Random House announced its new initiative (see this Wallstreet Journal article) today to collaborate with game developers to improve their in-game stories as well as present those stories in other mediums (books, movies, etc.).
The first result of this initiative comes from Elemental. The universe created through a collaboration of writers at Stardock and Random House is seeing itself presented first in the upcoming book, Elemental: Destiny's Embers (August release date) and then followed up by the PC strategy game, Elemental: War of Magic.
What does this mean to gamers and readers?
For gamers, it means that the quality of the writing in Elemental: War of Magic will be much stronger than it would have been otherwise. This manifests itself in terms of the backstory, the campain, the in-game quests and the general the cohesiveness of the game world.
For readers, it means that the book won’t just be the standard “book based on a video game” fare that often comes across as only vaguely connected to the same world that the game came from.
Elemental: Destiny's Embers is a story I’ve been working on for some years now. With help from Random House’s writing team, they’ve helped me take my early manuscripts and polish them and craft them into a story that I think readers of fantasy will enjoy.
More information:
The book: Elemental: Destiny's Embers
The game: Elemental: War of Magic
-Brad Wardell (aka Frogboy)
So you actually wrote parts of the book, Frogster?
I wrote the book.
If you manage to have it published in my country, I'll be close to believe in higher powers. Lucky me for getting in the future a nice deal of book plus collector's edition fom Stardock?
Very good news about that deal with Random House. Just remember to learn from them so you can do it by yourselves when needed (not that I want Random House out of the business ).
*starts humming The Neverending Story at the sight of the cover*
Oh wow can't wait, it's been awhile since I've read a good fantasy novel
Or played good 4X game (Granted, I still play GCII lol)
Also article on Kotaku: http://kotaku.com/5482797/random-house-wants-to-write-video-game-stories
Nice, and I hope you will make it into a audiobook. And that the book is as good as the games seems to be, once it comes out.
This looks fun.....
nice, sounds like a good deal from both sides of the transaction. I approve
So this means Elenemtal will have a single player story driven campian? I hope it does. Thats my number 1 reason for not totaly loving Sins of a Solar Empire. Its the one thing it was missing.
Yep, they're putting a lot of work into it.
I'll be buying both!
When's it available? (august) Is it included in the boxed version of the elemental?
its a good idea. i love fantasy books (belgariad w00t) and im interested to see how this will turn out. way to go frog!
Frogboy. . .wrote a book? Hell, if Frogboy can get published, I can. (In some sort of alternate universe)
Looking forward to it. Should be. . .very interesting.
Here's to crazy worlds, crazy bad guys and great plot.
F-f-f-ail posting.
Frogboy, Care to give any excerpts?
oh, just cross your fingers for that.
Deluxe edition includes book ftw?
Yes, totally, though I'll be buying this book as soon as it hits the shelves. And teaching myself to read I guess
That is very cool. What an impressive company, led by a great leader. Wow.
There is hope yet for American business! Maybe a run for Congress for the Frogster? It sure would be better than the lazy tu.ds that are running the country right now.
Congratulations!
Mike
You spelled campaign wrong. Just so you know.
I have already preordered Elemental (retail version). Would it be possible to order this book too, so it can be sent to me in one package with the game?
Any chance it would be translated ? Even if I can can follow the discussions on the forums, my english-level in really not enough to read a book.
Brad,
Any chance you could get Random House to publish a Kindle version of this book as well?
Thanks again for everything,
Travitar
This is fantastic news. I'm already so excited for the game, I love lore, I'll be buying this for sure. Great work.
Edit: well, I'm still bad but I blame the layer of rust.
I can't wait to read this book.
A short quote from teh book would be great
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