Why are we all gathered here in the Atlas Forums? For many long-time members, the story began with an intriguing Alternate Reality Game (ARG) that drew us in, even before No Man’s Sky (NMS) fully launched. For those who joined later, the draw was simply No Man’s Sky itself. Regardless of when we arrived, our shared passion for this universe is the foundation of this online space.
The Genesis of Atlas Forums: From ARG to Community
Our forum’s history is intertwined with the early days of No Man’s Sky. Hello Games, the developers from the UK, partnered with Alice & Smith, a Canadian ARG company, to cultivate excitement and community engagement before the game’s release. This collaboration led to the Waking Titan ARG, a complex and captivating puzzle that captivated early NMS enthusiasts. It was within the context of this ARG that our community first took shape, initially under the name ETARC, or Edison Township Amateur Radio Club.
Evolving into Atlas CSD: Citizen Science and Discovery
As the ARG progressed, our forum underwent a rebranding, becoming Atlas CSD, short for Atlas Foundation’s Citizen Science Division. This new identity positioned us as “Citizen Scientists,” tasked with deciphering the mysteries presented within the ARG, effectively “helping to understand the nature of reality itself” within the game’s narrative. This period solidified our community’s focus on collaborative problem-solving and exploration of the No Man’s Sky universe, even before its full emergence.
Beyond the Puzzles: The Forum’s Enduring Purpose
With the conclusion of the Waking Titan ARG, the question arose: what would become of our forum? Hello Games provided the answer, officially entrusting the forum to the community and encouraging us to “continue on with sharing anything and everything related to NMS,” and indeed, to share anything else that sparked our interest. And that’s precisely what we’ve done. The Atlas Forums have become a vibrant archive of No Man’s Sky experiences, discussions, and creations.
Over the years, members have enriched this space with countless screenshots showcasing their discoveries, captivating videos, original artwork, music inspired by the game, and discussions spanning every facet of gaming and beyond. We’ve engaged in lively speculation about the game’s future, shared our hopes and dreams for its evolution, and even crafted inspiring works intended to reach the developers at Hello Games. From deep dives into game mechanics to lighthearted off-topic conversations, the Atlas Forums have fostered a rich tapestry of interactions. In essence, our community has grown roots as deep and interconnected as a family tree.
Moving Forward: Our Community’s Future
This space serves as a dedicated platform to discuss our shared journey within No Man’s Sky, contemplate the future of our community, and explore ways to further enhance our forum experience. Let’s continue to build upon the strong foundation we’ve established, ensuring the Atlas Forums remain a welcoming and thriving hub for all No Man’s Sky enthusiasts.
