How to make an MMO in 9892183 easy steps

I'm glad to have captured some interest out there for "Raptor", my own MMORPG project. Still in its infancy, I'll go over the project as much as I can.

Basically, this started out as my own personal mania, and having done programming on only minor endeavors before, I really had no idea what I was in for. In fact, part of the reason I've been staying with it is due to how incredibly difficult it is. I've had to teach myself how to render 3D models (--period. And then convert what I learned into a gaming environment). I've had to learn all kinds of things about C++ which I didn't know about, all within a realm which is, at most, similar in structure, but very different in actual methodology. Of course I had to draw, and plan, and write, and weave it all together.

And I've finally gotten enough of it together to make ONE working zone and a character model that can spin in place. Sounds like I've barely scratched the surface (which is basically all I've done thus far) but it's a huge honkin' victory as well. Did I mention I have yet to create NPC's, items, a working class system, more zones, countless quests, armor, skill sets, and write all dialogue and interactive script for each instance?

Granted, I'm using Realmcrafter www.realmcrafter.com/, which makes it easier... but I have a long way to go... but this is a hobby project at this point. If I get to a point where I think I would like some people on staff, some GMs, and reach open alpha/beta testing, I'm going to give a yell. Gimme some time. Maybe things shall be up and running within the year. In the meantime, expect at least alot more concept art..!

Oh, and to answer the age old question, "why does one go ahead and build a game for fun?"

I have no idea!

General Production Screenshots (notice the human from when the Raptor model was in the works):

Oct 8, 2006:
www.dawnbest.com/scrn1.jpg
www.dawnbest.com/scrn2.jpg
www.dawnbest.com/ridge1.jpg
www.dawnbest.com/ridge2.jpg
Jan 14, 2006:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/deathw…

In-Game Shots:

Oct 11, 2006:
www.dawnbest.com/Garb.jpg
www.dawnbest.com/workingrap.jp…
www.dawnbest.com/welcome.jpg
Oct 15, 2006:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/deaths…
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/bloods…
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/lights…
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/blacks…

Video:
Oct 15, 2006:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/charcr…

Manual:
History:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/histo.…
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/histo2…
DeathClaw Bio:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/deathp…
BloodClaw Bio:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/bloodp…
LightClaw Bio:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/lightp…
BlackClaw Bio:
www.dawnbest.com/raptor/blackp…