KickStarter Kickstarter Watch.

[Multi-headed Cow]

Tom VS Bruce thing is at $6,600. Someone picked up one of the $1,000 slots. Jesus.

 

[Alex]

For the pencil and paper section, after a long (LONG) time in the making, the 5th edition of Traveller seems to be on the verge of coming out, according to this kickstarter. Yeah, I know $100 for a book and $51 for a pdf are bullshit, but I the game does look pretty interesting.

 

[Kz3r0]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/traveller5/traveller-5th-edition?ref=live

Has this been posted yet? 5th edition of Traveller, apparently it's going to be a comprehensive version that pieces together all the best parts of earlier editions.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1011296053/uktena?ref=users

I donated to this but it didn't make it. It was going to be an action RPG about Native Americans or something. It looks pretty bad, but also bizarre and interesting and I sort of just wanted to make this guy's dream come true : (

Yeah, Uktena was very interesting, this is why I have already added it to the RPGs section sometime ago, let's hope that he manages to publish it somehow.

For the pencil and paper section, after a long (LONG) time in the making, the 5th edition of Traveller seems to be on the verge of coming out, according to this kickstarter. Yeah, I know $100 for a book and $51 for a pdf are bullshit, but I the game does look pretty interesting.

Seems that people is enthusiastic about it, in before the third signalization.

 

[skuphundaku]

The Kickstarter for Ground Branch was just launched: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/670743543/ground-branch

However. with a goal of $425000, I don't think they have a chance of making it.

I think that they will be funded, a bit ambitious, but this is the first proper FPS project, just to exaggerate I would say that even a million is not out of reach.

Don't get me wrong, I want them to succeed too because they seem to have their shit together, from the vision point of view. I also understand that they need that money to move forward, so getting less may not be enough. However, $425000 may be somewhat of an over-reach. Also, here's the answer they gave to the "Will there be Linux support?" on the project page: "Unfortunately, that ball is more in Epic's court. I am sorry to say that it is not currently part of our budget to port the game to Linux (Mac support is fairly new, if you can believe it); however, if the opportunity ever arises, we have no reason or personal qualms in deciding not to support the platform. For us, It's more of a question of availability of the tech, and costs, than it is an intellectual belief. So for the time being, I suppose the answer is "No."" (emphasis mine). They are building it on Unreal Engine, which means that they already sunk a significant amount of money in the most expensive engine out there, which doesn't make me confident in their project/money management abilities. The project lead (and company owner: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-sonedecker/3/931/61b ) is an artist, which, again, doesn't inspire much confidence when it comes to such a technical project. It may work having mostly artist leaders in a low tech/highly artsy project like The Banner Saga, but Ground Branch is a project that needs technical expertise, not art. They could have Operation Flashpoint-level of art assets and I would buy it if they would make it super-realistic.

Now, all of that being said, I still hope they make it. Unfortunately, I'm not very confident in them.

Edit: Also, the $425000 goal seems to be for a multiplayer-only experience. I say that because in the stretch-goal list we have the following nugget: "$700,000 Cooperative Campaign + Better AI. Should we reach this level of funding, we plan to license Kynapse (an industry-standard UE3 AI solution, most-recently used in "MEDAL OF HONOR"). This will allow us to program realistic enemies with dynamic patrol paths and adaptive behaviors. This will also allow us to create reliable, player-assigned AI squads. The closest working example you could compare this to, would probably be the co-op campaigns found in the classic Ghost Recon titles. We would have openly-designed missions, filled with AI patrols, defending dynamically-placed and user-defined objectives. Additional localization added as well." That makes me think that, unless that goal is reached, there will be no campaign of any kind, thus the $425000 goal is for multiplayer-only.

 

[Kz3r0]

Don't get me wrong, I want them to succeed too because they seem to have their shit together, from the vision point of view. I also understand that they need that money to move forward, so getting less may not be enough. However, $425000 may be somewhat of an over-reach. Also, here's the answer they gave to the "Will there be Linux support?" on the project page: "Unfortunately, that ball is more in Epic's court. I am sorry to say that it is not currently part of our budget to port the game to Linux (Mac support is fairly new, if you can believe it); however, if the opportunity ever arises, we have no reason or personal qualms in deciding not to support the platform. For us, It's more of a question of availability of the tech, and costs, than it is an intellectual belief. So for the time being, I suppose the answer is "No."" (emphasis mine). They are building it on Unreal Engine, which means that they already sunk a significant amount of money in the most expensive engine out there, which doesn't make me confident in their project/money management abilities. The project lead (and company owner: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-sonedecker/3/931/61b ) is an artist, which, again, doesn't inspire much confidence when it comes to such a technical project. It may work having mostly artist leaders in a low tech/highly artsy project like The Banner Saga, but Ground Branch is a project that needs technical expertise, not art. They could have Operation Flashpoint-level of art assets and I would buy it if they would make it super-realistic.

Now, all of that being said, I still hope they make it. Unfortunately, I'm not very confident in them.

Edit: Also, the $425000 goal seems to be for a multiplayer-only experience. I say that because in the stretch-goal list we have the following nugget: "$700,000 Cooperative Campaign + Better AI. Should we reach this level of funding, we plan to license Kynapse (an industry-standard UE3 AI solution, most-recently used in "MEDAL OF HONOR"). This will allow us to program realistic enemies with dynamic patrol paths and adaptive behaviors. This will also allow us to create reliable, player-assigned AI squads. The closest working example you could compare this to, would probably be the co-op campaigns found in the classic Ghost Recon titles. We would have openly-designed missions, filled with AI patrols, defending dynamically-placed and user-defined objectives. Additional localization added as well." That makes me think that, unless that goal is reached, there will be no campaign of any kind, thus the $425000 goal is for multiplayer-only.

Well:

The initial release of Ground Branch will be a robust and unique multiplayer experience that focuses mainly on team-based and adversarial game types. We have some unique ideas being designed, including a couple of co-op specific modes, as we feel that cooperative gameplay is an important and often neglected element/aspect of current military-themed shooters.

Also, the fact that they want to use professional tools is quite understandable if they want to deliver what they have promised.

A little jab here:

DEVELOPERS THAT ACTUALLY CARE: Every penny will go towards finishing the title; we are not using this money to setup offices.

I wonder how many will get the reference.

 

[skuphundaku]

A little jab here:

DEVELOPERS THAT ACTUALLY CARE: Every penny will go towards finishing the title; we are not using this money to setup offices.

I wonder how many will get the reference.

I don't think it's his business to decide what other teams need money for. I don't remember who planned to use the funds to set up their offices, amongs other things, but I don't think that's a problem. As I already said, I'm more worried by a team lead by an artist, which already sunk massive amounts of money into buying the most expensive off-the-shelf engine, than by a team that starts from scratch and is going to use their funding to bootstrap their whole operation.

 

[Kz3r0]

A little jab here:

DEVELOPERS THAT ACTUALLY CARE: Every penny will go towards finishing the title; we are not using this money to setup offices.

I wonder how many will get the reference.

I don't think it's his business to decide what other teams need money for. I don't remember who planned to use the funds to set up their offices, amongs other things, but I don't think that's a problem. As I already said, I'm more worried by a team lead by an artist, which already sunk massive amounts of money into buying the most expensive off-the-shelf engine, than by a team that starts from scratch and is going to use their funding to bootstrap their whole operation.

It was a clear reference to Takedown, unsurprisingly considering that they are in the same line of 'business', so to speak.

About him being ab artist there is this too:

Simulations Developer
John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Ft. Bragg


November 2009 – November 2010 (1 year 1 month)

Training simulations and mission rehearsal creation, using current video game technology, for United States Special Operations units.

By the way is not that I am defending him, I simply think that this kind of project has a lot of appeal for many, the final result is always an hope more than a certainty with Kickstarter.

 

[skuphundaku]

It was a clear reference to Takedown, unsurprisingly considering that they are in the same line of 'business', so to speak.

I didn't follow the Takedown saga too closely because the problems with Takedown were much more fundamental than them using the money to bootstrap their operation.

About him being ab artist there is this too:

Simulations Developer
John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Ft. Bragg


November 2009 – November 2010 (1 year 1 month)

Training simulations and mission rehearsal creation, using current video game technology, for United States Special Operations units.

As for this thing, it's just another thing that makes me kinda' queesy about this guy and his company: He seems to be too much of a "operator lifestyle"/special this or that/etc. fanboy for my comfort. If he wants to make something memorable, they should focus more than they currently do on realistically simulating weapons manipulation, including allowing the weapon operator to royally fuck up, and less on LARPing special forces and fangirling about special forces.

 

[Kz3r0]

As for this thing, it's just another thing that makes me kinda' queesy about this guy and his company: He seems to be too much of a "operator lifestyle"/special this or that/etc. fanboy for my comfort. If he wants to make something memorable, they should focus more than they currently do on realistically simulating weapons manipulation, including allowing the weapon operator to royally fuck up, and less on LARPing special forces and fangirling about special forces.

I fear that it comes with the territory, besides, this is where the name of the game comes from:

Who is Ground Branch?

Ground Branch is based on the real life subsection of the Special Activities Division of the Central Intelligence Agency. The Special Activities Division typically carries out deniable covert operations on foreign soil and often goes into a situation before anyone else, before Special Forces, before the SEALs; SAD Ground Branch is the true tip of the spear. SAD Ground Branch operatives are mainly recruited from Army Special Forces or CAG units and are experts in field craft, surveillance, small arms, hostage rescue and Close Quarters Battle.

 

[Haraldur]

Lilly Looking Through is an adventure game to be released on Linux, Mac and Windows, with a demo available for all three platforms (in Flash, no idea about the game itself). They have a goal of 18k and seem to intend to release the game in May 2013. The main guy behind it worked on Myst 3:Exile™, RealMyst™, and Uru™: Ages Beyond Myst.

Demo: The pictures were pretty, the animation smooth (or, at least, they would have been if Flash for Linux was not so awful -- I eventually stopped because of it) and (though this may be because the only adventure games I have played are King's Quest 6 and Discworld 1 & 2) the puzzle element seemed mostly to be trying to find stuff to click on and then trying out (in the worst cases) every possible combination of things to do because of a lack of feedback and information. Perhaps, though, I am simply to tired to play this sort of thing right now (and Flash is shit). There is no evidence of an inventory system.

 

[JudasIscariot]

edit: nvm didn't see the earlier signaling of the Sam Suede KS.

 

[Kz3r0]

This is retarded, card game about forum flame wars:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects...card-game-of-extreme-moderation/?ref=kicktraq

PnP (infinite)dungeon crawl:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2063410154/nystuls-infinite-dungeon/?ref=kicktraq

 

[Ulminati]

This is retarded, card game about forum flame wars:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects...card-game-of-extreme-moderation/?ref=kicktraq

If evere there was a kickstarter project that needed a KKKodex tribute, it's this!

 

[Bulba]

Does anyone know what happened to ortus? it was supouse to be done months ago and I can't find anything about it... did they just take 20k and run off or smng? I'm glad I'm not one of the backers.

 

[Kz3r0]

Does anyone know what happened to ortus? it was supouse to be done months ago and I can't find anything about it... did they just take 20k and run off or smng? I'm glad I'm not one of the backers.

Update #14: Ortus: May Update
Posted on May 16


Welcome back for another Elvidian Update for, May, 2012.

Adam Ipsen has triumphed this month, and has finished writing ALL Kickstarter quests! Everyone who has purchased from the $100 tier and above now have a guaranteed place in Candor, with a memorable character(s) to show off when the game is released.

Zeedox has been continuing his work on Kickstarter Items/Locations, like this intricately modeled and textured traveling caravan

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tedjazzastudios/ortus-the-rpg-of-your-dreams/posts/227991


http://www.facebook.com/ortus.game

 

[skuphundaku]

Seems that some people in the gun community are, essentially, animu fags:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/06/04/kickstart-style-gun-project/
http://www.gofundme.com/project-titan

or, at least, they display all the characteristics of animu fags going by how retarded that gun is. I recommend this going straight into the brown.

 

[Ulminati]

Seems that some people in the gun community are, essentially, animu fags:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/06/04/kickstart-style-gun-project/
http://www.gofundme.com/project-titan

or, at least, they display all the characteristics of animu fags going by how retarded that gun is. I recommend this going straight into the brown.

They should've found themeselves a model with bigger tits and less clothes to fondle the rifle suggestively.

 

[Kz3r0]

Seems that some people in the gun community are, essentially, animu fags:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/06/04/kickstart-style-gun-project/
http://www.gofundme.com/project-titan

or, at least, they display all the characteristics of animu fags going by how retarded that gun is. I recommend this going straight into the brown.

LOL, 10K for getting a gundam rifle?

 

[zeitgeist]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/566429325/tropes-vs-women-in-video-games

821 Backers
$22,371 pledged of $6,000 goal
11 days to go

 

[circ]

6k for a weblog? I know editing isn't cheap but really?

 

[Helly]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wizardbox/fall-of-eternity?ref=recently_launched

"You will begin the game at level 99 and end at 0, simulating the concept that your character is using the last of his strength. Your avatar will visually grow more twisted and decrepit as you level down. Many events will be backwards versions of generic RPG staples. We guarantee the final dungeon will be the most difficult "kill the rats" quest you have ever seen"

If it's isometric they might get my money, it's a fairly original turn on the classic rpg system.

 

[Wyrmlord]

That's a pretty awful concept that does not warrant any money.

 

[Helly]

Well, too lazy to edit but you're right - they actually want to make it a linear comic rpg.
Should have read the entire stuff to begin with...

 

[Kz3r0]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wizardbox/fall-of-eternity?ref=recently_launched


"You will begin the game at level 99 and end at 0, simulating the concept that your character is using the last of his strength. Your avatar will visually grow more twisted and decrepit as you level down. Many events will be backwards versions of generic RPG staples. We guarantee the final dungeon will be the most difficult "kill the rats" quest you have ever seen"

If it's isometric they might get my money, it's a fairly original turn on the classic rpg system.

Way to ruin an interesting concept.

Now another retarded project that failed to get 175.000$:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1495006405/the-boy-with-the-crazy-hair/?ref=kicktraq



The decline knows no bounds, this is a brony documentary that already get more than 200.000$:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/257527888/bronycon-the-documentary/?ref=kicktraq

 

[Jaesun]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dhagar/1066891227?token=fad69742

Cult: Awakening of the Old Ones

What is Cult?

Cult is an open-ended role-playing game set in a user-generated world with a strong focus on storytelling, exploration, and environmental interaction. In simpler terms, it is about exploring a richly fleshed-out fantasy world unique from any other, with procedurally generated stories, myths, legends, civilizations, creatures, gods, and - well, basically everything! Cult is one part role playing game and one part experiment into the possible depth of procedural generation, and one of my goals with this project is to intertwine computer-driven storytelling with random content in a way that appears as seamless as possible to the player.

We have been already discussing this in GRPD. It's not live yet, but I'm going to back this. Only asking for 5K.