Recently in the UK, pressure has been building against HSBC Bank after the shoddy dealings and tax evasion tactics of their Swiss subsidiary. The US Government has previously brought the bank to account for its association with Mexican drug cartels, but so far the British government has only charged one person with tax evasion.
What has this to do with gaming? On the surface, nothing. But if all these ultra-rich people were paying their taxes instead of working so hard to avoid them, our fragile economy may have recovered quicker, wages may have risen, and more people would have spare money to spend on things they want, like funding games. It’s hard not to be bitter when developers work so hard to try and get a project off the ground, while some shady businessmen and shadier criminals pay dodgy banks to hide their money.
I digress. This week’s Kickstart This! features a trio of smashing titles, starting with action adventure game Deadwood: The Forgotten Curse, digital cyberpunk collectible card game Glitch Hunter, and stealth 2D platformer Sneaky Ninja.
Let’s sneak right in.
Project: Deadwood: The Forgotten Curse
Genre: Action Adventure
Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Funding Target: $65,000
What Is It?
Described by new development outfit Steamroller Studios as “Zelda meets Don’t Starve,” Deadwood: The Forgotten Curse manages to place a unique spin on zombies, because here they’re made of wood. Players must defend the kingdom of Knottington from this plague, using their skill and cunning to create weapons, while also protecting their stone giant friend Roguard.
Why Fund It?
The individual bods behind the new game and start-up studio have worked mainly on films rather than games, which is possibly where the project’s amazing painted visuals and sublime story come from. Like the recent FPS zombie title Dying Light, it uses a day/night cycle to directly affect the flow of the game. Also like that title, players can hunt, scavenge, and build defenses and weaponry, but in a rather cute, Wind Waker-esque fashion.
Best Rewards?
- Digital copy of the game (early bird limited to 250) – $10 ($15 otherwise)
- Two digital copies of the game OR one digital copy of game and soundtrack – $25
- Physical box edition of game, t-shirt, three signed postcards, digital copy of soundtrack, alternative costumes (limited to 200) – $100
- All previous rewards, plus a five hour one-to-one tutorial session with development artist – $2,000
- As well as all previous rewards, Steamroller Studios invite you to Florida for the wrap party, with everythingg paid for, including flights, accomodation, food – $10,000
Project: Glitch Hunter
Genre: Digital Cyberpunk Collectible Card Game
Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac)
Funding Target: $63,000
What Is It?
The world’s first digital cyberpunk collectible card game, where players battle it out to take control of the Hypernet. Players can choose to be part of a hacker gang, freelancers, or an employee of a mega-corporation, duking it out with other players in a 1-v-1 setting. Think of it as the original Syndicate, but as a card game. It has three game modes: Casual, which does not affect ranking; Ranked, where players compete to be the best; and Jacked, where players compete with rivals of a similar skillset for in-game currency and extra rewards.
Why Fund It?
The game just oozes character, from the hero IDs down to the crazy batch of weapons, like the backer-exclusive Wolfygrenade, which is exactly as it sounds, a small wolf in a grenade with his claw on the pin. The initial launch will see a release of 165 cards, but should the game prove popular, this number will be expanded on in future releases.
Best Rewards?
- Early bird tier with beta access, a Script pack of six cards, and three digital wallpapers (limited to 200) – $20 ($25 otherwise)
- Early bird tier with an Ultra-Violent booster pack with 15 cards, plus digital copy of soundtrack – $45 ($50 otherwise)
- Players receive a custom board, alternative art of allies, 20 Rigger booster packs, plus a printed art book signed by the developers – $1000
- Previous rewards, as well two boxes of all 165 cards, all alternative art for all heroes, boosters rigged in the future so all contain at least two rare cards, plus help design your very own card – $2,500
Project: Sneaky Ninja
Genre: Stealth 2D Platformer
Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Wii U
Funding Target: $10,000
What Is It?
Mix the cutesy platforming of New Super Mario Bros. with the stealth gameplay of Metal Gear Solid, and you have Sneaky Ninja from Starfall Studios. Take control of one of four playable characters as you hide behind bushes and buildings, taking out unsuspecting guards before they can raise the alarm with a variety of ninja weapons like shurikens, smoke bombs, and arrows.
Why Fund It?
Well, the project has already been accepted through the Steam Greenlight program. The story is influenced by RPGs such as Paper Mario, as well as TV shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender. The team at Starfall plans for the action to span six worlds, each with their own environments and mechanics, so players must use their skills in different ways to progress.
Best Rewards?
- Digital copy of the game, digital wallpaper, plus your name in the credits – $10
- Digital copy of the game, your name in the credits, plus a digital copy of the soundtrack – $20
- Digital copy of the game, plus an exclusive character to play as – $50
- Digital copy of the game, plus design a boss with a small community of players (limited to 20) – $125
- Digital copy of the game, access to three private developer streams showcases elements in the game, plus work with them for one day from anywhere in the world to create something for the game – $1,000
Until Next Time…
Another three strong, original game projects for you to put your money and faith into. So don’t be like the ultra-rich, wasting your time and energy trying to evade taxes. Instead, focus what money and time you wish to spend on a positive, creative enterprise: making great games.
