Short Term
What we’re working on right now, or within the next month.
Full SDK
The full, paid version of the SDK will cost around $15, will contain all the tools of the free version, and will give you full access to all of Merlin’s editor binary files, which enables you to create more complex scripts and mods that integrate with Merlin’s interface.
Now working on: Demo Content
We need to make some maps and asset packs to demonstrate what Merlin is capable of, and that creating content is financially viable.
Store Server
A distribution system that allows creators to upload and players to download pack files from a central server. Also adds copy protection. Integrated with Patreon.
Milestone: Steam Playtest Release
We’re releasing the Steam playtest to the general public as soon as we feel Merlin is usable enough to run basic combat with Foundry. At this stage, Merlin is usable, but has some major shortcomings:
- Lack of content other than Unreal marketplace assets
- No streamlined way to share or sell content
- Lots of half-finished features, rough UI etc.
Peer-to-Peer Filesharing
Download custom pack files straight from the host’s PC instead of needing to manually send them to each other.
Matchmaking
Join games via e.g. Steam invite instead of directly entering your friend’s IP address + messing about with port forwarding.
Measurement Tools for Combat
Basic tools that allow players to measure paths and straight lines, and then move their characters along them, subject to GM approval. This allows us to run turn-based combat much more effectively. These are currently a bit rough and will be further improved upon later.
SDK Lite
Free, barebones version of the SDK that makes it much easier for users to create Merlin packages. Requires accompanying guides.
Gravity Controls
We need to be able to alter gravity for objects and creatures.
Video Settings + Optimisation
The test stream revealed that we really needed to improve performance for bad to mediocre PCs. Adding some video settings options + performance improvements to demo scene.
Medium Term
Bare minimum of features we want to finish before considering Merlin out of “Early Access”.
Target Tracker
XCOM-like HUD that shows players all visible/targetable enemies and allies. Links smoothly into Foundry’s targeting system for combat.
UI Overhaul
Most of Merlin’s UI is placeholder (looks like shit). We need to spend a serious couple of weeks at some point just improving the look of everything.
Select Tool Improvements + Polish
Existing translate tool needs to be much nicer to use. Transform and scale tools needed. More options like snapping, axis aligning also possibly needed.
Spawn Tool Improvements + Polish
Need to be able to search by tags, by package, by material. Some options to set whether spawned objects are visible to players, have gravity, etc.
Advanced Measurement Tools
Tools to measure AOEs, jump gaps, a couple of other things.
Dice Tool
The current 3D dice tool is unfinished, and needs to be properly integrated with Foundry.
Hierarchy Window
Currently half-finished. Should be usable to select any object in the scene, and search by name, type and group.
Content Roadmap
We plan to begin producing and selling custom maps and adventures for both Merlin and Foundry VTT. This will inform the development of Merlin’s core systems, but will be tracked in a separate roadmap.
Environmental + Lighting Effect controls
System for easily controlling time of day, fog presets etc.
Vision + Darkness system
System for implementing in 3D things like Fog Cloud, Darkness and dim light, in different game systems, integrated with Foundry, and working in conjunction with the above control system.
Basic Spells
We showed off the web spell in the early trailers – we want to have at least a handful of spells available to all users, probably at least: Web, Fireball, Open/Close, Mage Hand, Grease, Entangle. Larger sets of spells will likely be sold separately as future add-on content.
Long Term
Future features we hope to eventually get to. Some may become paid add-ons, modules, or DLC.
Browser-Only Mode
Series of systems that would allow players to play fully in a browser with specially prepared maps, with only the host needing to run Merlin.
Character Creator
Not sure if this is needed given existing tools for Unreal Engine. We might just license some version of a tool to make it easily available to Merlin usrs.
Talespire Integration
Ctrl + v Talespire maps into Merlin. Not sure if we are legally allowed to do this lol but it would be easy to make, and once it’s out there it can always just be used as an unofficial mod.
3D Inventory
Simulate exactly where your spell component pouch is on your belt in extremely autistic detail.