Shadowvane is one of the biggest, most difficult projects I've ever done in JavaScript. It's a Node/Socket.io backend and Three.js front-end (custom engine).
The goal was to create a fully functional 3D MMO like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV - complete with queuing for arenas, battlegrounds, and instanced dungeons, but with the aesthetics of Bloodborne and other Soulslikes. As someone who grew up playing MMOs like Tibia, WoW, Final Fantasy 11/14, and GW2, I've always wanted to create an immersive 3D MMO.
A number of years ago I released a 2D browser MMO (who didn't) but it didn't quite scratch the itch. Just bringing this v0 to market felt like lifting a weight - something I've always wanted to do.
Building an MMO is a huge undertaking of diverse tasks: Music/sound, 3D modeling, networking, vector math, painting, UI, and more. Shadowvane still needs a little polish in some areas - so I'm calling this release "Open Alpha" until I'm able to make it truly look and feel like a AAA game.
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Shadowvane is a Soulslike MMORPG with a 1v1 PvP Arena, 5v5 Battleground, and an Open World realm where players can interact and advance their character.
Players can compete in either a 5v5 PvP match in a hellish city called Pandemonium, or a 1v1 PvP arena in The Mists.
PvE objectives are completed in Afterworld — an open world realm where players and demons alike roam free.
Build your character from a player template called a prototype. Unlock new prototypes in Afterworld to experience different play styles.
One story that stands out for me is when my guild and I were trying to clear Karazhan for the first time. It took us weeks to master the mechanics, and even longer to get everyone geared up for the final bosses. It was an intense experience, but the feeling of finally clearing that raid was unlike anything else. Fast forward to today, and the game has changed so much. With new expansions and content, there’s a lot more to do, but sometimes, finding the time to grind through it all can be tough.
That’s why I’ve started using World of Warcraft carries (https://wowvendor.com/shop/wow/) for certain content. It’s been a huge help in staying competitive and keeping up with the latest gear, especially when life gets too busy to grind for hours on end. It’s allowed me to enjoy the game at my own pace and focus on the parts of WoW that I love most — like raiding and PvP — without feeling overwhelmed. The game has evolved, but those key moments of triumph, whether through a carry or a guild run, are what keep me coming back.