Ask HN: Looking for Collaborators on Gaia, an MMO Ecosystem Simulator
I’m developing an idea for a massively multiplayer online game I call Gaia for now, where players embody individual species within a shared, dynamic ecosystem. Each player can choose a kingdom of life—plant, fungus, bacterium, or animal—and starts as a random mutation from an existing, competing species; players evolve their species, adapting and competing for resources in a virtual environment that mimics ecological interdependence.
Key concepts include:
- Unique play styles for each Kingdom: Different gameplay mechanics for plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals, reflecting their roles in an ecosystem.
- Nutrient economy: A “stock exchange” for nutrients where players decide how to share or hoard resources, impacting ecosystem balance and competition.
- Ecosystem simulation: Species interactions drive the game, with real-time adaptations and a leaderboard based on area controlled by each species.
- Ongoing evolution: If species go extinct, players respawn as a random mutation from another successful species, with unique up- and downsides.
- Environmental events: Natural disasters and catastrophes that occur rarely, but shake up the environment in unexpected ways, require quick changes in strategy.
- Educational & strategic depth: The game aims to reveal the complexities of ecological balance and fragility, blending fun with insight into nature.
I’m looking for others interested in building or brainstorming around this idea—whether in game development, ecological modelling, or MMO infrastructure. This is the game I've wanted to play forever; if you liked the idea of Spore, but found it way too shallow, and are likewise intrigued by the idea of simulating life’s interconnected web, let’s talk!