Fun with Permutations [Quick Update]

I should probably get someone to check my math, but if I wait around I'd forget to post it.

So, right now we are working on the evolution of pets, within the game. Originally this was just "It'd be fun to have a different evolution system than the norm" and that was ok. Just today, we started actually sitting down and figuring out what this meant for the game.*

So, we started by breaking down potential pet types into 5 core groups, based on the existing animal groups with some modifications. That's not to bad, with 5 base (past your first one that is) creatures we worked out that there would be around 120 potential permutations of creature possible. That doesn't sound bad at all, a nice number and an acceptable scope for full production.

But, you know, just having 5 isn't really enough for diversity now is it? So, what if we had Two of each type? That doesn't sound too bad, but oh wait. That means, there would be something on the order of three million different combinations possible.

That's some scope...

Just the thought of realizing that in art is frightening, and it would make development far less than awesome.

That said, more work needs to be put into how the pets work out. Something told me to just start with the Machines.


- Jesse