Greetings!
The team is now fully staffed with the exception of bringing on one additional animator. It is now, the largest game project currently underway at Stardock across all studios in terms of monthly budget.
For those of you who remember the development of the original Star Control series, you may recall that Paul and Fred worked very closely with fan (SC2 mainly). In fact, thanks to Paul and Fred we've been able to team up Riku who did most of the best known tracks for Star Control 2 back in 1992 and he's in charge of the new sound track.
Now, that said, we have a number of challenges that we need help with. I'll list them below.
Challenge #1: IS Star Control Star Control without the Spathi?
The new Star Control is a prequel. It takes place before the events of the original series.
And for those who are deeply into the Star Control lore, our long-term plan is to make the Star Control universe a multiverse. The Famous battles of the Ur-Quan conflict (part of which is told in Star Control 1 and Star Control 2) take place in one universe. By contrast, Star Control 3 takes place in a separate universe.
As mentioned, Paul and Fred are the ones who wrote the Ur-Quan conflict lore that manifests partly in the first two Star Control games. Today, Paul and Fred, the founders of Toys for Bob, work at Activision which precludes them from being able to work on the new Star Control. However, since Star Control is a multiverse, we can, with patience, hopefully wait for the day for a continuation of the Ur-Quan story.
That said, regardless the new Star Control won't deal with the aliens from the Ur-Quan stories for multiple reasons. First, in the Ur-Quan lore, the humans join the Alliance of Free Stars in 2116, 4 years after the humans are contacted by the Chenjesu and our story takes place in 2086. Second, because we don't want to interfere with Paul and Fred's story, we want to wait until they're free to work on their story again to continue it.
From Stardock's point of view, Paul and Fred own the Ur-Quan lore and in fact, this lore goes well beyond what was seen in Star Control 1 and 2. So while Stardock owns the Star Control universe, we don't make any claim on their lore. Similarly, post-release if others create their own lore for their own universes, Stardock won't be making any claims on that lore either (i.e. no sneaky EULA that tries to lay claim to any lore/assets made that uses the new Star Control engine).
When you visit www.starcontrol.com later this Fall, you will absolutely see both classic and new aliens together since we support both the new Star Control and the original trilogy. We plan to provide a fairly elaborate series of pages to support Paul and Fred's backstory so that it's kept alive for the day when they can return to the Ur-Quan story.
Challenge #2: What IS Star Control?
While game designs are always unique, I'd like to propose that we look at what we are working on together collective as a specific genre (like 4X strategy).
In Star Control's case: It's an action adventure game. Specifically, an action adventure game in which you play as the Earthlings, go out into the galaxy and meet aliens, go on quests, explore planets, and have space battles.
That is what we're in the process of creating.
Challenge #3: Defining some core values
Each person will have their own vision of what they think a new Star Control must contain. Like I said above, SOME people will absolutely say that Star Control is about the Ur-Quan and the Spathi and so forth.
For me, it's a bit more general. I want to interact with really interesting aliens that are well written, funny, charming and try out lots of cool ships, design my own custom ship, etc. That's why we brought on comedy writers early on and have put a lot of budget behind making sure that we're prepared to record 11 hours of voice acting that will be handle through our engine's lips syncing tech (our engine is made by the some guys who led Civilization V's engineering PLUS additional veterans from around the industry).
Challenge #4: Satisfying the super fans
So how are we going to make the hard core fans happy?
Broadly speaking (without giving too much away) we plan to provide fairly extravagant mod tools. Tools well beyond what has ever been made outside of say Spore.
If you've read "Ready Player One" then you have a pretty good idea of the authoring level we are going for. We'll be talking a lot more about this as we progress.
The main point is that our goal is to make the Star Control universe all-encompassing. Infinite continuities with OUR included initial campaign just one of an endless number that the community can provide. If you've seen what the Ur-Quan masters team have done, imagine if they had millions of dollars in engineering hours designated to providing tools and support to ensure that there's a never ending stream of Star Control content.
Anyway, that's where we are now.
Cheers!
-brad
Since we're close to Hallowe'en, how about some necromancy?
<peskering mode>
Not over yet, but getting awfully close to it, since tomorrow's saturday
</peskering mode>
1- You read the comments of the people that are most vocal. And just like in any other group, the most vocal people are often the extremists. What I am saying is that you do not have an accurate view of all hardcore fans, only the die-hard ones that would rather not have a new game than to have one that is on iota different from the last ones.
I agree with you from the stand point that anyone claiming to KNOW what MOST people want is ridiculous. Where I disagree with you is the part about the most vocal people being extremists. I would argue that comment is just as ridiculous a blanket statement as claiming to know what MOST people want. Extremists can be the most vocal in some areas of society, especially where people seek an outlet to complain. In this case however its a website that people found out of excitement for the game, then Stardock asked for input. I have been one of the most vocal people here BUT that has been out of concern that a game ive so desperately wanted a sequel too is going to be done poorly. I THINK there are more creative ways to develop a game without using the tired alternate timeline story. I THINK that's a very legitimate critique of what little information has been shared. My concern is, if that's the type of lazy writing that's going to be associated with this game, than I do not think the game is going to be good. My 2nd concern is that Stardock spent money to purchase the licensing, but has decided to leave the original lore with its creators. My question to Stardock is why? I find it difficult to believe a successful developer would make a decision like that without researching if fans would be willing to accept the game without the established lore. UNLESS Stardock simply didn't care if fans would accept it. IF Stardock wanted to develop a Star Control like game, they could have easily and more economically made one without purchasing the rights to the name. This makes me wonder if the name is all they really wanted. If that's true, I have a very low expectation for the game. If you think that makes me an extremist, that is your opinion, however I think it makes me a realist.
Back to the relevant discussion.
Here's a gem to be inspired by:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EUq1jwl79Y
I don't understand the big deal about the lore thing. It's really tripping a lot of people upup, but I just don't understand. SO MANY GAMES do the same thing - new cast of characters each time. Call of Duty is new every year. Assassin's Creed is not only new chars, but new time period. Even TV shows do it - True Detective? American Horror Story?
It's not like it's called The Urquan Wars, and Stardock is making a new Urquan Wars without the Urquan. That would be silly. Like making a game called Super Mario Brothers about a boy named Link...
It's STAR CONTROL. Make a game about controlling the stars that has the adept storytelling, combat and vision of the beloved best PC game of all time.
We learn from others mistakes. There is a beautiful example of a failure that we are making sure we don't repeat - It's called Star Control 3. Accolade published the game with a continuing storyline from Star Control 2, that didn't involve the game's creators, and completely botched what the gameplay should have been. While there are those who like Star Control 3, it is very violently debated as not a true sequal to Star Control 2 and very non-cannon. That story of the Ur-quan and them invading the galaxy is a story for Fred and Paul to tell. All the fans would be happy if the original authors were the ones to to finish that story. Being a very big fan of Star Control myself I want the Ur-Quan story to be told by the original story writers not someone else's imagination. Why would we make the same mistake?
A good way to think about everything is the way that Forgotten Realms D&D fantasy works. There is the story of Drizzt who is written by R.A. Salvatore, there is the story of Elminster which is written by Ed Greenwood, two very different characters that have adventures in the same fantasy world. I would be very upset if someone other than Salvatore wrote a Drizzit book, but I'm completely ok with reading another author's story or character that exists in the Forgotten Realms world.
We are creating a game and a new story in the Star Control universe that belongs to the Star Control universe. We are not continuing the Ur-Quan storyline or altering the events that occur with any of those characters.
...Or making a new Star Wars film without Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, the Empire, The Republic, the Jedi order, the Sith, Palpatine, etc.
No it's not that easy. Don't cut my question in half. I said Stardock chose to purchase the licensing, but leave the original lore with its creators. You have said repeatedly why your leaving the lore with Paul and Fred what you haven't answered is, why you chose to purchase the rights to the name. Stardock could have easily made a new game LIKE Star Control. You say your learning from others mistakes. Accolade designed a game alot different from the original game with a bad story. Stardock is telling us the game play in the new game will be similar to the original game, so the hang up must be with Stardocks ability to write a better story than accolade. OR it could be my worries are true and Stardock NEVER intended to make a real Star Control game and its only reason for buying the name was marketing. This time try addressing my full statement and not just half of 1 line.
Sorry double post
Simmer down, bum783. They've given their reasons, repeating them isn't going to make you suddenly agree. Don't forget that they are fans also. If they state that their new game belongs in the SC universe, I for one will believe them until given actual reason not to. I'm bummed it won't be my good old Spathi and Co., but I respect their decision to leave that storyline for the original visionaries of the series.
And if it turns out that the new game isn't perfectly how I envision it should be, then maybe I should have acquired the rights and developed it myself. I've had 20+ years to do it
Perhaps actions just speak louder than words. Check back in another year. If you don't want to at least give us the benefit of the doubt, there's the door.
You've already taken action in this matter, and many fans of the series don't like what you're doing. So no, you won't have the benefit of the doubt, because there simply isn't much to doubt about this.
I suggest that you don't comment if you feel provoked to post. You don't want to antagonize and drive away hardcore fans and possible gaming journalists.
I don't see a problem with continuing the saga, or tell a story parallel to the events of SC1 & 2. The reason SC3 failed miserably was that it was a hack job by someone who didn't understand the whole story and gameplay. That doesn't mean that you can't have a go.
Batman has been drawn by several great artists, and the bad versions are simply forgotten. But you have to have Batman in Batman! Or else you should call it something else.
If you want to rip off a name and purge the story, how about just calling it Galactic Civilizations?
Quoting OktoberStorm, reply 186 I suggest that you don't comment if you feel provoked to post. You don't want to antagonize and drive away hardcore fans and possible gaming journalists.
Especially in a post that ASKED for opinions and feedback
I think you two miss the difference between feedback and abuse.
You can either behave civilly or be shown the door.
I really want you guys to be part of this. But remember, while you are free to leave if you get annoyed at what you read, I have to live here.
We're not going to use the original lore without Paul and Fred's involvement. That ship has sailed. It wasn't cool when Accolade did it (Star Control 3) and it doesn't suddenly become ok for Stardock to do it. I don't feel Accolade had the right to do what they did in Star Control 3 and I don't feel Stardock has the right either. Paul and Fred have stated that they feel they own those rights and that's good enough for me. So let it go.
Stardock owns the rights to Star Control 1/2/3. We're the publisher of the series and the protector of its intellectual rights and therefore, Stardock has a legal duty to protect Pal and Fred's intellectual property or at least, support their wishes for how it's used (i.e. we support Ur-Quan Masters and other such efforts).
I feel quite confident that you will see plenty of Spathi and Ur-Quan stories emerge via the new Star Control in the form of player made universes that others an visit. Paul and Fred have already been extremely generous and supportive with the community over the years including releasing source code and assets. But the official lore of the Ur-Quan universe is owned by them as far as we are concerned.
Freaking amen.
At what point can we ban users from subforums for incendiary thread abuse and/or general trolling? Three strike rule?
If you read my posts you know I've not been hung up on the lore part. I've been critical of the alternate timeline. There are creative ways to develop a story that COEXISTS with the original story that DOES NOT use the original lore OR prevent Paul and Fred from expanding on their story. If you design a game that ignores the original lore completely as opposed to creatively creating a story that coexists with it. Than its NOT Star Control. That's a direct answer to the direct question asked in this thread.
I proposed exactly the same thing in one of my earlier posts... I think that solution would satisfy everyone, 'cause they'll know in the back of their minds that Spathi and Pkunk are still out there and the new players won't care much.
This is the plan. Andrew, the designer will go through it in the founders area.
THATS IT! I know this sounds illogical BUT I think my problem with the alternate timeline is that it essentially blinks the original game out of existence. The new game doesn't have to include the original lore it just needs to coexist with it. Than even though the Spathi aren't in the game ill know they are out there somewhere. I can't stand the idea that the first thing the new game does is destroy the original by re-writing the timeline. Id feel like the new game just erased the old one. You don't need to actually include the original races but for the love of god dont delete them. I need to know they are out there somewhere. As illogical as that may be.
There is a lot of assumptions about what we are doing based on a single sentence that was posted. I'm going to communicate what we are doing in terms lore and gameplay to the Founders. That's the privilege of being a founder. You get to know what we are doing before the press and the general public. I'm not going to be confirming or denying very much publicly.
The truth is the only individuals who actually know what we are doing are Stardock employees who are on the team. Everyone else's statements about what we are doing is just speculation and conjecture. If you want to level judgement before knowing all the facts then you can be judgmental but that won't do your reputation or your feedback much good.
A good rule of thumb, unless Brad or myself post something very specific and very clearly any inference to what we are doing has a very high chance of being incorrect, and you are getting yourself upset for no good reason.
Fair enough BUT the statement was made that the game was going to be based in an alternate timeline seperate from the urquan timeline. now if that's been changed and something awesome has been talked about it wasn't mentioned here. I do sincerely hope there is a really kool way to develop the story without an alternate timeline. So by all means do what you must but I hope some of the feedback here has been of some value.
And who do I have to kill to get an invite to the Founders program?
Read this.
Honestly I think this thread should be locked since there is a new one.
Visit the October update thread.
Actually I know a couple of things already:
1. You own the rights to publish Star Control 1, 2, and 3. You also own the rights to market your version of Star Control using creatures and lore.
2. You do not own the rights to make a game with the lore, the creatures, or the story.
So you can't really say you won't touch the story, can you? Because you aren't allowed to do so in the first place. So all the talk about leaving the story to Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III is actually just bullshit. Even FF and PR3 have expressed great interest in continuing the saga, but Activision isn't interested.
My third point is just speculation, though:
3. You have a thinly veiled wish for users to mod in Star Control to your Star Control. This way you will entirely avoid copyright infringement on your part. How I read your posts earlier it was quite clearly hinted at.
It's pretty obvious that you guys admire the Star Control series. After all you ripped off a helluva lot for your GalCiv series. But buying the name and gutting it is the most disrespectful and dishonest thing you can do to us who enjoyed the game back in the 90's.
If you set out to make a game about spacefaring, you have my full support. Call it something else, and make something original instead of a SC-clone. I'll become a founder right away.
This post is neither toxic nor abusive. It is however screencapped, along with your earlier posts about what I mentioned.
Wow Oktober, you really went to a dark place.
I think you you should take a break from the forums.
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