An indie developer is working on a new walking app inspired by the classic MMORPG RuneScape titled WalkScape. The mobile app will let players complete quests, level up stats, and play through the story of a fantasy adventure just by walking around.
The original version of RuneScape launched in 2001 and continues to have an active community more than two decades later. RuneScape has had a significant impact on MMOs and RPGs in general and likely inspired a whole generation of current game developers. However, most people probably wouldn’t expect that inspiration would lead to someone creating a fantasy RPG walking app.
WalkScape is an upcoming app coming to Android devices, with an iOS release on its way further down the road. The game takes place in a fantasy world called Arenum, which features three countries and numerous locations that have surprisingly deep lore for a fitness game. Players of the RuneScape-inspired exercise app will be able to explore the map, embark on quests, experience random encounters, progress through a main storyline, and level up over 20 different skills just by walking around. WalkScape will also feature leaderboards, a global marketplace, and other community features.
The developer has also uploaded a few screenshots to Reddit and Twitter, offering some idea of what the game will look like. It shows the player traveling from a location called the Disenchanted Forest to a city called Kallaheim. In addition, it displays information like the Steps Remaining, Steps To Level Up, Actions to Level up, and Success chance. The WalkScape Twitter account also shows off some pixel-art sprites and lore about various in-game countries. The mobile fitness game will not feature any in-game music or sound effects, but that may change in the future.
WalkScape is solo developed by a computer science student who goes by WalkScaper on Reddit. They describe it as “30% a fitness app and 70% a game” and say it will be free-to-play at launch. However, they are considering a subscription service to cover the server cost once it gets more users. There is no word on price, but WalkScape will use a similar monetization strategy to Old School RuneScape. Players will be able to experience a significant amount of content for free but will need to pay a subscription fee to access everything.
WalkScape doesn’t have a set release date, though fans can follow its development on Reddit, Twitter, and Discord. The developer is also planning to release a closed beta for the RuneScape-inspired fitness RPG this summer. Hopefully, the RuneScape inspiration appeals to fans of the old but still-popular MMORPG.
WalkScape is in development for Android.
Source: WalkScape