Hello! ❤️
I'm the developer of WalkScape! My game is an online RPG that is inspired by RuneScape, where all of the in-game progression happens by walking in real life.
I myself have struggled to exercise enough, and I'm diagnosed with ADHD. This project started off as something I was working for myself to help me exercise more. The game has been in Closed Beta since January 18th, and the player feedback so far has been awesome!
There are three key things that make the game very unique for a mobile game, in addition to just being a nice and cozy game that incentivizes you to walk:
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No GPS. Unlike games like Pokemon Go, WalkScape uses pedometer instead of GPS. This means you can walk where ever you like, including at your home or gym on a treadmill. And doesn't compromise your privacy.
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No MTX or ads. I'm against all kind of predatory trends in gaming, especially predatory monetisation. WalkScape is completely community funded with Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee with no external investments.
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Not hungry for your attention. WalkScape doesn't even need to be opened in the background for you to gain progress in it. The game is designed in a way where you only need to open it after your exercise, and if you forget to the game it doesn't punish you. It saves your "missed steps" for later.
If you're interested to give it a try, you can check out https://walkscape.app to find how to join the upcoming beta wave, see some stats about the game (people have already walked more than 1.5 billion steps!), and our roadmap.
I'll answer any questions you might have. Happy walking and stay hydrated ❤️
Sounds great! So I understand you skill up stuff by walking, I assume traveling through the world as well? The site mentions there is combat as well, how does that work?
Yes, travelling through the world is also done by walking irl. Though obviously the distances aren't quite 1 to 1. Combat is not implemented yet but coming later. Current plans are that it will be a turn based system and will be what's called "couch content", something you can do at home from your couch without having to walk. But all subject to change still.
From my view: If I get a game called WalkScape I don't want to play it actively. So if those things can only be progressed on the couch, I won't touch them. And if that locks me out of other content, that sucks.
And if it's just AFK, then it also goes against the purpose/vision of the game. Not saying that you're doing it, but don't bloat it with unnecessary mechanics.
From what we've heard from the community, players are initially drawn to the game because they love that concept of inactive playing. They then get hooked on the game so much that they actually also want to do something in the game even when they're not doing exercising, so something active. It's a very often heard suggestion. Obviously it's impossible to please everyone, but the majority actually does want this. If that's not you, thats unfortunate but understandable.
Edit: also, seems like you will need to basically "charge up" combat points with steps, which you can then use to fight some stuff. So you will still need to be walking first to be able to do combat.
Which is kind of what the point is. Start it without a habit, form a habit of playing that makes you want to do the action of exercise