That’s right people, it’s Thursday – time for your weekly dose of awesome indie gaming news. We’ve got controversy, we’ve got scandal, and we’ve got an incredible Humble Bundle.
First up, there was a bit of controversy in the indie gaming scene. As always when it comes to funding, people get rather temperamental. Add in the fact that the OUYA matches any funds raised through Kickstarter, and you’ve got a problem waiting to happen. The indie gaming community threw their toys out the cot this week when Gridiron Thunder started picking up some serious Kickstarter money. The game is coming exclusively to OUYA at first, before moving on to iOS and Android. As a game that could already afford NFL licenses, this was seen as stealing from the OUYA’s limited indie gaming funding pool. Mike Bithell, Thomas Was Alone creator, took to twitter, saying:
Nothing illegal going on, just a few rich guys manipulating OUYA into giving them a ton of money for a shoddy thing. INDIE POWER!
— Mike Bithell (@mikeBithell) September 8, 2013
Gridiron Thunder raised $171 009 through Kickstarter – that means they will be getting that same amount extra from the OUYA. That would be enough money for a more inspired indie game. However, Kickstarter proved this is a game people want, so I suppose people shouldn’t complain. Speaking of indie game funding, I was going to tell you about how awful PayPal was again. They refused to give money raised through Indiegogo to Yatagarasu Attack on Cataclysm, claiming they would only give the funds once the game was released, defeating the purpose of crowd funding. But, PayPal has since backtracked on that statement. Well done – you guys were only bad guys for a day.
Crowd funding aside, it’s clear that all the major players are making a bid to woo indie developers. Nintendo is trying to reach out to indies and seem more human and approachable. Also, they insist that the Nintendo eShop should be a great place for all kinds of indie games:
“We’ve always maintained the position that we don’t want to have any kind of concept approval or greenlight process where people have to spend their time and energy on pitching us on a game. We don’t want to be the arbiters of what we think is the best games and we’re only going to show that.”
Meanwhile, Microsoft is also punting their indie program, poorly named ID@Xbox. However, I’m a bit worried about their understanding of indie games. In an interview with MCVUK, Xbox Europe VP Chris Lewis explained they were looking for new IP with the indie program:
“It is crucial that we have a plan and that we are fertile ground for the next blockbuster games. We are constantly seeking the next Call of Dutys and Forza Motorsports. Those smart ideas have to be incubated and encouraged. We are very keen for people to see our platform as the space to do that.”
Really? You’re expecting the next COD or Forza from the indie developers? How about striving for something with a bit more character or soul?
Speaking of character and soul, Sony keeps showing off beautiful indie games coming to PlayStation. Check out the latest game, Pavilion which describes itself as “a fourth person exploratory experience about guidance, influence and subliminal control”.
Then we have some cool local indie gaming news. After Infection is a sandbox survival MMORPG being developed by the Joburg guys, Vectorshift Studios. Sort of like a Minecraft/DayZ MMORPG, the game promises to allow building and crafting, living environments and perma death. Sounds cool to me. We have reached out to the studio and hope to give you more details soon!
Finally, in the best news of the week, we have an amazing new Humble Bundle. At the moment, the bundle comes with Trine 2, Mark of the Ninja, Eets Munchies Beta and Brutal Legend – if you pay more than the average you also get FTL: Faster Than Light and FEZ. I pulled an insta-buy on this one. I’ve been wanting FTL for a while now, plus I need to experience more awesomeness from the guys at Klei. They made Mark of the Ninja and Eets before making Don’t Starve – I’m excited to dig into their early stuff. Do I really need to tell you to go spend $5 and get some awesome games? No – just go do it!
Oh, and as a closing statement, I just want to thank Timster for making my awesome header image. This is going to be my official one (for a while, at least) and it makes me so happy!
Last Updated: September 12, 2013
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was reviewed on PC |
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 14:52
Who is this timster you speak of?
Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)
September 12, 2013 at 14:52
I believe she might be referring to TANYA!
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 14:53
Ahhhhhh
Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)
September 12, 2013 at 14:57
Speaking of which, how is the trial going? I kinda lost track 😛
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:00
Managed to trap John, and Tanya is AWOL
Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)
September 12, 2013 at 15:06
LOL, think Tanya is hiding behind work 😛
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 15:15
I never hide, just busy as can be.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 14:52
Guys, GET FTL!!!!!
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 12, 2013 at 15:02
Second!
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:09
Read above pls
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 12, 2013 at 15:11
I have played FTL it’s pretty stella
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:12
Ahh, soz, misunderstood.
I CANNOT stress how epic this game is!
Still have to unlock TWO more ships. SO much fun!
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 12, 2013 at 15:13
It’s really addictive . I’m not much of a Sci-Fi geek. but those that like Star trek etc, will have an orgasm
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:15
Yeah, I like ST a lot, but I LOOOOOOVE FTL.
Always wanted to be in charge of a ship like that.
Kinda like Mass Effect the space travel and such, but the combat is just next level!
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 12, 2013 at 15:17
Indeed. cloaking and all sort of cool things. managing your crew and ship is totally fun. Imagine Mass Effect mixed with this game.ZOMG
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:18
MIND BLOWN!!!
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:18
Then you do your own “away missions”
Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful
September 12, 2013 at 15:19
Yup you get to control the person exploring the planets….Sigh I want that game NOW!!!! lol
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:25
Same here man!
Sageville
September 12, 2013 at 15:06
Hmm, color me intrigued, please elaborate.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:09
Ok, think Star Trek, you are in control of your own spaceship. Engines, shields, weapons, doors, sensors, medical, oxygen, you have to upgrade ship, fight enemies
EPIC..
My little addiction. Over 100hrs
Sageville
September 12, 2013 at 15:41
Thank you, added to Steam DL list.
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 12, 2013 at 14:57
I was as excited as a fat kid in a cake shop when I saw a new Humble Bundle, then I saw I had most of the games already. Stupid carrot cake.
Sageville
September 12, 2013 at 15:05
WTF is “a fourth person exploratory experience”
So, as the “fourth person” are you the guy watching someone else playing a game that controls a character in 3rd person perspective?
Sound lame, call me when we’re at 10th person perspective.
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 15:14
Your welcome Zoe. Hopefully soon I’ll be free from my shackles.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:16
Do you feel you have been treated unfairly?
And its “You’re”
Judges?
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 15:16
I apologise.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:26
OUT!
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 15:26
So I failed?
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:26
Yes.
Final chance (wildcard) is a quiz I’m working on.
Pass the test, and you pass the challenge.
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 15:30
This is not fair man, I try! I hold my tongue, I attempt to make sure everything is spelt correctly and then I am judged for what little errors. Seriously wish never won comment or header or anything.
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:41
One more try my man! Even the losers here are winners! lulz
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 15:49
It’s easy for you to say, when I am really bummed out. I mean, I know my spelling sucks and my grammar. I know at times I step out of line with my comments and create and uproar from what I said, but you know that’s me.
Ill always be a crazy bastard with a soft caring heart in a not gay sounding way. If I fail, it’s to learn to pick myself up. I am not perfect.
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:54
And we all like you bro! Why would we waste our time on you if we didn’t? Now, start praying to whatever it is you believe, the TEST is coming! 0-O
TiMsTeR1033
September 12, 2013 at 16:05
All I will say is this, you have all awoken a sleeping giant.
Her Highness the Hipster
September 12, 2013 at 16:50
shame, you’re still a winner in my book 🙂
Seraphim
September 13, 2013 at 08:43
“…comments and create an uproar…”
Sorry but I felt I had to.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 13, 2013 at 07:46
Oi, stop feeling sorry for yourself!
It would not have been a challenge if it was easy!
You still have a shot at redemption with….THE QUIZ
TiMsTeR1033
September 13, 2013 at 07:50
Yesterday was a long day, I just felt bummed out man.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 13, 2013 at 07:54
Chin up, you still have a chance at redemption. But the quiz pass rate is 75%
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:28
And then there was one… Don’t let us down John…
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:29
Nope, he failed earlier.
Both now in SUDDEN DEATH for the quiz.
I’m out, talk tmrw.
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:17
Is he not the published poet? Maybe it is poetic freedom?
But Admiral, I have to wonder who’s trolling who now…
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:19
I hate to say it, he has been warned, and also on this particular infraction… Deon?
Hammersteyn
September 12, 2013 at 15:21
BOOM fail, noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/ajrXLG1_460sa.gif
Devourer of Small Bunnies
September 12, 2013 at 15:24
Hee hee hee…
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:28
BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAH!
Hammersteyn
September 12, 2013 at 15:31
Trying to make Tanya not feel to bad.
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:38
it’s okay. @timster1033:disqus and John have a showdown tomorrow with the ‘Die 1000 death’s quiz. Will be interesting to see what happens!
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:28
LOVE IT!!!
That Tall Twit
September 12, 2013 at 15:28
*throws an upvote at Hammersteyn*
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 12, 2013 at 15:48
That is the funniest thing I have seen all day.
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:15
But I does not has 5 dollas. Diablo and the Saints tooks all me money…
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:19
Diablo and the Saints tooks all me money… here you awesome person you, have an upvote for that amazing piece of prose!
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:21
Amazing! Thanks!
Gerhard Davids
September 12, 2013 at 15:23
The first rule of Tautology Club is the first rule of Tautology Club
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:25
What is a Tautology precious???
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:26
LOL precious
Gerhard Davids
September 12, 2013 at 15:26
http://bit.ly/swINaU
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:29
…
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:29
0-O
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:32
You are so welcome. But now who are all these people? Getting crowded in here…
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:36
I hear you. What is this world coming to if you cannot even have a quiet conversation with yourself?
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:37
Hell if I know. Coffee??
SaintsRowLee
September 12, 2013 at 15:38
Meh. Why not…
Gerhard Davids
September 12, 2013 at 15:19
Okay Zoe, I think it’s time we arrange some photoshop classes for ya….
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 12, 2013 at 15:20
Lol, you mean @timster1033:disqus, (s)he made it 🙂
Gerhard Davids
September 12, 2013 at 15:23
lol sorry @timster1033:disqus , off still stands though 😉
DOA
September 12, 2013 at 15:26
Thanks for the heads-up 🙂 another awesome bundle bought..
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 12, 2013 at 15:27
WINNAR.
Let me know what you think of FTL!
DarthofZA
September 12, 2013 at 15:48
Not going to bother with this month’s humble bundle… but only because I already own all 6 of those games 😛