We are going to do our best to map out every resource and build some buffer into the plan. I am going to treat the first 6 months of development as crunch time to nail down 100% of the design and to have all the major systems working. Iteration time in an RPG is key. There is always a risk of a game being late and I would always take a product that is robust and varied yet slightly late over something buggy, broken and on time.
I probably have not been clear on this but the main city exploration and battles will take take place on an isometric view. There will be limited zooming but unlikely for full rotation. And the world map which gives you the larger scope of the world may or may not be isometric. Straight down for that may suffice but I want to experiment to see if there is a nice look we can achieve with a more isometric angle on that perspective. I should re-iterate that these are the kinds of things that we will throw samples up to the forums for feedback. Once we agree on the look is when I turn the artists loose.
It would seem a shame if Mr. Brygo didn't make a re-appearance. We plan to bring a few characters back from the first game for nostalgia sake and others for scenario interest. We are not sure about the paragraph books but I sure did like seeing people chase down the mythical martian invasion.
I was actually inspired by this from a former neighbor who wrote me an email during Kickstarter thanking me for spending time talking to him about games as a kid. He waxed poetic about how nice that was and that he was a donator. This got me thinking about the concept of paying it forward. At the same time I was interested in how I can help perpetuate Kickstarter to work for others. The fan funding model is just SO darn good and it offers hope to mid level developers that were all falling to the way side. In addition it offers opportunity for new people to get in. I am hoping that hundreds of thousands of dollars are being put back into the economy of Kickstarter from this initiative.
MCA (Chris Avellone)
I think you can get a lot more imaginative when the constraints are tighter - as an example, in Fallout 1, the "stupid" dialogue options didn't require any huge leap in engine technology or the latest video card to enhance the RPG experience.
The amount of detail and a careful eye on resources and budget.
To explain in terms of design, when doing a pen-and-paper D+D game you can "wing" a lot of the experience of the session with improv - for example, random NPCs the player meets, what they're carrying, etc.
In a computer game, you have to define EVERYTHING. Each NPC, their schedule down to every hour, their faction allegiance, their dialogue (and usually several dialogues depending on the player's choices in the game), their skills, their equipment... and that's just a typical townsperson. The detail gets even crazier from there.
In terms of resources, you have to become conscious of how long it takes to script and write a character and design a full level, as that determines how "much" of a game you can make in the time provided.
What I like about Wasteland with the text emphasis and the old-school elements, the design and content is much easier to focus on the fun mechanics.
It's a party-based game, so my expectation would be it's based on your party's efforts, but I don't think that makes it any less compelling.
I'll also add that I don't feel the Nameless One in PST had an emotional reaction - the players did, and he was the cipher for it. I think this can happen whether it's a single avatar or a band of avatars.
I am ashamed to say that I downloaded it (along with Avernum) and it still sits on my computer because FNV and DLCs consumed all my time. Also, I'm not going to apologize for this, but I'm also not going to play it any time soon because Wasteland 1 and Grimrock will now consume my time.
In repayment, I will draw RPG Codex trolls.
On what properties he wants to work on
As for me, I'd love to do: Ultima (both conventional and the spin-offs like Martian Dreams), Wizard's Crown/Eternal Dagger (love the skill-based character building). In terms of existing franchises: The Wire, Archer, X-Com RPG, Deus Ex, and System Shock.
Wasteland was formerly one of the ones above, but then Brian contacted me, and made it a reality. Shiiiiit yeah.
Doctor Who plus Torchwood. Thought Children of Earth was amazing.
Dresden Files
Tim is hard at work on the combat systems in the South Park RPG. And baking cookies and treats for the team.
BTW, if anyone would want to see Tim Cain do a cookbook with all his recipes and would be willing to Kickstart it, let me know. Then I can strongarm him with the idea.
I can't even imagine what an Avellone helmed Archer game would be like, but I'll take twenty copies please!
I don't know what Archer is but I'm in for a NoLF rpg by Avellone.
Animated series on FX. Worlds greatest secret agent that is also worlds biggest jerk. I'd imagine it would be a game where your only dialog choices were always:
A. Try to get laid
B. Sexual innuendo
C. Be a douche
Option D would be get drunk, but that is always happening so its not really a selectable option and more a permanent state of being.
That'd be my top one, yes. I have a spiritual successor idea in mind from a mini-Planescape campaign I did long ago that I'd love to turn into a game.
Mostly worked on Ulysses, Cass, Lanius, and the NCR commander, and I worked on the Mojave Outpost and the REPCONN museum. In the DLCs, I was more hands-on with region and content.
Thanks, we thought Old World Blues would be poorly received, and the response amazed us - glad you liked it!
Regarding KOTOR 2
I am grateful to them, and they have my respect. It wasn't released early as much as I (personally) should have downscoped the game, imo - there was a lot of pressure (again, from me) that it should match the same scale as K1, and we didn't have the team size or time to do that. So, my fault.
In regard to an MMORPG
Too resource intensive for Obsidian, so we've never seriously considered it. I think there's a lot of interesting things you could do with one, but I don't believe a publisher would finance those ideas.
Correct, the biologic research center and the lightwave dynamics facility were intended to communicate some non-warfare elements (also, they were intended to support Dead Money and explain why all the plants appeared in the Mojave in what should have been a more desolate area).
You can thank Brian Mitsoda for the mechanics and the situation, and Travis Stout for implementing it.
So I firmly believe that dialogue in RPGs should be a game system in itself, and it should have game mechanics associated with it. I think AP's example worked so well was because it made you (1) feel more like you were in a episode of 24, (2) didn't penalize you for any choices, just gave different consequences, and (3) gave immediate feedback on how the conversation was going with folks.
As a studio, we want to do more experiments like these, especially when they match the genre - for example, the dialogue system we had planned for Aliens was designed never to take you out of the world to make sure you were still "on edge" at all times. Also, when I look at shows like Sherlock (bbc, most recent), I get intrigued by the dialogue mechanics in play in that series.
Anyway, probably a longer response than you wanted, but there you go.
Edit: Fargo
My hopes is that I am able to bring youa ll RPGs for the next decade plus with fan funding. Bard's Tale is just one of the many potential games.
Currently they are taking a lunch break. (Still ongoing)
You can still get your questions in about literary anything. So, if you always wanted to know something about Interplay/InXile/Obsidian. It's the right time to ask.
MCA (Chris Avellone)
On what properties he wants to work on
As for me, I'd love to do: Ultima (both conventional and the spin-offs like Martian Dreams), Wizard's Crown/Eternal Dagger (love the skill-based character building). In terms of existing franchises: The Wire, Archer, X-Com RPG, Deus Ex, and System Shock.
BTW, if anyone would want to see Tim Cain do a cookbook with all his recipes and would be willing to Kickstart it, let me know. Then I can strongarm him with the idea.
I have no idea how you would do a Wire video game. I see no way that would work. Having said that I totally want to hear his idea for it.
MCA (Chris Avellone)
On what properties he wants to work on
As for me, I'd love to do: Ultima (both conventional and the spin-offs like Martian Dreams), Wizard's Crown/Eternal Dagger (love the skill-based character building). In terms of existing franchises: The Wire, Archer, X-Com RPG, Deus Ex, and System Shock.
BTW, if anyone would want to see Tim Cain do a cookbook with all his recipes and would be willing to Kickstart it, let me know. Then I can strongarm him with the idea.
I have no idea how you would do a Wire video game. I see no way that would work. Having said that I totally want to hear his idea for it.
All my monies. All. Of. Them.
Bunny Calvin as a playable character? Got to go change my pants...
It could be a Molydeux type game where there are a hundred different ways to rebel against the system, but all ultimately fail, and end up with your character being replaced with a younger version of yourself.
I like the fact there's vegetation in that scene. It's nice to see something other than endless brown and gray rocks and rubble. Hope that carries over to the game.
Being that I've never met anyone in real life who also played Wasteland, the concept art tickles me in a special way. I imagine it would be like having an obscure sexual fetish and walking into a store that caters exactly to that.
Now that we are closing in on the end of the kickstarter, I have to say, thanks you goofy dudes. We funded our dream.
EshTending bar. FFXIV. Motorcycles.Portland, ORRegistered Userregular
edited April 2012
If I make good tips this weekend I'm bumping from $50 to $250. I really want the Desert Ranger badge to put on my Chrome messenger bag.
EDIT: If these companies consistently produce good games via Kickstarter, there's not reason for them to EVER need a publisher. Most people can kick down a donation once a year easily. I'd kill for a new Bard's Tale (and not the campy one we got before).
Being that I've never met anyone in real life who also played Wasteland, the concept art tickles me in a special way. I imagine it would be like having an obscure sexual fetish and walking into a store that caters exactly to that.
Now that we are closing in on the end of the kickstarter, I have to say, thanks you goofy dudes. We funded our dream.
It still boggles the mind that this is a real thing. I never forgot Wasteland, but it was a matter of (relatively) ancient history for a lot of people and I'd grown used to the idea of it staying that way. Then this comes along and me, skeptical as ever, doubts it has the name recognition to hit its target.
Gotta admit, it's pretty humbling to be proven so thoroughly wrong. Fuckin' a, people. We helped make this thing real.
Edit: 3mil ain't happening unless someone with 500k shows up in the next 60 hours, though it wouldn't surprise me to see those mod tools show up at some point in the future; probably well after release. But 2.5 is inches away and very doable. I can't believe it, but it looks like they just might hit it.
Edit: 3mil ain't happening unless someone with 500k shows up in the next 60 hours, though it wouldn't surprise me to see those mod tools show up at some point in the future; probably well after release. But 2.5 is inches away and very doable. I can't believe it, but it looks like they just might hit it.
If Wasteland 2 gets the same boost as Double Fine did in its last three days they could actually make it. Or at least get very, very close.
This is probably in one of those FAQ videos but when is Wasteland set?
Alt past ala Fallout or future timeline?
The cold war was still going until 1998, when the bombs fell. And it seems like tech was getting a little crazier than what it was in our 1998. But still, it looks like wasteland is set, at most, a few decades after 1998. Not as alt past as fallout, and not as long after the bombs as well. But I too, would like clarfication on this.
Edit: 3mil ain't happening unless someone with 500k shows up in the next 60 hours, though it wouldn't surprise me to see those mod tools show up at some point in the future; probably well after release. But 2.5 is inches away and very doable. I can't believe it, but it looks like they just might hit it.
If Wasteland 2 gets the same boost as Double Fine did in its last three days they could actually make it. Or at least get very, very close.
Could be. It'd need a hell of a boost, but... well, things have turned out the opposite of my predictions so far. This must be what Pachter feels like all the time.
It has gone up about 10k in the last few hours, so there may just be a spike down the line yet.
Coolest thing about this picture is the background IMO. I've wanted to play a game set in an overgrown ruined city for a while now.
There are a few games like that though. Just off the top of my head, Enslaved and The Last of Us (though it isn't out yet).
As much as I love them, I don't really think they've done a great job wrapping the last few days of this kickstarter up. Double Fine had a big live stream promotional thing, didn't they? Maybe Fargo will do something similar but at this point, it seems like it's going to finish with more of a whimper than a bang. I hope Obsidian are paying attention and have it all planned out a bit better.
Edit: And by whimper I just mean in comparison to Double Fine's one. inXile are still obviously going to do quite well in the next couple of days, I just think that if they were more active (more videos, livestreams, etc), they could do even better.
Does anyone have any good ideas for getting people to upgrade from 15 tier to 30? Would be nice to get largest group up a notch.
I'm at the $50 tier. But looking at the $15 and $30, there's essentially no difference in backer reward. A .pdf art book and soundtrack are the kind of things I assume will be available pretty easily elsewhere. To make the jump would require a tangible reward, IMO.
There are a few games like that though. Just off the top of my head, Enslaved and The Last of Us (though it isn't out yet).
As much as I love them, I don't really think they've done a great job wrapping the last few days of this kickstarter up. Double Fine had a big live stream promotional thing, didn't they? Maybe Fargo will do something similar but at this point, it seems like it's going to finish with more of a whimper than a bang. I hope Obsidian are paying attention and have it all planned out a bit better.
Edit: And by whimper I just mean in comparison to Double Fine's one. inXile are still obviously going to do quite well in the next couple of days, I just think that if they were more active (more videos, livestreams, etc), they could do even better.
What did they do differently? The promotional livestream Doublefine did was the only thing that I remember and that was only for the last hour or so. Fargo's doing the same + the reddit thing (which was bigger and longer than when Tim did it)
We're not even at the last day (still 2 days to go). So, it's premature to say anything on how it will pan out.
I wouldn't, I think being exposed / allowed access to alpha or beta anything is a reason for something to be cheaper, not more expensive. Heck, its something I think it is reasonable to expect to pay someone to put up with, the least a customer should get is a discount.
Posts
Brian Fargo
MCA (Chris Avellone)
On what properties he wants to work on
I don't know what Archer is but I'm in for a NoLF rpg by Avellone.
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
Animated series on FX. Worlds greatest secret agent that is also worlds biggest jerk. I'd imagine it would be a game where your only dialog choices were always:
A. Try to get laid
B. Sexual innuendo
C. Be a douche
Option D would be get drunk, but that is always happening so its not really a selectable option and more a permanent state of being.
http://www.reddit.com/user/ChrisAvellone
Regarding KOTOR 2
In regard to an MMORPG
Edit: Fargo
Avellone again
The AD&D 2nd Ed Planescape setting was so awesome. Torment aside, I so badly want more material set there.
What? A berk can dream like a bubber if he fancy, so pike it!
You can still get your questions in about literary anything. So, if you always wanted to know something about Interplay/InXile/Obsidian. It's the right time to ask.
? I count 28. And Avellone has more than 80.
Edit: They are back!
I have no idea how you would do a Wire video game. I see no way that would work. Having said that I totally want to hear his idea for it.
All my monies. All. Of. Them.
Bunny Calvin as a playable character? Got to go change my pants...
Steam profile.
Getting started with BATTLETECH: Part 1 / Part 2
(Please do not gift. My game bank is already full.)
DUDE SPLIT YOUR TEAM UP QUICK
?
Always been in Wasteland (even if the original one was on rails) Wasteland has a lot of that stuff.
Now that we are closing in on the end of the kickstarter, I have to say, thanks you goofy dudes. We funded our dream.
EDIT: If these companies consistently produce good games via Kickstarter, there's not reason for them to EVER need a publisher. Most people can kick down a donation once a year easily. I'd kill for a new Bard's Tale (and not the campy one we got before).
It still boggles the mind that this is a real thing. I never forgot Wasteland, but it was a matter of (relatively) ancient history for a lot of people and I'd grown used to the idea of it staying that way. Then this comes along and me, skeptical as ever, doubts it has the name recognition to hit its target.
Gotta admit, it's pretty humbling to be proven so thoroughly wrong. Fuckin' a, people. We helped make this thing real.
Edit: 3mil ain't happening unless someone with 500k shows up in the next 60 hours, though it wouldn't surprise me to see those mod tools show up at some point in the future; probably well after release. But 2.5 is inches away and very doable. I can't believe it, but it looks like they just might hit it.
Alt past ala Fallout or future timeline?
If Wasteland 2 gets the same boost as Double Fine did in its last three days they could actually make it. Or at least get very, very close.
The cold war was still going until 1998, when the bombs fell. And it seems like tech was getting a little crazier than what it was in our 1998. But still, it looks like wasteland is set, at most, a few decades after 1998. Not as alt past as fallout, and not as long after the bombs as well. But I too, would like clarfication on this.
Steam // Secret Satan
Could be. It'd need a hell of a boost, but... well, things have turned out the opposite of my predictions so far. This must be what Pachter feels like all the time.
It has gone up about 10k in the last few hours, so there may just be a spike down the line yet.
Haha, just before I posted this I checked twitter and saw this from Brian Fargo:
I'm thinking if he provided beta access at $30 instead of $55+, he probably would have gotten a lot more people doubling up.
I can say for sure I wasn't too big on soundtracks and concept art, though it may be good for some people.
Coolest thing about this picture is the background IMO. I've wanted to play a game set in an overgrown ruined city for a while now.
There are a few games like that though. Just off the top of my head, Enslaved and The Last of Us (though it isn't out yet).
As much as I love them, I don't really think they've done a great job wrapping the last few days of this kickstarter up. Double Fine had a big live stream promotional thing, didn't they? Maybe Fargo will do something similar but at this point, it seems like it's going to finish with more of a whimper than a bang. I hope Obsidian are paying attention and have it all planned out a bit better.
Edit: And by whimper I just mean in comparison to Double Fine's one. inXile are still obviously going to do quite well in the next couple of days, I just think that if they were more active (more videos, livestreams, etc), they could do even better.
I'm at the $50 tier. But looking at the $15 and $30, there's essentially no difference in backer reward. A .pdf art book and soundtrack are the kind of things I assume will be available pretty easily elsewhere. To make the jump would require a tangible reward, IMO.
TF2 hat anyone?
What did they do differently? The promotional livestream Doublefine did was the only thing that I remember and that was only for the last hour or so. Fargo's doing the same + the reddit thing (which was bigger and longer than when Tim did it)
We're not even at the last day (still 2 days to go). So, it's premature to say anything on how it will pan out.