Notch revealed recently that he will be working on a new game. OX10c is a space odyssey with a heavy emphasis on programming. The name refers to a mixture commonly used in chemistry known as 10% oxygen. We assume it refers to the lack of oxygen in space, in this game.
Base features of OX10c
The game isn’t even in an alpha phase yet. However it is set in a science fiction environment and promises fully working computers. Notch also laid out several other features on the site:
- Space battles
- Abandoned ships to loot
- Duct tape
- Planets you can land on
- Economy systems
- Random encounters
- Mining, trading, and looting
- Single and multiplayer action
The Backstory of OX10c
OX10c has a fairly normal premise for a science fiction game. You went into hypersleep due to a programming error in 1988. It is now the year 281 474 976 712 644 AD and everything has fallen apart. We are a bit confused about the notion of star formation ending, but this is Notch’s universe and he can make it work however he wants.
Making Programming Fun
We were rather puzzled when we heard that engineering, mining, and programming were major parts of the game. As someone who has personally struggled with Basic and C++, it did not sound terribly thrilling to me. But minigames will be available to play while waiting for mining to finish as well as for a break from programming. It would be quite delightful to be able to play Minecraft while playing this game if you own both. Sadly, that is probably too much to ask for.
The Controversy of OX10c
Unfortunately many fans are upset with something said on the main site. Notch mentioned that there could be a monthly fee to play this game. He also mentions that the game will have a persistent universe that continues with or without you.
