How Sid will save the world (or a genre) – Apoc tells what Sid's next game could be

[Solver]

Apoc, thanks for telling me before posting it here .

I bet Sid is going to create something new out of X-COM and Settlers, more than a cross of the two.

Firaxis always dodges questions - read between the lines.

[tniem]

Apoc nice work and thanks for the info about X-Com.

So who does have the license for X-Com? Is this something where Firaxis can work with either EA or Infogrames that they already have a relationship with? Or is it a new publisher they will work with?


Sidenote question: Is Firaxis still going to attempt the two projects simultaneously as before? I would assume so because they are working on PTW and this X-Com or whatever game. But is the PTW team that big?

[Apocalypse]

Solver, you do seem to know more about what is going on than most. I am reading between the lines. Jeff didn't deny it but we already know that they went after the license. I know he can't say anything of substance because of an NDA.

I use to have people I could get direct information from, but I always had to keep their trust. I have none of those types of people now so all of you get to know what I know as soon as I know it.

tniem, Infograms apparently still has it thought it is being used by Mythos. I'd have thought they'd be happy about two new great X-COM games in the works, but for some reason they aren't. Possibly because Sid's might overshadow Mythos'. Also, I'm guessing that Firaxis might actually have three groups right now. One small team on PTW, about half of Firaxis working on the X-COM/Settlers game, and another smaller team working on one or more prototypes. I do not believe the PTW team is that big because the SMACX team didn't include all of the old SMAC team.

[Solver]

I'm just thinking about what Firaxis says too much. I remember my last 10 months of screaming they're making SMAC 2, based on three words dropped by one of Firaxians:

You never know

[Apocalypse]

Hmmm, well you are still smarter than most here.

The first phase of my plan is almost completed - search message boards and newsgroups for info. I should be able to launch the next phase of my plan later today. It should bring in more information for me to post tommarow.

[Solver]

In what way I am?

[Apocalypse]

It's not that it is that hard, have you seen the OT forum lately?

It is easy to tell by you posts and that you like the X-Files.

[DarkCloud]

[quote]I hope very much that you're right ... turn-based RPG's very very badly need to be revived./quote]
What about Heroes of Might and Magic IV?
Or Warlords V (In progress of being made, I believe)
Those are turn-based RPGs and very good series.

[Apocalypse]

I'm talking about games like X-COM, Jagged Alliance, and Fallout. Heroes of M&M and Warlords are similar, but not enough to be considered in the same genre.

[Epistax]

Sid Meier's Fallout 3.

*a really confusing dream*

[Kassiopeia]

Originally posted by Apocalypse
[16:14] {Jeff_Morris_FIRAXIS} Markg: We're working on <b>a japanese dating simulator</b> (thanks Tim Train)

YESSSS!

[Apocalypse]

I vaguely remember something about Tim Train and Japanese dating sims back in the day.

[Apocalypse]

Sorry I haven't come up with news sooner. It has been a little slow.

People were complaining about wanting a new X-COM game at the Infograms forums. Infograms responded with this.

Infogrames Is Listening

I hear you guys......and have sent your concerns to the appropriate folks here.

Far more importantly, I think I may have found what game kept Firaxis from aquiring the X-COM license. X-COM Alliance. Now, you are probably thinking, "X-COM Alliance? That was canned. Will, you are losing it." This web page is new. They also have a link to buy the game. This could mean X-COM Alliance is back in production.

[tniem]

So Apoc, if Firaxis could not get the license and it appears that another game may be producing it, do you still believe Sid is working on it? I do not doubt his wishes to after all that you have said. But I wonder how likely it is that he is able to make this game if their is another X-Com game in the pipeline.

[Apocalypse]

Well, if it is Alliance (which I heavily doubt actually) then the X-COM game would be an FPS, not a traditional X-COM game.

Also, since this game would be in 3D and contain some Settlers like elements, it should be different enough.

Furthermore, this genre is dry. There use to be Fallout and Jagged Alliance to fill the void. Fallout seems to be dead and no one knows for sure if Jagged Alliance III will be released.

With all this, you could be correct and they may not be making this game. I'm only gathering information and making educated guesses.