by the Game Master team.
'''[[Humans]]''':
* Xacha: Keepers of great knowledge, the Xacha use the magic arts and study natural phenomena as a tradition that is passed from generation to generation. Many scientists of Yliakum belong to this race.
* Ylian: Ylians are a practical and disciplined race with fighters, sorcerers, merchants and politicians. They tend to learn a little of everything without choosing a preferred profession.
'''[[Elves]]''':
* Nolthrir: Almost all elves have familiarity with some form of magic, mainly elemental magic. Nolthirs have a particular disadvantage on using fire related spells, but on the other hand they master water spells.
* Dermorian: Due to the long roaming in the Labyrinths searching for a final place to live, their race developed even more their acute vision, at the point of being capable to see in the dark.
'''[[dwarf (mythology)|Dwarves]]''':
* Stonebreaker: The clan of Stonebreakers have lived for centuries digging tunnels, shafts, wells and caves in the deep of earth until they arrived to Yliakum. They are talented engineers of machinery like winches, ventilation pipes, canals, means of transport for goods and everything that can be useful to overcome the drawbacks of underground life.
* Hammerwielder: Hammerwielders have a more natural affinity with metals and gems than with granite, becoming often-clever blacksmiths and gem cutters. They tend to be skilful fighters and often put their crafted weapons to the test.
'''Others:'''
* Lemurs: They have a clever intellect, superior to the other races. The Lemurs are brilliant artist, innate aesthete and researchers of beauty in all its forms.
* Kran: Their skin is made of silicon, bringing very unique traits, like ability to breath underwater. They perceive sounds thanks to vibrations on their bodies.
* Diaboli: The typical Diabolo has shiny oil-black skin, a thin pointed tail and little horns. Apart from that, they have almost the same body proportions as humans.
* Enkidukai: a race of [[feline]] humanoids, they possess extraordinary acute senses, and excellent reflexes. Given the hard training and the constant competition of survival, all the Enkidukai are good warriors and valuable companions in battle.
* Klyros, a winged reptilian: The Klyros are a humanoid race with a tall, slim body ( they range in height from 160 cm to 180 cm). Their skin is similar to reptiles, being slimy and cold, and varies from gray-green to steel dark blue.
* Ynnwn: The Ynnwn race is a strange but relatively frequent crossing between a Diabolo and an Elf. Two such opposite characters generate a type of giant, never shorter than two meters, with dark red skin. <ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref>.


Players trade using the currency Tria, a triangle-shaped coin. There are denominations for 10, 50 and 250 Tria, named Hexas, Octas and Circles.<ref name="tux#20"/>
===History and politics===
Yliakum's history is classified into five different [[Epoch (reference date)|epochs]]. The races of Yliakum were created by Talad and Laanx, the two chief deities of the setting.<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/history.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===Character creation===
Yliakum is governed by eight "Octarchs", one representing each level of Yliakum. Under them are lesser representatives, twenty in each level (160 total), called "Vigesimi". At the beginning of every year there is a meeting of all Octarchs and Vigesimi that lasts for several months, where they address issues pertinent to Yliakum's inhabitants. Ochtarchs generally remain in power for life.<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/government.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The ''PlaneShift'' [[character creation]] tool features two options. The first option is to choose to make a "quick" character, in which a player chooses a "path" and the character's specific attributes are chosen based on the profession. A path reflects the career of the character in his youth, and has associated events which will set the starting skills and stats. The available paths are "Street Warrior", "Enchanter", "Fighting Monk", "Warlock", "Knight", "Rogue".
The second option is to make a character with the "custom" method. This method allows the player to choose many additional aspects of the character by describing the story of their birth, parents, jobs, house, siblings, and the life events that happened up to his or her adulthood. The choices made affect the starting attributes and skills the character has.<ref name="linux-magazine">[https://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf planeshift] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108073833/http://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf |date=2007-11-08 }} {{in lang|es}} on [[Linux Magazine]]</ref>


===Combat===
The main currency is the Tria, triangle-shaped coins made of sturdy [[alloy]]s, metals, or crystals. The crystal mineral can easily be found in the mines and is transparent or light green in color. Magically forging the crystals produces a perfect triangle with rounded-off edges. There are other units of currency, including Hexas ([[hexagon]] shaped coins that have a 10:1 exchange rate with the tria), Octas ([[octagon]] shaped; 50:1 exchange rate) and Circles (circular gold coins; 250:1 exchange rate).<ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref>
''PlaneShift'' features both [[PvE|player versus environment]] and [[player versus player]] combat. The latter is implemented as the ability to engage in [[duel]]s on a voluntary basis, which requires both parties to agree to the conditions of the duel. If two players' [[Clan (computer gaming)|guilds]] are at war with each other, they do not need to agree to a duel in order to initiate combat with each other. Characters attain progression points (PP) when they successfully engage in combat and use certain abilities, which are used for training attributes. PlaneShift uses a skill based progression system, which allows the player to develop this character in any skills without the mandatory choice of a profession.<ref name="jeuxlinux1">{{cite web|url=http://www.jeuxlinux.fr/article-51.html |title=Jeuxlinux - Le site des jeux pour linux - Planeshift |publisher=[[Jeuxlinux]].fr |date= |accessdate=2010-05-13}}</ref>


===The Death Realm===
===Magic===
''PlaneShift'' magic comprises several distinct "Ways" (Schools): Crystal Way, Red Way, Brown Way, Azure Way, Blue Way, and Dark Way. Casting spells requires combinations of special magical items called glyphs. The spells are not known upfront, and have to be researched by combining [[glyph]]s in sequence.<ref name="tux#20"/>
When a character dies they are transported into the Death Realm,<ref name="linux-magazine">{{es icon}} https://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf</ref> a large network that the player must navigate, full of annoyances like dead-ends and perilous walkways. Upon return through the portal back to life, which is some fountain of sparkling purple stars, a temporary stat penalty occurs. The Death Realm will be expanded in future versions to be very expansive <ref name="faq">[http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and include many traps and puzzles for players to solve before returning to life.<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html, under Death Realm FAQ</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Development==
The PlaneShift project is developed under guidance of Atomic Blue, a Texas-based [[non-profit organization]].<ref>http://www.wysk.com/index/texas/austin/tdmwn7y/atomic-blue/profile</ref> The PlaneShift development team is organised in several departments with corresponding leaders.<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/Join%20Us</ref>
===Roleplay===
One of the main goals of the PlaneShift staff is to inspire roleplay between the players.<ref name="PlaneShift Roleplay Guide">http://www.planeshift.it/roleplay.html</ref> This is accomplished by extensive attention to roleplay details, background stories, books, and quests. New players are encouraged to read the guide set forth by the staff which details how to properly act in character<ref name="roleplay">[http://www.planeshift.it/roleplay.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. In the world of Yliakum are [[gamemaster|GMs]] who help the players stay in character, along with players who spend a lot of time to develop the persona of the characters with which they play.


PlaneShift has been open to players [[Freeware|for free]] since its first public release. The server side engine code and the client code is written from scratch by the PlaneShift team,<ref>https://www.ohloh.net/p/planeshift</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sourceforge.net/projects/planeshift/develop|title=Planeshift: A 3D MMORPG|date=21 October 2022 }}</ref>{{third-party inline|date=April 2012}} while the 3D rendering features are based on the [[Crystal Space]] 3D engine. In 2018 support for the Crystal Space engine was discontinued, so the decision was taken to move the whole game content to Unreal Engine 4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://207.244.96.64/PlaneShift/smf/index.php?board=70.0|title=Unreal Engine|website=207.244.96.64|access-date=2019-03-10}}</ref>
===Character creation===
PlaneShift features a [[character creation]] tool containing two options. The first option is to choose to make a "quick" character, in which you choose a "Path" and a character is randomly generated for you. A "Path" reflects the career (or job) of the avatar in his youth, and has associated events which will drive the final skills and stats.


On February 9, 2023, the migration was completed.<ref>https://www.planeshift.it/article/2023/PlaneShift%20Unreal%20The%20Switch</ref>
Alternatively you can choose to make a character with the "custom" method. Starting from scratch allows you to choose every aspect of your character from childhood, life events, parents, race, name, and appearance.<ref name="linux-magazine">{{es icon}} https://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf</ref> Only after choosing all of these options are your character's stats revealed.
All player accounts were transferred. It is no longer possible to play the Crystal Space version (also called "PlaneShift Legacy"), and newly created characters start in the tutorial of the Unreal Version.


Throughout the migration process the main developer Luca Pancallo did live streams on YouTube<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/@PlaneShiftOfficial | title=PlaneShiftOfficial - YouTube | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> and Twitch.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://twitch.tv/planeshift | title=Twitch }}</ref> The streams continue now that the migration is complete. There are more than 1,000 streams so far. "We still keep an open development concept, and most of our developments are done live on Twitch and Youtube."<ref name="PSsource"/>
===Combat===
[[File:PlaneShift screenshot 4.jpg|thumb|A character fights in the arena.]]
Yliakum is populated by many creatures that can be fought for loot and experience, ranging from simple [[rat]]s up to large creatures which may require many players to defeat. Players may also engage in [[duel]]s on a voluntary basis, which requires both parties to agree to the conditions of the duel. There is also a Guild system, where players can create and join Guilds. If two players' Guilds are at war with each other, they do not need to agree to a duel in order to initiate combat with each other.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide-combat.html|title=PlaneShift Player Guide - Combat|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref>


The servers and the internet connection for the game are donated by sponsors.<ref name="linux-magazine" />
Players may fight with bare fists, known as [[melee]], or wield a variety of [[sword]]s, [[axe]]s, [[dagger]]s, and [[hammer]]s.


Prior to the transition to [[Unreal Engine]] the game used two different [[Software license|licenses]]: the engine was released under the [[GNU General Public License]] v2,<ref name="web3d6">{{Cite web |url=http://www.web3d.org/x3d/learn/presentations/Web3DGames2007Workshop.pdf#page=6 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-11-03 |archive-date=2008-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007035905/http://web3d.org/x3d/learn/presentations/Web3DGames2007Workshop.pdf#page=6 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sourceforge.net/projects/planeshift/ |title=Planeshift: a 3D MMORPG &#124; Get Planeshift: a 3D MMORPG at |publisher=[[SourceForge.net]] |date=2000-07-17 |accessdate=2010-05-13}}</ref> and the content was released under a [[Proprietary software|proprietary license]].<ref name="web3d6"/><ref name="pslic">{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it/License |title=PlaneShift License|publisher=Planeshift.it |date= |accessdate=2014-04-22}}</ref> The artwork, ruleset, dialog, and other non-engine content of PlaneShift are proprietary<ref name="LXF#64">[[Linux Format]] March 2005 Issue 64, Pg 13</ref> and licensed under a custom license: the PlaneShift Content License<ref name="PCL">[http://www.planeshift.it/license.html PlaneShift Content License] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914222831/http://www.planeshift.it/license.html |date=2007-09-14 }}</ref> (PCL). The PCL prevents modifications, redistributions, and assigns the copyright of accepted contributions to Atomic Blue. This license also forbids using the content for profit or for [[Unofficial server|unofficial hosting]].<ref name="pslic"/>
===Magic===
''Planeshift'' magic comprises several distinct "Ways" (Schools): Crystal Way, Red Way, Brown Way, Azure Way, Blue Way, and Dark Way. Casting spells requires combinations of special magical items called glyphs.<ref name="tux#20"> TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref>


After the transition there are two versions of PlaneShift: PlaneShift Legacy and PlaneShift Unreal.
Glyphs should be purified before usage, which binds them to the caster until they are purified again by another character. Glyphs actually belong to one of the 6 Ways, but spells can be generated using a combination of Glyphs, also mixing Glyphs of different Ways. Actually the higher rank spells are the ones which use multiple Glyphs of different Ways (harder to obtain).
Glyphs are considered pretty precious in game, and are not easily found, except the basic ones, which gives additional challenges to the spellcasters. <ref name="magic guide">http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide-magic.html</ref>
PlaneShift Unreal is the new and current version made with [[Unreal Engine 5]]. This version is currently not open source.<ref name="PSsource">{{cite web|url=https://www.planeshift.it/Source%20code |title=PlaneShift Source code}}</ref>


The original game idea came from Luca Pancallo in 1994, who released a 2D version in 1996. The development of this game ended 1998 as no commercial support or publisher could be found. In 2000 the development was restarted aiming for a 3D version with an international team of developers. The first major version (0.1) released on May 2, 2002, was codenamed "Atomic Blue".<ref name="warcry1">{{cite web|author=Claudius posted on 28 Aug 2003 10:59 |url=http://www.warcry.com/news/view/57805-Feel-free-to-play-Literally-speaking |title=WarCry Network : News : Feel free to play - Literally speaking |publisher=Warcry.com |date=2003-08-28 |accessdate=2010-05-13}}</ref> Four different public versions of the game have come out since then, with additional functionality. PlaneShift is currently in the [[Software release cycle#Alpha|alpha]] stage of development at version 0.7.45.
===Crafting===
Crafting, as the art to create artifacts from certain ingredients, is available in PlaneShift for the creation of weapons and shields, but also for the creation of food.


===Training===
== Reception ==
[[Metacritic]] lists the game with 56 points from one review from mmorpg.com.<ref>[https://www.metacritic.com/game/planeshift/critic-reviews/?platform=pc planeshift] on [[metacritic.com]]</ref>
Characters attain Progression Points (PP) when they successfully engage in combat and uses of certain abilities. These are spent at [[Non-player character|NPC]] trainers to increase the power of various abilities. PlaneShift uses a skill based progression system, without the mandatory paths found in other games (ex.: wizard, warrior, etc..). It provides anyway predefined "Paths" to setup your character quickly (See the char creation section). <ref>http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide.html#guide-creation</ref>


PlaneShift has been used in multiple studies regarding development of free software and video games.<ref name="autogenerated2007">Free/Open Source Software Development: Recent Research Results and Methods - Advances in Computers, Volume 69, 2007, Pages 243-295 - Walt Scacchi</ref><ref>Prototyping Game Design Workshop (Second Edition), 2008, Pages 175-212 - Tracy Fullerton, Christopher Swain</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reflex.lth.se/culture/annelov/ |title=Using Virtual Reality to make cultural environments more accessible to people with physical disabilities |publisher=Re-Flex |date=2005-06-22 |accessdate=2010-05-13 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221110653/http://www.reflex.lth.se/culture/annelov/ |archivedate=2009-12-21 }}</ref> PlaneShift has been also studied as a collaborative software engineering organizational model.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=NOprLdi25qUC&dq=planeshift+game&pg=PA317 Collaborative Software Engineering By Ivan Mistra-K, Page 317/318]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=c92hUlDXZFoC&dq=planeshift+game&pg=PA14 Software process modeling by Silvia T. Acuña, Natalia Juristo, Page 14]</ref>
===Quests===
Over 200 quests are available to the player, providing rewards such as [[Riding_animal#Riding_animals_or_mounts|mounts]]. The NPC dialog system in ''Planeshift'' is a mixed system, made of predefined answers you can pick from a list and free text (similar to the one used in [[Tibia (computer game)|Tibia]] and [[EverQuest 1|EverQuest]] ). In addition player characters can communicate with computer-controlled characters (NPC) by typing in words and phrases, and NPCs will answer with a basic intelligence. <ref name="linux-magazine" />


=== Mounts ===
==See also==
Since version 0.5.1 mounts are available in PlaneShift through quests. Completing a quest you are able to get a creature you can use as transportation. Mounts include manta-like creature, which floats above the ground about 0.5 meters and a horse-like creature with long horns.<ref name="news on mounts">http://www.planeshift.it , news on mounts on 2010.02.21</ref>


* [[WorldForge]]
==License==
* [[List of open source games]]
''PlaneShift'' uses [[Crystal Space]], an [[open source]] game [[game engine|engine]]. The [[source code]] for the client and server, that the game employs, is open source under the [[GNU General Public License]].


==References==
All other elements like artwork, ruleset, dialog, etc. are proprietary<ref name="LXF#64">Linux Format March 2005 Issue 64, Pg 13</ref> and licensed under a custom license: the [http://www.planeshift.it/license.html PlaneShift Content License] (PCL). The PCL prevents modifications, redistributions, and assigns the copyright of accepted contributions to '''Atomic Blue''' under [[work for hire]] clauses. This license also forbids using the content for profit or for unofficial hosting.<ref name="pslic"/><ref name="web3d"/>
{{Reflist}}

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official|http://planeshift.it/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.planeshift.it/}}
* [http://bugs.hydlaaplaza.com/flyspray/ Official bug-tracker]
* [http://www.atomicblue.org/ Atomic Blue web site]
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/planeshift/ ''PlaneShift'' page at SourceForge]
* [http://pswiki.xordan.com/index.php/Main_Page Official wiki]


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Latest revision as of 20:57, 29 November 2024

PlaneShift
Developer(s)Atomic Blue (Volunteer Team)
Initial release2 May 2002; 22 years ago (2002-05-02)
Preview release
v0.7.45 / 24 September 2024; 3 months ago (2024-09-24)
Repositoryhttp://www.sf.net/projects/planeshift
Written inPlaneShift Engine, Crystal Space for 3D
Engine
  • Crystal Space
  • Unreal Engine 5
Edit this at Wikidata
PlatformMicrosoft Windows, macOS, Linux
TypeMultiplayer Fantasy MMORPG
LicenseGPLv2 (PSLegacy source code)
PCL (content)[1]
proprietary license (PlaneShift Unreal[2])
Websitehttp://www.planeshift.it

PlaneShift is a free to play, cross-platform 3D Online Multiplayer Role Playing Game in a fantasy setting. The game requires client software to be installed on the player's computer. The project is no-budget and produced by a group of developers guided by the Atomic Blue organization.[3] The development team comprises volunteers from mostly European countries and North America.[4]

Setting

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PlaneShift takes place inside a colossal stalactite named Yliakum.[5] Players begin in the main city, Hydlaa, where they will start their journey. In most recent setting PlaneShift has 9 playable races,[6] after returning a playable status to Diaboli, making Kran race playable and removing playable status from Ynnwn. Each race has their own homelands and characteristics. The races feature standard fantasy types, like elves and dwarves, but also humanoids made of rock and winged amphibians. Though set underground, life is possible because a crystal named the Azure Sun draws light from the surface of the planet.

Gameplay

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Screenshot showing Eagle Bronze Doors, an in-game area in PlaneShift

PlaneShift gameplay is based on classical Multiplayer Role Playing Game style, with exploration, magic, single player or team based combat and quests. A major goal of the game is to explore and learn. This can either be done by reading books or by learning about the world by speaking with the NPCs. The interaction with the NPCs is based on predefined answers the player can pick from a list, and also a freeform text entry, which uses natural language parsing to interpret the text.[7] Some of these NPC's provide quests and guidance on how to proceed to gain items and powers. The quests are sequenced to allow character progression in the different skills of the game. There are also events, hosted by Game Masters, that allow for unique quests, festivals and happenings. Players increase their character's skills by completing these quests in the game. The game has strong focus on Role-play (RP). IC (In-Character) behaviour and speech are promoted by the Game Master team.

Players trade using the currency Tria, a triangle-shaped coin. There are denominations for 10, 50 and 250 Tria, named Hexas, Octas and Circles.[5]

Character creation

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The PlaneShift character creation tool features two options. The first option is to choose to make a "quick" character, in which a player chooses a "path" and the character's specific attributes are chosen based on the profession. A path reflects the career of the character in his youth, and has associated events which will set the starting skills and stats. The available paths are "Street Warrior", "Enchanter", "Fighting Monk", "Warlock", "Knight", "Rogue". The second option is to make a character with the "custom" method. This method allows the player to choose many additional aspects of the character by describing the story of their birth, parents, jobs, house, siblings, and the life events that happened up to his or her adulthood. The choices made affect the starting attributes and skills the character has.[7]

Combat

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PlaneShift features both player versus environment and player versus player combat. The latter is implemented as the ability to engage in duels on a voluntary basis, which requires both parties to agree to the conditions of the duel. If two players' guilds are at war with each other, they do not need to agree to a duel in order to initiate combat with each other. Characters attain progression points (PP) when they successfully engage in combat and use certain abilities, which are used for training attributes. PlaneShift uses a skill based progression system, which allows the player to develop this character in any skills without the mandatory choice of a profession.[8]

Magic

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PlaneShift magic comprises several distinct "Ways" (Schools): Crystal Way, Red Way, Brown Way, Azure Way, Blue Way, and Dark Way. Casting spells requires combinations of special magical items called glyphs. The spells are not known upfront, and have to be researched by combining glyphs in sequence.[5]

Development

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The PlaneShift project is developed under guidance of Atomic Blue, a Texas-based non-profit organization.[9] The PlaneShift development team is organised in several departments with corresponding leaders.[10]

PlaneShift has been open to players for free since its first public release. The server side engine code and the client code is written from scratch by the PlaneShift team,[11][12][third-party source needed] while the 3D rendering features are based on the Crystal Space 3D engine. In 2018 support for the Crystal Space engine was discontinued, so the decision was taken to move the whole game content to Unreal Engine 4.[13]

On February 9, 2023, the migration was completed.[14] All player accounts were transferred. It is no longer possible to play the Crystal Space version (also called "PlaneShift Legacy"), and newly created characters start in the tutorial of the Unreal Version.

Throughout the migration process the main developer Luca Pancallo did live streams on YouTube[15] and Twitch.[16] The streams continue now that the migration is complete. There are more than 1,000 streams so far. "We still keep an open development concept, and most of our developments are done live on Twitch and Youtube."[2]

The servers and the internet connection for the game are donated by sponsors.[7]

Prior to the transition to Unreal Engine the game used two different licenses: the engine was released under the GNU General Public License v2,[17][18] and the content was released under a proprietary license.[17][19] The artwork, ruleset, dialog, and other non-engine content of PlaneShift are proprietary[20] and licensed under a custom license: the PlaneShift Content License[1] (PCL). The PCL prevents modifications, redistributions, and assigns the copyright of accepted contributions to Atomic Blue. This license also forbids using the content for profit or for unofficial hosting.[19]

After the transition there are two versions of PlaneShift: PlaneShift Legacy and PlaneShift Unreal. PlaneShift Unreal is the new and current version made with Unreal Engine 5. This version is currently not open source.[2]

The original game idea came from Luca Pancallo in 1994, who released a 2D version in 1996. The development of this game ended 1998 as no commercial support or publisher could be found. In 2000 the development was restarted aiming for a 3D version with an international team of developers. The first major version (0.1) released on May 2, 2002, was codenamed "Atomic Blue".[21] Four different public versions of the game have come out since then, with additional functionality. PlaneShift is currently in the alpha stage of development at version 0.7.45.

Reception

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Metacritic lists the game with 56 points from one review from mmorpg.com.[22]

PlaneShift has been used in multiple studies regarding development of free software and video games.[23][24][25] PlaneShift has been also studied as a collaborative software engineering organizational model.[26][27]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b PlaneShift Content License Archived 2007-09-14 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ a b c "PlaneShift Source code".
  3. ^ "PlaneShift. Download and information on Atomic Blue Corporation PlaneShift". planeshift.it. 2013-11-05. Retrieved 2014-04-22.
  4. ^ "PlaneShift World Map". Planeshift.it. Retrieved 2014-04-22.
  5. ^ a b c TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60
  6. ^ "PlaneShift Races". Planeshift.it. 2024-10-01. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  7. ^ a b c planeshift Archived 2007-11-08 at the Wayback Machine (in Spanish) on Linux Magazine
  8. ^ "Jeuxlinux - Le site des jeux pour linux - Planeshift". Jeuxlinux.fr. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
  9. ^ http://www.wysk.com/index/texas/austin/tdmwn7y/atomic-blue/profile
  10. ^ http://www.planeshift.it/Join%20Us
  11. ^ https://www.ohloh.net/p/planeshift
  12. ^ "Planeshift: A 3D MMORPG". 21 October 2022.
  13. ^ "Unreal Engine". 207.244.96.64. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  14. ^ https://www.planeshift.it/article/2023/PlaneShift%20Unreal%20The%20Switch
  15. ^ "PlaneShiftOfficial - YouTube". YouTube.
  16. ^ "Twitch".
  17. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2008-11-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ "Planeshift: a 3D MMORPG | Get Planeshift: a 3D MMORPG at". SourceForge.net. 2000-07-17. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
  19. ^ a b "PlaneShift License". Planeshift.it. Retrieved 2014-04-22.
  20. ^ Linux Format March 2005 Issue 64, Pg 13
  21. ^ Claudius posted on 28 Aug 2003 10:59 (2003-08-28). "WarCry Network : News : Feel free to play - Literally speaking". Warcry.com. Retrieved 2010-05-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ planeshift on metacritic.com
  23. ^ Free/Open Source Software Development: Recent Research Results and Methods - Advances in Computers, Volume 69, 2007, Pages 243-295 - Walt Scacchi
  24. ^ Prototyping Game Design Workshop (Second Edition), 2008, Pages 175-212 - Tracy Fullerton, Christopher Swain
  25. ^ "Using Virtual Reality to make cultural environments more accessible to people with physical disabilities". Re-Flex. 2005-06-22. Archived from the original on 2009-12-21. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
  26. ^ Collaborative Software Engineering By Ivan Mistra-K, Page 317/318
  27. ^ Software process modeling by Silvia T. Acuña, Natalia Juristo, Page 14
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