Emergence Emergency!

The terms 'emergence' or 'emergent behavior' in game design describe a technique used by a game designer to create a set of behaviors in a game. When these behaviors are all working together, new, more complex behaviors 'emerge'. The example I was once given is from a game that is famous for emergent behavior: Grand Theft Auto. If you drive your car really fast, take a big jump, and roll the car, it will explode, and nearby pedestrians who are injured in the explosion will be angry and will chase you and try to pound you. The programmers did not program this sequence of events! Instead, they programmed a series of rules that worked together to cause this to happen. They programmed the physics for the car, the physics that let you jump and roll the car, the conditions under which cars will explode, and the tendency for injured pedestrians to come after you. These things, all working together, create very unpredictable results in this popular game.

By now you should be asking, "What does this have to do with Virtual Villagers?" The answer is that we have tried to do the same thing. We 'teach' the villagers how to do many things, we establish the conditions on the island, we program rules and events, and then we just let it all loose!

The result is, more often than not, awful.

It is really difficult to try to simulate real world conditions in a game. You try to think of everything that could be relevant (for example, dealing with how villagers should behave when they are hungry), but then, when you test it, you find, for example, that they are not doing anything but worrying about food, or that they spend their entire day doing laundry, for some reason. Amusing? Maybe. Good game design? Doubtful. Another factor that makes these behaviors even more difficult to design and test, is that our game runs in real-time. In order to properly test villagers' behaviors and the island conditions, we often have to run tests over very long periods of time. But, there is an upside! The game unfolds differently each time you play it, and this 'emergent behavior,' when it works, is really fun and surprising--even for the programmers and designers! Sometimes we see the villagers doing really weird stuff, and it is not always easy to trace this back to the program and understand why. They seem to take on a life of their own. When it comes to this, even if we don't quite understand why they are doing something, if it isn't broken we won't fix it. The result is, hopefully, a game with a lot of personality.

Emergent Stories

Another side effect of this approach to designing a game is that such unusual and interesting things can happen that it develops into an interesting story unique to your villagers! Some players have been compelled to write up these stories as they perceived them, and the results have been absolutely amazing. There have been captivating stories of villages that almost perished, but then made a huge comeback, and some of the details about individuals or families in the village, and their quirky behaviors, are wonderful and gripping. But there is another story to be told on the island...

Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children

This 2nd chapter of the Virtual Villagers game series will be called Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children. We are continuing and developing the story that takes place on the island of Isola, answering some questions, and asking a few new questions. Let's review what we know. Our tribe has landed on this new island after fleeing their home. They have established themselves on the island and have detected traces of inhabitants that were there before them. They may have even seen glimpses of these inhabitants. They have certainly found (and in some cases restored) artifacts and creations left behind by these predecessors. They have finally opened the cave.

If you have read our previous developer diaries here at Gamezebo, then you know that Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children (sometimes referred to as Virtual Villagers 2), continues with some villagers who find a way through the cave. As the game progresses, we will shed more light on who the mysterious former inhabitants were, if any of them are left on the island, why all of their buildings and artifacts seem rather destroyed in VV1, where they have gone, and why. What is the purpose of the carvings, and structures that have been abandoned? Were these things just abandoned, or were they deliberately destroyed? The next questions can only be: Who are the "lost children?" Where have their parents gone?

Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children will continue on the west side of the island, and the story will pick up right where you left off in Virtual Villagers: A New Home. We have been testing and tweaking the game relentlessly, and it's probably a good sign that we are starting to get addicted here in the studio. Most importantly, we are finding ourselves surprised by our little tribe as their personalities emerge, and they take on lives of their own.

As we finish up our stay here in Italy, we are quickly approaching beta for this game. We will start testing it after the holiday break when we are back in San Francisco. We are really excited to get it out to everyone and but we do not want to rush it before it is completely ready. Many of our fans have been hoping to have a copy of VV2: The Lost Children under their Christmas tree, and it will in fact not be quite that soon, but we promise that the wait will not be much longer!

Arthur Humphrey is the founder and lead designer of Last Day of Work. He has developed numerous best-selling games on several platforms, including Fish Tycoon, Plant Tycoon and Virtual Villagers. Arthur, together with his wife and partner Carla, lovingly craft games that try to be innovative, engaging, and broadly accessible. Arthur can be contacted by commenting here, or directly at ahumphrey@ldw.com.

sounds awesome thanks for the post!

good deal i like that series of this
i am glad that you are making a no # 2. of it
cool deal
can't wait it comes out :)

can't wait till it comes out! Sounds like it'll be little bit harder than the last VV.

Yay! At least we won't have to wait for too long!

Thank you so much for the update on what's happening. Sounds exciting!

thank you so much on the update! you have answered so many of our questions! vv2 sounds like so mich fun! can't wait!

hey yea thanks for the update keep it up with the updates im really excited for it to come out let us know advertise it like crazy! im excited let us know when i comes out somehow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

hey everyone! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
oh, and have an awesome Boxing Day! i know i will! ;)

where is it? i wish it were out already....

sounds realy fun do you thing it will be out by august coz that my b-day

It will be out soon. We've been playing it all day as we continue to get it ready!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Arthur

Start thinking mid to late jan. early feb.

Will there be a demo to download on internet as soon the vv2 comes out, or later?

There will be a demo available to download the moment it is ready.

Arthur

do you know the earliest that the game could be released?

Thanx for the update i can't wait. wat month will it come out?

You guys--I'm addicted. Can't wait!

how much do you think it will cost will there be any discounts.

I bought the full version of virtual villagers will I have to pay for the second one too many thanks

Hi
i can't wait for the new game to come out and unlike some am very happy to save and pay for it. If we don't pay then there will be no vv3 cos how can they make it if they aren't getting paid..... am completely addicted and living for the moment when the next part comes out.
thanks for making such a fab game!!!
Happy New Year everybody

I'v Only just started to play virtual villages a new home a couple of days ago and im stuck alredy i was just wonderin if u could tell me how u move the boulder in front of the cave Thanks, oh and lookin 4ward alredy to the new one coming out!

The Golden Child will move the Boulder, but you can't make him do it though. You have to wait about 2 Days.

theres only 5% of the game left to be completed!check it out-http://www.ldw.com/previews/index.html

How much longer! My mom and I love this game and can't wait for it to come out. Thanks for all the hard work!

I just checked its at 95% already! YAHOO!!!! *Jumps up and down*

When is it gonna be sold? I amso excited! You make the greatest games ever!

there is no golden child in vv2!

THANK GOODNESS!!!
GC IS SOOOOOOOOO ANNOYING!!!
ARTHUR, UR AWESOME!!!

LOL poor GC...

Ok we are probably going to start testing VV2 next week, so it shouldn't be much longer now...

Thanks for everyone's enthusiasm, and please don't forget to vote for VV in the Zeeby Awards here at Gamezebo (the link is up on the top of the page). We want to win a Zeeby!!

Arthur

im so excited..bum bum bum..and i just cant hide it..bum bum bum..

I need a release date! I can't take it...I need a release date! I can't take it...I need a release date! I can't take it...

97% DONE!!!!

HURRY UP, HURRY UP HURRY UP!!!!

...Hi, I'm Meagan, and my sister Cori is here with me :)

97%?! omg!!!! yay! so can't wait! ;)

when is it comming out

Great job Last Day of Work for coming through for me!!!! I cannot wait for the newsletter heralding VV2's arrival. I have my plastic ready, set and to go - as soon as!!!!! Thank you again, and may I encourage you to keep them coming - PLEASE!!!!

Best of Luck to you all!!!!

I have a question. Will we be able to play VV2 withthe same villagers as VV1? Say, if I had a character in VV1, will I still be able to play it on the west side, or will it be all new characters?

SOOOOOOO Much of a stupid wait! I've been checking and checking for the last few days and it hasn't changed much... Keep working on it and I'll keep checking (my Virtual Villagers self-appointed obligation...) as my addicted soul tells me to!

I got the newsletter, can't wait for the time that I can open my e-mail and see VV2 is out! I've beaten the game 3 times on easy, 2 times on Normal and Am currently working on completing on hard. Damn... Hard sucks, with only 5 villagers...

Will check as always, keep working and finish the game so I can stop bugging my mom about it!

Come on guys - the wait is killing me now....
i seem to live on this site at the moment watching for movement and any change!!
ps will it be available in the uk at the same exact moment you release it there.............

YES! I beat the game on hard. Took me forever to get the GC... I'm almost glad there is no GC in VV2. (Sorry, GC, I love the fact your a wall of blue on the detail screen and that I can give you a girly name, but you party WAY too much!) Heh... Oh, and Arthur, with all this enthusiasm,do you honestly still doubt you'll get a Zeeby? Cause if you are, that's kinda pathetic... no offence....

Add on to my last post. I AM SO ADDICTED! Why can't the game have the last 3 percent already??? I looked at the pic provided on the progress page for Plant Tycoon and VV2. It looks like there is a waterfall on the other end of the cave. Anyone else notice that? Is it meant to be there? Does VV2 have stuff to do with the treasure, the path under the lagoon, and the ruins? My Villagers have "Noticed something strange by the treasure" and started digging. I got into picking up my GC so he wouldn't start any parties... It didn't do much... HE STARTED A PARTY IN MIDAIR! It kinda freaked me out... It said "Looking excitedly at everything..." and then all my other villagers suddenly stopped and ran to the center of the village to party... Then I dropped him and he started partying too! It was FREAKY! Then I dropped my builders and Scientists by the treasure again and it did nothing... Waaaah... I hate the golden child for that...

huury hurry cant wait to play im so excited

Yay it says Spring of 2007 for the coming it's also stating that they are 97% finished!!!
go to this link to sign up for email notification!!
http://www.ldw.com/previews/index.html

I read the earlier posts, Arthur, you said you would be testing it around today! PLEASE HURRY UP AND FINISH SO EVERYONE CAN PLAY! (oh, and good luck on the Zeeby deal...) GAH! I purchased VV1, do I get a discount on VV2TLC or what?!?!?!?!

We are in testing. It's going very well. Stay calm! :)

Thanks to everyone who is voting for us on the Zeebys, too. You all rock!

Arthur

I don't wanna stay calm, I want VV2 to be done. :)

I don't wanna stay calm, I want VV2 to be done. :)

arthur, don't worry! do whatever it takes to make the best game ever! i'll be waiting! :)

Authur you make the best games ever. Me and my mum were addicted to it. she found this cheat and stuff her hole game up. were racing to see who could complete it frist unfortunite for her i fin 1st. good luck with the zeebys i vote for you

P.s did you by any chance particepate in the making of westward cause that an addictive game to.

I'm working on beating Westward for the 3rd time a.d btw I can't wait for VV2 to come out!

wow! the 3rd time?!

yep

wow! i couldn't even get past it the first time. (i got bored). :``)

Back to the actual topic of this comment section: Virtual Villagers.

Last time I posted, My GC had totally ruined my chance to find out a little more on the treasure. Weeeeeeeeeell, My GC is so annoying now. I left the game going and put my computer ahead 2 weeks so I could kill everyone. then paused my game, set the clock back, and repeated the process. YAY! No more GC! I have the power to destroy the GC! LOL. :) (: Arthur, can you please, PLEASE hurry up? :'-( My mom is complaining on the fact that I'm always on...

Peeps, VOTE FOR VIRTUAL VILLAGERS (like I did...) IN THE ZEEBYS!

This is a comment by the GCK (Golden Child Killer) Kristina.

Arthur, you didn't answer my last question. DO WE or DO WE get a discount (lol)? Say WE DO!!!!!!!

Need VV2 at a manageable price...

Tina

ok come on with it..how long can it stay at 97%..i have to come and look everyday to see if it has moved any..then i get mad..nothing

Melissa, I keep checking every day too and am trying to be patient. And it's getting very hard. Hope this new VV game is worth the wait! My biggest fear is that it'll be announced that it's out....I'll get to Best Buy to get it....and they'll be sold out. Is that a nightmare or what? They better have plenty. Because I've been waiting for sooo long.

melissa, the extra 3% is the testing. since the game runs on real-time, it will take a while to test. :)

It's so frustrating......! It's like waiting for christmas when you're a kid and it's only january. and it's so exiting cos you just know it's gonna be good. good luck with the zeeby's arthur, i've put my vote in!!

I agree with Wendy, It is frustrating and I just can't wait until "Christmas". I beat the game again, it's getting a little run-of-the-mill now that I've beaten the game on hard... Please, just finish testing and may the Game be done! 3% that doesn't change is a little frustrating, especially when it was going fast before... Arthur, when do you think testing will be DONE?

Mid Feb.... that's what Arthur has put in a blog on another site, not sure i can wait that long sigh,suppose i have to!

My sister and I recently came acroos Virtual Villagers A New Home on the website Iwon.com

We are really enjoying it, and can not wait until the second version comes out.

If you could, please email me to let me know a
release date when it becomes known? I would highly appreciate it. Thank you. ;)

We're all eager for it to come out but be patient you have no idea what the game world is like and the "obstacles" you can run into and by the time ya'll finish beating vv2 you'll be in a hurry for vv3. Hold your horses and go vote for a zeeby or something.

when is it comin out exactly?

crystal, it has not been found out yet. there is no exact date. :)

will we be able to help with the beta testing? i have a ton of spare time and would love to help =)

Yay! Only about half a month to go... But, again with the question that is starting to bug me... Do we get a discount If we bought the first VV?

I really hope we do!

Can we help with beta testing? If yes, where can we dowload a beta virsion?

linda, i wish. lol. :)

Yes Kristina. Arthur said that if you bought vv1 you get a discount on vv2:)

Arthur, is it possible that the blankets for the babies could be blue or pink to announce the gender of the baby?

Yay, 98%!

YAY!

I just noticed! IT'S AT 98%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

really?! a discount? cool!

me, i cant wait for the next installment of vv, i have played it so many times since i bought the game, i drive my kids crazy when i am im on and playing!!!!

hey sofiya, are you registered in LDW forums? if you are, i have a question. :)

yay... it only took a week! ONLY TWO MORE!

98%!!!!!!! Having withdrawl symptoms here people!!! I keep playing VV1 over and over again lol Drives my family NUTS when they hear the music lol

oh yeah.....and GREAT JOB on First Place! I voted for ya!

kim, what are you talking about? 1st place? are you talking about the zeeby?

energy drained must play vv2

Did VV get a Zeeby? :D I :D HOPE :D SO!:D I voted for VV on both of the categories it was in!

YAY! DISCOUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone, no. I am not registered to the LDW forums. Sorry, but you can ask me here :)

You know a game is soon to come out when we publish our preview!

Check out the exclusive preview and screen shots of Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children.

And sign up for our newsletter to to be notified when the game is released (hint: it's really really soon everyone).

Joel

Its so kewl that the new virtual villagers is out, i have just got it!!
Its so much better than the old one and harder too.

You Just now got it? XD I've had it for nearly three months!

OOps, I just now noticed this... I thought you meant the first one... EDIT TO MY LAST POST: Sorry! I meant, HOW DID YOU GET IT?! XD

Sofiya, the question was related to LDW forums. but since your not registered, you probably don't know. :)

holly, you mean you have just got vv right? it sounded like you got vv2 already! :)

Arthur, mi fa molto piacere che passiate tanto tempo in Italia e che sviluppiate i vostri giochi nel mio paese, traendone anche ispirazione! :-)

Ho molto apprezzato il primo Virtual Villagers (che ho quasi finito) e sto attendendo di provare il secondo non appena sarà uscito.

Una domanda: come mai non lo traducete in italiano? Visto che la signora Carla è madrelingua, non dovrebbe essere un problema, no? Ho visto che già lo fate in spagnolo e tedesco...

Personalmente non è per me un problema, però per molti miei compatrioti lo è... ;-)

---- TRANSLATIONS FOR NOT-ITALIAN SPEAKERS -----

Arthur, I really appreciate the fact you pass long periods in Italy and that you get inspired by my country for developing your games! :-)

I'm getting good fun from the first Virtual Villagers (that I've nearly ended) and I'm looking forward for the exit of the new one.

One question: why don't you translate it in Italian? Miss Carla is mothertongue, you said, so it shoulden't be a big problem for you.
I saw you already did in spanish and german...

Luckily it's not a big problem for me, but many in my country doesn't speak english...

holly u couldnt have the new vv coz its not even out yet

make the villagers walk faster. It is SOOOOOOOOO anoying how slow they walk

liam ur biggest fan, they do have the "BETA tester" game.

oh!sorry, i thought she meant she bought it

show some love to the devoted fans, release VVII by Valentine's Day!!!!!!

show some love to the devoted fans, release VVII by Valentine's Day!!!!!!

MAN THATS A GOOD GAME i cant wait for the second im gettin it the day it comes out

it is coming out in mid-feb, well, that is if the testing goes smoothly. :)

We want Village Sim 2 for Palm!

i am curious... will vv2 be added onto vv1, or will we be starting from scratch?
can't wait!!

cate, vv2 starts on the west side of the first virtual villagers. :)

99% Complete everyone!!!!!!!!

99% yay!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE DON'T KEEP US WAITING MUCH LONGER!

How many more bugs must you get rid of, just so I have an Idea of how much longer we have to wait? I hope you have it done in two days or less... VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE! *throws valentines in the air, pelts Arthur with them...* YAY!

PS, sorry for the pelting Arthur :P Please keep working!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE DON'T KEEP US WAITING MUCH LONGER!

How many more bugs must you get rid of, just so I have an Idea of how much longer we have to wait? I hope you have it done in two days or less... VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE! *throws valentines in the air, pelts Arthur with them...* YAY!

PS, sorry for the pelting Arthur :P Please keep working!

99%???????? oh yeah!!!!!!!! :D thanx for the update!!!!!

just read they will be putting downloading links for vv2 tomorrow morning at 8am at virtualvillagers.com

YAY! I Downloaded it from Big Fish Games:D

How do we get the discount?

when will the mac version be out? REALLY soon I hope!!! I am dying to play!!!!

love this game grapics are awesome

I dont know if there is a discount. I tried to look for it, but I couldnt find it, so unfortunately i had to buy it full price (*Broke college student sobs*).

!!!!!!!!!!We want Village Sim 2 for Palm!!!!!!!!!

meagan, they are working on the mac version. it'll be out soon!

lynne, i agree with you a 100%. :)

I have been playing VV#2 since it came out and I love it! the graphics are way cool! Also the puzzles are harder and it takes more time to earn tech points. However, the sewing hut is really dumb!!! I also think you need to plan a way for the people in VV#1 and VV#2 to eventually get together. Can you have more than 3 esteemed elders? Can a female be an esteemed elder? If not, WHY!!! I really hope that uou will find a way to make games 1and2 come together. I have kept my VV#1 people alive for over a year now. I think they are getting a little bored.

:,( I'M BROKE! :(

I like the sewing hut. And i would LOVE for the villagers of VV1 and VV2 to get together. I thought thats how VV2 was gonna be. unfortunately, it wasnt the case.

love the game is there gonna be vv3

lynne33406, on the website, it says "to be announced". oh yeah, i think there's gonna be a vv3. :)

I bought this game from bigfishgames a couple of days ago... i dont buy many games, but i made an exception for this. Thing is, when i close the game, a page pops up from survey monkey telling me that it is a leaked beta, with bugs - no sewing hut, farmers wont gather crops when the game is off etc. Is this right? If so, I'm a tad annoyed as I paid full pice for this...

pes, i really have no idea. sorry. :)

Hey Arthur!

I just bought VV2 (the day it came out) and I love it! I really didn't expect the graphics to improve so much and I love the new addition of characters! I'm glad that you can actually see who the parents of the children are and creating different stews is pretty interesting. I was one of the ones that loved picking mushrooms in the first one so I love the collections as well!

Can't wait to finish all the puzzles!

and I absolutely LOVE the clothing hut!! I don't like them having the same clothes all the time...glad we have the option

Hello everyone,

We got numerous discussions on Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children on different entry pages, so I wanted to share with you the best places on Gamezebo to ask your questions and get answers on this game:

Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children Review

Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children Tips & Tricks/Walkthrough/Cheats (note: are spoilers here)

Virtual Villagers: The Lost Children Preview

Also, Last Day of Work has an excellent walkthrough here:

Last Day of Work Puzzle & Strategy Guide - The Lost Children

We are working as we speak to create a newer and cooler Gamezebo where we will have one place to discuss each game making it easier for you to find the answers you need. Thanks for coming to Gamezebo :)

Joel
Chief Gamezebo

Is there any plans for VV2 on Palm???? I would LOVE one!

is there gonna b virtual villagers 3? i would love to play that so much!!

hey why does www.bigfish.com always gets the latest virtual villagers? can you give www.reflexivearcade.com the virtual villagers 3 if you finish working on it? tnx.
P.S.
I love this game and i own it!

I LOVE VV2 AND I THINK PEIPLE ARE GOOD. UMMM PLES YOU IS. PLEASE ACKUSE MY DAUGHTER SHE IS ONLY 24. JUST A BABY. NO I IS NOT MOMA. YES YOUS IS U LITLE GURL. MOM! AND THIS IS THE DECKINGH SHOW.

Hello All... Here is my big question I did not
cheat to get anything in this game and I played
the whole thing just as I was supposed to
I have max population once I got the algea thing
figured out I almost have a million food
and over 200,000 tech points and nothing to
do with them upset for buy some cheesy clothes
I have solved all puzzles and found all collectibles So now I ask how does it end
you can check your stats in puzzles and see
how many hours you played and I am near 400
hours. There has to be an end and a way to
win otherwise what were all the stupid clues
about with the lost children and the parents
finding them I am not going to buy a VV3 just
to continue with this never ending mayhem
There has to be some kind of ending to satisfy
my many hours of playing to make me even want to
buy another one so what is the deal. You can max out on pretty much everything here is it the gong
and why do I have to wait 24 real hours to ring it again and how many days and hours do I have to
get back on and ring the gong again just to find
out I dont need anymore food and if it doesnt
give food it takes health and youth... Please tell me there is an end to this nonsense...
rippschka@yahoo.com

when is vv3 comeing out?

to bad they dont have virtual villagers for nintendo gamecube i bet they sell big time.

when is villagers 3 coming out? Ive played 2 to death

When is vv3 coming out I am almost finished with vv2!

Can we expect a version for Linux? That would be totally awsome!
You can publish it on LinuxGames and HappyPenguin (Linux game tome) and get easy access to us Linux gamers. Commercial games get sold on Linux, although not as much as open source/free as in speech ones.

Hi, my username is colourmehappy. I've read all the comments, some good some bad. Well i'm here to tell you that youre doing a great job. Haveing tried programing myself, it's not an easy task. But on the other hand, your game of virtual villagers is great. I have no complaints to make, exept that I can't waite for the next installment. Keep up the good work and may the rest of other peoples comments be good!

When is VV3 coming out ive already played vv2 50 times !!!!!!!!!

When is VV3 coming...give us something on it please thanks

when will vv3 be out? i cant wait to play it.

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