Obsidian's 'Project Eternity' is the latest Kickstarter success story

Shawn Knight

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Obsidian Entertainment is the latest game developer to turn to public support to build a game rather than rely on a big name publisher. The company’s latest effort is called Project Eternity and has already raised more than $1.5 million from 38,000+ backers in just a few days. With 28 more days to go in the campaign, the sky is the limit for Obsidian as they’re now working on their second stretch goal - creating a Mac version and expanding the entire game world.

Project Eternity (working title) aims to recapture the magic, imagination, depth and nostalgia of classic RPGs that people love playing. Specifically, the team wants to take the central hero, memorable companions and exploration of Baulder’s Gate, add in elements of combat and dungeon diving from Icewind Dale and blend it all together with the “mature thematic exploration” of Planescape: Torment. If you were a fan of any of those games, Project Eternity certainly sounds like it has the ingredients for one heck of an adventure.

In an interview with Kotaku Australia, creative director Chris Avellone said his company hasn’t had a lack of ideas over the years but rather there’s been a lack of opportunity with regards to financing the type of game they really wanted to make.

Obsidian Entertainment was founded in 2003 with a current roster of who’s who in the design world. The team consists of developers that have worked on Planescape: Torment, Fallout, Fallout 2 and Icewind Dale. As a collective unit, the studio has worked on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords, Neverwinter Nights 2 and Fallout: New Vegas.

The PC-only Project Eternity is expected to arrive in the spring of 2014 for roughly $25, however early backers have the opportunity to pre-order the title for only $20.

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There is nothing "new" about a fantasy over-the-top view styled game. Why must everyone create something that has already been created time and time again?

With such a talented group of designers & programmers, you would think some unique aspects would stand out. They don't.

I played a game a few years back that allowed you to switch from top-down view into first person (Or over-the-shoulder third person) view. Although the game play wasn't all that great(Roman era typical hack & slash) the experience of commanding groups, then jumping directly into the battle was a great feat. Yet ignored by nearly every game.

As for looking to kickstarter to fund projects that might not otherwise get off the ground - Absolutely terrific idea. I hope more innovation flows through proper funding more and more.
 
"from the team that brought you..."

they are still ashamed of the brilliant Alpha Protocol :(
 
For $10,000 donation, you can play a board game or a pen and paper with them.

...

I wish I had 10k to blow.
 
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