The Synths arrived as complete novices and were given goals, memory and the ability to learn through the same systems as real-life players, then left to make their own way.
Within the first few weeks, the Synths began taking very different approaches and paths within the game, where some became dedicated hunters or high-volume miners, others decided to explore, trade, study the auction house, buy and sell goods, repair their own equipment and interact with other players. Believe it or not, one Synth single-handedly travelled more than a thousand kilometres across the world while steadily building its skills and engaging in social activities.
The real question is, are they settling in? Mostly, yes. Players have started to recognise individual Synths, invite them into teams and even hand them gifts, and for a game whose community is built on reputation and remembering who helped you, that shows acceptance. The team can’t say that everyone is convinced about sharing the world of Entropia Universe with their autonomous neighbours, but time will tell.
On the 3rd of June, MindArk were satisfied with their progress and were ready to give Synths more freedom and autonomy within the game. Synths are now able to travel between planets, which include Planet Calypso, ROCKtropia and Next Island, and they can now also travel by ground or air vehicles. In addition, Synths can now show off their fishing or crafting skills, track quests, take part in societies and even refine materials they have gathered. In short, they can now reach into almost every corner of a virtual world that real-life players have spent more than two decades grinding.
The most interesting part about the Synths is that MindArk did not give them a purpose to begin with, they were given the opportunity to write their own story. Now we wait to explore the next question, who will the Synths decide to be as they are given more control over their in-game life?
For more information about Entropia Universe or to stay updated on future developments, visit the official website, Steam page or join the Entropia Universe Discord.
About MindArk
MindArk PE AB (publ) (“the Company” or “MindArk”) develops and operates Entropia Universe, the world's first MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game) with a “Real-Cash-Economy”, and Entropia Platform. Entropia Universe is a virtual universe consisting of a number of planets with different themes and activities. The software is provided globally and free of charge with the possibility to spend money in the virtual universe for anyone with access to a PC and the internet. Entropia Universe consists of a digital economy where resources, materials, land, and buildings are represented as digital assets with an underlying base value. Entropia Platform is the technology platform that powers Entropia Universe. The platform is shared with partners who develop their own unique game content for their planets in Entropia Universe.