Kitfox Games continues to build its reputation in the simulation genre with the upcoming release of Streets of Fortuna. This new game aims to intricately model ancient, Constantinople-like cities, offering players a deep and immersive sandbox experience. Leveraging the expertise gained from titles like Caves of Qud and Dwarf Fortress, Kitfox is pushing the boundaries of city simulation.
Earlier projects like Caves of Qud and Dwarf Fortress showcased Kitfox’s commitment to detailed simulations. Streets of Fortuna builds on this legacy, enhancing the complexity and scale of NPC interactions. This progression indicates the company’s focus on creating richly detailed virtual environments.
How Does NPC Behavior Enhance the Simulation?
NPC behavior in Streets of Fortuna is meticulously programmed, with around 1000 NPCs currently simulated and plans to increase this number to 3000.
“All NPCs are properly simulated at all times, navigating about the city, interacting with objects, and paying attention to their schedules,”
explains lead designer Brent Ellison. This depth of simulation allows for dynamic and unpredictable interactions within the game world.
What Gameplay Opportunities Arise from the Simulation?
The detailed NPC behaviors open up various gameplay possibilities, such as the ability to commit crimes like poisoning or arson with realistic consequences.
“We’re thinking about how we want to make sure you can poison someone’s drink and leave the area, confident that you’ve pulled off the perfect crime,”
Ellison states. This means players can manipulate the city environment in sophisticated ways, interacting with the simulation on multiple levels.
What Are the Development Goals for Streets of Fortuna?
Kitfox Games aims to refine the simulation’s complexity and user interaction, ensuring that both on-screen and off-screen NPCs contribute to a cohesive city ecosystem. Enhancing features like lamp-lighting and object interactions demonstrates the team’s commitment to authenticity and player agency. The absence of a set release date suggests that development is focused on achieving a high level of polish before launch.
Streets of Fortuna represents a significant step forward in city simulation games, promising a richly detailed and interactive environment influenced by players’ actions. By expanding NPC counts and refining behavior systems, Kitfox Games is setting the stage for a deeply immersive experience that builds on their previous successes. Players can look forward to interacting with a dynamic city where their choices have meaningful impacts on the virtual society.
