We just Kickstarted a new Moai powered game, Deozoa: Legends of Eden (Moai is an open source game engine that we are very proud to support). Linux support was an, admittedly biased, priority for us. As lead developer, I've been an Ubuntu/Linux Mint fan for years. We were recently featured on Linux Game News.
Anyway, getting back from my Linux rant, Deozoa is a monster catching video game combining the rich storytelling of an RPG with the combat system of a turn based strategy. As you explore through the world you will discover and capture over 100 monsters called Deozoa. Unlike other monster games, your 11 playable human characters battle side by side with their Deozoa to fight their way to victory.
One thing that we are doing a little differently is that we are pursuing more of a community driven development model. Growing up, we played a lot of Pokemon and always wished there was some channel to get our own monster ideas into the official games. While we are now older, wiser, and understand that we can't just include every single monster idea into our game, we are really excited to provide a means for our fans to submit monster ideas in polls and contests and to allow the top ones to become official Deozoa. Obviously, we will have our own artists redraw the winning submissions (if necessary) to fit within a consistent art style. We are also discussing options to streamline modding of our game to allow people to insert their own unofficial monsters into their own game. We will also be giving our fans the opportunity to build out some of the descriptions, stats, and backstory for some of the monsters.
A few key features:
We are really excited to both be supporting the Linux gaming ecosystem and an open source game engine with this development. We need a lot of help raising money to hire artists to create a richly detailed and animated world. So please check us out on Kickstarter and help us get the word out on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Reddit, etc. So let's be a part of the Linux gaming renaissance and give Windows 8 refugees something to flee to. ;)
P.S. Sorry about that last Windows jab, I just couldn't help myself.
Anyway, getting back from my Linux rant, Deozoa is a monster catching video game combining the rich storytelling of an RPG with the combat system of a turn based strategy. As you explore through the world you will discover and capture over 100 monsters called Deozoa. Unlike other monster games, your 11 playable human characters battle side by side with their Deozoa to fight their way to victory.
One thing that we are doing a little differently is that we are pursuing more of a community driven development model. Growing up, we played a lot of Pokemon and always wished there was some channel to get our own monster ideas into the official games. While we are now older, wiser, and understand that we can't just include every single monster idea into our game, we are really excited to provide a means for our fans to submit monster ideas in polls and contests and to allow the top ones to become official Deozoa. Obviously, we will have our own artists redraw the winning submissions (if necessary) to fit within a consistent art style. We are also discussing options to streamline modding of our game to allow people to insert their own unofficial monsters into their own game. We will also be giving our fans the opportunity to build out some of the descriptions, stats, and backstory for some of the monsters.
A few key features:
- One time game purchase for all monsters, characters, and story. No in-app purchases, no monthly fees. Just buy the game and have it forever. The game will be developed for iOS (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch) and Android (phone and tablet), with an eventual release to PC, Mac, Linux, and Ouya.
- Capture and befriend over 100 monsters: Each teammate can be assigned one Deozoa to fight with them on the battlefield.
- Evolve your Deozoa: Like animals that grow from baby to adult, all of our Deozoa will grow into a new form as they mature. There are typically two to three monsters per family.
- Recruit 10 characters to your team: As you progress through the story, you will encounter 10 available warriors looking for an adventure. Determine the best combination of abilities to give yourself an edge on the battlefield.
- Level up and upgrade human classes: There are 10 classes of human warriors to battle, each with their own unique stats and strengths. As enemies get tougher and the heroes get stronger, every class can develop into an advanced form for stat boosts.
- Use the elements to your advantage: There are 12 elements that all Deozoa and attacks fall into. Every element will have strengths and weaknesses against other elements, making each battle unique and challenging.
- Fight in a free-form battling system: Position 6 teammates with an open movement system unrestrained by a grid. The size of a unit can block enemies’ movement to redirect their attacks, protect weaker units, and form a front line.
- Rich RPG storyline: Unlike casual games, you will explore through a fun RPG story with an expected eight hours of gameplay in a single play through.
We are really excited to both be supporting the Linux gaming ecosystem and an open source game engine with this development. We need a lot of help raising money to hire artists to create a richly detailed and animated world. So please check us out on Kickstarter and help us get the word out on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Reddit, etc. So let's be a part of the Linux gaming renaissance and give Windows 8 refugees something to flee to. ;)
P.S. Sorry about that last Windows jab, I just couldn't help myself.
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6 comments
So to answer your question, we would probably need to find some artists who are willing to join our core team under the conditions that they will only get payed a percentage of the profits of the game sometime in the future. This may be a lot more than they would otherwise earn, or it could be close to nothing. There is a lot of uncertainty here, and I know a lot of people aren't willing to take this risk. We would also need to cut back the scope of the game, maybe settle on a simpler concept. In any case, we have really been enjoying the community centric development idea. We have some very enthusiastic backers on Kickstarter and Facebook, and we would love to bring them along for the ride.
Kickstarter has been, and continues to be, such an educational experience for us. A lot of our backers have had some very profound insights and suggestions. That was just the pessimist in me speaking, but we are still early in the campaign, and the plan is still to get funded and to create a beautiful crowd-funded, community driven game.