The Realm Online's Original Designer Wants To Rebuild It

Originally launched in 1996, The Realm Online was one of the very first MMORPGs available. It featured turn-based combat and a bright, cartoony art style. More recently, though, unlike Ultima and EverQuest, The Realm Online has faded into obscurity alongside Meridian 59 and the Neverwinter Nights that was published by AOL. The game itself is in a fairly obvious state of disrepair and the company currently managing it is usually unresponsive, despite the fact that the servers are still running. As a result, most of its community has slowly drifted away.

One of The Realm Online's original designers and developers, Stephen Nichols, wants to bring The Realm Online back to its former glory. He wants to rebuild it with "a fresh coat of paint and updated technology." But the road there won't be cheap. For now, Nichols has set up a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to raise the first $50,000 he will need for the project's "considerable preproduction work." According to Nichols, the preproduction work entails "server setup, initial coding, software purchases, and concept artwork commissioning." In no uncertain terms, he is planning to fund prototype development, create concept art and art for the game's prototype, and begin marketing with the money you give him. He is also putting forth what he can out of his own wallet.

The marketing portion of the budget will go towards "awareness building" for a Kickstarter that will begin in February or March, should the GoFundMe go well. The Kickstarter campaign would be used to fund the rest of the game's production. If the necessary funding is acquired, Nichols believes the game can be completely rebuilt and on the market within the year.

You can find more information on the official website.