Episode 118 - Guns N' Ammo

In episode 118 of COPI Café, Rob and Josh delve into the exciting developments in " Cornucopias ," a ground breaking open-world MMO set in a futuristic sky realm featuring customizable avatars and vibrant floating islands.

They discuss key game mechanics, including in-progress combat systems with diverse weapon types and AI-powered NPCs designed for dynamic interactions and quests.

The team emphasizes their commitment to using advanced technologies, such as Unreal Engine 5.5 and decentralized infrastructure, to produce a game that meets AAA standards while also integrating cryptocurrency for transactions.

As they prepare for the alpha launch at the end of the year, they highlight the importance of player ownership and community engagement. The hosts also touch on environmental intricacies, including wildlife dynamics and weather effects on gameplay, while showcasing their strategic marketing efforts to attract a broader audience and enhance overall game quality.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the hosts introduce the game's core mechanics, including the customizable avatars, exploration of vibrant settlements, and diverse gameplay activities ranging from crafting to combat. The conversation transitions to the specifics of combat mechanics currently in development, highlighting the inclusion of various gun types and flying capabilities, even though damage effects have yet to be implemented. The excitement about the upcoming features is palpable, as they aim to balance revealing details with maintaining anticipation for future updates.

• 00:05:00 In this section, the discussion revolves around the development of a new system involving innovative weapon balance and AI-powered NPCs for an upcoming release. David has created a waiting system that will be elaborated on in the future, alongside details about various futuristic weapons, including laser and beam weapons. The initial focus for the release will be a shooting range experience, with hints about gameplay elements still under wraps. There is excitement about integrating AI technology for NPCs, which the team has been researching extensively, looking into various models to enhance functionality and adaptability in gameplay. They are in the early stages of implementing AI-driven NPCs that could provide quests, with ongoing exploration into hosting options and the adaptability of different AI models based on performance and latency challenges. Overall, there is a keen anticipation for how these developments will impact the gaming experience.

• 00:10:00 In this section, the discussion revolves around developing advanced NPCs (non-player characters) for the game "Cornucopias" using AI technology. The team is exploring methods to enhance NPC interactions by utilizing AI for dynamic conversations and implementing voice recognition, with a focus on creating unique personalities for each character that can exhibit emotional changes based on contextual cues. Emphasizing a step-by-step approach, they acknowledge the potential for customization, allowing players to influence NPC characteristics further. This innovative endeavor aims to create an immersive experience with a diverse range of personalities and dynamic interactions, positioning the project at the forefront of gaming technology and potentially opening opportunities for offering these capabilities to other games in the future.

• 00:15:00 In this section, the discussion revolves around integrating advanced AI and personalized avatars into the gaming experience within the Cornucopia project, emphasizing the potential for users to train their own characters and NPCs. The conversation touches on ongoing developments in crypto markets, particularly meme coins, and their fluctuating nature—highlighting the importance of transitioning toward more utility-driven assets. As the team looks forward to the alpha launch, they express confidence in attracting mainstream gamers to their web3 gaming experience, where transactions would seamlessly integrate credit card payments converted into their in-game currency, COPI tokens. This shift is seen as a key opportunity for growth and utility that will boost market presence and player engagement, while the fundamentals of the game remain strong, focusing on player ownership and in-house development.

• 00:20:00 In this section, the discussion revolves around the game's development, emphasizing that the entire process is conducted in-house to meet AAA standards, supported by a team of over 50 professionals. The creators highlight the use of Unreal Engine 5.5.1 and their own decentralized node infrastructure aimed at enhancing the gaming experience. They express optimism about the integration of AI-powered NPCs, noting that their foundational ideas have remained consistent and are now aligned with evolving technology. The conversation also touches on the importance of utility in the crypto space, particularly for gaming projects, and anticipates that new regulatory clarity will facilitate growth and onboarding of users into cryptocurrency, ultimately leading to wider adoption. Significantly, the potential for crypto to become a mainstream option for transactions, even when users may not initially recognize it, is also addressed, reinforcing the belief in the project's long-term viability and utility.

• 00:25:00 In this section, the discussion focuses on the advancements in web 3 technology and the excitement surrounding the growth and marketing strategies for a gaming project. The team is enhancing its marketing efforts, including the development of a dedicated video production team and establishing partnerships with various influencers and potentially a Fortune 500 company. They have secured listings on six centralized exchanges, aiming to increase trading volume to attract larger exchanges like Kraken and Coinbase. The conversation highlights the importance of utility and fundamental delivery, particularly the development of a game that is continuously improving. Additionally, they are investing in new technology, such as a motion capture suit and utilizing AI to enhance gameplay and animations, showcasing their commitment to innovation and quality in their project.

• 00:30:00 In this section, the discussion revolves around enhancing the realism of a cinematic project by integrating avatars capable of natural gestures and interactions, which will be featured in the upcoming Epic Games Store launch. A significant leak is shared regarding the development of the updated game launcher that incorporates the file nodes system for easier production and staging game releases. The innovative launcher allows users to download live and staging game versions from decentralized community hosted locations. Additionally, a question posed by a fan regarding the presence of unique animals in specific game zones is addressed, confirming that the game will feature zone-specific wildlife to enhance realism.

• 00:35:00 In this section, the discussion focuses on the wildlife and environmental diversity planned for the game, highlighting the existence of various creatures like deer, bears, and foxes in different zones called Solace and Esperanza. The developers express their intention to create realistic ecosystems that reflect diverse environments, including potential futuristic or alien landscapes. Additionally, they touch upon the mechanics of water in the game, mentioning features such as swimming, diving, and using vehicles for navigating water bodies, while also hinting at challenges that larger bodies of water may present for players. The team also emphasizes community engagement through platforms like Discord and their wiki, welcoming new players and encouraging them to explore the game's features.

• 00:40:00 In this section, the discussion focuses on how player dynamics and environmental factors will impact gameplay in the multiplayer game being developed. It highlights the importance of weight management and stamina, with some players taking on roles that allow them to scout ahead nimbly, while others might carry heavier loads requiring protection. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and precipitation within the game’s Dome, will influence gameplay strategies, necessitating players to adapt their attire and take breaks as needed. The segment concludes with a reminder for viewers to engage with the channel by liking and subscribing, alongside a brief music outro.