The dark narrative-focused RPG Vagrus - The Riven Realms has surpassed $40K in funding on Fig's Open Access program, so they've hit more development milestones and it seems GOG were impressed by it.
As a reminder, this in-development game is crowdfunding on Fig. Not the usual method though, Open Access is like a hybrid model for Early Access and crowdfunding all in one. So you pledge and get access to play right away, for Linux the early builds are being done through itch.io. As they hit funding goals, new features and development goals will be unlocked as they push it towards being a full game.
Direct Link
Feature reminder:
- Branching narrative in the form of interactive events
- Turn-based, tactical combat
- A vast, hand-crafted, sandbox world to explore
- Digitally hand-painted maps, environments, and 2D artwork
- A colorful cast of companions with their own storylines and caravan roles
- Over a hundred different enemies
- Dynamically changing victory conditions and stories
- An elaborate trade system
- Factions you can join or fight against
GOG were so impressed, they decided they wanted it on their store. I'm not surprised though, after doing a little writeup back in July I also very much enjoyed the experience.
Since writing about it previously, they put out a fresh new release which includes a new background system for dynamic trading. They didn't want it to detract from the premise of the game and end up as a trading sim, so they went with a system that they say creates "the feel of a natural flow of goods from where they produce them to where others consume those". More about that feature can be found here.
Thanks to the current funding level the game is set to expand further with: more types of combat, idle animations, a Unity game engine upgrade and more. Want to see what else they have planned? Their Roadmap really does sound quite exciting which they actually expanded recently with more too.
Now you can wishlist it on GOG as well as Steam. While GOG doesn't have a Linux icon right now, the developer confirmed to us on Twitter that was an oversight (Update: Linux icon is there now). The full release should arrive sometime next year, which I am personally excited about as the game is already very engrossing and it has an incredible style.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Mohandevir Sep 6, 2019
When I read about games that seems to generate hype, like this one, I'm always affraid that Epic might join the fray with an exclusivity deal. Did they mention anything about this?
In case like this, maybe GOG and Valve should join forces and think of something to secure their releases? Not as "store exclusive" but as "no exclusivity deal will prevent us from offering it on day one" thing.
Quoting: MohandevirWhen I read about games that seems to generate hype, like this one, I'm always affraid that Epic might join the fray with an exclusivity deal. Did they mention anything about this?Not anything I've seen. This would likely be the absolute worst example of exclusives if it happened, since they're releasing Linux builds with every update and they've now confirmed GOG as well as Steam all while taking funding from Fig for an Early Access style model. In short, if they did, they would probably lose a lot of fans. I highly doubt they will, they seem to be getting a pretty good amount of funding on Fig as it is.
Joeyboots80 Sep 7, 2019
I had no idea about this one. Looks really cool. Definitely gonna keep an eye on this title.
Sir_Diealot Sep 8, 2019
They weren't aware that the GOG backend for Linux is different (I think it still is, I don't know) or that there is no DLC concept on itch.
I'm sure they'll try their best though, I'll make sure to support them on Fig.
If others have played it, is it somewhat similar to Planescape Torment (the old classic) in the sense that it's text- (and story) heavy? Sounds like the gameplay is starkly different, but I don't mind a good bit of reading. Enjoyed that in Pillars of Eternity too.
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