work in progress

After assigning tasks to his team, John returned home, feeling confident about the direction of Identity V and Minecraft. He trusted his team to manage those projects independently while he focused on more complex virtual worlds. One of his biggest undertakings, the virtual game world of One Piece, was nearing completion. The core structure was built, and all that remained was to add the iconic elements: characters, Devil Fruits, Haki, martial arts, and more.

John stood in the virtual space, gazing at the deep vortex-shaped portal in front of him. The satisfaction he felt was immeasurable. This wasn't like his previous games; One Piece was a fully fleshed-out virtual world, not just a simple concept or casual farm sim like Happy Farm. It had taken him nearly fifty days to develop, while a team of developers in the real world would likely require a year or two for a similar project.

"Time to keep pushing forward!" John thought, shaking off the momentary complacency. He refocused on the final game design, with all the characters from One Piece vividly clear in his mind—Sengoku, Garp, Whitebeard, and others. Each character needed to be created meticulously, similar to how he had designed Pokémon.

The challenge was considerable. Designing characters in One Piece was significantly more complex than Pokémon due to their unique attributes, especially their favorability levels. Each major character needed a distinct set of circumstances to gauge their favorability toward players. For example, players would need to navigate the relationship dynamics to earn benefits, such as becoming Whitebeard's son.

Another critical aspect was the Devil Fruits. As central to the One Piece world, these would serve as a primary means for players to enhance their strength. Players would rely on luck to find these fruits—some might discover a fruit with exceptional abilities early in the game, prompting the decision to consume it or sell it. The randomness of finding Devil Fruits would add an element of excitement and unpredictability, encouraging players to explore every corner of the game world.

John also contemplated the game's death penalty. While he didn't want to limit players to just one life—an unfair burden in a game world—he realized he couldn't ignore the consequences of death entirely. He settled on a system where players would have to start over from scratch upon dying. This would encourage players to value their skills and approach the game with seriousness. "This isn't just a casual game; it's a world where every decision matters," he mused.

"Okay, now about the monetization…" he pondered, recalling how previous games had little need for in-game purchases. This time, however, he needed to introduce a system that allowed players to invest money without directly purchasing strength. Thus, he decided on a system where players could exchange Dragon Coins for Baileys, maintaining a one-to-one hundred ratio to ensure a balanced economy. This exchange would enable players to earn money while still being challenged in the game, striking a balance between fun and profit.

John understood the potential pitfalls of the economy, particularly with the introduction of the Devil Fruits. What if a lucky player found an incredibly powerful fruit early on? Would they sell it for quick cash, disrupting the economy? He had to be cautious. The one-hundred-to-one ratio was designed to ensure a steady flow of in-game currency without undermining the value of the Devil Fruits. After all, they were supposed to be rare treasures, not just another commodity.

With the birthplaces of the players also needing consideration, John decided not to restrict them to a single location. The world of One Piece was vast and diverse, with countless islands and countries to explore. He implemented a system where players could choose their birthplace from a selection of regions, each with unique traits and challenges. However, he set limits on the number of players that could start in each area to maintain a balance—no one place should become overcrowded.

As he continued to refine the details of the game, John realized that world-building would be crucial to immersing players in the One Piece universe. He needed to create rich lore, vibrant environments, and engaging quests that would keep players coming back. This was not just about combat and exploration; it was about storytelling. He envisioned players forming alliances, rivalries, and even families within the game, much like the bonds formed in the One Piece anime.

John worked tirelessly, designing intricate maps that mirrored the original anime's landscapes—enchanting islands, bustling ports, and hidden treasure caves. Each environment needed to evoke a sense of adventure, prompting players to explore every nook and cranny. He incorporated interactive elements like NPCs who would provide quests, hints, and lore, creating a living world that felt authentic and immersive.

As he neared completion, John felt a rush of excitement. The virtual game world of One Piece was becoming more than just a project; it was transforming into a vibrant ecosystem where players could carve out their destinies. Each decision, each encounter, would shape their journey. "This is going to be something special," he thought, envisioning the reactions of players as they stepped into this new world.

With the foundations laid and the details ironed out, John prepared for the launch. He knew that the success of the game would depend not only on its mechanics but also on the community that would spring up around it. He hoped to foster a positive environment where players could collaborate, compete, and share their experiences.

As he clicked save on his final design, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He was ready to share this world with players around the globe, to let them experience the thrill of the hunt, the bonds of friendship, and the adventures that awaited them in the vast seas of the One Piece universe.

A/N: Sorry for not uploading yesterday, I was kinda sick but since we got 100 power stones, So I will upload total of 3 chapters today. So thanks for reading.

Also check out my patreon for more chapters:

Patreon.com/AncestorX

Thanks ✌️.