For my first serious game production, I’m planning an episodic space action-adventure. The first episode sends you in search of an ancient alien race which once saved your planet from destruction. The planet is destabilizing again, and they may be the only ones with the technology to save it!

Perhaps the coolest feature of this game is the plan for multiplayer. Locations and details are randomized each time you play, and you can challenge your friends in a race to the finish. Will you set up deceptions and sabotage the other players, or focus on your own search for clues to the alien homeworld?

Other features to note:

1. Freedom: You can spend your time plundering weak cargo ships, explore the far reaches of the galaxy, or even make a living as a psychic.

2. Upgrades: What’s the point in earning money if you can’t use it to buy cool new weapons and gadgets?

3. Choices: There’s more than one approach to each major task in the story. Your choices will shape your reputation and lead to allies and enemies.

4. Simplicity: This game is designed for convenient play on an XBox controller, without menus buried inside menus.

And of course, an original soundtrack!

My biggest design decision now is how to handle planetary interaction. I’m not sure if I want an in-depth FPS-style exploration, a simple top-down view, or just a short menu of interaction choices that never leave the main space view. Feedback on this is definitely welcome.