Outcast Reboot HD devs went with Kickstarter to maintain creative control, IP ownership

Outcast Reboot HD developers Fresh3D, made up of several original Outcast developers, took the project to Kickstarter in order to maintain complete development and financial control of the game after meetings with publishers didn't turn out as hoped.

Speaking with Polygon, Fresh 3D Inc co-founder and creative director Franck Sauer described some of the very surprising offers made during publisher meetings, all of which the team declined in order to maintain complete control over the IP.

"In the end, going with Kickstarter to fund the game and making money when selling the game afterward is not about buying sports cars or whatnot," he said. "It's about staying in control of the creative process and IP ownership so we can later invest in our next game and not give away money to some suit. It's a win/win contract between the developer and the gaming community."

Sauer also discussed why current-gen consoles such as PlayStation 4 (along with Project Morpheus) and Xbox One appeared $1.35 million deep within the list of stretch goals.

"I think this is subject to changes in the coming month," he said. "Xbox One is not in a very favorable position right now, so they have some pressure from both their main competitor, the PS4, and the independent scene. I think they might change their policy in the future.

"Regarding our project, this is a bit early to say, but if our consoles stretch goal is met we are planning simultaneous releases on both platforms anyways so it shouldn't be a problem for us."

The initial $600,000 goal will see a PC release, while the first stretch goal Stretch goal of $750,000 will add Linux and Mac support as well as extra content.

The fourth stretch goal of $1 million will add Oculus Rift support.

With 25 days left on the clock, Outcast Reboot HD has 3,794 backers who've pledged $159,183 toward the $600,000 goal.