Happy Holidays From InXile Entertainment!
The holidays are a time of friends, family, and eating yourself into a food coma. It is also a time where friends and family give thoughtful gifts to those that they love. We here at inXile are feeling the holiday spirit, and we can’t think of anyone we love more than the 63,000 of you that backed Wasteland 2. So that settles it; inXile wants to give all of our backers a great gift this holiday season. Since we are all out of fruitcake and snickerdoodles, we decided the best gift we could give you all was a FREE copy of The Bard’s Tale. You read that right; all of you backers who log into the Ranger Center web portal between now and the end of the year will be able to get a code that will let you download your very own copy of The Bard’s Tale from our friends at Steam.
“What is The Bard’s Tale?” you ask. Good question. Let me tell you. The Bard’s Tale was inXile’s first game (published 2004), and it is a reimagining of the original Bard’s Tale series created by Brian Fargo and Interplay in the mid 1980s. Our remake is a much lighter action RPG than the original, and it is considered by many to be one of the funniest games ever made. The Bard, who is voiced by The Princess Bride’s Cary Elwes, is a sarcastic, reluctant hero who has little interest in saving the world unless there is enough profit in it. We try to turn all the classic RPG clichés upside down in this hilarious tribute to the genre we all love. But don’t just listen to me; here is what some of the critics think:
“The Bard’s Tale is easily the funniest game I’ve ever played, and I’ve played all the funny games out there.” –IGN
“The Bard's Tale earns a full five GiN Gems for their treasure chest, a score that even the sarcastic Bard should not have a problem with.” 5/5 Stars and RPG of the Year – gameindustry.com
To download your free copy from Steam, first log into your account at Ranger Center:
Once there, enter your login information or sign up if you were naughty and haven't done so yet. Under the Account tab, you’ll see “A FREE GIFT - The Bard’s Tale” near the bottom. Click “Get Your Free Download Code”. For more instructions on activating a product on steam, click here.
In other news, we wanted to tell all of our backers about the initial success of our crowd-sourcing experiment that we have set up with the Unity Asset Store. We have had hundreds of requests from fans who want to help us make the game. We obviously don’t have the budget to hire everyone, but we did want to find some clever ways to let people help. Secondly, we are a small team, and the Wasteland is a very big place. The more props we get from the fans, the more time our guys get to spend working on key game-play elements. Well, our good friends at Unity decided to help us accomplish both of these goals by letting us set up a special Wasteland 2 asset submission process. We welcome artists and modelers from around the world to join us and submit their amazing work to be considered for inclusion into the game. All you have to do to participate is find the Wasteland 2: Artist’s Starter Kit in the Unity Asset Store, then visit our site for concept art and more instructions. All assets chosen for inclusion in the game remain the property of the creator and they are free to sell it in the Asset Store. In addition to us buying the asset from the creator, we are providing an “As seen in Wasteland 2” badge that they can display on their item in the store.
The great guys at Penny Arcade spoke with Brian about this plan. Check it out here:
So far, the response to this program has been fantastic. We have dozens of submissions already from the first batch. Below are a couple of examples of our concept art, and the assets that were created by fans.
This crowd-sourcing experiment is in its very early stages, but so far we are very impressed with the artwork being delivered.
Thanks again to all of you, our wonderful backers… and have a great holiday!
inXile entertainment
61,290
Backers
$2,933,252
pledged of $900,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Mar 13, 2012 -
Apr 17, 2012
(35 days)
- 2 created · 25 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: tormentRPG.com
Pledge $15 or more
32778 backers
Digital Downloadable copy of game DRM free for PC or MAC OSX or Linux. This low price only available for those who helped fund. Also your party will start with a unique and quirky skill. (It won't affect game balance.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $30 or more
8828 backers
Previous reward + Downloadable DRM free digital soundtrack by Mark Morgan and digital WASTELAND 2 CONCEPT ART BOOK + Extra Digital Downloadable copy of game DRM free for PC or MAC OSX or Linux + Exclusive Ranger portrait collection + Access to Four episode Video Dev Blog. Also receive a Novella on the Wasteland 2 world created by Chris Avellone.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $50 or more
7967 backers
One digital copy and one full LARGE BOXED COPY OF WASTELAND 2, complete with worn cloth game map and old school instruction book. Also features the digital soundtrack and digital concept art book from previous award. Also receive an early release episodic Novella (Part 1) on the Wasteland 2 world created by Mike Stackpole, a member of the original Wasteland story team. The Novella will give hints and clues being built into the actual Wasteland 2 game. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $55 or more
2274 backers
THE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY ALL DIGITAL PACKAGE! You get one digital copy of the game DRM free for PC, Mac or Linux, digital soundtrack, digital concept art book, episodic novella part 1 and 2, and premiere access to an early playable beta on steam. This comes with no physical goods to help with VAT, duty and shipping costs for our international fans!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $75 or more
1130 backers
$50 pledge + Early release episodic Novella (Part 2) on the Wasteland 2 world created by Mike Stackpole, a NYT bestselling author and member of the original Wasteland team. Also, get PREMIER ACCESS TO AN EARLY PLAYABLE BETA ON STEAM. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $100 or more
5218 backers
Previous reward + COLLECTOR'S EDITION PREMIUM BOXED VERSION which of course contains map and instruction book. But additionally comes with Wasteland miniature, Wasteland 2 faction badge. Also get your name in the credits in a special thanks section. The premium box replaces the standard box but also comes with a digital copy of the game. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $150 or more
407 backers
The $100 reward + a backer-only WASTELAND 2 T-SHIRT. You will get to select between one of four shirts. The T-shirt will not be available anywhere else. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $150 or more
776 backers
The $100 reward + a limited edition numbered collectible coin, a WASTELAND 2 POSTER and one large boxed copy. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $250 or more
1200 backers Limited (300 of 1500 left)
One $150 reward + your boxed collectors edition copy of the game will be AUTOGRAPHED BY BRIAN FARGO, ALAN PAVLISH, MIKE STACKPOLE, CHRIS AVELLONE and other key development team members. You will also receive 2 digital download copies (so you can leave your collectors edition sealed up!) and a lv1 Desert Ranger medal of honor (real metal medal) limited edition collectible. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $500 or more
172 backers Limited (328 of 500 left)
Previous reward + WASTELAND DOOMSDAY PREPARATION SURVIVAL KIT. All your doomsday needs in a themed Wasteland collectible bag. You’ll also receive a lv2 Desert Ranger medal of honor limited edition collectible. (Please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
147 backers Limited (53 of 200 left)
Previous reward + BECOME AN NPC, WEAPON, OR LOCATION in the Wasteland 2 world! We will get your name and (if relevant) a picture of you to add your general likeness to the actual shipped game. Brag to your friends and beg them not to take you out with a Meson Cannon. You’ll also receive 5 digital copies of the game and a lv3 Desert Ranger medal of honor limited edition collectible.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
2 backers Limited (23 of 25 left)
YOU GET TO PLACE A PERSONALIZED COLLECTIBLE ARTIFACT IN OUR WORLD and write its backstory! It could be anything from an engagement ring to a teddy bear. We will have 100 of these rare and semi rare items that can be found throughout the Wasteland 2 world. When collected, all players will learn about the personal touch that you added to the world. You'll also receive a signed Collector's Edition, boxed version and 8 digital copies of the game to do what you'd like with, in addition to a lv4 Desert Ranger medal of honor limited edition collectible. (This does not include NPC/Weapon/Location as well)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
13 backers Limited (12 of 25 left)
BECOME AN NPC, WEAPON, OR LOCATION AND PLACE A PERSONALIZED COLLECTIBLE ARTIFACT IN OUR WORLD and write its backstory! You'll also receive a signed Collector's Edition, boxed version and 10 digital copies of the game to do what you'd like with, in addition to a lv4 Desert Ranger medal of honor limited edition collectible.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
9 backers Limited (6 of 15 left)
Previous reward + We will BUILD A STATUE, in your honor. After getting a picture of you, we will carefully craft this in game statue. You are now forever a part of Wasteland history. At this level, we will also sign and frame actual original concept art from the game. With 30 digital copies of Wasteland 2, you will be a hit with your friends. You will also receive a lv5 Desert ranger medal of honor limited edition collectible and AN EXPLODED BLOOD SAUSAGE Wasteland limited signed and numbered collectible figurine. (for the game, you'll get 1 signed collectors edition and 30 digital copies)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
12 backers Limited (4 of 16 left)
Previous reward + COME TO AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE PARTY hosted by Brian Fargo, Alan Pavlish and other key members of the Wasteland team (must be able to travel to Newport Beach, CA). Talk design, previous works or anything else you’d like to discuss. Also, a shrine in Wasteland 2 will be erected in your honor. You’ll receive 50 copies of the game to do what you want and our deep appreciation. You'll also receive a medal and AN EXPLODED BLOOD SAUSAGE Wasteland limited signed and numbered collectible figurine.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
Comments
Creator Andrew Bangs on April 16
Add me to the list of people that didn't read the update in time. Still, what a great gesture!
Creator Nick Grugin on March 9
Well crap, guess I waited too long to read all of these updates, either way cheers for letting people have a copy of The Bard's Tale, never played it but I am sure it's awesome.
Creator Luis Bermudez on January 12
Bard's Tale is awesome!! Can't believe I didn't notice it before ^_^
Creator Alecry on January 8
I've been behind on these updates. Thank you for The Bard's Tale; it's a pleasant surprise :)
Creator JD on January 8
Nooooo! Wish I'd seen this update sooner, would've loved a copy of the game! Nice thought though, thanks :)
Creator Teemu Valkama on January 8
These crowd-sourced assets look really toony to me. In the watertanks the scale seems to be off when comparing to the reference. There's also something wonky going on with the smoothing groups of the tank on the left.
Sorry for the whine. Just hoping for a less toony game.
Creator Andrea Campanini on January 5
any chance to find someday The Bard's Tale stuff on GOG.com??.......
Creator Don Reba on December 27
Amazingly, the game runs great even on integrated Intel 4 Series graphics.
Creator Ricardo de Jong on December 26
I would like to thank you for the bards tale (already had the game on the consoles) but a pc version is always nice too! :D
Creator Ross on December 24
Thank you for Bard's Tale. Now I've got something to chew on for a bit while I'm waiting for Wasteland 2.
I love the idea of being able to help for the game. However, I'm an amature composer, not an artist. Any chance us musicians can help out with the game? I'd love to contribute.
Creator Ogre Jehosephatt on December 24
Man, this is such a nice surprise. I always wanted to play it, but I never got around to picking it up. Thank you so much. You all are some classy folks.
Creator Andrew Tyler Bowen on December 23
Can any one tell me is Bards Tale will run on a laptop? intel i5 integrated graphics not a dedicated card.
Creator Gnavin on December 23
Thank you very much for The Bard's Tale! I tried it once, back in the day, but never got far enough in to properly enjoy it.
I have a friend who is looking for modelling and art work, and I'll pass this link on to him. On the offchance he'd like to contact you to ask questions about any specifics, is there anywhere he can mail you?
Creator Daniel Yañez on December 23
Thanks a lot!
Creator Ed Hale on December 22
Awesome! Thanks!
Creator Joakim on December 22
Exclusively on steam? Then screw it... partner with gog instead!
Creator Nohurtme on December 22
Happy Holidays everyone! Thanks for the great gift, I've been meaning to get Bards Tale for quite some time. You guys are great!
Creator harborpirate on December 22
What a great update, and an outstanding gift to boot! This sort of thing is exactly the reason I love backing games on Kickstarter; the sense of camaraderie and goodwill between developer and backer is something special that you just don't get through any normal pre-order system. I only wish I had more to donate to this project. Thanks again, guys. Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Creator Sean Long on December 21
All this awesome, AND a Christmas gift? Huzzah!! You guys are the best!
Creator David R on December 21
Great gift guys thank you very much!! Happy holidays to the whole team.
Creator Lars Møller on December 21
I'm extremely impressed by your generosity! Thank you very much - I'm installing it as I write this! :-)
Creator Anton Kolenkov on December 21
Thanks! That was completely unexpected but very pleasant surprise!
Happy Holidays!
Creator Shatterbrain on December 21
Thanks! Is there any chance you could offer it on gog.com instead?
Creator Ben Odis on December 21
Nice! Thanks & Happy Holidays!
Creator Ruinous on December 21
Thanks!
Creator British on December 21
So much for people that don't want to have anything to do with Steam...
Creator Mario on December 21
Only commenting to say Thanks!
Creator Fernando Duarte on December 21
Thanks a mil for this great gift! However, as any good gamer would have done, I had already bought the Android version a couple months ago (for dirt cheap too, one of the greatest buy ever made on Android!)
Again, thanks a mil!
Creator Andrew Penrose on December 21
Cheers for the gift! Always wanted to play Bard's Tale just never did. Merry Christmas to all at InXile.
Creator Mikael Abrahamsson on December 20
Thank you all! Last time I played Bard's Tale was on my C64! Happy xmas to you all at InXile and all the rest.
Creator Trister - OO's Tormented Master Wetboy on December 20
thanks for this. have to say that what you guys are doing is very encouraging.
Creator Phil Jefferson on December 20
Wow, thanks very much!
Creator Hmm-Hmm. on December 20
A very happy christmas and year's ending to all of you at InXile (and all you fellow backers)!
Creator Shmee on December 20
Awesome! This is on my list of games that I have always wanted to play but keep forgetting about! Now I will be able to give it a try.
Creator Meynadier L. on December 20
Wow! Thank's a lot for this all famous Bard's Tale I never could find for my Amiga.
Really thank's for InXile Santa Claus!
Creator Pysiu on December 20
i was thinking what to write for 2 minutes already so i will just go with
THANK YOU
Creator Edmondo Tommasina on December 20
I'm impressed and thanks for everything you are giving and doing. Backing this project was a great choice and I'm proud of you. Thanks.
Creator David Carson on December 20
Damn, you didn't mention that the original Bard's Tale trilogy were in there too. I just fired up Bard's Tale 3 and nearly fell off my chair in an attack of nostalgia. That was the first CRPG I ever played, on the C64 back in '88 or '89 I guess.
Creator Andrew C on December 20
That's a great Yule gift, thank you!
Creator Alexander Behling on December 20
Wow! Thank you very much for this nice gift. I remember playing The Bard's Tale on my Atari ST back in the good old days...
Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Creator Giovanni Manca on December 20
You are heroes of the videogame industry. I'm glad to see the work of the fans for 3D models: it's very good, I'd say: professional.
Good Holidays, inXile!
Creator Rafael Lopes Vivian on December 20
*sigh*
I need to be the ungrateful bastard here... why Steam of all places?
Also these images you're posting in some recent updates are too wide for email (they break the formatting of the email).
Creator Poul Grym on December 20
Thanks you! Happy Holidays!
Creator Andrew Zizzo on December 20
Wow- Many Thanks!!
Creator Trym Tegler on December 20
Thank you for the gift, InXile.
Creator Dominique Roumégous on December 20
Thank you very much for the gift.
Merry Christmas and happy new year.
And last but not least, wonderful job from the community.
Creator Paul Laska on December 20
Thank you very much for the Christmas gift! Just in time for my week off, now I can go defeat Mangar again, and enjoy all the goodness all over again. ;-D
Creator Stephen Bernal on December 20
This is one of the more awesome updates from any studios I've seen.
Creator Malnara on December 20
Big thanks for our Christmas gift :D !
Creator William Mc on December 20
You guys are the best! Merry Christmas!