๐ Introduction
Hello everyone,
My name is Christophe.
Iโm not a programmer and I donโt have any skills in coding or asset creation, but Iโm passionate about game design, wildlife ecosystems, and survival games.
I joined this forum because Iโve been working on a concept for a systemic animal survival game inspired by the structure of The Isle โ Evrima, but set in a contemporary African ecosystem with modern species and unique mechanics.
Iโm not looking to code the game myself โ my goal is to exchange with developers, get technical feedback, and understand what would or wouldnโt be feasible in an engine like Unreal Engine.
Iโm here to learn, discuss, refine my concept, and listen to the advice of more experienced people.
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to read, critique, or offer guidance.
Looking forward to talking with you all!
Christophe
๐ Concept: โEvrima: Savanna Editionโ โ Systemic Animal Survival Game
Iโd like to share a concept Iโve been developing: a systemic animal survival game inspired by The Isle โ Evrima, but set in the modern African savanna.
The goal is to create a living, believable ecosystem where each player embodies a wild animal with natural behaviors, strengths, weaknesses, and social interactions.
๐ฎ General Concept
A multiplayer openโworld game where players take the role of African animals.
Core pillars:
โข Full life cycle (newborn โ juvenile โ adult โ elder)
โข Realistic social structures (prides, clans, packs, herds, troops)
โข A systemic ecosystem that evolves even without players
โข Dynamic seasons affecting migrations, resources, and conflicts
โข A massive open world with savanna plains, woodlands, rivers, marshes, cliffs, and waterholes
๐พ Playable Species (Expanded Version 1.0)
๐ฆ Lion
โข Dynamic pride system
โข Coordinated hunting
โข Territorial defense
โข Rivalry with hyenas and wild dogs
๐บ Spotted Hyena
โข Hierarchical clan
โข Endurance and harassment tactics
โข Opportunistic scavenging and group hunting
๐ African Wild Dog (Lycaon)
โข Highly coordinated pack
โข Enduranceโbased hunting
โข Fast, nervous, tactical gameplay
๐ Wildebeest
โข Mandatory seasonal migration
โข Collective panic behavior
โข Wide vision, weak attack
๐ฆ Gazelles (Thomson / Grant)
โข Evasionโfocused gameplay
โข Explosive sprint
โข Extreme vigilance
โข Primary prey for fast predators
๐ Elephant
โข Family herd structure
โข Memoryโbased navigation
โข Ability to modify the environment
๐ฆ Rhinoceros
โข Solitary or small groups
โข Powerful charge
โข Strong territorial behavior
โข Poor vision but excellent smell
๐ฆ Giraffe
โข Panoramic vision
โข Deadly kick
โข Herd movement
โข โSentinelโ role in the ecosystem
๐ Nile Crocodile
โข Semiโaquatic gameplay
โข Waterhole ambushes
โข Burst attacks and drowning mechanics
๐ Snakes (Python / Cobra)
โข Stealthโbased gameplay
โข Silent ambushes
โข Limited vision but thermal detection
โข Perfect for patient, tactical players
๐ Baboons
โข Complex social troop
โข Climbing and vertical escape
โข Aggressive group defense
โข Unique interactions with predators
๐ฆ Hippopotamus
โข Extremely territorial in water
โข Surprisingly dangerous
โข Nightโtime grazing
โข Frequent conflicts with crocodiles
๐ฆ๏ธ Dynamic Seasons
Wet Season
โข Prey are dispersed
โข Rivers are full
โข Predators must travel farther
Dry Season
โข Waterholes become war zones
โข Massive migrations
โข Crocodiles dominate
โข Increased conflict everywhere
๐ง Systemic AI
Even without players:
โข wildebeest migrate
โข gazelles regroup
โข lions patrol territories
โข hyenas track carcasses
โข wild dogs hunt in packs
โข elephants follow memory routes
โข giraffes act as lookouts
โข hippos defend rivers
โข snakes hunt silently
โข baboons retreat to cliffs and trees
The goal is a living, unpredictable ecosystem.
๐ ๏ธ Technology Considerations
I believe Unreal Engine 5 would be the most suitable engine due to:
โข natural environment rendering (Lumen, Nanite)
โข complex animal animation support
โข openโworld tools (World Partition)
โข advanced AI systems (Behavior Trees, EQS)
โข builtโin multiplayer capabilities
But Iโm open to feedback from more experienced developers.
โ What Iโm Looking For
โข Feedback on technical feasibility
โข Advice on structuring a prototype
โข Suggestions for AI and behavior systems
โข Opinions on the best engine choice
โข Anyone interested in discussing or exploring the idea
๐ฅ Conclusion
My goal is to create a realistic, immersive, systemic animal survival experience where each species offers unique gameplay and the ecosystem evolves naturally.
Iโd be very happy to hear your thoughts, critiques, ideas, or technical advice.
Thanks for your time!