GameSource recently go the chance to speak with the developers of Working as Intended, makers of the upcoming sandbox MMORPG, Dawntide. Dawntide will use an open ended advancement system rather than the level-based system we all know and love. Unlike many MMOs, there are no levels, classes, or experience points. The interview goes into greater details about the advancement system and player progression.
WAI: Open ended character development is different from linear (level-based) character development. In an open ended system, there are multiple paths to advancement, and you advance in the particular task you are performing at the time - a magic user becomes better at magic, while a blacksmith improves his blacksmithing skills, so there is no invisible finish line. In a linear progression system, successfully completing goals earns you experience, which earns you levels up until the maximum level, after which the hunt for levels is replaced by the hunt for items, until youre done the game doesnt end, of course, but theres nothing more to do.
