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The Crowdfund Watch: July

Four interesting crowdfund campaigns caught our eye in July.

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After a bit of a hiatus due in part to E3 and part vacations the Crowdfund Watch returns. This month we'll take a look at some current campaigns and as we don't have any campaigns to follow up since last month that is the extent of this month's article. Next month we'll follow up on these campaigns and look a new ones.

Shadow of the Eternals (PC, Wii U)
Precursor Games
Kickstarter page
$157,175 of $750,000

The Crowdfund Watch: July

Precursor Games are back with a retooled campaign and a reworked game pitch. Instead of proposing a game that is divided in 12 episodes Shadow of the Eternals is now a 8-10 hour long action-adventure (with a proper ending). The Canadian developer is now also asking for far less money ($750,000 compared to $1,500,000), thanks to funding found elsewhere. It's a familiar proposition - a spiritual successor to a critically acclaimed game (Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem). It's also one of few Kickstarters that promises Wii U support.

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Outlook: Having failed once the second attempt is always going to struggle with perception. Perhaps the value proposed here is enough to win over much needed new supporters, but the relatively small sum asked for is probably going to create some scepticism as well. Juste or not, Precursor Games carries the stigma of Silicon Knights on its back - and it has to be said that they haven't handled that bagage well. The inclusion of PS4 support as a stretch goal could potentially be key to a late rally.

Chroma Squad (Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, PC)
Behold Studios
Kickstarter page
$43,556 of $55,000

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Brazilian indie outfit Behold Studios have shown affinity for pixels, nostalgia and humour. The makers of Knights of Pen & Paper take to Kickstarter for their next game - Chroma Squad - a game where you manage a studio that is making sentai TV shows - you hire staff, buy equipment and build great entertainment in this tactical turnbased simulation.

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Outlook: Behold Studios have a solid group of followers and the campaign is well on track for its modest target. While no stretch goals are announced, there is mention of Ouya, PS4 and Xbox One support down the line.

Precinct (Mac, PC)
Jim Walls
Kickstarter page
$67,584 of $500,000

The Crowdfund Watch: July

The creator of the original Police Quest has taken to Kickstarter in an effort to fund Precinct - a game that looks to build on the Police Quest concept, but giving it a few modern twists. Once again emphasis is on realism. "Precinct takes players on a police adventure as officer Maxwell Jones in the corrupt town of Fraser Canyon, CA. Starting out as a rookie and then moving up the ranks, players face adrenaline charged scenarios and conduct real police procedures while solving crimes and arresting perpetrators."

Outlook: It's not looking great for Precinct as the campaign has stalled with 19 days remaining. There may be enough time to turn things around, but this is a campaign that relies heavily on nostalgia (and very little in terms of actual gameplay video and proof of concept).

Satellite Reign (Linux, Mac, PC)
5 Lives Studios
Kickstarter page
£446,139 of £350,000

The Crowdfund Watch: July

Spiritual successor are certainly popular on Kickstarter and Satellite Reign looks to follow in the footsteps of Syndicate and perhaps more specifically Syndicate Wars as its creator Mike Diskett is one of the key members of the 5 Lives Studios team. A top down class-based strategy game with tactical combat, player choice, and industrial espionage.

Outlook: Already overfunded Satellite Reign looks set for an interesting journey towards the proposed release date of December 2014. Clearly there is a lot of work to be done, but with a bit of extra funding let's hope this game can live up to its potential.

That's it for July's Crowdfund Watch. Check back at the end of July for a follow up on these projects and a look at a selection of new campaigns.



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