Kickstarter: Project Eternity (New RPG from Obsidian)

[Arkadrel]

is it going to be a 2D isometric like BG?

Yes, and here is a Enviroment screenshot:

Its gonna be a good looking game.

 

[irishScott]

Over 3 million now. Strongholds achieved.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Yes, and here is a Enviroment screenshot:

Its gonna be a good looking game.

I'd pay another $100 for someone to update Planescape: Torment like that.

 

[irishScott]

Also, they mention that they will be adding animated details to the backgrounds. So in that screenshot there will be insects, running water, leaves and grass rustling, etc. This is going to be epic. May up my pledge.

 

[PrayForDeath]

Second city needs to happen!

 

[Pheran]

I'm a little concerned about how many stretch goals they've achieved, since they now have to implement all this stuff. Also, I cannot believe that multiplayer support wasn't one of the goals, dammit.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'm a little concerned about how many stretch goals they've achieved, since they now have to implement all this stuff. Also, I cannot believe that multiplayer support wasn't one of the goals, dammit.

I'm not worried. They are at almost 3 times their original funding goal, and many of the stretch goals seem like they can be easily done in parallel by adding staff with the extra money.

For example, adding the extra classes = have another artist do the portraits and animations., or have one person do all of those while a second artist concentrates on the landscapes.

From reading bits about Black Isle, they have been dividing up area / level design since Fallout 1-2 (one person does New Reno while another might do The Hub) so that's something they're experienced at.

With the extra $2m they should be able to pay for anywhere from an extra 10 - 20 person-years worth of design and development.

 

[StinkyPinky]

True, but adding a second city sounds like a crap load of work. It's not just something you tack on at the last moment and still think you can hit the release date.

Then again they are all experienced so I'm sure they know what they are doing. I hope.

 

[motsm]

I never really understood multiplayer in games like this, as exploring cities, talking to NPC's and making dialogue choices is a huge part of them, and those elements have no appeal in multiplayer, IMO. It seems like most people end up skipping the NPC dialogue and exploration and go straight to the combat, but then they are skipping some of the strongest elements of the games, so they might as well just be playing Diablo. So I think they are making the right choice to not spend man hours on multi.

 

[KaOTiK]

True, but adding a second city sounds like a crap load of work. It's not just something you tack on at the last moment and still think you can hit the release date.

Then again they are all experienced so I'm sure they know what they are doing. I hope.

That is true, but it is also the reason it a goal that requires half a million bucks too.

 

[SMOGZINN]

True, but adding a second city sounds like a crap load of work. It's not just something you tack on at the last moment and still think you can hit the release date.

Then again they are all experienced so I'm sure they know what they are doing. I hope.

Probably not as much work as you would think. I'm betting that a lot of the resources from the first city will be reused.

 

[Pheran]

I never really understood multiplayer in games like this, as exploring cities, talking to NPC's and making dialogue choices is a huge part of them, and those elements have no appeal in multiplayer, IMO. It seems like most people end up skipping the NPC dialogue and exploration and go straight to the combat, but then they are skipping some of the strongest elements of the games, so they might as well just be playing Diablo. So I think they are making the right choice to not spend man hours on multi.

People seem to be forgetting that the original Baldur's Gate supported multiplayer. I played it through with my wife, it was a great fun. And when you have a party of a bunch of characters, it's helpful not having to control all of them yourself.

 

[zokudu]

I ended up adding the expansion. I wish the Beta was less than $25 but $40 for the game and first expansion is good enough for me.

 

[Red Storm]

Upped my pledge to $50 from $20. This is easily the most anticipated game of my life. Gotta remember to keep expectations in check. :awe:

 

[KaOTiK]

250k till 3.5 with 29 hours left. It is gonna be close

 

[thespyder]

True, but adding a second city sounds like a crap load of work. It's not just something you tack on at the last moment and still think you can hit the release date.

Then again they are all experienced so I'm sure they know what they are doing. I hope.

Kind of this. I just feel that some of the stretch goals are nice to haves but are potential delayers that might cause longer development time. I would rather have a good solid game with some variety next year (or the following) rather than 'Sky's the limit' game at some point in the far flung future. Provided i don't end up feeling chinced based on what is released, I am always willing to pony up more money for expansions/sequels.

 

[Hacp]

Kind of this. I just feel that some of the stretch goals are nice to haves but are potential delayers that might cause longer development time. I would rather have a good solid game with some variety next year (or the following) rather than 'Sky's the limit' game at some point in the far flung future. Provided i don't end up feeling chinced based on what is released, I am always willing to pony up more money for expansions/sequels.

They're a business. They've got this potential goldmine and they want to milk it for all its worth.

 

[ImpulsE69]

They're a business. They've got this potential goldmine and they want to milk it for all its worth.

....and this right here is why I'm not holding my breath. The games you people are nostalgic for were back when game devs did it for love over money (in hopes of making money). It hasn't been like that for years, and won't be any time soon except for some indie devs.

Regardless how kickstarter comes off, it's still the same thing. I feel worse yet because it really doesn't matter if it sucks or not, they already made their cash if they release the product.

Here's to hoping it turns out awesome.

 

[thespyder]

They're a business. They've got this potential goldmine and they want to milk it for all its worth.

I am not sure of the relevance here to my comment. Yes, they are a business. But they only make a profit if they actually release something. And if they release something good and solid in a reasonable time frame, they have the added incentive of actually selling expansions and sequels. If they instead offer the moon and the stars but never release it, confidence will eventually erode and they won't make anywhere near as much money. it only stands to reason.

 

[Hacp]

I am not sure of the relevance here to my comment. Yes, they are a business. But they only make a profit if they actually release something. And if they release something good and solid in a reasonable time frame, they have the added incentive of actually selling expansions and sequels. If they instead offer the moon and the stars but never release it, confidence will eventually erode and they won't make anywhere near as much money. it only stands to reason.

Well no. Its kickstarter. It is not guaranteed to succeed. They could promise a product in a year, then delay for 3 years and still have the funds for the game. They've essentially received the money upfront to make the game and still produce a profit. Selling extra copies after the game releases is gravy.

My response to your post was to point out that yes, they could release a good game in a year without the stretch goals. However, they have a gold mine in front of their eyes, so they'll be stupid not to introduce stretch goals and keep the money flowing.

 

[irishScott]

Well no. Its kickstarter. It is not guaranteed to succeed. They could promise a product in a year, then delay for 3 years and still have the funds for the game. They've essentially received the money upfront to make the game and still produce a profit. Selling extra copies after the game releases is gravy.

My response to your post was to point out that yes, they could release a good game in a year without the stretch goals. However, they have a gold mine in front of their eyes, so they'll be stupid not to introduce stretch goals and keep the money flowing.

Uhhhhhh... no. You think 3.5 million is enough to run a company like Obsidian for very long? They're not profiting off of the kickstarter money. If they were they wouldn't be doing half the stretch goals they're doing.

Profit comes from selling the game, funding comes from kickstarter and their own private funds. There's a vast difference between the two. The only thing kickstarter does is produce instant profit once the game goes out, as there are no publishers to pay off.

 

[thespyder]

Well no. Its kickstarter. It is not guaranteed to succeed. They could promise a product in a year, then delay for 3 years and still have the funds for the game. They've essentially received the money upfront to make the game and still produce a profit. Selling extra copies after the game releases is gravy.

Um, no. They have covered their operating costs (maybe). And while, sure that is nice and all. it is by no means the only profit that they are likely to expect or shoot for. And I am sure that there will be elements of talent in the game development that will want a little something more than what they are getting paid in the form of profits from sales at release. Plus there is always the future potential sales from expansions and DLC, not to mention sequels. All of which is predicated on them releasing on some kind of reasonable schedule and with a quality product.

Plus, if they delay for 3 years, they are very likely to run out of that operating capital. And then HAVE to make a sale. But they will have soured their market from all of the investors that got honked off by the delay.

 

[Martimus]

It looks like they will reach the last goal, although there is less than a day left to reach it.

 

[TheVrolok]

It looks like they will reach the last goal, although there is less than a day left to reach it.

Impressive. I really didn't think the growth was sustainable (not that I have any experience in such things). Now the question becomes can they live up to the hype?

 

[zokudu]

Well, ~ a year and a half till this releases. Good Luck Obsidian.