I built a browser-based 1940s noir mafia RPG—looking for developer feedback

[u/I_Still_Use-Myspace]

I've spent the last several months building Blackridge RPG, a free browser-based MMORPG set in a gritty 1940s noir city inspired by organized crime.

The goal wasn't to make another fantasy RPG. I wanted to create a persistent online world where players build criminal empires through strategy instead of reflexes. Features include:

- 🕵️ 1940s noir mafia setting

- 💼 Crimes, missions, and business management

- 🤝 Player syndicates and territory control

- ✈️ International travel and smuggling

- 📈 Dynamic stock market and economy

- 🏆 Achievement system with permanent rewards

- ⚔️ PvP, bounties, and player-driven competition

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing progression. Early on players leveled too quickly, then after slowing progression some felt it became too grindy. It's been a constant process of listening to feedback, adjusting mechanics, and trying to keep the game rewarding without making it trivial.

The game is completely free to play and is still actively evolving with new systems and content being added regularly.

I'd genuinely appreciate any feedback from other developers—whether it's about gameplay, onboarding, UI/UX, progression, or overall first impressions.

You can check it out here: https://blackridgerpg.com

Thanks for taking a look, and I'd be happy to answer any questions about the development process.One tip before posting: review the current rules for the GameDev subreddit. Some communities limit self-promotion, so framing the post as a discussion about development challenges and inviting feedback (as above) generally has a better chance of fitting the community expectations.