GDTLancer is a multi-platform space adventure RPG combining sandbox simulation with TTRPG-inspired emergent narrative mechanics. Explore a living, dynamic universe where your actions, and those of AI agents, shape the course of history.
This project aims to create a unique experience blending the freedom of classic space sims with the deep, player-driven stories found in tabletop roleplaying games, all presented in a distinct neo-retro 3D visual style.
Current Status: Undergoing refactoring.
- Living Universe: A persistent world simulated dynamically, where NPC agents pursue their own goals using the same core mechanics as the player, influencing factions, economies, and discoveries.
- Emergent Narrative: Stories evolve organically from the interplay of game systems, agent actions, and generated events, rather than following rigid plots.
- Hybrid Gameplay: Engage in direct simulation gameplay (piloting, combat, trading) within distinct Gameplay Modules. High-stakes actions are resolved via an Action Check (3d6+Modifier), influenced by Focus Points (FP).
- Player Agency: Choose your level of engagement – focus on simulation modules or narrative systems. Manage risk by declaring an Action Approach (
Act RiskyorAct Cautiously) for key actions, influencing potential outcomes. Set long-term goals via the Goal System. - Transmedia Vision: Planned versions include:
- Primary PC/Mobile build (Godot Engine 4).
- Simplified J2ME version (turn-based, wireframe).
- Analogue Tabletop RPG ruleset.
- Neo-Retro Aesthetics: Distinctive visual style using minimalist 3D, hard edges, solid colors, and stylized lighting.
- Chronicle System: Uncover the generated history of the world through an in-game interface logging significant player and NPC actions.
The detailed design principles, mechanics, and development plan for GDTLancer reside in its dedicated documentation repository: GDTLancer Game Design Documentation
- Primary Engine: Godot Engine 3
This project (the Godot 4 implementation source code and associated assets within this repository) is intended to be licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later (GPL-3.0-or-later). Please see the LICENSE file in the repository root for the full license text once added.
- The J2ME version will also use GPLv3.
- The Analogue TTRPG version materials, developed in a separate repository, are intended to be licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Currently solo development.