Legendary designer Chris Taylor’s bid to save Gas Powered Games via Kickstarter has come to an unceremonious end. The highly polarizing campaign aimed to raise money in order to complete the studio’s ambitious cross-genre endeavour Wildman, but suffered from poor momentum almost immediately. It only went downhill as significant lay-offs hit Gas Powered Games and has barely managed to make it halfway to its goal with four days to go.
The Ambitious Vision Behind Wildman
Wildman was envisioned as a revolutionary blend of action RPG and real-time strategy elements, promising a unique gaming experience that would stand out in the crowded market. The game was set to feature a dynamic world where players could engage in both strategic battles and immersive role-playing adventures. Chris Taylor, known for his work on titles like Dungeon Siege and Total Annihilation, aimed to push the boundaries of game design with Wildman. The project garnered significant attention due to Taylor’s reputation, but it quickly became evident that the campaign was struggling to gain the necessary traction.
Despite the initial excitement, the Kickstarter campaign faced numerous challenges. The gaming community expressed mixed feelings about the project’s direction, and some potential backers were hesitant due to the lack of concrete gameplay footage and detailed information. This uncertainty contributed to the campaign’s slow progress, and as days went by, it became clear that reaching the funding goal would be an uphill battle.
The Impact of Lay-offs and Future Prospects
The situation worsened when Gas Powered Games announced significant lay-offs, further dampening the campaign’s momentum. The lay-offs not only affected the morale of the remaining team members but also raised concerns among backers about the studio’s ability to deliver on its promises. With only four days left in the campaign, Wildman had barely managed to reach half of its funding goal, making it increasingly unlikely that the project would succeed.
“At this point, it makes sense for us to focus our attention on other ways to keep Gas Powered Games running. Unfortunately, we are unable to share any specifics in public,” an update on the Wildman page says. “We are profoundly grateful to those of you who backed this project and Gas Powered Games. Your passion and hard work put us in a position to write this exciting new chapter in the history of GPG.”
The update reflects the studio’s determination to explore alternative avenues for survival and growth. While the specifics remain undisclosed, it is clear that Gas Powered Games is not giving up without a fight. The support from the backers, although not enough to fund Wildman, has provided the studio with a glimmer of hope and a foundation to build upon.
The failure of the Wildman Kickstarter campaign serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by game developers in the crowdfunding space. It highlights the importance of clear communication, detailed project plans, and maintaining momentum throughout the campaign. For Gas Powered Games, this experience may lead to valuable lessons and potentially pave the way for future projects that are better aligned with the expectations of the gaming community.
In conclusion, while the end of the Wildman Kickstarter campaign is undoubtedly a setback for Chris Taylor and Gas Powered Games, it also marks a turning point. The studio’s resilience and the support from its community could lead to new opportunities and innovative projects in the future. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the story of Wildman and Gas Powered Games will serve as an important chapter in the ongoing narrative of game development and crowdfunding.
Source Kickstarter
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