1 Elden Online.
Elden Online.
The ultimate VRMMORPG.
A game released to the public on October 25th, 2027.
It was developed by HyperTech Industries— an innovative tech giant. Led by visionary game designer and CEO, Dr. Sakura Hoshigawa, the company invested heavily in research and development to make VRMMORPG gaming a reality. The project was spearheaded by a talented team of engineers, programmers, artists, and game designers, who worked tirelessly to bring Elden Online to life.
After years of research and development, they perfected a technology that allowed players to fully immerse themselves in a virtual world through an advanced VR headset known as the "Neuro-Net." It utilized advanced brain-machine interfaces and neurofeedback algorithms, allowing players to establish a direct neural link to the game. Through this connection, players experience real-time sensory feedback, including sight, sound, and touch, creating a fully immersive experience. The neural link technology ensured seamless and instantaneous interaction between the players' thoughts and actions in the game world.
When Elden Online first released it cost $220.99.
But with the influx of VRMMORPGs as of late, the price dropped to $180.99. This wasnʼt due to the game losing significance, however, it was a means to successfully carry out market penetration.
Setting a lower price for the game encouraged more players to purchase it, thus increasing the player base. This approach would be beneficial in the long run as it would create a larger community and potential for ongoing revenue from expansion packs and microtransactions.
There were additional expansion packs and in-game microtransactions available for further customization and enhancements.
The two expansion packs were:
"Realm of Shadows" cost $50.99. It introduced a new region filled with dark and mysterious creatures, along with new quests, weapons, and armor. It expanded the game's content and offered a new storyline for players to explore.
"Rise of the Titans" cost $19.99. It focused on the ancient race of titans returning to Elden Online. It added new titan-themed dungeons, raids, and boss battles. Additionally, players could unlock a new titan-inspired character class with unique abilities.
The In-Game Microtransactions included: Cosmetics, Mounts, Boosters and Storage Expansions.
Character Cosmetics like costumes, hairstyles, and accessories were used to customize characters' appearance. Prices ranged from $2.99 to $10.99, depending on the item's rarity and exclusivity.
Mounts were fantastical creatures like dragons or mechanical steeds. Used to traverse the game world with style. These mounts typically cost between $4.99 and $14.99.
Boosters provided temporary enhancements to a player's experience, such as increased experience gain, faster movement, or improved loot drops. They could be purchased for prices ranging from $5.99 for a single-use booster to $35.99 for a bundle of multiple boosters.
For players needing additional inventory space, they could buy storage expansion upgrades for their characters. Prices varied depending on the size of the expansion, starting from $12.99 for a small increase.
...
October 25th, 2033.
The anniversary of Elden Online.
That night, the highly anticipated game-wide event of Elden Online was about to begin.
The Double-Tier Leveling Event.
In all corners of the virtual world, every player was excited.
They prepared to participate and reap the extraordinary rewards offered during this exclusive twenty-four-hour extravaganza.
In a cozy corner of his room, Shin Kurogane, a new gamer, sat beside his state-of-the-art computer system. His room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of his computer screen casting a faint light on his face. Engrossed in conversation with his fellow gamers on his smartphone, he eagerly awaited the imminent start of the event.
Shin and his friends, a level 10 party in Elden Online, stumbled upon the one-time event that offered enticing rewards. By killing monsters and clearing dungeons within 24 hours, they could earn double the reward, a 100% drop rate, a significant in-game currency bonus, and an enhanced EXP boost. This meant better chances of leveling up, potentially allowing them to reach individual levels of 40 and their party's level to 41.
Party level was determined by individual level.
Their party was a party of five. Each member was at level 9 and the party leader, Kazuto Hanma, was at level 12. To get their party level their individual levels would be summed up and divided by the total number of party members. So in their case that was 9.6 which approximately gave them a party level of 10.
--- Group Chat ---
Hiro] Yo.
Ryuzu] Hi :)
Hiro] Ready for tonight?
Ryuzu] I guess, already finished weekend chores and homework ^-^
Hiro] Gimme yours on Monday?
Ryuzu] You should really do it yourself
Hiro] Shin, stop lurking...
Shin] I'm not lurking but whatever, where's the party leader?
Kazuto] Here! I was busy, girlfriend problems
Hiro] Which one? Heh~
Kazuto] Can't remember her name
Ryuzu] Anyways, that makes four.
Hiro] Then that leaves Hiyori
Hiyori] I'm on, can we start already
Shin] Yeah, it's almost time
Kazuto] Alright guys, I already sent the PDF for our leveling up strategy, I hope you guys went through it, it's really important we stick to it throughout the event. And remember, only 3 breaks, so I hope you guys didn't eat or drink much prior.
Hiro] Nah, I didn't
Ryuzu] Hiro definitely did, but I didn't
Hiyori] I didn't either
Shin] I did, but I'll be fine
Kazuto] Alright guys, let's move!
---
Shin exited the app and placed his phone on his computer desk.
"Alright."
The clock on the wall ticked past 10:00 p.m., the time when the event was set to commence. Shin rose from his swivel chair, stretching his tired limbs and stifling a yawn. His eyes wandered to the bed, where his gaming companion, the Neuro-Net, patiently waited for him.
Shin approached his bed and reached for the sleek VR headset. The Neuro-Net, it offered a seamless connection between his mind and the vast digital realm of Elden Online. He carefully placed the device on his head, ensuring its perfect alignment with his senses. Next, he connected the headset to a small system device, linked to an intricate web of wires and boosters that enhanced every aspect of his gaming experience.
He sighed contentedly.
"A full twenty-four hours for the event... I think I'm set. My room door is locked so that guarantees uninterrupted immersion, especially from Hinata. I already ate but there's no harm in keeping enough food around incase I get hungry— energy bars, sandwich, canned beans, fish sticks, ice cream... that should be enough. Good thing I won't be needing buckets for piss and a hot dump like Hiro, my room has a bathroom. And most importantly tomorrow's Saturday, so I don't need to worry about school..."
With the Neuro-Net securely on his head, Shin settled himself comfortably on his bed. Closing his eyes, he felt a familiar tingle as the neural link initiated, seamlessly interlocking his mind with the expansive neural network.
The neural network was the interconnected system that all brainwaves were wrapped around like a yarn ball which helped connect all minds to the world and share information in real time. It was the the most important thing in Elden Online as one wrong move could either kill every player or cause them several brain damage.
But they didn't need to worry because one wrong move was lightyears away.
Literally...
A piece of extraterrestrial matter was about to change everything.
A white hole tore through space, unleashing a meteor from a distant galaxy. Now in the milky-way galaxy, the meteor hurtled forward at incredible speed, its reputation as a catalyst matter preceding it. Its most notable trait was its ability to trigger intense fusion upon contact, fueled by its celestial energy.
The planet, Earth, was its target.
