Biweekly Update #1: 7/23/12
Happy Monday, LSL1 backers. Josh Mandel here to cover the current events. I’ve committed to writing updates for you on a biweekly basis at a minimum, even if there’s nothing dramatic to report.
Speaking of drama, let’s address the elephant in the room: our switch from Adventure Mob to N-Fusion. I won’t revisit the details, nor address arguments that’ve been made in forums and message boards around the gaming community, but I want to mention that the decisions not to go with Adventure Mob and to go, instead, with N-Fusion were made independently weeks apart. This was not a case of N-Fusion offering a better deal and an abrupt abandonment of one for the other. Paul Trowe, Al Lowe, and I agreed unanimously in both cases, and we agreed on the need to separate from Adventure Mob well before we agreed that N-Fusion was very well suited to accomplish our goals for the game. That’s all I feel comfortable talking about publicly, at least for the time being.Al and I have finished the redesign of the game. This includes the new locations and the new female character (her name, it can now be told, is Jasmine, and that name is not merely incidental). But we’ve also redesigned many of the other puzzles. In some cases, Al identified puzzle sequences that he had always felt could use improvement; in other cases, we agreed together that there would be ways to handle a given puzzle sequence either more logically, more entertainingly, or both. We were careful not to stray too far from the source material because we still want the game to feel like the game you’ve played before. But we also didn’t want original players to be able to blow through the game effortlessly.
Another thing we’ve done is worked in a couple parodies of popular games. It’s always been one of Al’s trademarks to include in his games sly tips-of-the-hat to other games. For instance, the Larry games have always included references to other Sierra game series (a problem for us now, given the rights issues), and those of you who remember our last co-design, Freddy Pharkas, Frontier Pharmacist, will recall the parody of Lemmings as envisioned with snails. We’ve done the same with the LSL1 redesign, but even though the game takes place in the ‘80s, we’ve updated the games we’re parodying for modern audiences. (Don’t worry, there are no arcade sequences in our LSL1 redesign. The original LSL1 didn’t have them, and neither will this remake.)
For my part, I’ve been spending copious amounts of time writing in-game messages related to the inventory items in the game. That’s something I can do independent of artwork. So I have my immense spreadsheet of inventory items (there are far more items in the remake than in the original) and have been doing what I love to do most of all: rewarding exploration. There’s an interesting article related to this on the Adventure Gamers website; read it at http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/21824.
On the topic of artwork, I’ve asked the artists at N-Fusion to plan now to create what I refer to as “Skirvins.” Bil Skirvin was one of the artists on many of the Larry games (and Art Director on the LSL1-VGA remake), and he occasionally worked into the backgrounds shapes that are, perhaps, best described as “subtly lewd.” I want the new Larry to maintain this tradition and, if possible, improve on it; gamers these days are very used to finding hidden objects, so I think that kind of exploration also deserves reward, even if it’s as passive part of your gaming experience (no, you won’t be able to click on them and get twinkly particle effects and a note in your mystery-keeper’s journal).
By the time another two weeks rolls around, I think I’ll have a lot more to talk about and show you. For now, N-Fusion is simply getting their minds wrapped around our perverse little project here, and I do plan to ask them to start joining in on the conversations on the Replay Games forum as well.
My name is Josh Mandel, and I approve this message.
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- First created · 4 backed
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- Website: allowe.com
Pledge $5 or more
42 backers
A 5-pack of full HD wallpapers in 1920x1080 resolution of "the girls of Leisure Suit Larry" (plus one of Larry himself). We're using final art for these so that's why we're estimating delivery in August BUT that date might be earlier or later depending on when the final art is available. Enjoy!!!!
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $15 or more
8551 backers
Digital Copy of Game: For a pledge of $15, when Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards: Reloaded is finished, we’ll send you an incredibly personal, deeply heartfelt download link (via Steam or DRM free version) so that you can get the game instantly. It’s the same way you probably get ALL your games…only this time, it’s legal!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $25 or more
1754 backers
Game plus: For a $25 pledge, when the game ships, you’ll receive a handcrafted download link to the complete digital musical soundtrack. Warning: we are not responsible for the theme music getting stuck in your head. But we do sympathize. Plus, you’ll get the $15 reward tier as well: a digital copy of the game.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $40 or more
803 backers
Game, Music, and a Shirt: A $40 dollar pledge gets you digital copies of the game and soundtrack plus a specially designed t-shirt, exclusive to Kickstarter backers. We’ve all visited Lefty’s Bar in the past, and now we’ll have the t-shirt to prove it. (Please add $15 dollars for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $50 or more
558 backers
Game premium: A $50 pledge gets you a PDF file, suitable for printing (or wrapping fish), of “The Art of Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded,” a book of production drawings, concept art, and high-res game art used to re-erect Leisure Suit Larry for the new millennium. The usual adjectives are “lavish,” “fine art quality,” and “gorgeous,” we just weren’t sure where to stick them. Plus you’ll get all previous reward tiers!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $75 or more
280 backers
Alpha & Beta testing: At the $75 pledge level, this is where you start to become actually involved in the game’s development. You’ll have access to the beta versions of the game, so that you can respond to us with praise, suggestions, praise, compliments, complaints, praise, bug reports, and great joy and gratitude. Plus you’ll get all previous reward tiers: the digital copy of the (finished) game, the digital edition of the soundtrack, and the PDF of “The Art of Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded.”
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $100 or more
1338 backers
Collector’s Edition: For a pledge of $100, we start to add to our careful selection of premiums with mindless gibbering gratitude. We’ll custom-mail you (whatever that means) an actual physical game and game box, PLUS an actual CD of the soundtrack of the game, PLUS a softcover version of the Art of Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded art book, PLUS something Sierra would NEVER have put in the box: an actual Leisure Suit Larry™ Brand Condom. Don’t scream, it’s still in its wrapper. Plus you’ll get all the previous reward tiers, too! (please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $150 or more
339 backers
Lefty's Bar Pack: For $150 dollars, you'll get all the items necessary to survive inside Lefty's. We're including one shot glass from Lefty's, and four matching coasters to go with it. In addition, we're giving you some spicy cinnamon breath spray to ensure you're in a fresh state to woo the ladies. And in case you strike out, we've included a one of a kind "reveal" pen featuring a lovely lady from the reloaded version of the game. This plus all previous reward tiers! (Please add $15 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $250 or more
94 backers
Collector’s Premium Edition: A pledge of $250 gets you all these special collectibles: A deck of Leisure Suit Larry playing cards featuring the characters from the game instead of the usual nameless royalty, and 3 gorgeous, ceramic Leisure Suit Larry Casino Chips (guaranteed to get you thrown out of any casino in Vegas). PLUS you’ll get all the previous reward tiers, including the Larry Condom, the softcover Art Book, the physical game, box, and soundtrack CD, access to the beta version, and on and on and on. What are we, crazy? (please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $500 or more
83 backers
Signed Edition: Our $500 pledge “Signed Edition” should really be called our “Descent Into Madness Edition.” You will get a limited HARDCOVER edition of “The Art of Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded,” SIGNED by Al Lowe (with his OTHER hand!). AND you will get “Special Thanks” in the actual game credit. That’s right, your name will be right up there in pixels! AND you will get a sheet of 20 authentic, collectible Leisure Suit Larry 1st Class postage stamps. These are actual, legal, US gubbmint-approved stamps which you can use to send letters. Hey, remember letters? They were things you sent in the mail. Hey, remember mail? Plus, you’ll get all the previous reward tiers! (please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $750 or more
20 backers All gone!
Larrywood's Walk of Shame Edition: For each of our 20 $750 pledgers, we're creating a Larrywood Walk of Shame. We'll be putting your name into the game -- not just in the credits, but engraved on its own individual star set into the sidewalk somewhere in beautiful Lost Wages! (We reserve the right to let Larry or the Narrator make some kind of comment about it when he finds it, just in case your name itself isn't very funny.) And, of course, you'll get everything from the lower tiers as well. Note: these stars will ONLY be available at this tier, not at any of the higher tiers! So grab 'em while we've got 'em!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
42 backers Limited (8 of 50 left)
Limited Edition: There is no possible way to set a price on all the collectibles you get at the $1000 pledge level. (Oops, we just did.) We are striking 50, and only 50, signed and numbered lithographs of custom Larry artwork. For a $1000 pledge, you will receive one of these 50 signed/numbered lithographs, PLUS one of a limited edition (again, only 50) “Girls of Leisure Suit Larry” calendars, again with custom artwork, and again numbered and signed by Al Lowe. The calendars and lithographs are available at this tier only, not in any of the other tiers! You’ll also receive all the premiums from all the previous reward tiers! What a bonanza! (please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $1,100 or more
2 backers All gone!
Lizard’s Edition: At the $1,100 pledge level, you’ll get one of two gigantic, durable, limousine-sized Leisure Suit Larry banners. Two is all we have, and we’re not making any more, so don’t even ask. These banners are signed by Al Lowe, and each contains an exclusive typo that makes it highly unlikely that anybody can (or would ever want to) duplicate them! These banners will not be available at any other tier! Plus, of course, you’ll also receive all the premiums from the Signed Edition tier and below…because we care. (please add $20 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $1,250 or more
4 backers Limited (1 of 5 left)
Pervert’s Edition: So let’s say you want to pledge $2,500, but you can’t see yourself ever setting foot in a disco, real or virtual. We can’t blame you for that, but we’ll still make you famous. One of Larry’s most memorable scenes is when he attempts to buy a “lubber” at a convenience store, and the customers jump out from behind the aisles and scream “Pervert!” at poor, demented Larry. We’ll make YOUR face into one of those pervert-yelling patrons! You’ll also receive all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $2,500 or more
1 backer All gone!
Doggie Style Edition: Here’s another hypothetical: you’d love to be in the game, but you’re really more of a dog person than a disco-dweller or a pervert-shouter. We’ve got you covered! For a $5,000 pledge, we’ll immortalize your dog in the game. Whenever Larry gets…uh…refreshed by the dog outside, that’ll be YOUR dog! (Please, oh please, let it be a Shih Tzu!) You’ll also receive all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below, because why should your dog have all the fun? (please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $2,500 or more
2 backers All gone!
Drunk's Edition: Here is another option for the $5,000 pledge. There are two featured drunks in Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards, and you can be one of them! We’ll use your name and image to recreate you as a down-on-your-luck, staggering, sloppy drunk…and knowing you, that’ll be a cinch for our artists. You’ll also receive all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below. Maybe you could sell some of those collectibles and get a fresh start?
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
4 backers All gone!
Lefty's Bar Edition: For a pledge of $5,000, you can be a patron at the bar that Destructoid called the #1 bar in all video game history! We’ll use your name and image as one of the drinkers at Lefty’s, sitting right there on your very own stool, an “honor” previously reserved for Sierra employees only. You’ll not only become a part of Sierra history, you’ll also receive all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below. (please add $15 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
2 backers Limited (4 of 6 left)
Disco Edition: For a $5,000 pledge, we’ll make you part of gaming history…by putting you into the game itself!!!! (So if you haven’t hidden the kids yet, now’s the time.) We will feature your name and likeness as one of the people in the Lost Wages disco. We are only going to turn 6 of the disco patrons into Kickstarter pledgers, so this is a VERY limited offer and will not be available in any other pledge reward tier. You will also receive all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
1 backer All gone!
Naked Edition: Another alternative reward for a $5,000 pledge, and this is truly one-of-a-kind; only one pledger will be able to claim this reward. You can be the broke gambler wandering the streets of Lost Wages wearing nothing but a barrel! We will use your name and image as the Barrel Man (or Woman), and we promise not to show any of the naughty bits (“unless,” as Kathy Bates always says, “the script really calls for it organically”). You will also get all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Age Verification Edition: Here’s our last unique pledge, and then we’ll shut up about the unique pledges and start talking real money. At the beginning of the game, we have famously used a bank of random questions called the “Age Verification” quiz to keep out players too young -- or too tasteful -- to play. We will use YOUR NAME in the bank of quiz questions. You will end up in every walk-through in every gaming website across the world! This is a one-of-a-kind offer; only one person will be able to claim this reward. Plus, you will get all the premiums from the Signed Edition reward tier and below!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $10,000 or more
1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)
No Free Lunch Edition: For $10,000, we’ll create a memory that will last a lunchtime. You will be flown (domestic airfare only) to Seattle to enjoy lunch, dinner, or a morning-after breakfast with Leisure Suit Larry’s Mommy’s Baby Daddy, Mr. Al Lowe himself. He’ll sign whatever you want him to sign (except IRS forms and blank checks), answer all your questions about life, tell you some dirty jokes, and, best of all, he’ll do something that he’s never done before in the history of the world: he’ll pick up the check! We’ll put you up overnight and send you back home happy, fed, and loaded down with all the goodies from the Signed Edition reward tier and below. We’ll even give you the entire chocolate factory for your very own…oh, wait a minute, that’s a whole different licensed property.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
Comments
Creator Roman on August 6, 2012
Dear Josh,
thanks for the work on the project. I hope you get to do all you want to do. I have recently played a great adventure game - "The Longest Journey" - and while it was great, it specifically suffered from all the problems described in the Adventure Gamers, and lacked what you say you're doing - rewarding exploration. My favorite parts in adventure games are the ways in which things go wrong (Larry getting flattened by a taxi, for instance).
I still remember the awe when I first fired up a text adventure "Sherlock Holmes", and in it I could, playing as Watson, pick up a gun and actually shoot Holmes (and get arrested by Lestrade: "Said 'elementary' too many times, Watson?"). I wish adventure games allowed for more 'incorrect' interaction, especially with the items and the feedback on various actions (e.g. "You hit the bystander with a dildo. Aside from that new black eye, you ain't an inch closer to your goal" instead of "No, can't do that" or action not being possible).
Finally, I'd like to address the issue of time that some people discussed above. No good game has been done fast. All the best games take a lot of time, many years to complete. Valve and its Half Life series is a notorious example, but others are a plenty. The more time is spent on adding additional interactions and debugging the engine, the better. Quite possibly setting an early release date was a mistake; I'd rather you make this mistake than rushing the game to release (again, I'd expect it to be done in October "Valve time", which is not this year).
The "I am an investor, and you aren't transparent!" rants have already been adressed by Riggo above.
Other than that, I hope people realize that the game needs a brand new engine, and after that the development cycle will shorten; most of LucasArts games run on SCUMM, most of Sierra adventures ran on the same engine if I recall correctly.
Creator eXoScoriae on August 3, 2012
Riggo - what you are forgetting is that this project was "in the works" for over a year before this kickstarter. There was an article about it that showed off the same walk animations and backgrounds announcing that work had begun on the game. That was the primary reason I was skeptical when 12 months rolls by and suddenly they are asking for my money to make the game and there had been no visible progress in that year.
And second, I didn't say that studios were making their games in 6 months. My point is that many of them already had the game to a playable state (just lacking assets like sound/voices, proper animations, etc) BEFORE they came to kickstarter. Reason being, not many people will invest in the idea of a game, they want to see something about it first. These guys however banked their whole kickstarter on familiarity with the Leisure Larry License and the involvement of Al Lowe, and art assets that are no longer relevant to the project.
As far as "worshipping Paul" posts, they are there, just not as blatant as I make them sound.
Creator Riggo on July 31, 2012
@Anthony... I have yet to see a I worship Paul post. I think those may be deferred until this project meets or exceeds all expectations. :-P
I have yet to see a GOOD PC game that gets designed and built in 6 months (Hell, even the bad ones tend to take a year). You need to introduce me to those developers and I would like to become their manager.
Creator eXoScoriae on July 30, 2012
@RoyMartin - it doesn't takes 6 months to add a new girl and a room or two. Entire games get designed in time frames like that.
All 'negativity' is in response to negative news. No one here is making this crap up.
Creator eXoScoriae on July 30, 2012
seems there are four types of people involved here. The "I gave money and therefor I refuse to believe this can be anything but awesome", the "I reserve all judgement for later, in spite of any fiasco's that have cropped up this far", the "paul's antics and strange progression of this project has me skeptical/annoyed/pissed/whatever", and the "I backed this and have no idea what is going on because I simply dont care until the game comes out"
I happen to be in the crowd that judges things as they happen. I do not worship paul because he got some guys who some of you believe to be demi-gods together. Al is a really nice guy and easy going. I don't know much about Josh (beyond his resume), but personality-wise he seems legit as well. Every negative thing that has happened so far directly relates to Paul or a decision that was made before Al and Josh were involved (ie: under Paul).
I find it ignorant to have such blind find in Paul. For those who criticize me and my fellow skeptics, then you are simply ignoring the multitude of evidence so far that this project has not been run well.
That does not mean this game has no chance of being good, it simply means it has not been a great ride so far.
And we are simply talking about a remake here. Other projects have higher (and lower) budgets on brand new IP's, and they are delivering around the same time (or even before) as this project. Even sadder? This project was announced a good year or so before this kickstarter was ever formed.
What in the world was accomplished in that year? They apparently hired a group in Tel Aviv who, according to them, just turned around and hired another group... and beyond that ... no idea. That is an amazingly poor use of a year.
I was tongue-in-cheek when i asked for my money back. I'm only out $15. if the game sucks, oh well. If it is great, then I'll gladly eat crow and realize that even though Paul drives a ratty-ass ship, he can deliver in the end. However I will still wonder if the project succeeded because of Paul or in spite of him.
Creator Riggo on July 25, 2012
+1 Roy.
Anyone who read cock clouds into that update without getting the rest of the picture definitely needs to re-read the update. I thought that update was exactly what everyone wanted the updates to be.
Creator RoyMartin on July 25, 2012
@Keto - I disagree with some of the things you say here.
1. About the design doc being "redone" after the project is funded: They reached their stretch goals to include new puzzles, more story and even a new girl in the game. Of course they have to rewrite the design doc. Isn't that a good thing?
2. We haven't seen much more than a couple of screen-shots from N-fusion yet. Why not withhold judgement till we know what the game will look like?
3. The game was delayed because they're making it bigger. Also a good thing, which almost everyone understands. This has happened to almost all the Kickstarters I've backed, and obviously I'd much rather have a great game than a rushed one.
4. Updates about "Skirvins": First of all, Josh has now started updating us bi-weekly. This is the first update, and I liked hearing about the Skirvins. The previous Larry-games had them. Of course we will get animations and screen-shots in future updates.
5. Yes, there has been some bad PR. I thought this was a positive update and a step in the right direction, and Josh has promised to do this every two weeks, at least.
Why not ease up on the negativity, give Josh & Al some time to make the game. If you're not happy with the result, THEN you can complain all you want.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 25, 2012
@keto The only distance I would ask is from your punctuation. :P I agree with most of what you said. I am also hoping Replay will squash all negative feedback with positive updates in the future.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 25, 2012
@Tommy The Kickstarter FAQ says that a Project Creator is required to provide a refund if they are unwilling or unable to provide a reward. Beyond those terms of agreement I'm not sure what type of legal actions can be made against a project creator, but I'm sure if people aren't satisfied we will find out.
Creator keto on July 25, 2012
tomimt ... i think that's his ( floyd's ) point. it's also my point. we have no solid view of what happened, or where the project is going. when someone provides a clear and accurate view, without dancing around important questions or making vague references to ponderous pachyderms and forums, i'll go back to doing nothing.
we aren't demanding that replay become accountable to us. we aren't demanding that paul, al, josh or tinkerbell fire off a tweet whenever they want to sip some water. what i am saying ( and it looks like floyd and i are ... on the same page? feel free to distance yourself from my statement, floyd, if i got you wrong ) is that the way this project as progressed is ... well ... sorta a farce. a lark. a design doc being redone after the project is already funded. an outsource company was hired that didn't have an artist. a new outsource company was hired who's experience is not even in the same genre or style. more attention in updates being paid to making sure that everyone knows that there'll be giant cocks and suggestive pixel art tits in the background rather than actual animation or character models. release dates pushed back. accusations of questionable pr practices. no transparency when it comes to the progress of the game or why important decisions with investor money was made. pr gaffs causing strife within the staff. dubious quotes and insinuations about the source of their funding.
i may not have bought a product ... but i sure do have a front row seat reservation to the process. and unfortunately right now that process is more akin to a night at the laugh factory as they do an exhibit on car wrecks than game development.
i have no problem with decisions being made without my input ... i'm not saying i am qualified to make those decisions; nor am i entitled to do so. however. while i may not have purchased an actual product ... the company receiving my, and your, monies agreed to participate in this crowd funding with a few stipulations of their own. namely, keeping those involved apprised of the situation and acting in good faith to see that project through to fruition.
i do not feel that obligation has been reached.
do you feel i am being unrealistic? ... you're entitled to that opinion just as much as i am entitled to mine. your opinion, no matter how fervently held, does not give you the right to tell me, nor anyone else, to stop voicing theirs.
am i angry? ... not in the least. to me it was just one dinner at TGIFriday's ... but they're sitting on 14,081 dinners at TGIFriday's on the company credit card that was given to them in exchange for some hard work and the promise of an end result that benefits the greater good of us all.
want to see this cynical sniping go away? ... it's real easy.
Creator Tommy Widenflycht on July 25, 2012
Important fact of Kickstarter:
When you back a project here you do exactly that, nothing else. You invest in the project, you don't buy a product. IF the project is successful you will get a reward of your choosing, if not you don't get anything. You can't get your money whatever happens. Kickstarter is NOT a store, you haven't bought a product.
Creator Tomimt on July 25, 2012
Floyd: Officially there's only been the Ventuerebeat article. Why they don't have Larry up in their own site? I don't know, but perhaps they don't have anything finished to show yet, but it's understandable, as they really are in the conceptual phase at the moment.
-
Floyd, I really don't understand why you are so angry. You take this whole thing so personally, that it is just bizarre. We don't have enough information to form a solid view on what really happened between AM and Replay.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 25, 2012
@Justin If the game does turn to crap (again, hoping it doesn't) I'm sure a "I Pulled Out of the Paul Trowe Butt F'ing of Larry" T-Shirt would be a nice reward.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 25, 2012
Again with spinning it around on the backers who pledged their support in good faith. Criticisms are still valid whether they have any weight to change anything or not. You might not be able to 'dictate' ethical behavior to employees but if they piss you off you can easily pull your 'investment', share, pre-order or whatever you have or as a customer just boycott the company altogether.
Creator Justin on July 25, 2012
Maybe we should get a kickstarter project going to fund back the money of all the cry babies.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/STFU/make-leisure-suit-larry-comments-fun-again
Creator Riggo on July 25, 2012
To all that are whining that Replay is not being transparent enough and as backers/investors, you should be made aware and informed of all major decisions. Get real and wake up!!!!
I work for a company that makes hard drives. We have thousands of REAL investors. I hate to break it to you, but someone who has invested $15 (1/2 of a share at the current price), does not get to vote on how our CEO flies, what meeting he attends and what he frikin' eats in 1st class. They also do not get to vote when we decide to change ODM's that make our retail drives or when we move the design of a hard drive from one design center to the next.
If you want to run a frikin' company then start one, but do not expect anyone that is running a business to feel obligated to tell you every time they change their mind and that you actually have a vote in that decision!!!
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
@Tomimt You said earlier that it was telling that AM hasn't posted anything about the switch. Do you think it is equally telling that N-Fusion also hasn't posted anything? Or have they? Other than the promise from Josh that they (assuming it really is them) will be posting on here I haven't seen anything out there. Anyone?
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
With all of the deception admitted and alleged I put nothing past Paul Trowe. Did I complain about his jet setting, or did I simply point out that you have no idea what state he's been in? I know others have complained that he has bragged in the update section that he's being asked him to travel around and share his Kickstarting genius. Did Al Lowe have a stake in Sam Suede, yet he let them go down the toilet? Yes. Did either he or Josh have the capability to stop Sierra from going down the toilet? They simply work for Paul and Replay. There are decisions beyond their control that can sink this ship and Paul is at the helm.
Creator ZirconJimLaffer83 on July 24, 2012
@Floyd: To put it plainly, I'm making an assumption based on where I'm from(Massachusetts). I also have zero connections to the game industry, so you can rule out that possibility as well.
I also don't understanding this jet-setting complaint about Paul. He went to Tel Aviv because Adventure Mob is BASED there. As for his other traveling, so what? It's almost certainly on his own dime, and he has almost zero involvement in the creative side(I'm going to assume a decision of such consequence as changing developers would have his involvement), so it's really a non-issue.
Do you really think the other people with a stake in this game(Al Lowe, Josh Mandel, the other members of Replay's advisory board) would let Paul frivolously spend the Kickstarter funds? Because I find that difficult to believe.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
How would anyone even know if they've ever ever been in the same STATE as the jet setting Paul Trowe???
Creator Tobi (Crusader Kickstarter pls!!) on July 24, 2012
update: *yaaaay*
haters: *yaawn*
Creator ZirconJimLaffer83 on July 24, 2012
Thanks for the update, Josh. I(and many over backers, I'm sure) look forward to hearing from N-Fusion once they're up to speed. I can't also can't wait to see all the witty and wry lines you're cramming into the game - if can only get funnier!
On a quick side note, someone apparently thinks this account is Paul Trowe. I can assure you, It is NOT - and that's a fact. I don't know Paul Trowe, I've never met Paul Trowe, I've never even been in the same STATE as Paul Trowe. I do apologize for some earlier, abrasive comments. That was my poor reaction to frustration from the constant, never-ending negativity and complaining in these comment sections.
That being said, let's try and be supportive of Replay, Al, and Josh. It's obviously been a bumpy and slow start, but I'd say things are looking up. Let's try and keep them that way!
Creator sVnsilver Sand, Dream Traveller on July 24, 2012
Well written Mr. Mandel. I have to give you props, you have a knack for writing and clearly illustrating your points. I thankfully haven't been keeping up with the "current issues," but honestly --even though I care-- I could care less to get frustrated about assumed problems or hiccups. I love Al Lowe and now Josh Mandel, and I love Paul Trowe for getting them together and getting this project off the ground.
At the very least this guys I'm 99% sure these guys are working hard and that this game means a hell of a lot to them. I hope they have a lot of fun doing it.
Creator Matt Cullinane on July 24, 2012
So let me just sort all of this out in my head.. Last year, I read that the game was in development. Half a year later, I read that the funds to actually make the game are being raised on Kickstarter. Now I'm trying to make sense of this scenario in which the assets are being outsourced, and teams switched over. I don't want to be negative, but truly, my anticipation for this game is over. Call me when it's ready.
Creator Ed Hale on July 24, 2012
I'm withholding any criticism until after the release. I think some people are letting their assumptions get the better of them. For all we know, the developer switch was an awesome decision, or at least a very sound one. Should we have been told about it? As a sort-of "investor" in the project, sure, I can understand the disappointment there. Even if reasons couldn't be given, a heads-up would have been appreciated, but the point has been made and I feel they've adequately adjusted to correct this.
Overall, however, I think everything's going to be fine. Mr. Lowe, Mr. Mandel, et al. are perhaps a bit rusty after being away for awhile, but they've been down this path before. I also have a feeling the LSL franchise means more to them than just another paycheck, so the moves they have made were done with some serious thought beforehand.
Creator doc match on July 24, 2012
I would like to unsubscribe me from this project's updates. I prefer to discover the game when it will be done. And I found depressing all the negativity in this comment section... I don't care about all that.
But when I click on "Unsubscribe from this project's updates with one click" in the mail, I get an error 404. Any idea ?
Creator Serena Nelson - Hero of the AGRM on July 24, 2012
@keto: My pitchfork/torch analogy wasn't targeted at anybody in particular, just those who are already dead-set on lynching Replay before we get hardly any information on the new developers. And the situation is, indeed, quite absurd. I've seen some red flags about this project, and I'm not just talking about AM, either. Most of it is due to Paul's "foot-in-mouth" disease. Still, I'm keeping a close eye on the project and will point out any faults that I find (like the new artwork) on the forums.
Creator keto on July 24, 2012
i'm glad you liked my car analogy ... was going to go with that or a restaurant that had their chef storm out mid-dinner screaming of rats.
and to be real clear ... i'm not trying to sharpen a pitchfork or light a torch ... i'm trying to ascertain how long and hard i can laugh hysterically at the absurdity of this entire situation before my 14,000+ constituents start to think it improper.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
@keto I like the car analogy. If I put my car in the shop to get a new paint job and I heard about shady business practices going on I may not have a stake in the company but I still have my car in the shop. We all have fond memories of Larry and we've seen him mishandled before. He is now in Replay's shop. If fans had been more vocal at the beginning stages of Magna Cum Laude or Box Office Bust wouldn't it have been great if the publishers had switched directions or canceled their disasters altogether?
Creator Serena Nelson - Hero of the AGRM on July 24, 2012
On the topic of AM, really I don't care who develops the game as long as its a good game and they deliver on the Larry experience. Personally, I would love to hear AM's side of the story for comparison's sake. Does it suck that they "changed horses in midstream"? Yes. Does it mean that it's the end of the world for this project? Hell, no. As Josh had pointed out, there were too many red flags put up to stay with them. It was probably for the best. Let's give N-Fusion a chance before sharpening our pitchforks and lighting our torches.
Creator keto on July 24, 2012
so hold the tweetbox for a second ... there was never an artist. period. they raised 655k, and they didn't have an artist. and you want me to trust this company ... that just hired the guys behind deepak chopra's "meditation aid" to contribute quality art. let alone ( if the poster in the linked article really is al lowe ) "a quality AAA title." you want me to trust a company that just fired another company ... after said second company went through the trouble of hiring a staff to do the job that the first company hired them to do. if they hired a staff ... that means they didn't have it at the time when replay hired them. ( this is all assuming that "al lowe" on that linked site really is "al lowe." ) that means replay should have been able to make an educated guess that, according to replay's estimation of their own standards, they were not up to the task assigned to them prior to said hire. yet, they were hired anyway. and then canned them. replaced by ... someone who made a game for deepak chopra. to use the hypothetical "you" once again ... you want me to trust these people. so, idle question. who's working on the music production?
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way that gamers could fund game developers directly and cut out these slimy publishers? Dare to dream...
Creator Tomimt on July 24, 2012
I do think, that even if there is some sort of legal action going on, given that Replay has already stated the developer change, there wouldn't be any issues in AM announcing, that they aren't doing the game and are moving to other projects. Being completely silent about it doesn't make any sense.
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So to me it looks like AM was a wrong partner. And that is something that happens quite a lot in outsourcing. Not just in game development, but in business in general.
Creator Konrad Okoniewski on July 24, 2012
I can't believe the amount of drama for a simple remake of a game. Just make the bloody thing and stop sending out a million updates not directly related to the making of the game. I almost want my money back for the annoyance. Do what the guys who remade Monkey Island 1 + 2 did.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
Either Replay is legally bullying them into silence or Replay really did make a horrible Kickstarter partner choice. Both are depressing to me.
Creator Tomimt on July 24, 2012
i think it's somewhat telling from AM's part that they don't seem to have reacted in anyway to the events.They haven't updated their Facebook, Twitter or even their own website. It looks like they have fanished and that's not a good sign considering company stability. There's not even announcements of new projects, which a smart company would have, considering it was fairly possible for Larry Kickstarter to fail.
Creator Floyd Turkowski on July 24, 2012
Honestly Tomimt we just have to go with the integrity and honesty of Replay to believe that. Given their past track record of suspicious activity on other Kickstarters forgive me if my faith is shaken. If inhouse artists were so crucial to development then why didn't Replay research this prior to partnering with Adventure Mob in the first place? And who were all of the people in Paul's tweets? Paul gave no indication during his visit that there were issues. In fact he made it sound like things were going smooth. Josh's hesitance to give us a reason makes it seem much more likely that something irrational and stupid upset Paul (they did 'disrespect' Al afterall) and he flew off the handle. If Paul wasn't Larry Litigious I'm sure we would be hearing AM's side of the story.
Creator Tomimt on July 24, 2012
And as far I've understood, the release date has not been changed any further.
Creator Tomimt on July 24, 2012
AM didn't have inhouse artist. The problem was, that they were outsourcing the art when they already were outsourced developer. Replay thought initially, that AM would have had full inhouse team, including art, so it would have been an actual danger that the art quality would not have been consistant.
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That's how I've understood it at least. On the following article the Disco on the bottom is done by the new devs artist. It looks pretty close in style to AM's effort.
http://venturebeat.com/2012/07/15/leisure-suit-larry-publisher-trades-up-to-a-new-developer-exclusive/
Creator keto on July 24, 2012
i have no problem with viewing conceptual art. i've backed projects based purely on conceptual art that looks cool ... no other reason. but let's be realistic here ... the artist that made that conceptual art has been fired. and the new artist is "currently unable to grasp our perverted vision of art." the original source art is how old now? and not exactly the founding of a new style of art. quite frankly, i'm not on board with the proffered excuse. my much larger question is ... why did the guy holding the purse-strings of this project decide to make that change. surely they received some demonstration of the artist's work. i wouldn't hire an artist to do a piece of cover art or a concept drawing until i've scoured their dA gallery ( or an equivilent ) for a few hours to make sure that they were capable of doing the art in the style that i had already envisioned ... something that's paramount here because the entire point of this project is to remake an existing title ... with existing art styles, character concepts, etc. and i'm spending a minute fraction of the money we're talking about here, and i'm far more flexible due to the reasons mentioned. the related question to that is: given that apparently the new artists will be unable to actually produce anything for some time, how does this effect the release date of the game. i'm glad there's new puzzles. i'm glad there's new locations. i'm glad the designer is excited. those are all good things. i'm also a realist. we've already been told oct 2012 was out ( unless i'm getting mixed up with another project ). and that was before we were told about the change in artists. so, when is the new release date?
Creator Tomimt on July 24, 2012
It would be swell, if people would bother to edit their text. ut in a nutshell it seems Keto is skeptical because of the new developer team. But on the otherhand, the AM artwork wasn't final either, just conceptual.
Creator Riggo on July 24, 2012
Impressive wall of text above!
Creator keto on July 24, 2012
so wait, let me see if i got this straight ... 'cuz i don't read your forums, and from the sounds of your drama? i have no intention of ever doing so. from the top: you pitched a project ... with a demonstration of the art you intended to use. and give a release date of oct 2012. then, you push the release date back because "you gave us too much money, and we have to do more work." then, you can the artists who were supposedly already working on the project ... a decision that they knew about "weeks ago." now, you bring in some new guys ... but you don't expect them to get to work until "they understand how you think." i don't really care who you outsource to, or what ... but i agree with the sentiment that you have changed some fundamental components of the original pitch, and you are currently unprepared to give a reason beyond "we can't show you guys yet because our creative little minds are too great for those we hired." meanwhile, the project lead (?) is apparently taking a bunch of meetings to "build a brand so we don't ever have to use kickstarter to release a game again" ( thanks for the vote of confidence, there ), but apparently he's gotten a bunch of work done on what sounds like an improved design doc. an item, if i understand game development correctly, was supposed to have been done ... oh, i dunno, before you sit down to pitch a project? and, if i am not mistaken, these changes are going to effect the release date; a date which has already been changed once. i'm no pr professional ... but maybe next time you can the art staff you hold back on making that announcement ... until after the new guys have some art to show. which leads me to my actual question ... can we see this art that convinced you that these guys are up to the task? because comparing the pitch video to the gameplay videos available on their website? ... ah ... i'm not saying they can't do it, but i am saying i want to see what lead you to make that decision. and to the comment that "i don't own the company," that's true ... but i am an investor. i purchased a product that was advertised on the front page of this project. if i purchased a custom built car and then swung by the shop after having already paid the guy, and the designer said he fired the mechanics who were making the engine, but refused to give me references of the new mechanic? i'd be pretty pissed. currently, i'm not pissed about what's happened ... i'm only out 25 bucks. but i am pretty amazed at the direction of this entire project ... and you guys want me to go out and purchase more games you make in the future? you're already cruising on reputation built in the past, and squandering credibility in the present.
Creator matthias sweertvaegher on July 24, 2012
great update, thanks!
@all complainers: stop complaining like you own a piece of the company. the only thing you are entitled to, is a copy of the game (and all the other rewards you pledged for of course :)). try to remember that
Creator Samuel Selvarajan on July 24, 2012
Nice I got jasmines in the garden
Creator Greg "Scorpio" Myers on July 24, 2012
Thanks for the update!
Creator Lodewijk Pool on July 24, 2012
Thanks Josh, this is great. I love that you're giving us an insider view into the development process. It makes the updates that much more entertaining. An extra little bonus for backing the project.
Creator Gavin Lambert - Tormented Dreamer on July 24, 2012
I have no specific opinion on the whole Adventure Mob thing (I just want a *good* LSL game, whoever makes it -- as long as that includes Al, anyway), but I would like to point out that when posting an update on Kickstarter, if you click the little box that says "backers only" then you are *not* talking to the public, you are talking to *your investors*. Hence a little more transparency than "normal" is probably in order. (And again, I don't have a specific criticism, I'm just That Guy who has to pedantically point these things out.)
Creator Shane Cunningham on July 24, 2012
Nice update, thanks.
Creator Jason Cragg on July 24, 2012
I dunno, I'm just impressed that Paul and Josh are willing to provide such candid updates. As long as Al and Josh are at the helm of the project, I'm not sure it matters who does the actual code monkeying... I have seen nothing but positive vibes from those on the Replay side of things. Thanks for the detailed updates, it's a great time to be an adventure game fan. :)