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Shadowrun Returns developer to Kickstart 'Golem Arcana' tabletop game in August
While the majority of Harebrained Schemes is still knee deep in developing content for its Kickstarted strategy-RPG Shadowrun Returns, which just launched today, a small team has already begun work on the developer's next project: Golem Arcana, a smartphone/tablet-assisted tabletop game. As explained by founder Jordan Weisman, Golem Arcana is set in a world where powerful Golems do the bidding of their creators, who infuse organic materials with magic in order to create obedient, deadly homunculi. A Kickstarter campaign will be launched sometime next month in order to fuel development, though Weisman did not say how much money the team is looking to raise. Golem Arcana's gameplay takes place on a physical battle map with figurines representing the golems, but the gameplay mechanics are calculated and implemented by a smartphone or tablet running an associated app. Using a proprietary stylus, players tap on the battle map or the figures to summon relevant information in the app. During battle, taping an ability and targeting a figure initiates combat inside of the app, which then spits out results and information about the turn.
'Shadowrun Returns' Kickstarter goal met, still a month left to raise more dough
If you haven't yet donated to the Kickstarter for Shadowrun's original creator, you're not too late. You can't, however, tell people that you helped make the dream come true, as the project dubbed "Shadowrun Returns" is now officially funded. The Kickstarter launched just over 24 hours ago, and nearly 10,000 people felt it was worth contributing to, putting the current total at approximately $430,000.As previously noted, there's still plenty of time to back the project between now and the Kickstarter's end date in 23 days. There's even one (of three) $10,000 tier level options still available, should you be feeling especially saucy today.
Rumor: Footage of canned Shadowrun reboot
Before 2007's Shadowrun released and Microsoft subsequently closed the doors on FASA, the studio was apparently working on Shadowrun: The Awakening -- a game with a full single-player campaign and unique 3D gameplay engine developed in-house. Some footage (teleport past the break to give it a look-see) managed to make its way online over at Unseen64, showing off a few environments and some character animations. As Unseen64 would tell it, the story goes: FASA brought a new art director in which, through a series of unknown events, lead to an eventual cancellation in favor of the multiplayer-driven experience that was the 2007 game. As it stands now, Jordan Weisman managed to snag the rights to the Shadowrun IP (among others), so the possibility of seeing this resurface as an actual thing isn't entirely impossible -- though Weisman is trying to let some of the negativity surrounding the brand die down a bit before revisiting it. [Via StrategyInformer]
Microsoft 'destroyed' FASA culture, but I defended Bungie, Weisman tells all
From success story to sufferer to savior, Jordan Weisman has laid claim to a variety of positions during his journey through the harrowing halls of Microsoft. The FASA Interactive founder has blasted his former overlord -- and sculpted some self-promotion for his new venture -- during a recent chat with GamesIndustry.biz. The year was 1999 and, following what was surely a rewarding acquisition phase, things quickly soured as Weisman's studio was indoctrinated into the Microsoft way of work. "The two reasons [Microsoft] bought us was, one, they wanted the catalog of intellectual properties and, two, they felt that we had developed a really good development culture," Weisman said. "And the reality is that, pretty much from the day we moved to Redmond, that development culture was destroyed." Lucky for Bungie, a dejected Weisman was still knocking around Microsoft when the Chicago-based studio was being acquired, and, according to Weisman, he became the "lead vocal pain in the ass to get things done very different for Bungie." "I tried to convince [Microsoft] to leave Bungie in Chicago, but not winning that I did succeed in getting them to put them in a walled off room," Weisman recounted. "We were much better able to defend Bungie's culture than we were FASA's culture." And so, MechWarrior was sacrificed to secure the foundation for Halo, or something like that ... right? Weisman has already raised $29 million for his new company Smith & Tinker, but we're sure he won't turn away a few more bills pitched his way for his good deeds.
Smith & Tinker looking into homes for Crimson Skies, Shadowrun IPs
Smith & Tinker founder Jordan Weisman recently spoke about his plans for the other FASA IPs he licensed from Microsoft. In a recent interview with Gamespot, Weisman teased, "I think Crimson Skies is something we'd love to get some energy around, and we have some devious plans--we'll see if those materialize." Intriguing!Shadowrun fans, however, shouldn't expect to be nearly as intrigued -- at least not anytime soon. "Shadowrun was recently...not treated well...shall we say, so the thought was let a little time pass before approaching that one again," Weisman admitted. As for the beloved MechWarrior franchise, the series reboot is currently in development by Piranha Games for PC and Xbox 360. Smith & Tinker plans to farm out development of these old IPs to other studios over time, so if you're a fancy studio head with a clever idea for a Crimson Skies or Shadowrun revival, feel free to give Weisman a call. Like, now.[Via VideoGamer]
New MechWarrior a reboot, called ... MechWarrior
Teased earlier this week, a new MechWarrior is currently being forged by Smith and Tinker (founded by FASA co-founder Jordan Weisman) and Piranha Games. IGN was informed that this is not being considered MechWarrior 5, but a reboot of the series. The title will release on PC and Xbox 360, and should include a full single-player campaign, "as well as support for four-player co-op campaign" and multiplayer.There is currently no release window scheduled for the game, nor is there a publisher -- those two things are typically co-dependent. Check out the MechWarrior reveal trailer after the break.
New MechWarrior teased by IGN site [update]
With the subtlety of a grand piano falling down the stairs, IGN's Voodoo Extreme is teasing that a new MechWarrior title will be announced shortly. Allegedly in development by Piranha Games, it would be the first "official" MechWarrior game in nearly a decade. The site teases that Piranha may have a full trailer up later this week.The last time MechWarrior popped up on radar was when the property was licensed to Jordan Weisman after the dissolution of FASA. If Piranha is actually developing a true Mechwarrior sequel, it would appear to be the studio's first mega solo project. We're currently attempting to get in touch with Piranha Games for more details.Update: A representative for Piranha replied to our inquiry, "We can't share any details right now, but will get in touch with you as soon as we are able." "Can't" ... or won't? Weird. Still following up.[Via ShackNews]
Weisman licenses MechWarrior, Shadowrun, Crimson Skies rights back from MS (internet finally notices)
On October 15th, Smith & Tinker, Jordan Weisman's new venture-backed startup, announced the licensing of the "electronic entertainment" rights to a number of Weisman's creations back from Microsoft. The deal, apparently done quietly (and ages ago in web-time), puts franchises like MechWarrior, Shadowrun and Crimson Skies back in Weisman's hands. Previously, these properties were managed and developed by FASA, another Weisman credit, which was sold to Microsoft in 1999 and dissolved several months ago.With Microsoft suddenly short on internal development teams, the most action the FASA catalog has been seeing is a polite dusting off ever few months before being re-shelved. While Weisman and co. have yet to detail the projects, a job listing calling for online game expertise suggests MMOs could be in the works. A posting on the Smith & Tinker website assures fans that "our goal is to surprise and delight old fans, while welcoming new fans to these fantastic worlds."[Via Gamasutra]
