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Queer-friendly cyberpunk adventure game Read Only Memories reaches funding goal in final 48 hours
Read Only Memories, a cyberpunk adventure game from the founders of the GaymerX convention, has successfully hacked its way into people's hearts as well as their wallets. The game reached its Kickstarter goal of $62,064 on December 11, and closed funding yesterday with a total of $64,378. The actual final funding tally is closer to $126,000 though, as Ouya will match the initial $62,064 goal with their own money in exchange for a period of exclusivity on the system, thanks to Read Only Memories participating in the Free the Games Fund. Read Only Memories is advertised as featuring "queer-friendly characters," according to the game's Kickstarter page, and also includes non-gender-binary options for players. In one released screenshot, a robot assistant - who also happens to be the mascot for GaymerX - asks which pronoun the player would like to be referred to with, and there's more than just "he" and "she" to choose from. The game is expected to ship for PC, Mac and Ouya in fall of next year, with Android and iOS versions planned to release six months thereafter. In the meantime, it's also up for voting on Steam Greenlight.
Make My MMO: Crowdfunding November 3 - 16, 2013
A quiet fortnight in the land of crowdfunding these past two weeks have not been. In fact, with the popularity of this funding model, it may never be quiet again. The past two weeks have had their share of campaigns starting, campaigns closing, and campaigns obliterating goals and funding records alike. Three new prospective games have popped on the radar (including one for those with impeccable manners!), and one has disappeared. But even that game isn't gone for good; although pledges had climbed to over $86K, Trials of Ascension canceled its campaign in order to "regroup, rework, and return." Another title, City of Titans, is taking its place among the fully funded crowd. And there there is Star Citizen, which proved that a single fortnight can't go by without the game's gathering another million or two. All that information and more can be found here in Make My MMO!
Shift the city's architecture in cyberpunk stealth platformer Interference
French artist Anthony Beyer launched an Indiegogo project for Interference, a stealthy puzzle-platformer for PC, Mac and Linux. The game has players joining a cyberterrorist organization called The Interferers, an underground group that are opposed to a totalitarian government. The group grants players access to a device known as The Glitcher, which allows players to slide pieces of the city Arachnopolis around to create paths and avoid enemies. Interference relies heavily on stealth mechanics similar to that of Klei's Mark of the Ninja, though Beyer said he wants to create his own game "with a fully-realized and immersive universe that isn't disjointed by levels." Players will unlock districts of the city similar to the Metroid and Castlevania series, but can freely traverse the open parts of Arachnopolis at will. Beyer is seeking €25,000 ($33,475) by December 11 to fund the game's development, and plans to deliver it by June 2014. He also made a pre-alpha demo available to download for both PC and Mac owners, found on the game's website. [Thanks, Andrew!]
Make My MMO: Crowdfunding October 20 - November 2, 2013
The news meter for crowdfunding keeps right on ticking. The last two weeks have seen a score of changes in the realm of community funding initiatives, with some titles experiencing success, others not meeting their goals, and even more joining the ranks. One big name in gaming, Brad McQuaid, is even planning on launching a campaign in the near future. The zombie-centric The Living was unsuccessful, and Story Quest Online failed for a second time. Mixmaster Online removed itself from the field and canceled its campaign. On the other hand, 8BitMMO met its first stretch goal, ensuring that a Mac edition of that game will be available for players. And then there's City of Titans, which is climbing closer to doubling its goal with only two days left. Finally, there are all the progress updates for those already-funded campaigns, conveniently rounded up right here for you in Make My MMO.
Make My MMO: Crowdfunding October 6 - 19, 2013
This was quite a fortnight in the realm of crowdfunding, and for once we don't mean just Star Citizen news! More than one game met its funding goals, with one title proving that fans can be a very passionate lot: City of Titans reached its lofty goal within days. On top of that, two other games joined the fight for funding. Conversely, Alteil Horizons pulled its campaign at literally the last minute to avoid the stigma of an unsuccessful stamp and plans to launch again. Want the scoop on all these stories and many more? Learn the latest right here in Make My MMO.
Scientists build soft, transparent contact lens displays with nanomaterials
Of the contact lens display prototypes that we've seen so far, few if any are focused on comfort -- a slight problem when they're meant to sit on our eyeballs. A collaboration between Samsung and multiple universities may solve this with display tech that's meant to be cozy from the start. By putting silver nanowires between graphene layers, researchers have created transparent conductors that can drive LEDs while remaining flexible enough to sit on a contact lens. Current test lenses only have one pixel, but they're so soft that rabbits can wear them for five hours without strain. Scientists also see the seemingly inevitable, Glass-like wearable display as just one development path -- they're working on biosensors and active vision correction. While there's still a long way to go before we reach a cyberpunk future of near-invisible displays, we may finally have some of the groundwork in place.
C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita
C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers. The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.
Otherland developer RealU lays off 'most of its staff'
Otherland developer RealU has laid off "most of its staff," according to a community manager's post on the game's official forums from earlier this month. The upcoming sci-fi cyberpunk title based on the works of author Tad Williams was set to be published by free-to-play giant gamigo. According to the post, gamigo "had and has very limited influence on this decision." RealU is a subsidiary of German publisher dtp, which "is currently in insolvency." The post indicates that RealU continues to hold the rights to Otherland in both Europe and North America, and it is currently looking into opportunities to finish the title "at another location." [Thanks Ainilome!]
Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer confirmed, in consideration for Witcher 3
You and other cyberpunks can play together in CD Projekt Red's upcoming-ish near-future RPG. Speaking to Eurogamer, managing director Adam Badowski said Cyberpunk 2077 "will be a story-based RPG experience with amazing single-player playthroughs, but we're going to add multiplayer features."As Eurogamer notes, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn't have a pre-defined hero, which maybe makes the game more suitable for multiplayer than CD Projekt's The Witcher series. However, when CD Projekt advertised last year it was looking for a multiplayer programmer, it wasn't clear if that was just for its cyber-RPG and not also for the now revealed Witcher 3.CD Projekt's Badowski was coy enough to keep multiplayer a fair possibility for Geralt's third adventure, telling Eurogamer "we're thinking about something."
CD Projekt Red introduces REDengine 3, latest iteration of in-house tech
CD Projekt Red has shown off the first image of REDengine 3, the third iteration of its in-house technology for open-world RPGs. Boss Adam Badowski says REDengine 3 is unique because it's able to create and combine a vast game world with player choice-driven stories – he says most RPGs can do either a massive game world or immersive story, but seldom do both well."With the REDengine 3 we combine the positive aspects of both approaches for the first time, creating an open environment with a complex, multi-thread story. Together with believable characters, a captivating tale and a world where players can roam freely without loading times, we will be able to move gaming to a new level with a realistic feel and full player immersion." The first iteration of REDengine powered The Witcher 2 on PC, while REDengine 2 allowed CD Projekt Red to port The Witcher 2 onto Xbox 360. And now with REDengine 3, CD Projekt Red is currently building Cyberpunk 2077, its adaptation of the popular pen-and-paper RPG series."Cyberpunk 2077, the second project the studio is working on, will have prime examples demonstrating that REDengine 3 is the perfect tool for creating immense universes filled with exciting, nonlinear adventures. The advanced technology of the REDengine 3 makes RPGs comparable to top-shelf shooters, both in terms of game world presentation and the epic proportions of events that the player is drawn into." CD Projekt Red also notes the engine is ready for next-generation consoles and features improved REDkit mod tools, which were first introduced late last year.
Cyberpunk 2077 co-creator talks source material, walks city streets
Cyberpunk 2077 is based on Mike Pondsmith's pen and paper roleplaying game, Cyberpunk 2020. Both versions are set in Night City, a gritty, dangerous playground filled with people attempting to survive in a transhumanist world. It's an ideal scenario for a video game, and Pondsmith had offers before CD Projekt Red stepped up.As Pondsmith explains in the above behind-the-scenes video, he chose CD Projekt Red because the team was fanatical about the game and wouldn't try to change the feel of it. Cyberpunk 2077 is a mature version of Cyberpunk 2020, but more expansive, more tactile and more dangerous. Hear what Pondsmith has to say about his franchise going digital above, or just watch it for the beautiful shots of the rainy, nighttime cityscape that inspired the game's first trailer.
CD Projekt RED talks tentative Cyberpunk 2077 launch window, 'other project' in secret message
If there are two things we love around the Joystiq office, it's clandestine communication techniques and robot ladies with big praying mantis-style arm blades. Obviously, we were chuffed to bits when Cyberpunk 2077's ultra-stylized teaser trailer gave us a big ol' dose of the latter, but it turns the former was in there as well, waiting to chuff our bits even further.A single frame at the end of the trailer contains a message from developer CD Projekt, which states that the game's release date is "currently scheduled way off in 2015, but in truth the delivery date is more like 'when it's done,'" which was the "date" officially given in the trailer.The missive goes on to say that CD Projekt's "other project," which is also a "fully open-world game with an intense story," is much closer to completion and that further information will be delivered on Tuesday, February 5. Here's hoping said information is contained within a floppy disk buried in a secret location that can only be discovered by dialing into a BBS, whose number can only be found by decoding the hexagon string written in Morse code on a scroll strapped to the leg of a pigeon. But which pigeon?!
Cyberpunk 2077 feels personally responsible in first trailer
Cyberpunk 2077, the next game from The Witcher developer CD Projekt RED, slows things down for its first teaser trailer, showing off the public dangers of wrist-scythe implants. The video introduces the Night City police and the elite takedown force known colloquially as the Psycho Squad, whose duty is to exterminate "psychos," people who take body modification too far and lose their humanity.Psychos overdose on implants and substances until eventually their bodies reject all things biological; they refer to humans as "meatbags" and embark on killing sprees like the one above. The Psycho Squad takes them out when the standard police can't cope.Remember, kids: You're beautiful just as you are, and no amount of giant blades sprouting from your arms will change that. Cyberpunk 2077 is slated to drop "when it's ready," as the teaser says.
Otherland enters phase two of closed beta testing this Friday
Gamigo has announced that the upcoming Otherland MMO, based on the popular cyberpunk series of the same name, is about to enter phase two of beta testing. The new phase of testing is bringing with it a number of improvements and fixes for testers to enjoy. The new beta build includes a revamped tutorial, a new starter zone, a "refined" combat system, and more. If you're in the Otherland beta and can't wait to check it out, you'll have your opportunity when a "short preview and feedback round" begins Friday, December 14th at 4:00 a.m. Eastern time. The testing period will run until Monday, December 17th, so you've got all weekend to see what the new build has to offer. For all the delicious beta details, check out the game's official site.
CD Projekt RED's 'Cyberpunk' now 'Cyberpunk 2077'
CD Projekt RED's in-development future-RPG Cyberpunk is now Cyberpunk 2077, the developer has just announced during a GOG livestream. Beyond its new title, the game was also revealed to be a sandbox game set in Night City, a location from the original Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop pen-and-paper RPG on which the new game is based.Cyberpunk 2077's official website launched today as well, containing a development blog and wallpaper-sized pictures of a blood-spattered half-naked robot women with blades coming out of her arms. Think there's a dexterity penalty for using those things?
GDC Online 2012: Gamigo showcases Otherland and Grimlands
This week at GDC Online, Gamigo showed off the progress in not one but two of its upcoming titles. Otherland, based on the novels by Tad Williams, has begun to pick up pace lately, with a series of closed beta events in Europe. Meanwhile, Grimlands has also made quite a bit of progress and is working out the finer details as it nears release. Massively sat down with Gamigo CEO Patrick Streppel to get a firsthand look at both games. Read on for highlights from both the Otherland and Grimlands demos!
New name for CD Projekt RED's 'Cyberpunk,' Witcher news to stream live Oct. 18
CD Projekt RED has enough announcements to fill up an entire Facebook wall post, and is streaming a live Special Event on October 18 at 2 p.m. ET, with news regarding Cyberpunk, The Witcher 2 modders and Mac users. The stream will be available on The Witcher Facebook page and on GOG.com.CD Projekt RED will announce the official name of its Cyberpunk project, hopefully as something that doesn't sound like a dangling adjective when spoken. Mac users can expect "a bunch of thrilling announcements" and details about The Witcher 2 on OSX. Last we heard, The Witcher 2 was scheduled to hit Mac this fall.Modding news may involve the REDkit mod tools program, which is accepting beta applications through September 30.The Special Event also includes news from GOG.com: GOG will officially announce plans to bring its lineup of classic PC games to "a new operating system," which we can only assume is Gentoo. OK, fine – it's probably OSX.
Otherland premieres beta weekend trailer
Today's a big day if you're an Otherland tester, as this marks the kick-off of the first closed beta weekend. It's a smaller test, however, so if you're not one of the lucky few, then you might be stewing in mild envy. Envy not, fair fellow gamers, for gamigo has an exciting new trailer to give everyone a taste of the multiverse of Otherland. The trailer begins with a grumpy angel going around a fantasy village and destroying the crud out of it. This prompts a youngster to take up a sword and join the fight against... something. Following that, it's a huge montage across the many genres of Otherland, from sci-fi to Asian-themed worlds. But who needs a description when you can watch it for yourself? Buckle up because you're going for a ride after the jump. [Source: gamigo press release]
Otherland's first beta weekend begins on August 31st
The few, the proud, the Otherland closed beta testers! Players interested in testing the upcoming free-to-play fantasy and sci-fi mixed MMORPG should keep an eye on their email; Gamigo has announced that the first closed beta test for Otherland will be happening this weekend. From August 31st until September 2nd, select accounts will be given access to the beta. This first test weekend, however, will be kept relatively small. Otherland Product Manager Florian Hörpel stated, "A small, manageable group of accounts will be given access to the servers for the first closed-beta weekend. This is because we want to get a feel for the limits of the systems." Interested players who do not receive an invitation this time around shouldn't despair -- they will have the chance to join in future beta events. Sign-ups to participate are on the official site. [Source: Gamigo press release]
Shadowrun Online reveals world view and legwork videos
Cliffhanger Production's Kickstarter campaign for Shadowrun Online is entering the home stretch, which means it's time for new videos and information about the game! World views in Shadowrun Online allow players to access the information that matters most to them. A Hacker will receive and manipulate different information than a Mage, as each has skills and abilities geared towards different gameplay styles. Not only does this help tailor individual play, but it creates a more information-rich style of team dynamics when players can provide their allies with different information. The game expects players to be prepared for a given situation rather than running, guns blazing, into a room full of hostiles. "Legwork" means gathering information and having a plan to deal with security guards because unlike people in some (and by some we mean most) online worlds, people in Shadowrun tend to notice when they suddenly go missing. The team has scheduled a Reddit AMA for August 8th at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Skip below the cut for the two new videos.
