Remember Xcom?
by Kevin · in Jobs · 03/27/2009 (11:45 pm) · 5 replies
Looking for a team to entirely remake the visual graphics of xcom with me. I'm currently in the process of attempting acquisition of the IP rights to the original game, and then based on a massive re-release of the hit game Xcom ufo defense/Xcom enemy unknown, globaly, a company can emerge with the credentials and talent to actually pick up where this amazing series left off. This game died before it's prime, only because of a lack in the industry. Considering the fact that more than 200,000 homes still own and play this game, as well as over 450,000 fan sites established since it's first release in 1994. Many of these fansites are still in operation today, and most of them are still updating new content as of late last year. The game is still very much alive, it just desperately needs today's technology integrated into it, then re-released for public awe.
The goal is simple. The game will remain almost IDENTICAL to how it was in 1994, as of gameplay and features. Aside from revamping the world into a 3D spectrum. The original research and development, layouts, and overall interface of the game as well as graphics will be updated to a more up-to-date look using the tech of today to make it seem like something they just released. Thus leaving the game's originality in-tact and it's fans amazed. The new look and feel will invite the new fans of tomorrow, and the game will, once again, make history.
I am in need of people of all talents for this movement. The pay is contract, and will be paid out once the game is released. As you consider this job offer, knowing that the pay won't come until the game sells, try to remember that when Xcom first released, it's first year raked in millions in sales. The game was so successful that it ended up landing 6 sequels, as well as 2 that never made it to release, and not to mention the altered renditions of the series in other games such as UFE aftermath, UFO aftershock, UFO afterlight, rebelstar tactical command, UFO extraterrestials, UFO alien invasion, the free version being UFO2000 which held many similar qualities of the original 1994 release, and of course the fabled but canceled freedom ridge...and that was over 10 years ago in a 2D age.
Basically what I am after, is exactly what the original authors wanted for xcom, a 3D version of the original xcom. Where we go from here, is up to mankind. So if this sounds like something you might be interested in or might like to be a part of, email me with XCOM in the subject so I know it's not junk.
The goal is simple. The game will remain almost IDENTICAL to how it was in 1994, as of gameplay and features. Aside from revamping the world into a 3D spectrum. The original research and development, layouts, and overall interface of the game as well as graphics will be updated to a more up-to-date look using the tech of today to make it seem like something they just released. Thus leaving the game's originality in-tact and it's fans amazed. The new look and feel will invite the new fans of tomorrow, and the game will, once again, make history.
I am in need of people of all talents for this movement. The pay is contract, and will be paid out once the game is released. As you consider this job offer, knowing that the pay won't come until the game sells, try to remember that when Xcom first released, it's first year raked in millions in sales. The game was so successful that it ended up landing 6 sequels, as well as 2 that never made it to release, and not to mention the altered renditions of the series in other games such as UFE aftermath, UFO aftershock, UFO afterlight, rebelstar tactical command, UFO extraterrestials, UFO alien invasion, the free version being UFO2000 which held many similar qualities of the original 1994 release, and of course the fabled but canceled freedom ridge...and that was over 10 years ago in a 2D age.
Basically what I am after, is exactly what the original authors wanted for xcom, a 3D version of the original xcom. Where we go from here, is up to mankind. So if this sounds like something you might be interested in or might like to be a part of, email me with XCOM in the subject so I know it's not junk.
#2
03/28/2009 (6:29 pm)
@Kevin: What I would do is duplicate the gameplay mechanics using either programmer art or other art so that you don't create a row over IP. Then, you can approach the people who you need to get the rights from, and they'll be more inclined to make a deal with you, because you can at that point demonstrate that you got what it takes. Otherwise, they tend to look at it in the lens that if you fail and they had to turn someone else down, then they lost out. Plus, it gets your project going faster while you wait without exposing yourself to legalities, and if you don't get the rights, you're close to making a game like you wanted anyway, and then you can finish it and make the money regardless. Hope that helps. 
#3
XCOM is a complex IP minefield.
The other issue is that XCOM brilliance is all the balancing of the units. Julian has a particular knack for it, don't underestimate how even the slightest mistake will just leave you with the many flawed imitations.
I'd take Ted advise, unless you have *serious* money to be able to buy the XCOM IP in cash, I'd concentrate on making a game with the vital features but without the name. Once you have a working game, getting the license might be easier.
BTW Rebel Star Tactical Command is not a XCOM clone. They wrote Rebel Star before XCOM (XCOM is really a Rebel Star clone ;) ) and still had control of the IP so updated it for GBA.
Dreamland Chronicles - Freedom Ridge was a 3D 'spiritual successor' of XCOM, rather than a actual sequal because of the complexity of the IP issues.
FWIW I worked at Mythos on Dreamlands
03/29/2009 (2:38 am)
IANALXCOM is a complex IP minefield.
The other issue is that XCOM brilliance is all the balancing of the units. Julian has a particular knack for it, don't underestimate how even the slightest mistake will just leave you with the many flawed imitations.
I'd take Ted advise, unless you have *serious* money to be able to buy the XCOM IP in cash, I'd concentrate on making a game with the vital features but without the name. Once you have a working game, getting the license might be easier.
BTW Rebel Star Tactical Command is not a XCOM clone. They wrote Rebel Star before XCOM (XCOM is really a Rebel Star clone ;) ) and still had control of the IP so updated it for GBA.
Dreamland Chronicles - Freedom Ridge was a 3D 'spiritual successor' of XCOM, rather than a actual sequal because of the complexity of the IP issues.
FWIW I worked at Mythos on Dreamlands
#4
My email is alastor2000@hotmail.com
I didn't post it because I'm totally new to this whole forum style classifieds...it used to respond directly to email when you clicked on apply. Either way, I do thank you for the advice.
03/29/2009 (12:21 pm)
I truly appreciate the advice, thanks guys.My email is alastor2000@hotmail.com
I didn't post it because I'm totally new to this whole forum style classifieds...it used to respond directly to email when you clicked on apply. Either way, I do thank you for the advice.
#5
I am a 3d artist. I can help out with the project. If this were a paid contract position I would compete fiercely for the position as lead artist. However, I can only lend a hand as my free time permits. Send me an email. I'll help out when I can.
04/01/2009 (11:17 pm)
Excellent game. The gameplay was stellar. There is so much room for improvement. Such as the economy, the intercept ship scenario, and ground action. I have been a fan of xcom since it's release and have used the game as a gameplay reference in many discussions.I am a 3d artist. I can help out with the project. If this were a paid contract position I would compete fiercely for the position as lead artist. However, I can only lend a hand as my free time permits. Send me an email. I'll help out when I can.
Torque Owner David Mac