Hephaestus is a massively multi-player role-playing game that allows you to finely design your robotic avatar down to the gears. Hephaestus is also the name of the volcanic planet on which the game is set. Earth is dying, and thousands of Argo-class evacuation ships have left to colonize this new planet, dropping remote-controlled robots from orbit to the planet surface to prepare it for human habitation.

Alliances are essential.
Every aspect of this game is designed for multi-player cooperation, whether it involves collaborating on a group construction project, forming an unbeatable raiding party, or simply waiting for the opportune time to betray the trust of other players. Physical and geographical limitations of the game environment mean that extended survival would be extremely difficult without allies.

Differentiation, customization, construction and homesteading are keys to success.
Players gain game play advantages by designing their robots differently from others and by creating structures that stake out land that they control over long periods of play. A differentiated squad of robots will have a far higher chance of success than a larger group of identical robots. Each player should be able to customize the abilities of his or her robot avatar to fit his or her play style best. Seizing and controlling large areas of land and lava must be effective strategies for ensuring extended survival on the planet.

Constant engagement from log-in to log-out.
The player must be able to control the robot as long as the player stays logged into the multi-player server, even if the batteries of the robot are dead or if the player is designing a stationary structure. Players will have the ability to chat or call for help at any time. However, the players' interactions on Hephaestus will be mediated through their robot at all times. This will deepen the relationship of the player with his or her robotic avatar and will increase the likelihood that players will spend time engineering their robots properly.

It must be fun.
Realism is secondary to entertainment value in this game, although the game must explicitly state which real physical laws are broken within the game engine. Any such aberrations in realism must occur only for the benefit of game play and entertainment value.

Copyright 2002, MIT.