Darwinia-Plus
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Introversion credits Steam for company's salvation
In a candid post on Introversion Software's DEFCON forums, company co-founder Mark Morris admits that the Darwinia+ developer was close to closing up shop following disappointing sales of the game's XBLA port. "Internally we knew within about an hour of Darwinia+'s launch that it hadn't done well enough," Morris wrote. "It took us about two weeks to really accept that and the awful realisation that we didn't have enough to continue with the office or the staff. We had a bunch of creditors knocking at the door, but worse than all of that we were absolutely shattered." Having let its staff go, closed it office and retreated to the bedrooms of its three remaining employees, the company made a last-ditch move to generate some income. "We put together a rescue plan involving creating Steam achievements for DEFCON so we could convince Valve to run a promotion with it," explained Morris. Turns out, a seemingly small tweak and some promotion delivered major results, Morris revealed: "The promo exceeded all of our expectations and when combined with our low burn rate (no office or staff now) we had gone from being fearful about paying our mortgages to having a year's operating capital in the bank." Introversion is still running lean, but is back on track to release its "most ambitious project so far," Subversion, in 2011.
Cheap Defense Grid, Winterbottom and more on XBLM next week
In addition to officially revealing next week's XBLA offerings, Major Nelson has also laid out Xbox Live Marketplace schedule for the rest of June, including the Deal of the Week, Games on Demand and Avatar Marketplace. The Deal of the Week -- or Deals of the Week, rather -- takes the spotlight, with several decent titles on sale. Darwinia+ will be marked down to 800 points ($10), while Defense Grid, PB Winterbottom, Rocket Riot and Poker Smash will all be marked down to 400 points ($5). Also, the OneBigGame charity project, Chime, will be reduced to a puny 240 points ($3). Meanwhile, both Tomb Raider Underworld and Command & Conquer 3 will hit Games on Demand on June 29, and some Crackdown 2 Avatar items will be released on July 1.
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Darwinia+
This week on Xbox Live Arcade, Darwinia+ finally, finally makes its way onto Microsoft's download service. It's been a very long time coming, but now it's here for everyone to enjoy. There's plenty to enjoy, too, as the game contains both the original Darwinia and the multiplayer version, Multiwinia. See what all the hubbub is about in the latest XBLA in Brief, then decide if you want to plunk down the 1200 ($15) entrance fee. Shortcut: Download the trial version of Darwinia+ [via Xbox.com] [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly. [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
This Wednesday: Darwinia+ invades XBLA
Well, folks, it's been a long wait but it's finally here. After first being rumored nearly four years ago, Darwinia+ is due to hit Xbox Live Arcade in only two more days. We're sure that the game's fans are pleased to hear the news, as is developer Introversion. After all, the company has a lot riding on Darwinia's XBLA outing. The game features a single-player campaign, online multiplayer for four players and plenty of sweet, retro stylings. Taking cues from real-time strategy, god games and, oh, let's say Tron, Darwinia has players controlling squads of 2D sprite characters called Darwinians as they battle an evil computer virus. The original PC version of the game took home the grand prize at the 2006 Independent Games Festival. The price of admission is 1200 ($15).
Darwinia+ colonizes XBLA servers February 10
Though Microsoft's XBLA Shadow Force has the real final say over when games are released on the company's digital distribution service, Introversion recently announced on its forums that its upcoming action RTS, Darwinia+, will be set free on February 10 -- set free for $15 (1200). Introversion has made a strong plea for your support, citing a "minimum sales figure" that "has to be achieved" in order for the independent studio to carry on. A better reason to buy Darwinia+ -- which features both Darwinia and Multiwinia in all its plusitude -- is simply that it's pretty fantastic. Still not convinced? Check out the trailer above and those screens below. You're welcome. %Gallery-83846%
Darwinia dev on PSN/XBLA differences, PSN challenges
Speaking to CVG, Darwinia+ developer Introversion spoke to the differences between Xbox Live Arcade and PSN, as well as the realities of game development. Regarding why Darwinia+ is an XBLA exclusive, Introversion's Mark Morris noted that independent developers "have to go with whatever [they're] offered," though he'd like to see the game on both platforms. According to Morris, XBLA is preferable because Microsoft greenlight's games from the beginning. "As long as you deliver what you said you'd deliver you're going to launch," said Morris, whereas Sony approves a potential PSN project later in the process, meaning a developer's hard work could eventually be rejected. Concerning Introversion's current status, Morris noted that the company's future is riding entirely on Darwinia+. He said the game has a "minimum sales figure" that "has to be achieved." If not, said Morris, "Then we don't have enough money to continue going - simple as that." That said, he added that Darwinia+ doesn't have to be a "a massive runaway success," elaborating that performance would have to be roughly equivalent to Jeff Minter's Space Giraffe (an achievable goal if we've ever heard one). Assuming Introversion stays afloat, its next project will be called Subversion, which utilizes automatic city generation. The developer has previously hinted that Subversion may release on both PC and XBLA.
Darwinia+ for XBLA passes Microsoft certification
You may not have to wait too long after Christmas for Darwinia+ on Xbox Live Arcade, because Introversion Software says the game has passed Microsoft's certification process. It's been a long time coming and you can bet we're glad to finally see those little stick men at the end of the tunnel. If you're wondering what all of the hubbub is about, then we suggest you check out this free demo of the PC version over at Big Download.
Multiwinia preview shows off pixelated mayhem
Introversion devotees know exactly what Multiwinia is and why they should be excited, but many others might not remember the multiplayer update to award-winning strategy title Darwinia, due out this September. Both parties should check out Rock Paper Shotgun's extensive preview of Multiwinia, showing off just how hardcore the adorable little flat sprites can be. Multiwinia: Survival of the Flattest will feature the usual smattering of multiplayer modes, built upon the stellar gameplay and gorgeous aesthetic that made Darwinia an instant Joystiq classic. Gameplay modes will include Darwinian twists on deathmatch, king of the hill, capture the flag, territories, and a few more modes unique to the Darwinia universe. We can't wait to wage tiny, tiny war.
