Persistent Characters

Persistent characters refers to online game characters that maintain and perhaps extend their in-game characteristics and skills.  Usually they are in RPG? style games.  The basic effect that they have on gameplay is that the longer a player plays, the better his in-game character will be compared to a newer character.  It also means that any decisions a player makes about in-game professions, stay with them and will continue to affect their character as long as they continue to play the character.

Traditionally, games in the FPS genre do not use persistent characters because this means that a player just starting the game will be a great disadvantage to any players with an older character - regardless of player skill.

Unstable offers the first persistent FPS.  There are in-game mechanics that serve to balance gameplay, and we use a method of targeting known as Assisted First Person(AFP?).  This provides the feel of a FPS, while allowing for in-game characters to build a persona, trade skills, and combat skills.