Download Prototype here!

Overview

     Dots is a throwback to more simple times where gaming was about surviving the next wave of enemies and achieving the highest score you possibly could. Thus, anyone can easily pick this game up and enjoy it for a few minutes or hours at a time. There is no long story, complicated plots, or drawn out missions to complete. It’s only you and an army of enemies to kill.

     You might ask where the inspiration for a game with the player and enemies as simple circles on a screen popped up? Well, inspiration can come from many strange sources. A little over a year ago, I saw a commercial for NFL.com's fantasy football. They were advertising a new ability to watch live video instead of watching dots move on the screen. This got me thinking, “You know, all there really is to a shooter is a bunch of points moving around the screen shooting at other points represented by a sprite or 3D model.” I thought that could be a cool take on a game.

     This project originally began as my senior project for college. When the school had its end-of-semester Capstone Event, I showcased my work to great reviews. There was even one person who said it was the best game they played all month. This has inspired me to take what is basically a prototype and expand on the idea.

     While words are fun, they can't truly speak for a game. To convince you of this, I have the first level of the prototype up and ready for anyone with a PC to download, install, and play so you will hopefully decide to help fund my goal.

What getting funded can add:

     You might be asking, “If you already have this game, why do you need funding?”

     Well I am glad you asked because I'm about to tell you. Here are a few of the things that getting this project funded will mean:

• At a minimum 10 new levels that are more complex and interesting

• A sound designer so it can have sound effects and a musical score

• An endless game mode

• Even larger array of enemies

• More playable classes

• A commercial release of this game.

Technology:

     For this game I will be using Microsoft's XNA framework meaning this is a PC game only. With that said, if you look at the stretch rewards you should notice if I receive enough funding I will put in the time to make this game for Mac's and Linux users also.

    This game will be playable with Mouse and Keyboard, Controller, or just a Keyboard.

Rewards

     I wanted to give out some great rewards, but, unfortunately, it can be pretty expensive. So, instead of jacking up my goal to something that might not be attainable, I have decided to give rewards that allow you to directly participate in the creation of this game either through creation of an enemy or level or through your feedback from beta testing. This isn't going to just be my game, it will be our game.

Stretch Rewards

$15,000

      Mac and Linux versions.

$10,000

      Include an online, competitive multiplayer mode.

$7,500

      Include an online co-op mode.

Restrictions(for those who donate $250 or more)

     For those who donate enough to create content that will be included in the game, I have a few restrictions on what you are allowed to create. This isn't because I am a mean 'old' man, but because it is important for game balance, flow, and theme. Disrupt one of those and you can ruin the whole experience for people. I want to be up front with what these restrictions are so there’s no surprise “No, I will not do that.”

First off, a quick legal notice:

     By donating enough to reach the $250, $500, or $1000, reward you are agreeing to give Evan Combs the right to use your creation in the Dots video game and any current or future Dots related material, including but not limited to marketing material, website, and subsequent Dots games.

     This just means you can't sue me if I use your material, but you still own the rights to your created material.

Enemy and Player restrictions:

• Must be able to balance within the game. Can't make anything that is obviously over powered, with no way to nerf it without ruining the idea.

• Cannot be vulgar or obscene. Basically, if it can't be on public television during the day, it isn't going to be in this game.

Level restrictions:

• Same restrictions as enemies.

• Must also be beatable. There must be an end point.

     I will work with you to create something that is fitting and works within the game. I don't plan on hanging you out to dry to defend for yourself just to tell you later that I can't use it for whatever reason.