By Shadow of the Eternals, PreCursor Games’ spiritual successor to horror game Eternal Darkness, now has a crowdfunding campaign on its very own website. The game is in development for Wii U and PC as an episodic series, with the studio asking for $1.5 million in contributions. Here’s their pitch:
Shadow of the Eternals’ story will span 2,500 years of human history. The game is being developed using Crytek’s CryEngine 3 and will be released as a download title for both Wii U and PC. Here’s a summary of the story:
In Shadow of the Eternals, we follow the investigations of Detective Paul Becker, who is called to one of the bloodiest massacres in Louisiana state history. Only two survivors remain from a brutal conflict between two rival cults at the abandoned Pleasant View Hospital: one a suave, clean-cut business man – and the other a hardened, rogue-like biker.
Both men have seemingly lost all memory of who they are – and yet they are compelled to kill each other. As Becker begins his interrogations of the suspects, their combined recollections create the world of Shadow of the Eternals.
The first episode, titled Episode 1: A Dream Within a Dream, takes place in Hungary, 1610 A.D. in the castle of Erzébet Bathory. Bathory is considered one of the most notorious female serial killers of all time and is responsible for 400 murders in a quest for eternal life. You’ll get to play as a handmaiden named Clara, who happens to be Bathory’s lover, and go through the events that occur during the time of these murders. You can view the game’s characters here.
“Precursor Games intends to leave no stone unturned in order to create an unparalleled experience for gamers”, said Paul Caporicci, CEO of Precursor Games. “We have a talented team, incredible technology with CryEngine and a new business model where we directly integrate the fan base into the development process, allowing for new possibilities and game direction. We are very excited to see where this new direction leads.”
The first episode of Shadow of the Eternals is slated for release in Q3 2014.
Update 2: Refunds will be available after all. Precursor have updated their FAQ with the following information: “Our financial goal is a flexible one. All contributions will go directly towards the development of this game and making it a reality. We are committed to making this game, however, if it becomes apparent that we cannot raise enough to develop this project then we will refund all pledges.”
Update: It looks as though Precursor are under no obligation to return your money even if the game isn’t completed. Their Terms of Use notice reads: “Precursor Games will use its commercially reasonable efforts to develop and produce the Game, and will apply all donations to the development and production of the Game and the other rewards. However, circumstances outside of Precursor Games’ control may make it impossible for Precursor Games to complete production of the Game or other rewards. Precursor Games is under no obligation to complete the Game, or in the event completion is impossible, return any of the donations it has received. Precursor Games does not currently have a firm date for release of the Game[, but we expect to post updates on a regular basis].”
