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All of Double Fine

I'm sure everyone at Obsidian must have a dozen ideas in their back pocket that they've always wanted to pursue, but could never sell to a publisher. I say indulge yourselves. Find something you really want to make and just do it. If I had to express an opinion, than I'd say that anything in the neighbourhood of "oldschool" deeply non-linear isometric RPG would make me very happy.

What can change the nature of a man? Give us something with a story that makes us laugh, cry and think.

Forget 3D. Assuming your artists can create beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds of the quality of the Infinity Engine games I'd prefer a large quantity of beautiful, unique, 2d maps over maps with recycled 3d assets. As for setting, don't listen to us. Pick whichever setting interests you. We want you inspired, not rehashing old ideas to satisfy the fans.

Greetings Mr. Avellone. Before daring to make a petition from you, I'd like to thank you for all the wonderful experiences you're partly responsible in sharing with me. Like all others in these posts I am a fan. So much that I made an account just to write this. I also confess that I've played Planescape: Torment around... sixteen or seventeen times and dug around the infinity engine files. With that being said... **** the fans. (gently) We are not game developers. If we knew what makes a good game and how to make it, we'd be making it ourselves, instead of asking it from you. I am not sure what's your thought process (immaculate and glorious as it must be) behind asking what sort of things the audience wants to see funded. The consensus seems obvious, a high concept WRPG that evokes to the novel, immersive experience from Black Isle times. Well, that may seem appealing, but part of that quality is well, the novelty. Planescape 2 would not alienate and awe us as we once were. Hell, whatever we ask for would not do such a thing since it'd be present as an idea-seed in our brains. So I believe the best way to give fans what they want is to ignore them and do your own thing. I trust you, Mr. Avellone. I consider your plume a sure sign of divine spark in games and writing. You do not need to ask what we want, what we want is for you to work in a censor-free, wild environment that allows you to produce something new and refreshing. Even if that isn't a high concept WRPG. Out of curiosity, could you risk a budget estimate for a low-end WRPG? Do you think an isometric view is still viable?

Personally, I am sick and tired of (rpg) fantasy settings. They're dime a dozen, no matter how well done. What I'd like to see is either a feudal space sci-fi setting like Dune and Fading Suns, or some kind of cyberpunk setting a la blade runner. No magic or steampunk!

Good turn based combat like Temple of Elemental Evil, Age of Decadence combat demo or Jagged Alliance 2 or something fully original (Baten Kaitos is a fairly recent example of an entirely unique battle system) did. Unique world, not a Tolkien rip off, or generic space opera or generic modern day/spy fiction (though AP went for a less than serious parody approach in many places). Unique space opera or unique modern day (Like the World of Darkness or Deus Ex's web of conspiracies, and even then DX is near future) are fine. Licensed (Planescape, Avatar: TLA) or new doesn't matter. No boob armor/gratious cleavage. It can be appropriate to the character (Sie's Bond girl parody), but I really prefer it not get used Choices and Consquences I actually wouldn't mind seeing a non-sexualized female as a "fixed" player avatar (Like TNO or Gearalt or Mike), though customizable dood takes preference. And, as much as MCA would make it redundant to say: No ****ty romances. Graphics, as long as I can tell things apart and the prospective is consistent and not head tilting bad (coughKotCcough), same with voice acting Magic should never be bland. One great thing about 3.5 D&D is that while spells are broken even used as intended, they had effects beyond "blast, buff, nerf, heal" and rewarded creativity. Temple of Elemental Evil captures a lot of it, though is limited by the system. Extensive character customization. Easily modable.

looong comment I would probably donate to a project started by Obsdian -- provided you give us more than what DoubleFine did (it's why I have not donated to them yet). I want a game concept, more than a genre and a promise that it will either be great or horrible. What is the setting, what elements do you want to try? The game can fail, in a sense, but we need to know more about what you want to create. We know we're taking a risk, but we need to be a little more informed about this risk. When a lot of the big picture is laid out, then I will support you. What would I like to see? First of all, Obsidian does great work, but you guys also have made some big flops. You've not always had the best gameplay ideas, though your narrative and the general flow of the game tends to be incredible. I would like to see a unique, unused setting. Perhaps something pre-historic and/or anachronistic. Maybe something political? The Indus valley civilization. The ancient Olmec, the forgotten people of Teotihuacan, the people of Ankor Wat. Something quietly sinister. Something unknown. Something mystical and ancient combined with modern elements (Perhaps the cities surrounding these great ruins are really anachronistic, with some modern inventions like guns or steel or machinery or very advanced mathematics or philosophy). I would absolutely love to see "Kreia" return. As far as I'm concerned, she's the best character to have been featured in your games. A "neutral", unreliable yet wise character with a complex motive. If you can promise someone like Kreia, I will shell out sixty American dollars. You don't need a large cast of party members. Three to four will suffice, if they're all of sufficient depth and design. The scope of the game does not need to be "epic"; though it should obviously be of some decent length (longer than the newest Final Fantasy we were just graced with, which clocks in at under 25 hours). As for gameplay, you can do "traditional" Baldur's Gate-like combat with its isometric perspective. Or you could do something real-time like Skyrim (though please, please don't copy Skyrim's abominable combat system). I would only ask that spells and abilities be unique or at least interesting. Skyrim is exactly the antithesis of this, in terms of spells and abilities. If you were to use the mesoamerican setting, you could easily do an interesting ability system using blood sacrifice (or some kind of sacrifice to the gods) or something different like that. Actually, green /obsidian/ was of immense importance to the central american cultures... it symbolizes rebirth. That could easily be your currency too... A 'Planescape 2' is a bad direction to go in. But to call it that to get more donations? Go right ahead. Grim Fandango is an excellent example of how a creative 'morbid' setting can go. Planescape's right up there with it. Why I love Planescape so much is because of its setting... so getting the setting right is important. I want female characters that matter. That just aren't pieces of ass like Tali or Miranda from Mass Effect. I like Visas, but I think you can create a strong female role which is more complex than hers. Of course, 'keep it simple stupid' is also not a bad strategy to undertake. For this kind of project, you're getting all the money up front (though I suppose you want to consider selling this on Steam or something afterwards too), so I expect there to be a little level-headedness. You can't go overboard with your freedom, as that, in my experience, tends to create a lesser product. Some self-constraint is good. Romance? Well, a little bit is fine, but female characters exist to capture that other 'essence' of humanity and sex hardly has to do with that. Graphics don't matter. Voice acting does not matter. I don't want loads of money poured into either of these. In fact, you can have "average" graphics and that will more than suffice. Voice acting? It can be completely unvoiced. The only RPG which has ever had voice contribute to its atmosphere and value was Vampire Bloodlines: The Masquerade (though I guess some of Obsidian's Voice Acting has been good in the past). I doubt you will be able to achieve quality voice actors on a budget, so just skip this. A good soundtrack is great though. But just look at how bad voice acting detracts from the The Elder Scrolls games - don't do it! I don't think I need to tell you how to write. You do a great job at it. You can write the game like it's meant to be followed up by a sequel or not. But please, please, please make choices matter. Mass Effect is such a disappointment. Don't be afraid to go all out with this. Plan from the very beginning to make choices matter thoughout the game. If I **** up and the world ends, great! What you decide in the first five minutes of the game should directly effect what happens halfway through it, if you can manage that! The game being easily mod-able and open-world are big pluses but not required. I hope you're not teasing us by asking this question. I think a lot of us are serious. We would pay you $60 or more if gauranteed us another jewel like KOTOR2 or Planescape.

Make the RPG YOU and your co-workers want I also accept Your Highschool RPG Dr. Who RPG Planescape 2 (Not a sequel. Just a game set in the Planescape Setting) Original IP Darklands 2 Arcanum 2 Just has to be turn-based, wordy, full of C&C. Ya know the drill.

I think that the biggest advantage of this model, is that the game doesn't have to cater to the mainstream audience, but you can make game that are aimed at the dedicated few. What this means to me, is that you won't have to spend money on things like voicing every line in the game, porting it to consoles, making it accessible to a wider audience, using top of the art graphics etc. I guess my point is, I'd be more than happy with the production values of the early 2000s games.You can instead focus on what us, the dedicated few can appreciate - Excellent story, deep and words-heavy dialogues and texts, isometric tactical combat, getting down and dirty with stats... What made old school PC RPGs great! I would happily pledge 100$ or possibly more (which is saying a lot, as I'm a rather poor animation student!) for a game like that. All I want is for the classics such as the Baldur's Gate series, Planesace: Torment etc. to be the inspiration, the game to largely based on the Infinity Engine gameple-wise and for the game to be PC-centric (Sorry, console-folks, but I believe this kind of game should be PC centric, beside, consoles RPGs don't really need any Kickstarting!) The setting should be unique and interesting and the story should to be something a little more interesting than "save the world", the characters shouls to be more than "elf wizard". Basically this game should have Romancing, reading, imagining and most of all - Role playing! My dream project would be a having the game set in the Dark Sun campaign setting. How amazing would that be? I understand if that could never happen due to licensing costs though.

You will see a lot of people suggesting 3D RPGs, perhaps in the vein of Alpha Protocol and Mass Effect, but I'm sure you will also see very strong support for an OLD SCHOOL TOP DOWN ISOMETRIC (SIC) RPG. That's exactly what I would like Obsidian to do. It can be in any setting you wish, because I know Chris Avellone's writing skills shine through no matter what. A Planescape sequel / another game in the setting would be most welcome, but any other setting or space time combination would be great. Just make sure to include Sawyer, I love that guy as well!

Strong, complex, playable female characters are critical. No one dimensional good guys or bad guys - the game must have flawed, interesting and well-intentioned characters in different stripes of grey. No false choices. No options like "give the begger a coin" (good) or "kill her" (bad). The game should be imbued with a strong sense of nuance and complexity. Real-world consequences - taking food from people's houses, robbing bodies - things that would make you look like a **** in the real world should piss people off in the game. Invent a new mechanism for in-game trading that isn't reliant on making your character a glorified scrap-armor and scrap-weapon merchant. A mature RPG made for adults - this is a kickstarter campaign, after all. Don't go with the lowest-common-denominator marketing guff aimed at teenage boys, you need to go with something that wouldn't make its way through the marketing department of a major publishing house... otherwise, why bother? Again, this is a kickstarter campaign - take a risk and push the boundaries. Pitch an idea that's not yet proven to be commercially successful, and therefore that would be hard to sell to a hard-nosed bean counter. Avoid multiplayer gimmics like the plague.

Turn Based, Isometric RPG - Original IP

An rpg which encourages "roleplaying" through dialogue. What made the classic RPGs great was their ability to enable the player to reflect his character's ideas about the gameworld, to actually form opinions and voice them, and to see the consequences of your choices. Such practice requires a well written dialogue that is no longer suitable in todays console market. Ruleset, campaign setting and all other factors such as graphics and voice acting are of secondary importance. Though I would like to see another Planescape game, another WoD game, or another Arcanum game, I would settle for any real rpg that doesn't suffer from a fat rich publisher's streamlining requests.

A Planescape Torment 2 would be, frankly, quite stupid - unless there is a way for it to totally make sense, which I doubt there is. Not to mention any licensing problems. Also any "The Somethingsomething", an adaption of something else, would be a waste of potential, I think. What would be cool would be a game as intriguing, as original and immersive as Planescape Torment, if not more so (since it shouldn't necessarily be just a copy of its design ideas and can make a strong impression all its own). You know best how to do something like this or in what franchise or even subgenre to do it.

First, let me say that I think it's awesome that Obsidian is considering following Double Fine's lead into crowdsourced funding for a niche project. I think there are only a handful of developers with the fan esteem that could pull something like this off on a large scale, and Obsidian is one of them, so fingers crossed this becomes a reality. It holds a lot of potential for allowing vibrantly creative devs to help niche genres thrive by going around the obstructionist min/maxing philosophy of the large publishing houses. As to what I'd like to see: 1.) Party-based (as in, having direct control of the main character and members of a party); this is essential. There are lots of RPGs getting made these days, but more and more they're either going the route of solo gameplay or real-time/action combat control of the main character with purely AI support. These aren't bad ways to do RPGs at all (and Obsidian's done great with Alpha Protocol and New Vegas), but I love old style party-based control and outside of the first Dragon Age, that's just not being done a lot (or done well) anymore, and I'd want a project like this to focus on giving us something we're not currently getting. 2.) It doesn't have to be a D&D game (in fact, I'd really prefer it not be, as that'd be funneling a lot of money into licensing rather than focusing on making the game everything it can be), but I do want lots of meaty complexity. I want a good class system, I want to pick skills and feats/perks when I level up, I want lots of customization options and plenty of equipment and spells. 3.) I don't want a sequel to Planescape: Torment. What I DO want is a game that follows in the path of PS:T or Mask of the Betrayer by giving us tons and tons of well written, thought provoking, philosophical dialogue. I want complex and interesting characters like Dak'kon or Kaelyn the Dove, Gann of Dreams or Kreia where I can literally sit and have a conversation with this character for a good half hour, exploring their personal philosophy, their history, having plenty of options in my dialogue. 4.) Isometric would be grand. The Onyx engine can do that, right? Because Dungeon Siege 3 looked great. 5.) Can I mention a quality class system again? I feel like this is something completely forgotten these days. I'm so tired of the few RPGs with class systems only letting me pick between fighter, rogue, and mage. 6.) Give us a fairly unique setting. Again, I don't necessarily think this needs to be a D&D thing, but the best games from you guys are the ones that tend to stand apart in their settings. Planescape is obviously unique, but so was a shamanistic/spirit-focused barbarian culture, a modern day espionage setting, or a remade Las Vegas. Whether it's fantasy or space or cyberpunk or steampunk or contemporary or post-apocalyptic, whatever -- just be creative and totally outside the box in the details. That's it. I'm not that picky.

Just tell me where to send my money.

I just had to make an account to comment on this. For me, I think you guys should do a passion project that you've always wanted to make. Now I realise with a kickstarter project the scope will still be limited, for example I'd LOVE to see another Alpha Protocol style game but that would just be out of scope though I'd still love to see that wonderful cause and effect branching dialogue system. Basically, don't listen to us because we're not designers. That sounds harsh as we'd be paying for the project as such but I'd rather you guys go for broke and do what YOU want to do. Afterall, what's the point on doing this if you're not passionate about the project itself ? I'm more of a real time kinda guy for combat rather than turn based but I'll happily put money towards whatever it is you want to make. I'll play anything Obsidian makes. You guys have earned it from your history and from what you have previously made. Basically, do what you want to do, I'll put up some cash and smile knowing that you don't have some rubbish publisher breathing down your neck with demanding deadlines or wanting you to change things to their way.

A turn-based isometric perspective roleplaying game with a proper system for character customization and a great focus on choices and consequences, dialogue and a reactive world that hasn't already been done a thousand times. (i'm looking at you Nth iteration of vaguely Tolkensian ripoff settings) Everything after that is gravy. Some good inspirations have already been mentioned in this thread, Darklands being prime design idea material in particular. As for world ideas even in just the fantasy genre there's a lot of untouched stuff to take inspiration from. The Sword & Sorcery genre with it's Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd & The Grey Mouser, Clark Asthon Smith's Zothique, Hyperborea and Averoigne, Lord Dunsany's Pegana, REH Howard's Hyperborea, Jack Vance's Lyonesse and Dying Earth, the list goes on. SF have several genres/tropes no one seems to have touched on in games very much, like the possibility of First Contact. Supernatural Modern World but with your own take might be interesting seeing as Vampire: Bloodlines still has a pretty huge following and making all those myths and silly ideas be true can be fun in it's own right. Just a Modern world or Historical setting could be pretty great as well, even if it might bring in the ol' "let's debate realism!" crowd. Well done 2D with hand-drawn backgrounds and all seem to age better and certainly calls out the nostalgia of the genre a bit more. If not that then perhaps 2D backgrounds with 3D models might be an idea? As much as people are calling for a sequel I can't help but feel it's a bad idea. The licensing concerns alone would probably eat up the kickstarter budget and more, and doesn't it pretty much kick the entire Kickstarter appeal of not being at a publisher's yoke and call to the curb?

A futuristic cyberpunk RPG with lots of cyber implants, guns, urban level architecture, megacorps, drugs, loud music, neon lights, deep story, charismatic characters, rainy weather... Either FPS or turn based. And NO MAGIC !

Definitely an original IP, due to the likely problems of using an existing one. As for features, turn-based isometric RPG, lots of dialogue choices and a story you can actually affect. Anything inspired by Planescape or Fallout would be amazing.

Hey Chris, Like I wrote on FB, the most pie-in-the-sky hope would be to see a remake of FO1 and FO2, but those would really have to be AAA development cycles. For something like this, an Isometric/turn-based/SRPG approach works best. It sounds like folks are generally in agreement that *the* most important thing is a deep, choices and consequences storyline with lots of great characters and deep relationships. The other trick to elevating that kind of game would be the small things - a headquarters with lots of smaller features and party interactions (like in the Suikoden series), character specific storylines, towns and villages that you can invest in (like the original Wild Arms or your own NWN2), stuff like that. One thing that I loved in KOTOR2 and would love to see executed even more complexly is when the party splits. It's a compelling dynamic to have the focus shift to different characters within an overarching plot line. One game template to consider is Shining Force 3. That game was broken up into three releases, each one featuring a different main characters. However, all three featured in each game, and there was an overall narrative that brought the plot threads together. America only got the first game in that series, so I don't know how well it worked, only that the concept alone is amazing and one you guys could obviously do justice. Oh, and one last thing I would love - an ability to name my characters. Even better...a chance to name characters at the beginning of the game, and enjoy it as they get introduced over the course of the narrative. ) Good luck, and hoping I get a chance to donate to the cause!

I also prefer 2D btw, not sure if you guys want or would be able to do that, but I personally find the 3D distracting in RPGs, and the graphics are usually unimpressive. Much prefer the Infinity Engine or Bastion look. I'd gladly be proven wrong though.

The choices and dialogue that made Alpha Protocol great in a new IP. I have fond memories of the Infinity engine games, but frankly I don't care if the game is isometric or not, it was the characters and interactions that made those games great.

First: I'm in for $100 on any sort of an old school RPG. What makes an old-school RPG for me are mechanics and systems throughout the game that make you stop and think. Make me agonize over every single decision. Make every decision have consequences (Some small, some huge, some subtle...but consequences). This is what PS:Torment has done better than any other game: Choices in the -role- playing aspect had a huge impact on the way your character unfolded in the -roll- playing parts of the game, and visa-versa. For my money the best system to do this is an isometric tactical gameplay system. Pre-rendered high quality art is timeless particularly at modern resolutions and should ease the burden of asset creation. Scalable difficulty with a wide variety of detailed character customization while avoiding stereotypical cliches as the basis for that customization. Companion characters should have unique abilities/classes/types to give them all distinctive combat personalities to define them along with their dialogue. An emphasis on text based dialogue with little voice (Mostly small voice bits to define each major character and add vibrancy but allow for more meaty conversations). Setting is something that should develop from a natural creative process but my personal preference would be something highly surrealist with an emphasis on pushing the bounds of a specific genre like fantasy/sci-fi. No pigeonholes, please. An awesome thought would be something in the vein of Deadlands which did a great job of mixing several genres and showed how you can define an entire world with art alone; this is coming from someone that absolutely despises Western themes. Hope to see something come from this.

i don't care as much about the documentary, but i want to see a more fleshed out idea before contributing. that said, if the game sounds like what im looking for then its worth a lot more than a mere $60 to me. Definitely turn based combat, i'd like to see an overall return to the idea of planescape torment and fallout 1-2 of a more pen&paper-esque crpg. an original setting, or better: a twist on a setting (like how planescape is a bizzarre twist on steampunk and D&D fantasy, and fallout was a darkly humorous take on post apocolyptic america). characters and dialogue like we haven't had since torment, forget voice acting - i miss the old puzzles you would find in the dialogue like in planescape torment, something that is much harder to do with fully voiced dialogue. the last great rpg was planescape torment imo, something that can hearken back to that game in writing and mechanics is what i most want. so yeah: planescape torment. fallout 1+2. they don't make em like that anymore and i want them to start again!

Registering specifically to reply to this. Oh my. What I'd love to see is something like Torment and Neverwinter Nights 2's Mask of the Betrayer expansion. Not a direct sequel to either mind you. I'd think the licensing for D&D let alone the Planescape settings is too much of a hassle (Though I'd love to get a crpg based on D&D 4.0's ruleset at some point). But something in the same vain as far as themes and story go. I'd want a new rpg with as much priority given to its narrative as those games, with as unique a setting, moral choices more complex than simple good/evil, unique characters and situations and a dose of healthy humor. Basically: just do what you do best. : ) With Obsidian games I care more about narrative, characters and setting than combat or graphics. So you can make it in the old infinity or aurora engine for all I care. Eh, whatever comes of this, if anything at all, you've got my support. Monetary and in spirit. Like the Tim Schafer Double Fine thing, Obsidian is the kind of studio, and Chris Avellone the kind of name, I'd throw my money at without a second thought.

Hello. Long time fan, first time poster. I've just now had my account validated after I registered only to give my feedback on this. I would love to see a cold war espionage setting based on last century 60s/70s era. Something not fantasy driven or scifi. Real World, Real Politik. Alternatively. Something based (with creative liberty) on the Norse Sagas or the 1001 Arabian Nights. Ultimately I'll back you up on Kickstarter whatever you choose to do. As many will I'm sure. DO IT!

Planescape Universe with either 2nd edition or PATHFINDER! - Alot of text - Little to no voice acting - Isometric 2D Painted - Story/Character driven I'd be willing to kick in $25-75 for pretty much anything.

Ideally I'd like to see the Source engine Arcanum game in some form. Probably not on that engine in particular now but I'd take it. Something very similar in style to Bloodlines would be incredible as well. Licensing not required; it's not why the game was great. Oh, you know, Troika stuff.

They are already working with another developer on a Wheel of Time RPG

Time Travel. Would be amazing and is so rarely done or executed correctly I feel.

I'd like to see an original (not based on an existing franchise or IP) RPG which explores new ways to integrate gameplay into the storytelling and dialogue. My ideas: -Not set in a generic european medieval fantasy world. If there are non-humans, please no elves or dwarves. -Perhaps try a fantasy setting with modern or sci-fi elements, as JPGs often do. Something I haven't seen much of is games with the freeform structure and character building and more mature cast of a western RPG combined with the bold visuals, exciting set pieces and whimsical settings of a Japanese RPG. -The protagonist is finding out about themselves as the player is (like kotor2, Planescape:Torment) and also can be influenced in how they develop throughout the game. Your choices not only impact the character you become, but impact your past and the character you were. --Maybe even there are parallel narratives of your past and current selves? One playthrough you may play it you were an evil bastard in the past, but in the present you're a tortured anti-hero, while another, you were saintly in the past and have given up on being nice. Perhaps the combination of past you and present you impacts your abilities gained so that your character's emotional development is reflected in their character development? -Not black and white character alignment. Some sort of alignment system that doesn't just reward extremes of good or bad behaviour, but rather gives feedback that is in keeping with the character's actions throughout. -A cast of whimsical, interesting characters and the opportunity to build relationships with them. Not just romantic relationships! You can build friendships too, and romantic dialogue options are flagged as such. Options for non-het relationships with certain characters. --Optional side quests that will develop your party members as characters but also in terms of their abilities. -Gameplay that rewards tactical play in battle rather than grinding up to a high level and smashing things, and finding non-violent solutions if desired. -Multiple endings. -A plotline that's as dark and bitter as black coffee, but dialogue with wit and levity and quirky characters and bright settings that aren't all brown and grey like these current gen western titles all seem to be. Excitement and adventure and amazing places to explore and mysteries to unravel!

1. (Personal highest regarded choice) - A Fallout style original RPG in scifi (not in space, though), cyberpunk or steampunk setting. - Isometric (default) camera (but with options to zoom in and out, and camera rotation). - Tactical turnbased combat. - Partymember control would be nice but I wouldn't hold it against the game if it was not there. - Properly complex and rewarding characterdevelopement and overall rulesystem. - Multipath multisolution quests. - Lots of dialog. - Choices with actual consequences. - Moral ambiguousness in the setting and stories. - Adult themes handled in adult manner. - Themes of political powerplay, racism, religion, violence, etc. - More down to earth plot (no nameless random chosen one saving the world from an ancient evil). - No minigames (in the sense of lockpicking and hacking in New Vegas and Fallout 3), but all actions being done by character according to his/her skill. ...in a nutshell. Serious business. :D 2. Another game in the Planescape setting. This time with well done TB combat. 3. Another Vampire: The Masquerade game.

Obsidian is responsible for my favorite RPG of all time, FNV, so I feel that anything you do is going to work, and I'll just straight-up give you money for anything. However, I do have a suggestion to make: The common science fiction tropes and settings in games and movies are the same cold war paranoia that influenced science fiction in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Science fiction itself has evolved into a state that represents modern hopes and fears, with post-singularity, post-scarcity, and post-global warming issues that my generation and future generations take for granted. A new IP that represents the best of science fiction in the modern age (Your Charles Stross, your Ken MacLeod, even your Warren Ellis'), with something approaching the political and dialogue system of PST and FNV, would help push both science fiction into the spotlight, and hopefully change a few minds along the way. What could be more important?

Agreed. A new IP is fine, just nail the story and characters like you did in Placescape (no big deal, right?).

I'd like to see Obsidian develop its own style, which I assume has always been the plan but has been difficult to do. That would probably, but not necessarily, involve an original IP. More specifically, I'd love Alpha Protocol 2, but that's not suitable as a Kickstarter project. So a turn-based squad-combat RPG of some sort would be nice and probably fit the scope best. Maybe if ideas like the Defiance pitch aren't getting traction with publishers it could work here.

What I'd love to play is something that goes back to Black Isle's/Troika's genius philosophy of RPG design. Thoughts: - isometric, - preferably a party-based dungeon crawler in the vein of Temple of Elemental Evil - obligatory turn-based combat !!! (excellent examples of amazing TB combat systems: ToEE, Jagged Alliance 2, Silent Storm if you're looking for inspirations) - deep mechanics, allowing for great replayability - plenty of choices and consequences - dialogues with skill checks - multiple ways to solve quests, factions to join - inspired, interesting setting (Fallout's 1950s vision of the future, Arcanum's Steampunk/Magic mix, ToEE's Greyhawk) - beautiful art direction and artwork (Arcanum, ToEE) It'd be wonderful if you also looked at these games and drew inspiration from them: - Darklands (choices&conseqences masterpiece), - Realms of Arkania 2 Star Trail (items which matter and influence how you interact with the game world, excellent world map travel system) - Wizardry 8, which achieved incredible depth because of its balanced classes and races, so balanced, every combination was viable and interesting Thank you very much for asking everyone, MCA!

Setting,not another Tolkien knock-off or space opera #137 Combat Something like the infinity engine games or even better turn-based.Not more awesum action were something awesum happens every time you press the awesum button!!!!! Choises and consequences where something more that someone's hair colour or wardrobe changes because of you Graphics probably isometric 2d Interesting mature characters and story,not a dating sim

These are just suggestions of course, but the second one is really important to me. Turn based or turn-based hybrid. As long as I can order the party around while "paused" I'm happy. If you give me a party of 20 people, I want to be able to have all of them with me. Why would I leave 14 of my dedicated warriors back at camp when I am already facing impossible odds? Is it because I'm stupid? Yeah, must be. Magic is magical and weird and awesome, not a replacement for grenades and napalm. Lean more on tactics and interesting character builds than on fancy equipment. If I am a superlative warrior, I should still be formidable while naked and angry. Classes a la carte. Stabbing enemies in the eyes is a viable and hilarious tactic.

I would want either an Arcanum world game- if you cant take the exact world thats fine. But a similar tech vs magic sort of a system would be great. Failing that you cant fail with planescape 2.

Hey Chris & Obsidian, Made an account here just to comment on this, because I am very interested. Here's what I'd love to see, short and sweet: Certainly a turn-based combat system, but one that isn't plodding. Take a look at the Grandia series, for instance. A setting that isn't strictly high/dark fantasy or generic science fiction. Something weird, self-aware and mature -- but not in a blood and guts sort of way. Maybe it looks like this, on a really high level: A weird art style. A self-aware story. Mature characters -- ones that span all ages, sexes, world-views, etc. Thanks and good luck!

As far as setting, plot and characters are concerned, I will leave it in your hands. You're more than capable with it. I do think, however, that it should be an original IP, original setting. It doesn't have to be something entirely new, just something original with a certain degree of complexity. (Plus you get to milk the IP forever afterwards, since it's going to be entirely yours.) As far as gameplay is concerned, I don't mind whatever combat system it has as long as it's reasonably balance, you can't gimp a character without some effort and, for the love of god, not twitch-based. I do hope, however, that it has meaningful choices. Something along the lines of Alpha Protocol is on the right track in that regard, plus---give us a greater FEEL of the weight behind our decisions. Not morality hammering, no, just a weight of what it means in respect to the setting/plot. On cosmetics, i.e. graphics/voices/etc. : I really don't mind either way, but for practicality's sake I think a good old 2D isometric look would be best. You're looking to fund this at least partially on Kickstarter, so the cheaper the better---and I think it's been proven that you have a fanbase with a great love for 2D isometric, which is something that goes very well with your experiences as well. The same goes for voices. While voice can help improve immersion, I don't think they honestly improve immersion that much when everyone says the same flavor text over and over, and I'd rather like a game world that is truly immersive instead of one that feels like it. Furthermore, they're costly, and that resource could be better spent elsewhere. I'll be happy to fund anything you make, since I've been dreaming about this for a long, long time. Please make it a good game. (I'm doing everything I can to keep this post from turning into incoherent flailing, so please excuse me if I sound strange in spots.) EDIT : P.S. Somebody on Twitter said 'spiritual sequel to AP, with more focus on being a manipulative jerk.' While it doesn't have to be a spiritual sequel, I feel that the second part has merit. More opportunities to manipulate the world without the act automatically translating into being evil, please.

A role-playing game where the focus is on role-playing but with great content like in Planescape: Torment or Fallout! Beyond that, I miss the days of voiceless or minimally voiced protagonists, a combat/dialog log, and minimal to no action. So if you're going real-time, use pause! This all assuming you're making a role-playing game, and with dialog/combat.

Nicely balanced turn based rpg with a good story and C&C.