Quantcast
Destructoid Japanator Tomopop Flixist
Dtoid Forums now support TapATalk and ForumRunner on your iOS/Android devices. Whoot.

Brian Fargo may attempt kickstarting a Wasteland sequel photo

Back in 1988, Brian Fargo designed a post-apocalyptic game called Wasteland which would eventually fall deep into the shadow of its spiritual successor, Fallout. It seems that Fargo never quite let go of the game and eventually reacquired the rights from the title's original publisher, Electronic Arts. Now, in the face of Double Fine's staggering Kickstarter success and pressure from fans, Fargo has made the decision to have his development studio, inXile Entertainment, pursue a direct sequel to Wasteland.

In a conversation with IGN, Fargo has stated that the game would be developed as close to the roots of the original as possible, likely a top-down, party and skill-based RPG. PC development would be the top priority, but Fargo hasn't ruled out the possibility of releasing the game for iPad as well. Current estimates for the cost of the project are at least a million dollars with a Kickstarter drive planned to begin next month if the team decides to move forward.

I'm glad to see that there's been so much excitement surrounding the Double Fine Kickstarter and that it has people talking about alternative means of funding games. I don't know that I'm personally all that interested in playing the game Fargo describes, but that's the beauty of it in a way. Crowdfunding such as this allows us as consumers to have two types of investment, financial and emotional, intersect in a new and interesting fashion. All it takes is to get the message out to enough people who share your passion and suddenly projects many would think impossible have a real shot.

Wasteland Reboot in the Works [IGN]

 








More gaming stories around the web. Got news? Submit yours to tips@destructoid.com

Conrad Zimmerman is Destructoid's News Editor and home to the busiest mustache in the gaming press. An amateur historian and pop culture fanatic, Conrad possesses a nearly limitless wealth of videogame factoids and a passion for the power of games to teach, inspire and entertain. He enjoys reading, writing and turning things which should be fun into work. Likes Mega Man 2, Arcade Games, Books about games, Board games, Having cultural interests that aren't games Meet the rest of the team



Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

44 comments | showing # 1 to 44
prev next

TheNephilym's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:16
TheNephilym
This sounds great, but I highly doubt he'll get the kind of support Schaefer did. Hopefully I'm wrong.
DreamingDarklyRobin's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:17
DreamingDarklyRobin
I don't know, the market is pretty full of post-apocalyptic games already. Rage, the aforementioned Fallout, Borderlands (kinda),Enslaved, Metro series, and those are just the firsts that come to mind.
catsithx's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:18
catsithx
Hey Ill donate as long as you don't ask where the funds come from XD
Faux Furry's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:27
Faux Furry
If only I had a Magic 8-Ball to tell me how to feel about this and another one to give me Lottery numbers to fund this project and a third to translate in case the first Magic 8-Ball wouldn't give me a straight answer, then I would possibly know what to say...other than Brian Fargo should probably check with the diehard Fallout fans(especially those guys from No Mutants Allowed who loathe the modern Fallout layout so much) for his funding.
MattEdWithCheese's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:28
MattEdWithCheese
@catsithx You kids with your crackwhores...
flintmech's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:30
flintmech
I'm already sick of video game Kickstarters.
Chongomaster's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:37
Chongomaster
This isn't going to work. $1,000,000 is a lot more than $400,000, especially since inXile has nowhere near the status of Double Fine.
Foggle's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:37
Foggle
oh man oh man oh man this is awesome

but seriously fear effect inferno fucking WHERE
Pajolero's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 08:55
Pajolero
Let's fucking do this!
BumGamer's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 09:02
BumGamer
I don't think Wasteland or Brian Fargo has the same recognition as Double Fine or Tim 'Motherfucking' Schafer. Besides, post-apocalyptic fiction is just getting abused nowadays with the 2012 frenzy. What would Fargo do to set his game apart? Not much I can think of. I would, however, love to see Shenmue 3 or a sequel to Jet Grind Radio funded this way. C'mon, Yu Suzuki.
Klay Fuller's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 09:03
Klay Fuller
Holy Shit you mean a PROPER top-down RPG like what Fallout was before Todd Howard smothered it with his cavernous anus? Fucking count me in.
Stormdancer's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 09:46
Stormdancer
Oh, holy crap! YES PLEASE! I still have the original. It was a fantastic game for its time, I'd love to see the concepts brought forward.
TheChosen's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 09:55
TheChosen
As much as I adore Brian Fargo for both Wasteland and original Fallout's, Im gonna say no. He got the Wasteland license many years ago (2003 apparently) and only now he's found a way to bring it back? By fans expense? He did hint about it in 2007, but thats about it. He hasnt even bothered to get in resale for places like GOG or make it freeware.

Either he hasnt find the right publisher, his ideas are so bland or he hasnt even tried.
Themuad's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 09:58
Themuad
Someone actualy got the rights for their idea back?
JamnOnTheOne's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 09:59
JamnOnTheOne
"Either he hasnt find the right publisher, his ideas are so bland or he hasnt even tried"

Lol - That's the reason I assumed Double Fine decided to kickstart their project.
sohei's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:09
sohei
PLEASE GOD YES. I will donate for this.
AtomicBanana's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:14
AtomicBanana
I doubt there's enough of us interested in seeing a Wasteland sequel, I'm hesitant to put money towards it myself, considering that he's only contemplating release on one, maybe two platforms that I don't personally use.
killias2's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:19
killias2
"I don't know, the market is pretty full of post-apocalyptic games already. Rage, the aforementioned Fallout, Borderlands (kinda),Enslaved, Metro series, and those are just the firsts that come to mind."
How many of those are traditional, top-down RPGs? Oh, none of them? Thanks for trying.
Besides, other stereotypical settings are even more done-to-death than post-apocalypse. Medieval? WW2? Nowadays, "modern warfare"? Beaten straight into the ground.


"This isn't going to work. $1,000,000 is a lot more than $400,000, especially since inXile has nowhere near the status of Double Fine."
Well, yeah. 1 million is certainly more than the 400,000 Double Fine -asked for-. However, they've raised more than the initial 400k asking investment.... In fact, they've raised 1.87 MILLION so far, and there are still 26 days to go.

However, there are two things that I'm worried about with this project: 1. I don't get the sense that inXile is really a solid developer, even with Fargo. 2. I think everyone really wants an updated Fallout games, but he clearly wants to make an updated Wasteland. These are not strictly the same thing. Fallout is a spiritual successor to Wasteland, but a lot of mechanics operate quite differently.

Wasteland, for example, has a battle system essentially taken from Bard's Tale. It is very party focused, and the battle system is more menu-based. Also, based on what he is saying, Wasteland 2 would be based more on this than Fallout: "[We] would be focusing on top-down, probably isometric, party based, skill based -- where if you'd just finished playing Wasteland and moved onto this you'd feel comfortable."


That said, I'd probably throw in some change for this. There's always a chance it could work out well.
Shut up woman get on my horse's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:34
Shut up woman get on my horse
As a former inXile employee I can tell you don't hold your breath for anything special. While the team has some very talented and hardworking people on it, their management and organizational skills are poor and worse of all they have poor game design decisions. I can't tell you how many times someone on design would come up with a really good idea, only to have it crushed by the managing staff cause it didn't fit their narrow minded view of what the game should be or they just didn't want to spend the time developing the idea when there was already something similar being developed, regardless of whether it was a good idea or not. They;ve been trying to pitch a Wasteland game for years. I helped work on a pitch to Bethesda who laughed in our faces when we mentioned it at all.
Noaxzl's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:44
Noaxzl
That's a pretty lofty goal for a developer who doesn't have nearly the same kind of recognition as Double Fine and their games. I mean, I'm glad that bigger developers are starting to go the Kickstarter route, but I don't think they should set their goals that high. >.>
Judas's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:48
Judas
This guy "invented" the Fallout universe we all know based on GURPS rules. If he wants to do this, HE IS the man to make it. I hope he gets all the support and funding if he decides to give it a go.
killias2's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:48
killias2
"As a former inXile employee I can tell you don't hold your breath for anything special."

Yeah, that's the biggest downside to this. Let's look at some classic inXile games: 1. The Bard's Tale (2004 game) - ?????, MC of 70
2. Line Rider (Flash/iPhone) - ?????
3. HEI$T - cancelled
4. Fantastic Contraption (Flash/iPhone) - ?????
5. Super Stacker, Super Stacker 2, Super Stacker Party (iPhone/PSN) - ?????
6. Hunted the Demon's Forge - I heard of this one!!! Specifically, I heard it wasn't very good. MC of 61.
7. Choplifter HD, which just came out. I don't really know much about this.

So, yeah. I'm not entirely sold this is going to be Fallout 2.5 or True 3 or something.
ZeniGeva's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:49
ZeniGeva
Hmm, Western brain mechanics work like this:

Someone does something different in a charitable or somewhat humble-sense...everyone follows suit as the gimmick becomes something BIGGER than what it was when it first started and it becomes a phenomenon.

Then, due to its popularity, someone else tries to replicate the exact method to gauge the same response in the hope of gaining the same benefits....




INSTANT FUCKING UN-ADULTERATED HAAAAAAATE!!!!



In other words, probably won't work for all the above mentioned latter-commented apathy.
killias2's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 10:59
killias2
I'm not sure there is hate, much less unadulterated hate, in this thread. Am I missing something?

There is some skepticism, sure, but that's not really what you're implying at all.

"In other words, probably won't work for all the above mentioned latter-commented apathy."
Wait, is it due to hate, or due to apathy? I'm so confused.
TheNephilym's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 11:03
TheNephilym
I wonder if he will find his funs additional funds elsewhere if the Kickstarter fails to provide. I want to contribute, but I really think he's asking for too much. I'd hate to see this thing get like $600k and then he just says fuck it and gives everyone their money back. He could at least go to a publisher and offer them a lovely 60% discount. I just want this to work so bad, but I'm not very optimistic about it.
Jay Me's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 11:04
Jay Me
Make it an FPSRPG & I'm in. There is a dearth of those these days.
John Johnson's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 11:05
John Johnson
I'll only buy it if it's chock full of T.S. Eliot symbolism
killias2's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 11:42
killias2
"Make it an FPSRPG & I'm in. There is a dearth of those these days."
I say we re-imagine Wasteland as a game about 21st-century warfare. If you think about it, we make "wastelands" of the countries we fight in. Also, as a great disembodied narrative voice once said, "War.. war never changes."

Also, let's drop the RPG elements. Those don't sell these days. That's like -so- old school. Let's also focus on the multiplayer aspects over singleplayer. Nobody plays SP these days. I think we can keep a few of the ol' RPG elements as multiplayer elements, but only to keep their MP addiction raging.
Mr Andy Dixon's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 11:43
Mr Andy Dixon
Never played Wasteland but always wanted to. I hope this works out for him!
ElektroDragon's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 12:08
ElektroDragon
Give us a PROPER Bard's Tale reinvention instead! With lutes that play music in the background and have constant effects! And a 6 character party! And make it first person.
ElektroDragon's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 12:13
ElektroDragon
"Also, let's drop the RPG elements. Those don't sell these days. That's like -so- old school. Let's also focus on the multiplayer aspects over singleplayer. Nobody plays SP these days."

NO, let's keep the RPG elements, and let's focus on the single player. Want to play with others? Go outside and play a damn sport. People like you are killing this hobby. The kind of idiots who prefer to read tweets from their other idiot friends rather than a good novel.
Foggle's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 12:30
Foggle
@ElektroDragon

SPOILERS: He's being sarcastic.
CyanideDime's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 12:38
CyanideDime
ED, I do believe you missed the boat on that joke.

Sounds like a cool idea, no way are they getting a milli though
UncleReg's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 13:03
UncleReg
It's likely going to be turn-based as well, if it wants to be a modern take on the old game. I wonder how long will it take to beat.
Jay Me's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 13:19
Jay Me
@killias2 Now that's a winning formula if ever I've heard one. Two parts ADD & one part OCD is the perfect balance and definitely what developers should be aiming for.
killias2's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 14:23
killias2
"NO, let's keep the RPG elements, and let's focus on the single player. Want to play with others? Go outside and play a damn sport. People like you are killing this hobby. The kind of idiots who prefer to read tweets from their other idiot friends rather than a good novel."

What is this I don't even
Sonic Rob's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 14:25
Sonic Rob
If Tim Schafer asks the public for $400k and gets a million, it does not logically follow that Brian Fargo asks for $1m and gets $2.5m, which he's probably hoping for.

For one thing there's the advantage of Shafer's reputation as the Terry Gilliam of game developers and how that made gamers want to to directly support him given the chance; Fargo hasn't got that. For another the DF kickstarter had a bandwagon effect: as it rapidly closed on 400k and then on $1m, people added more money to try and put the project over the top. If the Wasteland kickstarter doesn't rocket close to its goal very quickly, interest in the kickstarter - which in DF's case is arguably more significant than interest in the actual game - could rapidly peter out.
copyofcopy's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 16:12
copyofcopy
god, here comes the endless stream of 'developer X thinking about attempting kickstarter campaign'. let's at least wait on reporting this crap until they actually DO start a kickstarter campaign, ok? please?
Commandant Oreo's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 17:47
Commandant Oreo
...is this the Schafer Spring?? GOGO FARGO!!!!!
Tiredman's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/16/2012 19:40
Tiredman
I hope he gets what he is after. The biggest point of Double Fines kickstarter being so successful is that Time Schafer is able to make a game he couldnt get the funding for prior due to publishers knowing it wouldn't be a high selling game. Plus instead of soul crushing time tables from publishers, a kick starter funded game allows a developer to make a game they want to make, hence them asking for money to make a particular game, which means they would likely work harder on it than on a game they are supposed to make as part of a 3 game deal or someting with a publisher.

I would love to see all the awesome old games get direct sequels instead of another modern generation title that there are already 20 different versions of it in other games. Seeing GOG games get actual sequels along the lines of the old games just makes me happy.
Ezekiel T Bluff's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/17/2012 02:00
Ezekiel T Bluff
True there are a lot of post apocalyptic games out there, but this is a TURN BASED RPG we're talkin about.
Ezekiel T Bluff's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/17/2012 02:01
Ezekiel T Bluff
True there are a lot of post apocalyptic games out there, but this is a TURN BASED RPG we're talkin about. Count me in!
ockasee's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/17/2012 12:38
ockasee
Absolutely loved Wasteland. This just seems like trying to recapture the glory days. I'll wish him the best and be satisfied with my fond memories.
Sonic Rob's Avatar - Comment posted on 02/22/2012 16:59
Sonic Rob
@copyofcopy "god, here comes the endless stream of 'developer X thinking about attempting kickstarter campaign'. let's at least wait on reporting this crap until they actually DO start a kickstarter campaign, ok? please?"

Exactly. This article should have a link to a definition of the term "trial balloon"
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!