Brighter Shores: A New Dawn in Fantasy MMORPGs by RuneScape's Creators

By Ryan in News • Published 3 months ago

Andrew and Paul Gower, renowned for their creation of RuneScape, have embarked on a new venture with the announcement of Brighter Shores, a captivating point-and-click fantasy adventure MMORPG that promises to enchant both old fans and newcomers to the genre. After their departure from Jagex in 2010, the Gower brothers have been quietly at work on this ambitious project, with Andrew leading as the designer and Paul crafting the narrative.

Set in the mystical world of Adothria, Brighter Shores invites players to step into the shoes of Hopeport town's newest guard recruit. As players navigate their way through this role, they are quickly swept into a larger, more perilous adventure as a mysterious storm unleashes chaos at the harbor and local goblins become increasingly hostile. The game offers a fresh take on traditional MMORPG classes, allowing players to become a Cryoknight, Guardian, or Hammermage, each equipped with unique abilities to combat the dark forces corrupting the land.

What sets Brighter Shores apart is its commitment to redefining MMORPG gameplay, steering clear of the "grindy" nature typical of the genre. With the introduction of the Fenforge engine, the game promises smoother, more engaging experiences that prioritize player enjoyment and exploration over tedious tasks. This approach is reflective of Andrew Gower's extensive experience and his vision to improve the MMORPG landscape.

Players can look forward to a rich, episodic content rollout that expands the game's universe with new quests, professions, and lands to explore. Professions play a central role, offering a diverse range from Fisher and Chef to Alchemist and Blacksmith, with assurances of more to come. This focus likely draws inspiration from RuneScape's celebrated crafting system, aiming to provide a deep, satisfying experience centered around creation and trade.

Brighter Shores will be accessible in two versions: a free version limited to the initial areas of Hopeport and Hopeforest, and a Premium Pass version, which unlocks additional realms like the Mine of Mantuban and Crenopolis, alongside exclusive perks such as unique character names, armor dyes, and player-to-player trading. This model reflects Fen Research's dedication to delivering substantial content without relying on the pervasive microtransactions found in many modern games.

Scheduled for release in the third quarter of this year on PC and Mac via Steam, Brighter Shores doesn't demand high-end hardware, making it accessible to a wide audience. With its promise of a cozy, relaxing atmosphere and an ongoing story filled with hours of gameplay, this game is positioned to offer a refreshing alternative in the MMORPG space.

As Andrew Gower has noted, creating Brighter Shores has been a labor of love, an ambitious project that aims to bring players together in a world full of magic, mystery, and adventure. This game represents not just a continuation of the Gower brothers' legacy but a bold step forward, reimagining what MMORPGs can be with a focus on player enjoyment and storytelling depth.

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