Vintage Story: Adventure Mode

[Jortercito]

It seems that many did not understand Tyron's publication, or simply do not have reading comprehension, come on man, if Tyron himself clarifies it "For existing players, rest assured that the aesthetics and mechanics of the Vintage Story game will remain true to its original vision" meaning that the game we know will continue to be updated with the same themes we have seen so far, the separate mode that I like to call "Fantasy Story" will be a separate mode developed by his own team, and if you are worried about running out of money to finance this new project, I ask you, do you really think that Tyron would do things blindly without thinking about such important issues? Do not underestimate the intelligence of the person who started the great game Vintage Story! 

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

 

 

[dakko]

56 minutes ago, Oto Nokyo said:

It's actually a valid argument against the whole charade of why it would benefit Vintage Story. If they plan on using a Hytale Adventure Mode to help improve the combat system and AI then would that mean overhauling Vintage Story combat and it's combat gameplay as a whole? Or will the new Hytale Adventure Mode be ran on the same engine Vintage Story is but just a reskinned modded version? If case one then the entire combat system is being changed to be as cartoonish as it looks in Hytale. If case two then in the time it takes for them to work up to combat in new Adventure Mode they could have sorted out the solution in Vintage Story itself without side-questing into a new project. You were never going to side with the opposition regardless of what arguments are made. 

Let's try starting over with a clean slate.

There is an existing team working on Vintage Story. There is a proposal that 3-4 of the developers from Hytale would be hired on to work on a separate mode that runs on the same engine as Vintage Story. It's going to be packaged with VS initially and may be a standalone in the future.

While these two separate teams are working on their separate things, some aspects of functionality will be common to both (like developing the enemy AI, or NPC interactions or whatever). In that case, the two teams can work in collaboration to solve problems that will benefit both projects.

As for VS becoming like Hytale, Tyron stated "For existing players - rest assured, the aesthetics and game mechanics of Vintage Story will remain true to its original vision."

I sincerely hope this is helpful in relieving some of your concerns. The existing team will continue working as they have been doing, and VS is going to retain the aesthetics and game mechanics that we all love so much.

Edited July 6, 2025 by dakko
typo

[Thorfinn]

I think it's high time people start accepting that there is a VS game and an Anego Engine. The Adventure Mode will have a different "aesthetic" -- it's not going to be the gritty survival palette of VS but something different. And I think people underappreciate Tyron's passing mention of improving the combat of both games. That means improving the engine, and that means he most likely hired a coding-level programmer in addition to the scripting and graphical coders he hired to put together Adventure Mode. That should be thought of as awesome news! If the Adventure team prioritizes combat, that means their guy is going to be doing engine-level work.

And don't underestimate what diverse results one can accomplish with an engine. Valheim is a modded reskinned Gwent is a modded reskinned 7 Days 2 Die is a modded reskinned Cities Skyline is a modded reskinned Subnautica is a modded reskinned Superhot is a modded reskinned My Time at Portia is a modded reskinned... you get the point.

[Oto Nokyo]

7 minutes ago, dakko said:

Let's try starting over with a clean slate.

There is an existing team working on Vintage Story. There is a proposal that 3-4 of the developers from Hytale would be hired on to work on a separate mode that runs on the same engine as Vintage Story. It's going to be packaged with VS initially and may be a standalone in the future.

While these two separate teams are working on their separate things, some aspects of functionality will be common to both (like developing the enemy AI, or NPC interactions or whatever). In that case, the two teams can work in collaboration to solve problems that will benefit both projects.

As for VS becoming like Hytale, Tyron stated "For existing players - rest assured, the aesthetics and game mechanics of Vintage Story will remain true to its original vision."

I sincerely hope this is helpful in relieving some of your concerns. The existing team will continue working as they have been doing, and VS is going to retain the aesthetics and game mechanics that we all love so much.

You must have glossed over what has been said by others and myself in previous posts which is fairly disingenuous when trying to extend an olive branch. It would have been better if you just left better off alone. It would be better if the new staff was put on Vintage Story as a whole for the time being, improving on the current game they are selling then as they get closer to content completion slide into a new project. It is as simple as that. There's no way to cross improve combat and AI between the two games that will allegedly be different. One game will change or they will be stuck trying to improve both said subjects in both games instead of just one. Only time will tell how this plays out, not you trying to fan the flames of valid criticism. 

[Thorfinn]

22 minutes ago, Oto Nokyo said:

There's no way to cross improve combat and AI between the two games that will allegedly be different.

That's not the level at which engines work. I don't know what your background is, but think of the engine as establishing a framework, and the game as implementing the specific instance.

[WiseLifelessCorpse]

I think it isn't that bad of an idea to explore new horizons as long as it is done moderately and modestely with a good grasp of what the community wants and the dev team wants; basically, good management and planning of time, money and goals.

Anyway, I would love if this Adventure mode was set during the time of Jonas and the plague. Something like playing as a Blackguard, defending a settlement or protecting a merchant caravan from drifters or beasts. Or even as a villager from an attacked village creating its own path and reaching an honorable position.

Would be very cool to play at the time the lore is set in 

However if we go along the idea of creating new lore content faster than the main game... I think that wouldn't be as great as it creates a bigger and bigger disparity on how the game modes are treated. One of the most enjoyable aspects of VS is, IMO, waiting for a new lore chapter; if the Adventure mode created the (for example) third chapter before the main game, it would disappointing - because each chapter is a massive wave of new content and story locations - and unfair - because of prioritizing the new mode instead of the main one.

Nonetheless, I think it was a great move to announce this new direction and I will be looking forward to it. 

[Mathathian]

I think the pushback comes from how this announcement came out of the blue and the expectations set by the last poll. In this case, polishing and fleshing out pre-existing content, which in my view contains combat and enemy AI.

I think it would be better if the new devs were integrated into the VS team for the moment.

Give them time to adjust, learn, and properly integrate into the team goals and ideals. Not to mention time to adjust to the community and its expectations.

Let them help develop the things mentioned by Tyron, such as combat, improved enemy AI, and better NPCs, together with the main team.

Then, when these points were addressed in the "main" mode, separate the two experiences, making the necessary changes to fit the adventure mode.

I love the fantasy aesthetic and would love to see the adventure mode come true, but it's not what I am expecting to be a priority for the team, and it feels like the attention was split into two different projects (as much as they may overlap).

This feels too early to create two separate workforces that inevitably will need to work together so as not to waste development time. 

I have no issues with more content, just how long it will take and if the content was created primarily for the core VS experience.

Edited July 6, 2025 by Mathathian

[FlareUKCS]

Now I could be thought as one of the VS first camp of players, as I enjoy VS and its current trajectory and road map, so one could infer I am against this 'adventure mode' however I am not. I decided to see the 'adventure mode' as a mod, a total overhaul mod that Anego will hire on a small (3-4 developers) team to work on separately from VS itself, with a potential benefit to VS in the form of enhanced mechanics where said mechanics fit in the the VS vision.

The cost to this mod is not in VS developer time, nor will it impact VS releases, the cost is the staff cost of adding the small team, and I am in no position to question Anegos' finances so I will simply trust them to know their own business.

In brief, VS will continue as normal and we may get a 'adventure mode' out of the deal, we may get some enhancements to VS that fit with the vision, but we will still get VS.

Don't forget Tyron left Hypixel due to the conviction he had to his vison, which he started VS, he will most certainly not change his vision to accommodate another now.

[falco_lombardi]

2 hours ago, Rhyagelle said:

Do you think he made this decision just blindly or what?

Yes.

[falco_lombardi]

3 minutes ago, FlareUKCS said:

I decided to see the 'adventure mode' as a mod, a total overhaul mod that Anego will hire on a small (3-4 developers) team to work on separately from VS itself, with a potential benefit to VS in the form of enhanced mechanics where said mechanics fit in the the VS vision.

Don't forget that it will become a paid mod if it gets popular.

[FlareUKCS]

I highly doubt it will be a paid for mod, I think it will be split off onto a different game if it becomes popular enough. VS is a niche game, even amongst block games in that it does not try courting the masses, so it would still be viable to have a new title to sell to the masses that did not find VS appealing.

[Oto Nokyo]

1 hour ago, Thorfinn said:

That's not the level at which engines work. I don't know what your background is, but think of the engine as establishing a framework, and the game as implementing the specific instance.

 

2 hours ago, dakko said:

 

While these two separate teams are working on their separate things, some aspects of functionality will be common to both (like developing the enemy AI, or NPC interactions or whatever). In that case, the two teams can work in collaboration to solve problems that will benefit both projects.

As for VS becoming like Hytale, Tyron stated "For existing players - rest assured, the aesthetics and game mechanics of Vintage Story will remain true to its original vision."

 

Perhaps you're right and the Adventure Mode hytale clone will be on the same engine, that still does not detract from how a lot of us basically want this @Mathathian's summary:

 

1 hour ago, Mathathian said:

I think the pushback comes from how this announcement came out of the blue and the expectations set by the last poll. In this case, polishing and fleshing out pre-existing content, which in my view contains combat and enemy AI.

I think it would be better if the new devs were integrated into the VS team for the moment.

Give them time to adjust, learn, and properly integrate into the team goals and ideals. Not to mention time to adjust to the community and its expectations.

Let them help develop the things mentioned by Tyron, such as combat, improved enemy AI, and better NPCs, together with the main team.

Then, when these points were addressed in the "main" mode, separate the two experiences, making the necessary changes to fit the adventure mode.

I love the fantasy aesthetic and would love to see the adventure mode come true, but it's not what I am expecting to be a priority for the team, and it feels like the attention was split into two different projects (as much as they may overlap).

This feels too early to create two separate workforces that inevitably will need to work together so as not to waste development time. 

I have no issues with more content, just how long it will take and if the content was created primarily for the core VS experience.

 

[dakko]

28 minutes ago, Oto Nokyo said:

Perhaps you're right and the Adventure Mode hytale clone will be on the same engine, that still does not detract from how a lot of us basically want this @Mathathian's summary:

I understand the position you and Mathathian are taking, and I'm sure there are others that agree with you.

To me, the new team has already been functioning as a cohesive unit and are probably excited about Tyron's vision of Adventure mode. I believe that wondrous things come into existence when creative people are working on a passion project, and I see this new team (functioning in that capacity) as a rare opportunity. If not for this unique situation, I might agree with your position [to have the new team work on VS].

eta: and I do not see the team as being divided, rather I see the new team as a separate addition that does not detract from the current team, so we do disagree in that regard.

Edited July 6, 2025 by dakko

[NoLandsLie]

Hytale's collapse led me to finding out about this gem and buying a copy in support of what the game offers and the potential to still see some of what Hytale could have been spun off from this amazing project. Regardless of the outcome I've been enjoying the survival aspects despite never really being into them before in other games. Your customer support people are also great, they helped me out quickly with my issue.

All the best,

[The Phoenixian]

This seems fairly reasonable for what it is. Absent accidentally hiring the AI box of thought experiment fame, moving from 18 people to 21-22 does seem like something that isn't likely to drown the team in new hires while also being a decent core of people for the side project.

My main point of curiosity is wondering just what roles skillsets end up hired on, but I imagine that information won't exist until everything has already gone through. So, my hopes it all goes well.

[Toksyuryel]

I don't think people are acknowledging the exciting new mod potential this is going to open up in the future. Anything the Adventure Mode team wants to do will require support in the engine, which means mods for Vintage Story will be able to make use of it.

[Rhyagelle]

4 hours ago, Gabe Heasley said:

Yes.

So you think you know better about the situation than Tyron does, somehow. Will you explain why you think this way, or is this the extent of your answer? It seems based off this answer, you haven't really thought about it deeply at all. 

[kcroxtonjr]

I get that it will be built on the same engine so it would be possible for the main game to benefit from anything created for adventure mode, but it won't be like they can just instantly port things back over to VS main with no issue. It will be a process that takes time and testing, which means that it will affect the main game's development time to incorporate anything from the adventure mode. And that isn't even taking into consideration the fact that the new separate team will have to be properly managed, which also takes up time.

As of right now, personally I would rather these burst of excitement be focused directly into current VS, as it could greatly benefit from things such as better combat and A.I. as soon as possible, in my opinion.

At the same time though, VS has been in development for a very long time, so I feel maybe a new team with a fresh view and freah ideas could be exactly what is needed to benefit the project as a whole.

I'm open to this idea, but definitely need more information before giving any definitive answer on the matter. Too many unknowns currently.

[Voldemort]

8 hours ago, Thorfinn said:

I think it's high time people start accepting that there is a VS game and an Anego Engine. The Adventure Mode will have a different "aesthetic" -- it's not going to be the gritty survival palette of VS but something different.

People bought Vintage Story to support this project, but now their money is going to be used for another project instead of improving, updating, and polishing the game.

It’s like backing a local bakery to help them perfect their recipes but instead of improving the bread you came for, they use your support to open a coffee shop across town, while the original bakery sits half-baked.
 

[Arcane Gunslinger]

I can't see how anyone could think this is a bad thing. One of the core pillars of any kind of "Adventure mode" is Exploration. This can only expand the core engine's capabilities.

Exploration means 

Breathtaking Vistas- Which can only benefit the world generation overall
Likely far more Animals- Herds, migrations, expanded ecosystems - which in turn could mean herd management, over-hunting mechanics (survival, anyone?), seasonal migrations
Greater depth to NPC interactions
Likely actual economic/trade systems
Quest system - while it may not be entirely applicable to the VS side, there is a tertiary side effect of an expanded events system that can play into VS.

All these things can only expand the base engine

 

[Brigadier Elm]

Optimistically, this new mode becomes a valuable addition. One that shares tech and benefits both projects.
Pessimistically, and with Hytale’s collapse as a recent example, it risks dividing focus, delaying both efforts, and weakening the long-term stability of the studio.

That is not speculation. It is risk management. This is not about doubting Tyron’s intelligence. It is about wanting the studio and Vintage Story’s original vision to succeed. That success depends on careful decisions about timing, capacity, and communication.

Communication is part of the problem here. This announcement came suddenly, right after Hytale’s unexpected dissolution, without a clear explanation of what “spinning it off” would actually mean. Will players lose access? Will it become a paid product down the line? These gaps in detail do not inspire confidence. They create uncertainty.

I understand why some people are excited. There is creative potential, modding opportunities, and a fresh team with energy. But part of supporting a studio also means holding it accountable when the scope shifts mid-project. That is not pessimism. That is looking out for the game we backed in the first place.

Tyron has made efforts to reassure us that Vintage Story will stay true to its vision. He has said that this new mode is a side project, and that it will initially be bundled in at no extra cost. That is appreciated, but it does not fully resolve the ambiguity. If the new project succeeds and spins off, what does that mean for current players? Will access change? Will development on the main game slow, whether the new mode succeeds or not?

These are fundamental questions about priorities and long-term direction that still need clearer answers. This does not have to be divisive. But if the goal is to maintain trust and momentum, the studio would benefit from a more structured roadmap and a clearer explanation of how both projects will coexist without compromise.

And to echo what others have said. If you have brought in strong new talent, why not direct that strength toward finishing the product that is already proven, already has a player base, and still has a long list of work ahead?

 

[Voldemort]

15 minutes ago, Brigadier Elm said:

Optimistically, this new mode becomes a valuable addition. One that shares tech and benefits both projects.
Pessimistically, and with Hytale’s collapse as a recent example, it risks dividing focus, delaying both efforts, and weakening the long-term stability of the studio.

That is not speculation. It is risk management. This is not about doubting Tyron’s intelligence. It is about wanting the studio and Vintage Story’s original vision to succeed. That success depends on careful decisions about timing, capacity, and communication.

Communication is part of the problem here. This announcement came suddenly, right after Hytale’s unexpected dissolution, without a clear explanation of what “spinning it off” would actually mean. Will players lose access? Will it become a paid product down the line? These gaps in detail do not inspire confidence. They create uncertainty.

I understand why some people are excited. There is creative potential, modding opportunities, and a fresh team with energy. But part of supporting a studio also means holding it accountable when the scope shifts mid-project. That is not pessimism. That is looking out for the game we backed in the first place.

Tyron has made efforts to reassure us that Vintage Story will stay true to its vision. He has said that this new mode is a side project, and that it will initially be bundled in at no extra cost. That is appreciated, but it does not fully resolve the ambiguity. If the new project succeeds and spins off, what does that mean for current players? Will access change? Will development on the main game slow, whether the new mode succeeds or not?

These are fundamental questions about priorities and long-term direction that still need clearer answers. This does not have to be divisive. But if the goal is to maintain trust and momentum, the studio would benefit from a more structured roadmap and a clearer explanation of how both projects will coexist without compromise.

And to echo what others have said. If you have brought in strong new talent, why not direct that strength toward finishing the product that is already proven, already has a player base, and still has a long list of work ahead?

 

This is something that @Tyron should answer. Best message here so far.

[dakko]

3 hours ago, Adnyeus said:

...but now their money is going to be used for another project instead of improving, updating, and polishing the game.

(emphasis mine)

This is what baffles me, the "either or" thinking that causes some people to believe it must be one or the other. Why do you think they do not have the money to do both? Why would development on VS come to a grinding halt with the hiring of a few new people that will be working on a different project?

[Guimoute]

17 hours ago, Oto Nokyo said:

We only have roughly three chapters with some additions coming in the 1.21 update.

Two chapters. 1.21 doesn't add, it fixes. 

[Guimoute]

16 hours ago, Thorfinn said:

The upside is, of course, is the influx of the fantasy player base. And, let's be honest, a player base which has been extraordinarily patient in waiting for Hytale. If they can even get the textures ready and a few models, they can have a playable proof of concept very quickly. The core engine functions are complete enough that the gaps can be worked around, so all they need to work on is content.

You actually convinced me with that. I had to leave my comfortable short-term point of view of having the studio make and update a single game, a game that I love, but it makes sense once I put myself in their shoes: Hytale's announcement trailer has 61M views. That's a good long term bet if the new game "mode" can scoop even 10% of those viewers as clients. THEN the studios gets a bunch of funding that can go back to benefiting Vintage Story. 

The people who found Vintage Story naturally after they left Minecraft / stopped waiting for Hytale (before the announcement that it was canceled) are already here. The new game is a second, broader, more active attempt at catching the latter audience in the studio's nets. You get x% of 60M interested in the new game, then y% of the new game's players interested in Vintage Story. 

--

Now I hope we get to see Hytale's simple parkour moves in VS.

Edited July 6, 2025 by Guimoute
typo