Help us tread new paths with the second installment of the acclaimed BoUT adventure game series. A sequel is coming... Read more
Help us tread new paths with the second installment of the acclaimed BoUT adventure game series. A sequel is coming...
About this project
tl;dr presents: The Summary
The next installment in the acclaimed BoUT-series will be unleashed beginning of 2015 and it will be filled to the brim with puzzles, eccentric characters and the trademark BoUT-humor. But we want to do more; more epic, more shiny, more community involvement, more... of everything!
Yet, to achieve this, we will need your bow. And your axe. And your pledge. And a rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle...
Update #1: Funding goal reached; New Video!
Update #2: Paypal, New Rewards & Valentine’s Wishes
Update #3: Story-Video; Stretch Goal reached
Update #4: New Video & Humble Weekly Sale
Update #5: The Music of BoUT2; Second Stretch-Goal reached!
Update #6: Our 10 Game Design Rules; New Reward-Tiers!
Update #7: Projection Mapping Video & much more
Update #8: Looking for the Wizard of Vlog - Paid internship at German game developer
Update #9: Frequently Asked Questions
Update #10: Homestretch – The last 5 Days; KING Art‘s To-Do List
The Book of Unwritten Tales 1 and The Critter Chronicles
BoUT1 tells the story of four heroes in a strange and wicked fantasy world. It is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed point-and-click adventure games of the last decade.
The main game was followed by the stand-alone add-on "The Critter Chronicles", a prequel to the story of the original game.
Minstrels from all over the world sang praise and frolicked when they played BoUT1:
- IGN 9/10: "You simply can’t ask for a better adventure game."
- Kotaku: "[…] a showcase for a game type that many of us have lost track of."
- Screw attack 9/10: "[…] reminds me why I fell in love with point’n’click games in the first place."
- The Escapist 5/5: "Smart, funny, well-crafted and has tons of heart."
- Adventure Gamers 4.5/5: "[…]an epic adventure […] with some of the most endearing game characters of all time."
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2
After "The Critter Chronicles" explored the past of our heroes, we wanted to continue the epic story of The Book of Unwritten Tales 1 and show their future adventures. But we have taken our time, because expectations are high – both our own and from the community.
In our humble opinion, these are the key ingredients for a great BoUT2 game:
- A fantasy adventure story with about 20 hours of pointing and clicking
- The trademark BoUT-humor, lovingly spoofing WoW, LotR, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Discworld, D&D, The Hobbit and many more
- Hundreds of weird, yet oddly logical puzzles and our well-proven "Multi-Character-Gameplay"
- The established four playable characters Wilbur, Nate, Ivo und Critter
- Numerous beautiful locations, improved through today's computer alchemy - and your pledge! (see Goals - Projection Mapping)
- An ensemble of quirky characters, both well-established and hot off the drawing board
- An epic soundtrack with many new compositions
How and when will BoUT2 be made available?
Thanks to our brothers in arms at Nordic Games, the core game is already fully funded and will be released beginning of 2015. It will be out on PC, Mac, Linux, in English and German, and there will be a DRM-free version available (boxed and digital).
In fall 2014 we will make the game available chapter by chapter via Steam Early Access. All backers who have pledged $25 or more automatically have the opportunity to receive the game via Steam Early Access for free.
The full game consists of five chapters, each with a playtime of around 3 to 4 hours, so just like BoUT1 it will be one of the biggest adventure games out there. It will be big and it will be wicked. But we would love to push it even further – and that’s where you come in.
There are many things that are common in big games, but usually aren’t done in adventure games, because they are too costly for a niche genre. Everyone has come to terms with that. But how about we collectively ignore this so-called fact?
These are the four things we would like to achieve with your help:
BoUT 2 Enhanced & Kickstarter-Edition ($65,000)
- Projection-Mapping: Legend tells of a clever technique that makes the locations in the game look even better and allows for more dynamic camera movements. Yet the system requirements remain untouched. It's real world magic.
- Kickstarter-Edition: We will create all the rewards, including the limited "Kickstarter-Edition" of the game, featuring a special box, a high-quality artbook, the soundtrack and a BoUT mouse pad. This edition will only be available during the crowdfunding phase. Other rewards including a Critter plushie and a Critter puppet, posters and additional in-game assets.
Side-quests & Outfits ($95,000)
- Side quests: Similar to RPGs there will be optional puzzle chains besides the main puzzles, that you can choose to solve, but don't have to.
- Outfits: For solving side quests you will receive not only achievements, but also pieces of clothing that characters can equip, and that you can combine in different ways to create unique outfits.
Production blog, Behind-the-scenes & Orchestra recording ($145,000)
- Production blog & Making-of Videos: We will hire another brave warrior who will be responsible for creating a production blog and regular video updates, so that you get an exclusive insight into the development process of an adventure game. At least one blog post per week, at least one video per month.
- Orchestra recordings: For the first time several of Benny Oschmann's much-loved music tracks for the game will be recorded with a live orchestra.
BoUT 2 - Director's Cut ($235,000)
- Orchestra Recordings - The Return of the Orchestra: The complete soundtrack of the game will be recorded with a live orchestra. Our composer Benny Oschmann will cry one tear of joy for each pledge given.
- More animations: We will incorporate more special, context-dependent animations.
- More facial expressions: We'll give the characters in the game a wider range of facial expressions, so they can even express complex feelings like bitter-sweet love-hate.
- More "shots": We will integrate additional camera angles and close-ups into the game, so you can truly savor the wider range of facial expressions.
The Fellowship of Unwritten Tales
KING Art is an independent game developer from Bremen, Germany. We've been in business for 14 years and have successfully developed more than 40 games.
In early 2013 we started our first Kickstarter campaign for our turn-based strategy game "Battle Worlds: Kronos". Battle Worlds was released with German punctuality and offers everything we had promised (and more). Since its release in November last year we are working on the game with the community and will keep improving it in the future.
We Support Crowdfunding
We think the idea of crowdfunding deserves to be supported. With our last game, Battle Worlds: Kronos, we joined Brian Fargo's initiative "Kicking it forward". This means we invest 5% of the profit we make with Battle Worlds: Kronos back into the crowdfunding community. We've supported dozens of games so far and looking forward to support other developers even more this year.
I want to join your quest!
Great! We are trying to let the community participate in the development process as much as possible. If we reach the third stretch goal, the "Behind-the-Scenes" coverage will get a whole new dimension (hopefully not a Dungeon Dimension). There would be a staff member exclusively responsible for keeping you, the backers, up to date!
Until then we can stay in contact here:
- The BoUT Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UnwrittenTales
- The BoUT homepage: http://www.unwritten-tales.com
- The BoUT forum: http://forum.kingart-games.com
- KING Art on Twitter: @KingArtGames
FAQ
What languages are supported?
There will be at least an English and a German version (voices & subtitles). But we hope we'll be able to ship several languages more (subtitles).
Can I get a Steam/GoG key?
We're planning to release the game on Steam and GoG. If both agree and provide us with keys (they did in the past), we will let you choose which one you would prefer.
When will the game be released again?
If you pledge more than 25 USD, you receive the full game upon release beginning of 2015 (as a box + download, or just as a download, depending on the pledge-level you choose). For the download-version you can choose between the Steam-Version or the DRM-free version. All boxed versions are always DRM-free.
How does the Steam Early Access work again?
If you pledge more than 25 USD you also have the chance to participate in the Steam Early Access phase starting in fall 2014 and get the game chapter by chapter before the full release. The key for the Steam Early Access version of the game will of course also unlock the full game once it’s released. So if you want to give us early feedback about the game, or simply play it as soon as possible, opt into the Steam Early Access and watch The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 grow.
Why should you pledge?
Because they buried LucasArts and now it is up to others to carry and look at and use the torch. And because with your help we can push the boundaries of the so-called niche-genre we all love.
Do I have to play BoUT1, to understand BoUT2?
There are of course a lot of references to the original game, but the story of BoUT2 can be enjoyed independently from what previously happened in the world of BoUT. And hey, there is still plenty of time to play the original, and it's well worth it.
Legal
German law shall apply to the exclusion of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
Risks and challenges
Will we be able to finish the project? Yes, absolutely.
- This is our fourth adventure game, the second with the current technology.
- The team has worked together for years and proven its willingness and ability.
- We know how to make projects of this scope work and have proven that once more with "Battle Worlds: Kronos".
FAQ
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Yes, you can. Visit www.unwritten-tales.com to do so.
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No, we didn’t plan on having add-ons for this campaign.
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Yes.
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The plushie is about 25 cm high (about 9.8 inches) and the hand puppet is about 35 cm high (about 13.7 inches). They are manufactured in Germany, not mass-produced, so the quality is very high.
Both of them can stand up by themselves, and the hand puppet’s mouth can be moved from the inside with your thumb. -
The forum will be opened after the Kickstarter.
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In the mage school inside of the game there is a filing cabinet with files on the school’s pupils. When Wilbur looks at the filing cabinet he will pull out a file and read out the name and pranks or misdemeanors of a pupil. If you choose this reward tier your name will appear in one of the files.
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In the game there is a petition signed by several pirates. If you choose this reward tier a modified version of your name will be visible as a signature on that petition. “Modified” means that the name will be slightly changed to sound more “piratey”. For example a middle name or nickname could be added or syllables of the names changed to contain pirate sounds like “Arrr”. You can send a suggestion for a name if you want, but we might change it a little bit to make the name funnier or more suitable for the game. The whole thing is similar to the “horror-fied” names in the credits in the Halloween episodes of The Simpsons (https://awesomeartofhorror.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/screen-shot-2011-10-11-at-15-34-53.png…).
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We will send out the digital versions of BoUT1, Critter Chronicles, The Raven and Battle Worlds a few weeks after the end of the Kickstarter campaign.
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As we are giving you the choice of receiving keys for GoG or Steam the games will be available in the languages that they are available in at the respective platform.
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Like BoUT1 and The Critter Chronicles the game is not episodic. There are chapters in the game, which will be released bit by bit via Early Access, but at the official release in 2015 it will be one big game.
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Yes, it will.
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Yes, the Steam version of the game will include Windows, Mac and Linux.
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There will not be different difficulty modes in BoUT2, but the side-quests and optional puzzles should offer enough extra stuff for people who like to have more puzzles.
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Since we are developing BoUT2 with Unity it would basically be possible to make an iOS version to. We might make an iOS version after the release on PC/Mac/Linux, but first we have to check the demand for that.
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At the moment there are no console versions planned, but since we are using Unity a port is at least possible. We’ll have to evaluate the demand in that sector.
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Besides those two languages there are no other ones planned at the moment. However, depending on the demand in those countries and if we find distribution partners in the respective countries, there is a probability that there will be more languages in the future.
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No, we’re relying on the classic mouse control including left and right click, just like in our previous games.
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Depending on the final pledge sum on Kickstarter we will try to record as many tracks as possible with an orchestra. An alternative solution would be to record part of each track with real instruments and supplement them with digital ones. In any case you can be sure that our composer Benny Oschmann will squeeze out the best possible quality for the music.
Rewards
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Pledge $5 or more
44 backers
SUPPORTER - With this you show that you want to support us and our project. You will receive access to our developer forum and a majestic digital wallpaper.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $25 or more
1,325 backers
DIGITAL EDITION - You receive the standard digital version of the game (Steam or GoG) and help us improve the game. You of course also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $30 or more
500 backers All gone!
DIGITAL SPECIAL EDITION - EARLY BIRD - If you're quick, you can get the "Digital Special Edition" for less here.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $35 or more
468 backers
DIGITAL SPECIAL EDITION - Includes the Standard Edition of the game, plus the digital soundtrack, a digital "Making of"-book and an extended manual (PDF). You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $55 or more
308 backers
DIGITAL BOUT PACK - You receive the "Digital Special Edition" of BoUT2, plus the "Digital Special Edition" of BoUT1 and the stand-alone add-on "The Critter Chronicles" (= 3 games!). You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $55 or more
89 backers
DIGITAL BOUT2 & RAVEN PACK – You receive the „Digital Special Edition“ of BoUT2, plus the „Digital Special Edition“ of our newest adventure „The Raven“ (=2 games!). You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $55 or more
60 backers
DIGITAL BOUT2 & BATTLE WORLDS PACK – You receive the „Digital Special Edition“ of BoUT2, plus the „Digital Special Edition“ of our first Kickstarter game „Battle Worlds: Kronos“ (=2 games!). You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $80 or more
100 backers All gone!
LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION - EARLY BIRD - If you're quick, you can get the "Limited Kickstarter Edition" for less here.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $85 or more
3 backers
DIGITAL "THREE IS A PARTY" PACK - You receive 3 copies of the "Digital Special Edition". You and two of your friends also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $90 or more
321 backers Limited (179 left of 500)
LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION - Exclusively here and now. The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 in a majestic box, including the printed extended manual, a high-quality printed making-of book, the soundtrack on CD, a BoUT2 mouse pad. You can also download the game and get a Digital Special Edition of BoUT1 and The Critter Chronicles (3 games altogether). And you will be mentioned in the credits of the game! You of course receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $100 or more
22 backers
COMPLETE KING ART PACK – You receive the „Digital Special Edition“ of BoUT2, plus the „Digital Special Edition“ of BoUT1, The Critter Chronicles, The Raven and Battle Worlds: Kronos (=5 games!). You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $150 or more
7 backers Limited (18 left of 25)
COMPLETE KING ART & PIRATE PACK – You receive the "Digital Special Edition" of BoUT2, plus the "Digital Special Edition" of BoUT1, The Critter Chronicles, The Raven and Battle Worlds: Kronos (= 5 games!). Also your "pirate name" (e.g. Caaarl “Salty Dog” Jones) will be featured as a signature on a petition inside the game. You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $160 or more
65 backers Limited (10 left of 75)
LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION WITH CRITTER PLUSHIE - Exclusively here and now, step right up! The "Limited Kickstarter Edition" PLUS a Critter Plushie to hug and kiss and love forever (Or you can punch it manly against its shoulder and hug it when nobody's looking). Also a "Thank you"-card with original autographs from the developers and an additional Digital Special Edition (4 games all in all). And of course, access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $185 or more
25 backers Limited (25 left of 50)
LIMITED KICKSTARTER EDITION WITH HAND PUPPET - Exclusively here and now. The "Limited Kickstarter Edition" PLUS a Critter hand pupped (bigger than the plushie). Also a "Thank you" card with original autographs from the developers and an additional Digital Special Edition (4 games all in all).
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $200 or more
9 backers Limited (1 left of 10)
LIMITED SUPERFAN PACK – EARLY BIRD - If you're quick, you can get the "Superfan Pack" for less here.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $250 or more
15 backers Limited (25 left of 40)
SUPERFAN PACK - You receive the "Limited Kickstarter Edition with Critter Puppet". Also a BoUT2 poster with acknowledgement and autographs of the developers. And above all, your name will be in the game! Your offenses and pranks as a student will be recorded in the papers of the Seastone Mage School where they can be read by all players. Plus, access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $260 or more
13 backers Limited (12 left of 25)
FUR-LOVERS DOUBLE CRITTER PACK - The "Limited Kickstarter Edition with Critter plushie” PLUS a Critter hand puppet (=1 Plushie, 1 Puppet). Also a "Thank you" card with original autographs from the developers and an additional Digital Special Edition (4 games all in all). And of course, access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $400 or more
2 backers All gone!
LIMITED ART PACK – EARLY BIRD - If you're quick, you can get the "Art Pack" for less here.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $400 or more
2 backers Limited (8 left of 10)
DIGITAL "YOU IN THE GAME" PACK – You receive the "Complete KING Art & Pirate Pack" PLUS the concept artist of the game will digitally draw you as a BoUT character and the drawing will be featured in the game. (see ART PACK; you will receive a digital hi-res file of the drawing, that you can print out yourself) You also receive access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $500 or more
7 backers Limited (1 left of 8)
ART PACK - You receive the "Superfan Pack" plus an additional poster (other motif).
Furthermore Marvin Clifford, the concept artist of the game, will digitally draw you as a BoUT character and the drawing will be featured in the game. The drawing will also be sent to you as a high-quality print including a personal dedication from Marvin. Plus, access to our developer forum.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
MAKE IT RAIN - You receive 15 copies of the "Digital Special Edition" of BoUT2, 15 copies of the "Digital Special Edition" of BoUT1 and 15 digital copies of "The Critter Chronicles". A lot of gifts to spread the joy of playing BoUT to those you hold dearest! Your benevolence will also earn you a special mentioning in the credits of the game. And access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $2,500 or more
1 backer Limited (3 left of 4)
MEET THE TEAM - You receive the "Superfan Pack", a BoUT2 bag and you will meet our team at the GamesCom 2014 in Cologne, Germany, have dinner with us and spend a wonderful evening with the team! Food, drinks, admission tickets and hotel costs are on us. You only have to pay for the journey. And access to our developer forum shall be yours.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $3,000 or more
1 backer Limited (4 left of 5)
THE BIG ONE - You receive the "Superfan Pack", a BoUT2 bag and a life-size Critter plush giant. Towering over 100 centimeters high, this pink furry beauty will protect your home from burglars and unexpected Godzilla-attacks and is only available right here, right now. So step right up and get them while they are still ridiculously oversized!
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 left of 2)
BEHIND THE SCENES - You receive the "Superfan Pack", a BoUT2 bag and you will accompany us for one day of development of BoUT2. You can either visit us in Bremen (Germany), or maybe you are interested in experienceing a session of the voice recordings in Berlin (German) or London (English)? Or maybe you want to watch the orchestra recording session (if it is funded)? You can choose from several options where and when to meet us. Food, drinks, and hotel are on us. You only have to pay for the journey to your chosen destination. And you will most definitely get access to our developer forum.
Estimated delivery:
Funding period
- (40 days)