0x10c - Notch's New Space Game - Elite Style Trading, Exploring and Adventure

Ever since the success of Minecraft we all wondered when Notch would create his new game. Well, today Notch announced that 0x10c will be the new 3D adventure game set in space. The name is a reference to a date far in the future where the universe is near extinction.

About 0x10c

Closely based on the Elite game from the 80's, 0x10c also has many similarities to Minecraft and is essentially a first person adventure game. This time we're not playing in a Minecraft world, we're in outer space (multiverse). It's been several billion years since 1988 and the universe is close to extinction.

In case you weren't playing games in the late 80's then we'll explain a little bit about Elite. The original game was a 3D space adventure game that combined trading, exploration and adventure all into one. The universe was huge and players could freely explore and trade among the local star systems. 0x10c will be very similar with players fighting other human players or the computer AI. You'll be able to trade using resources, tools, weapons etc.

If it turns out like Elite, then you might be able to upgrade your ship, land on planets and become a mercenary. Elite had a fine tuned trading system with star systems having varying needs. Some would export raw material and others would be interested in importing food or luxury goods. Some goods were illegal and players could become smugglers in an attempt to earn money faster. The downside was that if the police caught on then you'd have to pay a fine. Players could upgrade their ship to carry more passengers, more weapons and a bigger space drive. A bigger drive meant you could space jump greater distances and explore the bigger universe. Trading would start slowly but you'd slowly work your way up the ladder as the game progressed.

Notch has explained that when you start playing 0x10c you'll be inside your own space ship which has its own computer system. You'll need to understand and even program the computer to progress further in the game. It's possible that you'll have a character similar to the one in Minecraft. You'll probably get an inventory to carry things, tools will need to be combined or modified to perform actions and switches and doors will play their part. Expect the typical open ended adventure that we've come to love from Minecraft.

What does 0x10c mean?

0x10c is not the official name for Notch's new space game. In his usual style, Notch has used 0x10c as a riddle to the official name. Some have already worked out what 0x10c means but Notch is keeping it a secret.

Planned Features

Science fiction gameplay
Engineering mechanics and puzzles
Fully working computer system
Space battles against AI and other online players
Ships full of loot
Landing on planets
Economy system for trading
Alien encounters
Mining, trading and looting
Single and multiplayer via the multiverse

How much does 0x10c cost?

The game is a subscription type game rather than a one off fee. Players will need to pay monthly fees to take part in the single player or multiplayer multiverse. It's a bit like the other MMO games that revolve around other online players.

When will the game be release?

Just like Minecraft did back in 2009, Notch is going to release an alpha or indev version of the game so players can enjoy what's already been developed and provide suggestions on what needs fixing and what should be added. This type of release cycle provided the foundation for Minecraft's success because it was shaped around the needs of the community. Fingers crossed, 0x10c will also get the right attention and feedback.

Expect to see the alpha version of 0x10c in April/May 2012.