Miramax/Everett Collection
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single gamer in possession of a large collection of classic novels must be in want of an RPG. Well, thanks to Judy L. Tryer, they may soon be able to unite some of the best blessings of existence in the form of the Jane Austen-inspired MMORPG Ever, Jane. The project reached its Kickstarter funding goal on Monday, which will finally allow literature nerds and video games fans alike to experience the world of Austen’s novels and become the hero or heroine they’ve always wanted to be.
Ever, Jane will allow players to create their own characters and explore the Regency-era setting, spreading gossip to win friends and take down enemies and throwing balls and dinner parties in order to improve their social status. Players will be allowed to choose personality traits, such as Duty or Happiness, and band together in families in order to advance in society and win the affections of some eligible bachelor. The game will allow for players to choose the social class they wish to belong to through a subscription service – although you can play for free if you don’t fear the prospect of being a peasant in 18th century England – and each position comes with its own set of perks and challenges. Every action in the game also has consequences, including notifying players if they’ve been gossiped about too often or losing status points if a character of a higher class rejects an invitation.
Much of the gameplay will center on the major events of balls and dinner parties, although Tryer promises that the final version will include mini-games, with challenges like dancing and card games that are designed to help characters improve their skills and personality traits. Of course, since the game is set in the world of Austen, female characters will be limited to sewing and embroidery, while the mini-games for male characters will focus primarily on hunting and fishing.
Despite earning the necessary funding, it still seems like it will be quite some time before Ever, Jane is fully developed for the public, so you’ll have to wait a little longer for a shot at Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightley. However, Tryer has made a playable prototype available for download on the Kickstarter page, so you can hone your gossiping skills in advance.
