So it finally happened. Almost three years after discovering the weird and wonderful world of crowdfunding, and having backed several projects along the way, I have finally joined our Senior Editor Nicole Kline in going from backer to Kickstarter campaigner. I am trying to raise £15,000 to produce a series of three short films dubbed The Illuminant Midnight Project. It’s no easy task, and I am taking in all the lessons I have learned from the campaigns I have covered for Warp Zoned over the years. With a bit of luck, I just might make it.
With that ghastly piece of self-promotion firmly behind us, let us cast our eyes over three video game projects vying for your contributions. Up first we have post-apocalyptic adventure The Silent Roads, followed by space shooter Dimension Drive. Last, but not least, we have Wildfire, a stealth game where everything burns.
Project: The Silent Roads
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Survival Shooter
Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Funding Target: $65,000
What Is It?
The Silent Roads is a turn-based survival shooter set in a post-apocalyptic South America, inspired by the likes of FTL and Fallout 2. The main character must traverse across the continent, trying to survive the multitude of dangers this broken world has in store. The single-player game promises a simple interface, no subscriptions or pay-to-win, with the looming challenge of permanent death.
Why Fund It?
If you are tired of waiting for Bethesda to even acknowledge Fallout 4 is being developed, then why not help fund something similar? The scope of the story is great, and it is one of the first games to be set in South America, even teasing the famous Peruvian site of Machu Picchu as a level. Developer Lonely Adventures is actively listening to what backers want, and is designing an engine from the ground up that will allow players to switch from turn-based combat to real-time should they wish. The company is also promising a unique concept that will make its game stand apart from soulless AAA sequels.
Best Rewards?
- Digital copy of the game – $10
- Collector’s Edition of the game, as well as a physical copy of the game’s map, and a signed art book (limited to 27) – $55
- Digital copy of the game and a pair of Robert’s special wasteland Rayban Wayfarers (limited to 3) – $90
- Limited Collector’s Edition of game, autographed art book, plus you get to name a town or a landmark in the game (limited to 5) – $500
- Collector’s Edition of game, autographed art book, plus spend a week playing the game with the developers (limited to 5) – $5,000
Project: Dimension Drive
Genre: Twin-Screen Space Shooter
Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Funding Target: €30,000 ($32,135)
What Is It?
Dimension Drive is a split screen, top down space shooter where players can teleport their ship between the two screens, placing an emphasis on strategy and puzzle-solving. Players can flit between the two multiverses at will to avoid being overpowered by waves of enemies or obstacles in their path, but must also make sure their jump space is clear.
Why Fund It?
The game offers a unique spin on a classic genre, wrapped up in some bright, flashy graphics. Dutch outfit 2Awesome Studio has certainly thought out the idea and followed through with some smart choices. For example, a glowing dot indicates the space that your ship would inhabit in the alternate dimension. It also leads to some interesting boss battles, where strategy is going to be key in order to defeat them across two realities.
Best Rewards?
- Digital copy of the game and exclusive backer wallpaper – €12
- Two digital copies of the game for you and a friend – €20
- Digital copy of the game, beta access, plus digital soundtrack – €30
- Previous rewards plus a digital comic book and digital art book – €60
- Previous rewards, but with a physical copy of the game (limited to 200) – €80
- Previous rewards, plus design and name an enemy ship (limited to 30) – €500
- Previous rewards, plus design and name an enemy boss (limited to 4) – €1,000
Project: Wildfire
Genre: Fiery Stealth Platformer
Platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Funding Target: $10,000 AUD
What Is It?
This Celtic-themed, 8-bit 2D stealth platformer has already received the Kickstarter Staff Pick badge. Set in a medieval realm, the story begins when the mysterious main character spontaneously develops the ability to manipulate fire. Cast out as a heretic, he is pursued by knights, swordsmen, and wild creatures, all vying to kill him or claim the power as their own. As he travels further into the wilderness, he finds his powers increasing, and begins searching for answers to his newfound abilities.
Why Fund It?
For those who love pixel art, this platformer is beautifully rendered in all its 8-bit glory. The control scheme for manipulating and firing the elements is simple and quick to pull off, allowing the action to push on at a fast pace as players scramble to escape and elude the pursuing forces. The early artwork shows a smart use of colours to evoke the medieval magic storyline.
Best Rewards?
- Digital copy of the game – $10
- Early access key to the game, plus digital soundtrack – $40
- Previous rewards, plus have a Guard named after you – $75
- Previous rewards, plus use of many of the game’s pixel assets royalty free – $300
- Previous rewards, plus work with composer Andru Elliot to make your own piece of music for the game – $1,250
- Previous rewards, plus help design a new parallax background for use in the game (limited to 3) – $2,000
Until Next Time…
And speaking of wildfire, I’m going back to steer Rain Fire Films towards a (hopefully) successfully crowding campaign. There is so much work involved in running a crowdfunding project and it brings a newfound sense of respect that these three studios have managed to create something magical and entertaining. All they need is some good will, donations, and a stroke of luck to make their dreams a reality, so why not take a few minutes to help them out?
