A new transmedia project is underway called Windwalkers, and Forge Animation has taken to Kickstarter to solicit the interest of gamer wallets. Alongside a video game, Windwalkers would also be an animated film and graphic novel.
The game is an action-RPG that takes place in a ”dynamic world shaped by the wind,” where tornadoes and storms are an everyday constant. The wind is both guide and enemy for us and our ‘horde’.
In this fantasy sci-fi world we are an elite group trying to get to the Upper-Reaches - whatever that is - to find the source of the terrifying winds. The world around us will be ever-changing because of the extreme weather and erosion, and the wind will both guide us toward the source and try to kill us.
”Cooperation is an important key to surviving in the world of WINDWALKERS. It can be played alone or with a friend. While playing, A.I. Horde members will always accompany you. They are your ship in the storm, your lighthouse to guide you, and they carry your food, gear, and other supplies.”
So far the development team of around 15 people put together a mock prototype of Windwalkers using Crytek’s CryEngine to ”explore various possibilities and test the gameplay.”
”In WINDWALKERS, the wind is not your only enemy. Many enemies want to blow you away: beasts, pirates, hidden political forces, and “the chasers”, mysterious fighters who are always waiting to pounce when you least expect it. In order to fight (and win) against these enemies, you need to make good use of your skills, weapons, and the items you find.”
Check out the Windwalkers Kickstarter to learn more. Forge Animation is looking for $330k CAD, and so far has a little over $44k CAD from about 700 backers, and has 23 days left.