By now it probably goes without saying that GateCraft tries to go its own way compared to most Minecraft servers. It uses many custom plugins whose number and capabilities keep growing, and maintaining such a server is becoming ever more demanding. This is further complicated by the many generally-recognized plugins that are closely intertwined, and even those are configured in unconventional ways wherever possible.
So when a new major Minecraft update drops, it often means extensive changes and updates to many plugins. In worse cases we have to find suitable alternatives or even create our own. On top of that, seemingly safe updates have more than once brought hidden bugs that only surfaced after there was no rolling back. This led to some rough times when the server was really unstable and putting everything right took dozens of hours.
Now I’m speaking purely for myself, but from my point of view version 1.5 brings nothing revolutionary for GateCraft—at least nowhere near as revolutionary as the new skills-and-spells system I’m currently working on and gradually adding to the game. By skipping said version 1.5 I gain more time to devote to the new RPG expansion of the server. And it’s plugins like this that make GateCraft unique.
So what lies ahead?
Current development is focused on deepening RPG elements, which first and foremost means skills; spells will follow bit by bit.
After spells comes the promised overhaul of the Chaosphere world, bringing it closer to RPG players. It will add many PvE locations focused on quests and “item hunts.” The biggest draw will be previously unobtainable items—sets (layered armor known e.g. from Diablo) as well as unique mining spots for Netherrack or the new Quartz. That doesn’t mean the world will stop being a lawless zone. On the contrary, seasoned PvP players will also get their fill, since they’ll have more chances to hunt their prey.
At the same time you can expect growth of the virtual inventory GateInterface, which provides an interactive interface without needing any client-side mods. Through it we can pass vital info (magic, skills) or perform actions (teleports, home setting). Although it’s no longer top priority, eventually you’ll see data on current quests, your trades, owned zones, and more.
Version 1.6
No need to panic. Unlike 1.5, I believe 1.6 will bring some pretty major additions for GateCraft—mainly horses, right? :) So I’ll try to push this update as fast as possible. Don’t expect me to drop the first dev build of Bukkit the moment it appears—I’m not suicidal. But I promise I’ll actively track its development along with that of essential plugins.
All we can do is pray for stable beta builds and updated plugins so we get 1.6 ASAP… Until then, keep your client on the older version if you can.
Jonathan Gecko