Editing Main Page (section)

==In a nutshell==
D.R.O.N.E.<ref>Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment.</ref> is a sci-fi multiplayer arena shooter developed by [https://fivestudiosinteractive.com/ Five Studios Interactive] that allows players to create their own arenas and drones.<br>

The official website can be found [https://dronethegame.com/ here], as well as the official [https://discord.com/invite/drone Discord server]<ref> External links: [https://dronethegame.com/ dronethegame.com], [https://discord.com/invite/drone discord.gg/drone].</ref>

===Drones===
The drones are created by the player and their designs matter! Builds need to fit the playing style and (team) tactics. Scout, Support, Stealth, Tank, Dogfighter, or a mix – using the right drone components in the right way makes the difference. It’s more than just fighting skills. In this game, the player needs to use his brain! Simply put, drones are constructed by attaching together various blocks and components like weapons, functional parts, or defense systems. In the building process, factors like weight, heat or noise production, and power consumption need to considered. As the player progresses, and more parts become available, the building process presents more challenges but also offers more advanced tactics in battle. Creating effective drones is a fun challenge as is the fast-paced gameplay itself.

===Arenas===
The easy to use but powerful arena editor allows the players to become celebrated arena architects. Not only can they create stunning looking arenas in a wide range of environments, but they also have full control over a dynamic weather system, time of day, gravity, and even environmental threats like meteorite showers and harsh temperature changes. Since all arenas are created and voted by the players, there will be a never-ending supply of interesting levels to play in. The arena editor is AI-assisted and makes sure that parts always fit together and the terrains adapt to the buildings that are placed on top. Plenty of comfort features increases the productivity of the architects furthermore; players who love building will be pleased to know that creating arenas is also possible in multiplayer. Rule-sets and game modes are in the control of the player as well.

===Gameplay===
DRONE is an arena shooter at its core. The player controls a drone that can be equipped with plenty of gadgets. All components can be damaged or destroyed individually, this highlights how important a well-balanced build is. Making clever use of components like radar systems, cloaking devices, shields, etc. can decide the outcome of a match. Observing enemy strengths and weaknesses is crucial and choosing the right tactics to beat your enemies in battle is key. The view can be first person or third person depending on the preferences of the player but cameras are not just an abstract concept, they are actual components that can be damaged and destroyed. A third-person camera is a micro drone that follows the player and, if it is destroyed, the view will fall back to first-person if such a camera exists. In team tournaments like clan vs. clan, it is necessary to find your role in the team and have a drone build that is beneficial for it.

===Setting===
Drone operators are the gladiators, the superstars of the era, they travel the galaxy and fight in tournaments for fame and sponsor rewards. They live a thrilling life and are admired across the galaxy. Some operators form alliances or clans. Some of them are more like lone wolves. While they have many friends, they often have their special foes. Vendettas among clans are no rarity either. Drone tournaments have become the number one form of entertainment in the galaxy and are often even a way to settle political or corporate interest disputes. It has happened that whole solar systems have changed ownership by the outcome of a tournament. Corporations strive for a strong stance in the galaxy and therefore often sponsor drone operators to represent them.

===The progression of development===
Work on DRONE began in the spring of 2015 and the project grew fast, despite the fact the team worked only part-time on it. As envisioned, keeping all aspects of the game at the highest level, FSI extended one of the most popular AAA game engines to their needs and created many new advanced technologies.<br>

Game mechanics and systems are at different stages of development. Here is an overview:

====Prototype====
* Drone damage system
* Drone audio system
* Drone component system (excerpt: generator, battery, heating/cooling, stealth, stabilization, shield and armor devices)
* Basic multiplayer interactions
* Space exploration
* Grass rendering

====Post-Prototype====
* Intelligent drone editor
* Basic GUI and 3D HUD
* Radar systems
* Basic multiplayer interactions
* Several weapon types <ref>[[Component list#Offense | Offense components list.]]</ref>
* In-game recording and replay system

====In finalization====
* Intelligent and extensive arena editor
* Terrain rendering and editing
* Dynamic weather management
* Responsive environments (vegetation, rocks, dynamic objects, pierceable surfaces)
* Volumetric decals
* Super detailed trees
* Accurate drone physics (realistic, yet very dynamic and controllable)
* In-game lighting calculation system