Emergent gameplay is one of the key aspects of Dual Universe. In Dual Universe "emergent gameplay" means that the players are given the power to create and direct the story, major events, and content of the game universe. All of the mechanics in Dual Universe are specifically designing to give the players as much freedom as possible, which produces a game world that is entirely run and managed by the players and their choices.
How it Works[]
For example: You want to obtain some rare resources. First you need to find a planet, asteroid or moon that might have those resources, and fly there. During the journey you are vulnerable to attack by hostile players. On arrival, you need to use the scanning tool to find the desired resource, which can take a great deal of time and skill. Once you find some, you need to mine the ore so you can return to a market and sell it. However, in this case, you were detected by enemy players while traveling to the desired system. They watched and waited for you to return to your ship with the valuable ore, and then they killed you and stole everything.
Key Gameplay Concepts[]
This scenario was only possible because of the many unique elements of Dual Universe's design.
- Resources can only be found in certain places, and they do not regenerate, meaning players will have to venture farther and farther to find rare ores over time.
- Virtually all of Dual Universe is a PvP zone (except for the 20km diameter safe zone around the Arkship), so players are almost always vulnerable to PvP
- Player skills allow for the optimization of abilities. Not all players will be skilled at combat, and not all players will be skilled at mining.
- The political system in Dual Universe allows for completely free-form and emergent factions, organizations, and governments, which don't restrict or enforce player conflicts.
These factors, along with many others, combine to make Dual Universe one of the most player driven games ever created, with virtually unlimited possibility for emergent gameplay. There are numerous variables that could have changed the outcome of the above scenario. The player could have taken a more covert rout to his objective, or he could have invited friends along for protection, or he could have negotiated with the rival organization for safe passage, or he could have hired mercenaries to protect him. Any and all of these options will be available in Dual Universe, along with many more that only the players themselves will think of.