If you haven’t seen Jon Shafer’s new project, At The Gates, check out its Kick Starter page.
Here’s the basic concept: The Roman Empire is failing. To those who have lived during the glory of Rome, it may seem like the end of the world. And they’re right – it is the end of their world but it is the beginning of our world.
To my knowledge, no game has tackled this very interesting time in western civilization. You aren’t Rome. You’re a barbarian. Or more aptly, you are placed in the role of the overlord who will ultimately set mankind on the path that leads to the world we live in today. Of course, you’re not alone. Others see the fall of Rome as an opportunity to carve out their own empire.
For the purpose of full disclosure, Jon’s a friend of mine and has spent the last two years helping Stardock create a better game studio. For years, our company produced and published PC games but they were always in the shadow of our “real” business (PC software – things like Fences, WindowBlinds, Start8, ObjectDock, etc.). So the game studio at Stardock never evolved as a traditional game studio. That’s what Jon came in and helped do that. Thanks to his help, we’ve delivered two solid hits in a row (Fallen Enchantress and Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion).
After Fallen Enchantress came out and was successful, Jon had the idea for a truly remarkable new game concept. At the same time, Jon was the leading voice here on a straight forward proposition: In the age of digital distribution and Kickstarter, can a guy and a few friends make a hit PC game independently?
Thus was born Conifer Games.
I could list many reasons why it’s important that this game be successful. But I’ll only list the one reason it will be successful: It’s going to be an awesome game!
Jon still does consulting with us and Stardockians are helping out on the project in our off-hours. But think of the ramifications for potential game developers everywhere: If this project is successful, it’ll mean that the market has evolved back to being able to support games that live (and die) purely on their game design and not whether they have a multi-million dollar budget. This will be a huge win for gamers.
So go check it out. If you’re remotely into history, you will almost certainly like what you see.
Well, Rome Total War did with its expansion (Barbarian Invasion)...some of the civ games have also had scenarios for the fall of Rome (though I don't consider a mere scenario to be on par with a whole game)...
Anyway, it's a time period I love so I will definitely have to check this out!
I don't really think we are anywhere near the point where you can sell an idea. I think Jon has a big advantage that he is associated with the Civilization franchise... I doubt it would get anywhere near as much funding without him. That being said it looks like the project will get funded and it is has all kinds of things on the Three Moves Ahead wishlist for strategy games. Speaking of which... it seems like they have an episode out on that topic...
I am a little confused though... I thought Jon was spearheading an effort to create a pure RPG built on the elemental engine or something like that. Has that been shelved/cancelled?
To my knowledge, no game has tackled this very interesting time in western civilization.
Great Invasions was one such game. Brought to you by the man who made the original Europa Universalis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Invasions
However, the era has been sadly neglected by game makers and I'm actually thrilled to see Jon taking this on. I love this period of time, I like the new game elements that Jon wants to try out and I love the graphics already. They remind me a lot of Civ II/III and I am sure that's not coincidental. Also, I want to support this as I really want to play this game and I want others to follow in his footsteps. I am also very happy to see Stardock employees pitching in. Super excited about the possibilities.
I definitely will be supporting this and I've just signed up for Kickstarter. Now to decide how much I want to give.
I have to agree with UmbralAngel that this project being successful doesn't prove "a guy and a few friends make a hit PC game independently". Jon Shafer has a huge advantage of being the lead designer of Civ5, having worked on Elemental, being very-well known in game industry, being blessed/advertised by Stardock, etc. It's very easy to get publicity for him. I'd like to see a "nobody" with a great idea be successful. Then we can say "a guy and a few friends make a hit PC game independently".
That being said, I like several things about At the Gates:
* Historical TBS -- tried and true formula
* Different and less-covered historical period
* You play "the other side". Most games take the empire perspective. Playing barbarians against the Roman Empire is cool.
* Weather effects is great. I love different weather effects. It's something games usually don't do enough of.
I'll probably buy this game. One thing that makes me a little reluctant to buy it "right now" is how late it will come out. Q1 or even later 2014? Why?
I know putting out a game from scratch is very difficult but this is a Kickstarter project. People won't expect a AAA title. The game looks (barebones) playable already. I think a less than perfect (in terms of graphics-polish) game that comes out say Q3 2013 instead of Q1 2014 would be a lot more appealing to people. People may not be that patient. That's just my opinion of course.
Maybe this project doesn't, but what about Cryamore? The only argument you could make is rabid Skullgirls fans, but the Skullgirls fans are pretty much tapped out these days.
Being a new company, I would think they should take their time and put out a great game. You never get another chance to make a first impression and after the debacle that was Civilization 5, I'm sure he's eager to show that his team can do things right. Jon Shafer knows all too well what happens when a game is released far too early. (I blame the greedy 2K Games fat cats for that.)
Anyway, Alpha testing starts in July, 2013 and I ponied up some money on Kickstarter so I'll very likely be playing the "barebones" version then.
I heard about it on the GWJ podcast and tossed my $25 in. Looking forward to it.
So Jon is no longer working with Stardock?
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