Game Haven

Story
Everyone ar some point thought of it -- or was exposed to the idea. A whole other world in the chis and circuits of video games and computers -- from TRON to Captain N to Wreck-it Ralph and more -- humans imagining digital space as seperate from our own. But then a company, Dream Escapes, decided to take it a step further -- past simple VR or augmented reality headsets to something... Meant to feel like a fun game with the player as a main star simply by plugging in. Adiversion for idle minds and hands.

Bivist uite reakuzed what they tapped. Noit at first -- who'd believe there really was a digital realm where the heroes and villians of gaming actually existed? Nobody, except maybe really imaginitive people in Hollywood.

When the first Beta Testers tried the equipoment they entered a new place -- V-Space, a large empty space with gates connecting to the various worlds of gaming. When they found this place, they began to report findings as they explored -- until they realized the worlds themselves were occupied by the very characters people loved, from a supposedly faceless audiance member from a boxing game to the mightiest heroes and villians. Of course mutual curiousity lead to the characterts following the Plqayers out of the new gate -- breeding concerns of villians using their worlds' various technologies to do whgat they did best -- take over. Ity was quickly decided, with agreements from many worlds in V-Sopace and the governments, to build a city in the central space originally discovered, the hub of all worlds -- in this space the city of Videopolis -- boasting districts representative of different companies in the world of the players and the homes of the Characters -- through Videopolis, multiple transport options and information exchanges began occuring. Worlds favoring their traditions were welcomed witrh those eternally innovating. Alternate tyellings became known and celebrated in spirit of the original discovery of V-Space: Creativity. Technology bled into the OPlayer world just as odds and ends filtered out.

But not all is sunshine and rainbows. Some seek to seize power over all worlds -- seeking the power and control needed to dominate all -- or perhaps merelythe player world. As this threat builds, the worlds have begun coming together to back the heroes of other worlds -- and then it was found the Player World, our Earth, did not have suitable weapons the others would accept, until the players themselves -- gamers, really, ever creative, ever clever, came up with thediscovery their own peripherals suited the task just fine. From the oldest Magnavoix Odyssey Rifle to the latest wireless controller, from Power Glove to PC Joystick, they worked. The instruments used to play would help them. They had beloved heroes and -- yes, even some villians disinterested in conquering outside worlds to aid them, and so the battle began for the future of all worlds.

Syages

Whether a Character or Player, there are 3 stages assured for a character and an extra 4th for particularly notable folks.

Stage 1
Players - You're technically considered a noob. If you spent any time in Videopolis, being a kid or be it an older gamer, once you pick up your arms to fight for what you believe in, you become nked noob. You dress casually, you cart your chosen tool around -- but you can fight!

Character - Your first phase is... Well, fairly put your most basiuc beginning fighter form. It's recognizeable and sometimes iconic, but still simple. (Meaning more detailed character costumes will be simplified down!)

Stage 2
Player - Proficiency breeds skill and you're no longer a noob. You're ranked somewhere for your skill, even if it's spotty. You've picked up a couple new pieces of gear, be it homemade or from anally in some other worlds. You'e on your way!
Character - Your new experiences in the struggle have brought out some changes not really known from your world or at least in your experiences in the past. Be it home brew work, or something bought, you've not only begun to distinguish yourself as an individual apart from other 'yours' but you've gained a little bit of skill in more situations.

Stage 3
Player - You are a ChAmpion of your cause. You're skilled with your weapon and you look like a total winner -- standing out in crowds as the hero of your group you are. Good jobn!
Characters - You too, are a champion. Although recognizeable from your base, you are a unique representation and everyone knows you're a skilled soul as you pass. Good work.

Stage 4
Player - There are rare stories of players whom are the best oif the best even among champions, those whom master V-Space itself. The only title they are given... Is Game Master.
Characters- Some legends are well earned -- some show more skill for experiences than others. These are Paragons of their type, a tier many seek to achieve.

Types of Character and Factions

Game Haven has 2 types you can play broken into two factions -- Players, and Characters, whom are Heroes, or Bosses.

Players
Players are normal humans from outside V-Space, or whom were born/grew up in Videopoilis but aren't from any game, exceptmaybe an MMO. Players use a gaming peripheral or computer peripheral to fight by manipulating the area or by giving themselves temporary weapons though some peripherals serve to function like a part from some battle suit, or they might use peripherals to boost natural speed. The peripheral gets one ability, be it zapping, manipulating one part of V-Space, or similar, and they may later optionally use one accessory from a game as a functional cosplay element -- EG Protoman's shield to protect oneself, or a diamond helmet from Minecraft, or similar. Players partner well with characters at times, but don't seem stronger until a Game Master.

Characters - Your cosplay folks. This' actual game characters, from Link to Sonic or what have you. There can be multiple versions of one character because characterization changes... There's a ton of games in several series... ETC. Characters are not limited to their original alignment -- you could see Bowser working for the good guys, or maybe anevil vrsion of the knight Jim from Hydelide (I wrent there). It all depends on the chartacterization. Characters get 1 weapon they used from their games -- Simon's whip, for example, or the knife from Ghosts and Goblins for Arthur, and one special ability from either their games or related to gaming -- for example Megaman's slide or Pac Man might use a power pellet for temporary stength boosts. It usually varies based on game and character.

Heroes

Heroes fight for unity between V-Space and the Player World (Our Earth). They're not always 'good guys' but they see the worlds deserve the chance to continue on without one or several overlords. They might not always have strong morals but they're trying to protect the teamwork pout into things. Heroes aren't under the leadership of any one group, but instead whichever government happens by at the time. More often than not they're setup and left alone, so most pick up arms at any given time.

Bosses
Bosses see the collaboration of worlds as an oppotunity to take over for whatever reason. They seem to have a lkeader in the shadows that doesn't show themselves. Bosses are made up of the same diverse types as Heroes, especially favoring the seizure of Players for an unknown reason. Bosses aren't all made uip of villians, but why 'good guys' seem to join them is yet unknown. Unlike Heroes, Bosses seem to wear a badge stamped with a V, and darker hues.

Setting[/ui]

Videopolis is a city built entirely in V-Space and broken into districts based on companies or types of gaming,. Videopolis was devised by scientists in the 'Real' workd -- the Player World, and aawmbled as a hub city. Videopolis is populated by civilians, Players, and even Chartacters seeking freedom from the restrictions of their worlds' physics, or the drudgery of home. Each hub offers light aesthetics nodding to their company or referencing, and can be occupied by anyone. There are also gateways scattered around Videopolis that are heavily reguilated, barring a GATYE EVENT -- during these, things get... haywie.

Videopolis Districts

Arcadia - Far from paradise, Arcadia is home to any and all arcade thermes -- there's several Tappers' bars alone. Arcadia is a diverse district due to how many arcade cabinates exist and rests at the heart of Videopolis as a central hub. Arcadia has a specific love of Point currency... And of course, quarters.

Old Chips District - Home to anything that appeared on retro computers not covered by a company district and sometimes even then, the Old Chip district is home to the forgotten computer games or not so forgotten computer games from the 80's and 90's -- including anything made for such machines now. This includes IBM, Tandy, ZX Spectrum, and more. Less focused on points, the Old Chips District favors simple fun, and even offers the more intellectual areas to code.

Central Processing District - This district houses computer gaming from 2000 onwards and includes digital downloaded titles... and tends to be the least safe distict. Black market deals, stolen goods, and more keep turning up here mixed with legitimate weares, making thearea hard to navigate. A surprising number of folks from Central Processing seem to help the Heroes, or become them themselves due to Third Party style peripherals however, so this area is left alone. Central processing encircles Arcadia, as opposed to a single chunk.

Atari Acres - The second-most respectable district, Atari Acres is, well, home to anything Atari. Atari consoles, Atari 8 and 16 bit computers, and, yes, even Tengen games. Atari Acres might not always have the most fun games but the area uses it's older elements to educate and offer variety. Atari Acres offers many Players whom like to innovate and use newer ideas-- even bizarre ones (Atari 5200 guys).

Commodore Commons - Commodore Commons is a surtprising district -- while a coder haven it has a surprising number of new games opening from time to time, as well as a giant variety of games unique to the area. Commodore Commons includes Commodore's computers with gaming capability, from the Vic-20 to the venerated Commodore 64 and even the mighty Amiga series. Players from this district have a wide range of peripherals to acquire for use from keyboards to joysticks, and they seem to easily adapt outside items. Commodore Commons also includes the mighty SID chip, a music chip option unique toi the area and relished as much as Soundcards in Central Processing, or moreso.

Nintendoland - Tropey but Nintendoland is a powerhouse district relying on fun and whimsy to entertain visitors. Home to the mighty Mario Empire and others, Nintendoland is a major economic powerhouse offering a wide variety of peripherals to Players... Or Heroes. Nintendoland is probablythe cleanest district spanning everything Nintendo, including the Game and Watch series, and local Smash Bros. Tourneys.

Sega Gameworks - Althoughthey left Consoles, and the district name seems obvious, the Sega Gameworks is a hardy district home to everything Sega and all peripherals. Fairly friendly, the Sega Gameworks is a major manufacturing district that tends to sometimes work with and sometimes butt heads with Nintendoland. Unlike several districts, Sega Gameworks is plastered in their main hero's visage -- Soni, and tends to be incredibly diverse in opportunity. Named for the arcades known as Gameworks means they not only include Sega games and consoles but also anything in Gameworks itself in the past.

Sony Shores - A home to all things Playstation, Sony Shores is more Character-habited than some areas. Sony Shores doesn't get on well with Nintendoland and there's rumor that it's due to old history prior the discovery of V-Space. Sony Shores overlooks the Digital Sea, suspected to be the Internet itself, and seems to be modern and sleek. Most players have limited peripheral options but many prefer the Dual Shock anyhow.

Console Cove - Anything NOT covered that's a console occupies this space from the Colecovision to Pong Consoles to the X-Box series. Console Cove is surprisingly Player-occupied, and offers a mix of sights, including another beach to the Digital Sea. Console Cove is a pretty place, if a bit sad at times, but the occupants are surprisingly willing to work with others, even more 'known' districts. Surprisingly, they tend to join Sega folks in praisingthe Dreamcast for whatever reason.

F.A.Q.

What peripherals can Players use?
Anything. Keyboards controllers zapper guns DDR dance mats Guitar Hero controllers -- literally check the internet. 3rd party, 2nd party -- it's all in use and presentation. Keep it sensible. Don't cart around consoles or arcade cabinates. That said you can break arcade or controller controls down to power gloves or armbands if you need, but we prefer peripherals.

What are the console limits?
Consoles are open to anything that TECHNICALLY you can refer to a 70's Poing Console but we suggest looking to the Colecovision, Intellivision, Magnavox Odyssey, or similar for pre-Nintendo peripherals. That said, there's no limit.

What counts as a computer peripheral?
Keyboards, mice, disk drives, printers, joysticks, controllers, weird oddware, tablet pens -- all count even if not everything is used in gaming. There's actually some very creative gaming peripherals for computers out there. There is also light permission for Video Cards and Soundcards from before the 2000's -- since there's some fan followings and they meddled in gaming. This means Players can 'equip' some rather unique peripherals if they use PC gaming -- including the SID chip, or 3DFX Voodoo ETC. For the sake of ease, we also accept 'breadbin' or 'all in one' retro computers with a built-in keyboard for peripherals -- specifically the Atari line and Commodore lines like the Vic-20, Commodore 64, ETC.

Do you allow prototype peripherals/items like Commodore 65 or similar?
While some peripherals are known to have prototypes we prefer you not. If you insist prepare a secvondary option or evidence there's more than 1 or a strong argument for these types of items. We handle them case by case, and will try finding comperable items when able.

Does this mean shitty peripherals or consoles can be used?
Yes. Yes it does. That includes the Amiga 32 and that Phillips 3Di stuff.

How are add-ons treated?
Add-ons vary. The Famicom Disk Drive, Aega CD, Sega 32X, ETC are technically peripherals despite having different game formats, but don't work without a consokle base. So there's no problem using those and not a console. Treat them like a disk drive or tape deck for old computers.

In that case how do we treat different computer storage options?
EXTERNAL DRIVES are considered peripherals -- Mini Disks, ZIP drives, JAZZ drives, Benoulli drives, tape drives, Card readers, ETC all count as peripherals.

Can I use a cell phone oTablets yes in a touchscreen capacity, but cell phones no., Phones are basically too diverse in use to really serve, despite the mobile gaming market. This is because cell phones' phone function is too easy as an ability to abuse. Sorry!

Are there limits to the games we can pull Chsracters from?
Amazingly, no. We welcome all games, including ROMhacks or homebrew/indie games. You might need to link to where the hack or indie game is from so we can verify it's a 'real' game but we're down for it. This means you can have a large number of options from the web. Don't worry about needing mainstream stuff -- if it games, it's good and you might even bring out a hidden homebrew gem for new audiances. That said, if it isn't free, please link to a page where it can be legally perchased. We want to support game makers.

What about fan games or games based on TV or Movies?
If they have a video game, you can go for that character. This means weird sponsored s**t like McKids or ET (I heard that scream) are fair game. With fan games we're also normally fairly relaxed but we ask you to use your best judgement. This' mostlyto avoid problems for all.

My character is from an M rated game! I want them to do M rate3d violence!
NOPE. All RP aqnd appearances must be PG-13, Gaia TOS tiered stuff. Not all games are PG-13 but you aren't linking them directly, nor RPing the full tilt of crap. For this reason, we also ban Adult Entertyainment themed gamers and ONLY games for... that.

Can there be an army of one character? Sorta. You'll want to vary a bit, mix 'n' match outfits, ETC for variety but sure!

Can we use AUs?
Some game fandoms like Undertale have fangame AUs, or webcomics, ETC. You can borrow appearances from fan projects or reference things of it as long as it fits ToS. They're still gaming themed. This does include personal AUs and such. Everyone has a unique take on some characters and so everyone will be different.

Does this include TV shows?
If it's a TV show INSPIRED BY A VIDEO GAME yes. The Super Mario Bros. Cartoons, the Zelda Cartoon. both Mega Man cartoons, the Pac Man cartoon, ETC, are examples of acceptable material.... even the weird show exclusives. However a show that gets games made about it is not -- so if you did say, Tiny Toons, stick to referencing the game designs.

And before you ask comics and manga also are acceptable. Well aware ity's not always as on point but there's sometimes gems!

What isn't acceptable?!
If it doesn't have a video game it doesn't fly. We also will put our feet down on movies like "The Wiuzard" charcters. There has to be a related video game. [I can feel the rumble of Mario Movie complaints brewing in the earth....

Do characters with multiple outfits get the OK to grow into new outfits?
We'd like eachto stuick to their base 1st stage for growth and to experiment with their root aesthetic. You can embellish or use 1-2 elements from other outfits, or even RL elements but it shouldn't be something like changing from basic X to one of X's armors. That'd be too different. Similarly it does mean a character can't grow via palette swap. Sorry.

Can Players dress in cosplay?> Cosplayers are a thing!
You can use 1-3 cosplay elements but you should make sure people can identify players as Players in the end. Cosplays should retain 1 identifiable, unchanging feature to identify who they are as well -- hats or masks ETC are ideal -- like Mario's iconic cap or such. Players can only have 1 cosplay item to balance ability out -- so one magic item!

How do they evolve ICly?
Players and Characters build up RPs OOCly. ICly in V-Space the code surrounding them will begin to glitch when they're ready to grow, and a character can then report to a coding segment to get it 'corrected' to the upgrade, or seek out a programmer for hjelp.

Are programmers playable?Not a PLAYERS, but characters whom can coide in their native world can help WEAKER characters reach the next stage. EG a stage 2 can upgrade Stage 1, Staghe 3 can up 1-2, and Stage 4 can up anybody's code. These characters asre generally marked as coders and can up Players OR Characters -- giving Characters a unique skill to their set.

If only Characters can upgrade everyone what do Players get?

Players CAN have an item or peripheral that temporarily alters the area -- be it opening a small gate or creating platforms or similar that last for the fight duration before moving on. Mods only affect an area for 1 IC day. Characters CAN NOD mod areas.

What makes 4th stage special?
GAME MASTERS and PARAGONS can permanently change a character. GAME MASTERS can bring Characters into reality, dumping their program and changing them into Players, permanently. Similarly, Paragons can bring Players into games to become characters, allowing them to use more cosdplay items and Character abilities tied to it. If they change they stiull keep their faces though.

Are MMO player characters Players or Characters?
MMO player characters are OCs whom are a player insert into a game. They fall under Players, and their weapons remain peripherals. However you can use MMO armor and not ghet dinged as long as you mix in non-cosplay elements.

Will you ever add other classes?
Likely once a few characters grow up into big strpomg 3rd stagers.

Art type?
Well that's in testing. Might be unique, or templated, or both -- we'll see later. For now it depends on artist.

What do artists get?
Curious about work eh?
Concept Contests are FREE.
Custom Slots: Artist keeps 100% of what they make! You may take up to 3 customs, though, and no more.
Raffles are split between Artists and non-art crew: 10% is non-art, 90% goes between all participating artists.
Auctions: Auction money is to be divided between participants EVENLY. If the art is a collab then it's between all artists involved. If a non-art staff member helps they get 10% oif top, THEN the rest is divided up.
Growings: Artists can tyake on 3 growings as well at a time and this is where they gety credits towards staff stuff.

Non-Art crew do what?

Set up threads, work on plotly things, approve characters, judge concept contests, answer questions, help with certing, ETC. Anything not involving drawering.

Can I do both?
You can but your art lod allowances ARE cut to offset the work asked from a non-art only person. So you can do 1 custom and 1 growing, 2 growings, or 2 customs at a time, but not... A full load or both. Only 2 art projects at a time.

Why is my concept nixed?
Because the robot gods demanded sacrifice.

Actually it will usually be explained -- too game breaking, or too difficult to execute in play -- or perhaps the character is godmodey. We'll try to work before outright nixing stuff though.