Thursday, November 3, 2011

Geneforge Saga Now Available On Steam!


When Steam started to carry Avadon: The Black Fortress in August, it was a big thrill for us. The money, the prestige, the ability to feel like real developers. It's awesome. And it didn't stop there.

On Wednesday, Steam released another of our games. Well, five games. You can now go to Steam and, for twenty bucks (20% off the first week) get our entire Geneforge Saga.

The Geneforge Saga is a series of five huge fantasy RPGs, telling one epic tale of rebellion, war and devastation. I am immensely proud of these games. Sure, they are old and very low budget, and the earlier games have pretty rough interfaces. They're also genuinely innovative and cool, and I'm thrilled that a bunch more people can be exposed to them.

I wanted to write a little bit about them and what I think makes them unique.

1. The Setting

People often complain, with good reason, that role-playing games are too mired in fantasy. I have always lacked the courage to totally break out of the fantasy thing, but I've tried really hard to push it as far as it will go. For example, we wrote Nethergate, which was a fantasy game in an actual historical setting: ancient Britain under Roman occupation.

Geneforge was originally going to be science fiction, until I realized that it really would work better as fantasy. It is based in a world ruled by the Shapers, a secretive sect that used magic to create life. Intelligent plants, servant humanoids, living tools. The games are about what happens when the creatures they make to serve them decide to rebel.

The player is a Shaper, and the characters in your party will be loyal mutant monsters made by you. Older gamers play Geneforge for the story. Younger gamers play it because you get to have an army of fire-breathing dinosaurs.

It's a unique setting, and I think it's really cool. And, I don't deny it, I had several strong influences when I made it.

2. The Morality

The Geneforge games are very morally open-ended. I have long been annoyed with fantasy's over-reliance on characters who are all-good or all-evil. I wanted to write a game where you could play through the whole storyline looking for this guy who is evil, meet the guy, listen to his side of the story, realize he has a point, and join him. And I did. It's called Geneforge.

The Geneforge games are full of factions you can join. Some are sensible. Some are insane. Some are peaceful, and some are violent. Only a few of them are truly bad people, trying to do horrible things. I tried to be truly even-handed when making the factions. When writing them, I always had them make the case for their point of view as clearly and convincingly as possible. When I wrote a faction, I was really trying to convince the player to join it.

This is what I am most proud of about Geneforge: I have gotten many e-mails that said, "I loved the games, but I had one problem. I joined [some faction], but I thought you made it too obvious that [that faction] was the right faction and I was supposed to join it."  They were all convinced that I was secretly supporting their own pet faction. Hee!

3. The Open-Endedness

I wanted the Geneforge games to be as open-ended as possible. Play by yourself or with a group. Use magic or melee. Use combat or get by with stealth and diplomacy. Join the rebels or the Shapers. Even play as a pacifist and never kill anything outside of the tutorial. Writing the games to allow this much freedom was truly maddening, but the result was something unique. (And I had one very specific, awesome influence.)

Interestingly, this led to what I think are the games' greatest flaw. You see, to create paths through the world for different specialties, I made some routes that required serious combat skill and other that required lots of diplomacy or stealth or tool use skill. The problem was that, to make the choices meaningful, I had to make it so that not all characters could travel down all paths. I didn't want everyone to be able to do everything, and, for any given character, there will always be some zones they can't do.

Some players hate this. Hate, hate, hate it. To be told they can't defeat a place, it drives them nuts. Infuriates them.It's not the sort of design that appeals to all players, to say the least.

Old Games For New Gamers

Yep. They're old. They're rough. They're pretty ugly. But if you like Indie gaming for it's creativity and ability to take risks, they're worth a look. They're five huge games, an almost ridiculous amount of gameplay for sixteen bucks. And, if you just want a sample to see what's going on, there are five big demos on our web site. Hope you like them!

138 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The article was very intreating and I have to read and write the article and recently I wrote on the automotive car care that was related to the car services.

      Delete
  2. For some reason only the Windows version is on Steam? Please, if there is anything you can do, we need SteamPlay enabled! ;(

    ReplyDelete
  3. Was interested in this bundle when it arrived on Steam.
    But one thing held me back and I was wondering what your opinion was.
    If I am going to make the time to finally play one of your games then it should be your newest one as it should be your best one as well?

    SO in your opinion if someone was going to choose between them then is Avadon the obvious choice or is that like comparing Deus Ex to Halo.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yeah, what happened to SteamPlay?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Agreed. I'd love to buy them, but not for Windows. Any chance of a Mac version on Steam? (yes, I'm a Steam-*****)

    ReplyDelete
  6. That Geneforge was a sort of rebellion against the status quo is one of the reasons I love it. I've been playing RPGs and reading fantasy novels long enough that I now actively seek out the unusual. After your 50,000th dragon, they all start to blend together.

    Jonathon: It's not quite Deus Ex and Halo, but... actually, it kind of is. Geneforge is all about choice, while Avadon is more about combat tactics. Avadon does have an edge in graphics and particularly interface, but... c'mon, Geneforge lets you make an army of fire-breathing dinosaurs.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fire-breathing dinosaurs do sound intriguing...

    Been wondering how integrated are the plots. Do you basically have to play it in order, or would starting on the last one be doable?

    ReplyDelete
  8. I picked up the Geneforge bundle at the October sale in 2010 and loved it.

    The grey morality was definitely a plus. I frequently had trouble deciding which faction to support and even after making the decision I always continued to have doubts about my choice.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sadly, technical issues kept the Mac versions of the Geneforge games from being available on Steam. Basically, the file format used by older Mac applications prevents the files from being transferred properly to the platform. We're sorry about this, but we'll make sure the Mac versions of all of our new games go wherever the Windows versions go.

    - Jeff Vogel

    ReplyDelete
  10. Would it be possible to store the files w/ resource forks in some format/encoding that doesn't get messed up by steam and then extract them at launch (via a wrapper application if the application itself is a problem)?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Is the source code of Geneforge too old for a quick recompile? If that is the case: awwwww... ;(

    ReplyDelete
  12. For some reason only the Windows version is on Steam? Please, if there is anything you can do, we need SteamPlay enabled!
    funny forum

    ReplyDelete
  13. Another lesson in how valuable it can be long-term to own your IP. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very unfortunate about steamplay, the only thing that holds me back from getting it is the non-mac version...maybe some scheme where if you bought it from steam you can get the non-steam mac version or something similar? (ala Humble Indie Bundle where you get multiple keys for steam and non-steam)

    Regards,

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks, Jeff. Geneforge is yr. best creation. Really hope to see remake someday, not dumbed down remake, of course)).

    ReplyDelete
  17. Any word on how well Geneforge runs under WINE?

    *Cough*startdoingnativeLinuxreleasesplease?*cough*

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wait, what are you talking about "some areas were just off-limits?" Making a character who could get through all the areas was not that hard, and given the mass experience involved from the multiple paths, was very, very rewarding. Then again, I always play RPGs with the difficulty turned up to 11, so maybe my perspective is off.

    I really enjoyed the Geneforge series, though. They were some of my favorite games. Y'all gotta give 'em a shot.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you Jeff, for these wonderful games. I have bought every single one of them, and it is these games that keep on bringing me back to your work.

    Avernum and Avadon are okay and all, but please don't forget to give Geneforge a shiny update when the time comes.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi there,

    First off, I just wanted to say "Thank you" for getting your games onto Steam. That (and the fact that they're discounted) got me to buy them and I'm really looking forward to playing them.

    Would you be willing to release sales stats for the game now that it's on Steam?

    -Nik

    ReplyDelete
  21. 'Wait!I can CHOOSE freely a faction in this game? Wait! This is not the standard-fantasy- setting-for-rpg-games?I can choose several ways to do stuff?This is incredible!'
    I thought this when I first played Geneforge.
    It was something unexpected.
    Avadon was okay, but a bit too much ...ehm..'Dragon-Age-ish'.
    Be original, Jeff. Maybe someone has a bigger budget and all, but good ideas are difficult to find,no?
    P.S.And your Miranda was FAR better.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow I just checked out Wikipedia - it's TEN years since GF1 came out! I can't believe it's been so long.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey Jeff,

    I must say I did smile when I saw the Geneforge series appear in the steam store :)

    I was just wondering if you had considered giving steam keys to people who had bought the games in the past, at least those who request it? I'm sure I still have my order numbers somewhere in my email archive...

    Cheers,
    -Ian

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. To get all 5 games for $20 is an absolute steal. Why are the individual games being sold at $20 as well?

    ReplyDelete
  26. @Paul: Jeff wrote about the reasons in one his recent blog posts.

    ReplyDelete
  27. @lordík: I don't think so, but do you have a quote? Maybe I missed it. He's talked about the difference between his website and steam but this is different. I don't see a rationale behind having a 5-game package and each individual game set at the same price.

    ReplyDelete
  28. @Paul: I am not sure about the pricing status of the games him own website but on steam last I checked the individual games were not even sold separably but if that has changed Steam is rather renowned for pricing strangeness/errors.

    For example I have seen bundles that cost more then the sum of there individual games.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Picked this up from Steam, even though I have the CDs lying around somewhere. Gotta give Spiderweb some Steam-y love and all :)

    Now, if only Jeff would fix Geneforge games to run in a window. Retro is great and all, but who out there is still running at 800x600?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Either something changed on Steam or I was a moron earlier. It doesn't look like these are individually for sale at all. Maybe I was basing it off the search lookup or perhaps I did see it on the main screen. No matter, all 5 for $16 is ridiculous I have given Jeff my $$. Hopefully valve did not take a huge chunk!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I think I actually bought Rebellion before, but it's hard to argue with that price.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congrats on getting Geneforge on Steam!

    Actually, those 3 points you mentioned are exactly why I love your games and exactly what I've been missing in today's games. I mean, Mass Effect 2, for example, is still a superb game, but it's no where near as open-ended as Baldur's Gate or Deus Ex. Plus, choices are narrowed down into good/evil a little too much. I love that you have various factions which we join that transcend the typical good/evil duality.

    Keep up the good work Jeff.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I bought Avadon and the Geneforge series on Steam the first week they were each released. I'm enjoying the hell out of Geneforge 1! It's so refreshing to have a unique setting in an RPG. Keep up the good work, man.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Tiffany is about the world's most renowned designers of first-rate offerings.Dissimilar to other vogue companies,tiffany necklaces deal firmly in products for instance jewelry,designer watches,glass wares,lamps,bags,plus more.
    tiffany jewellery
    tiffany silvers
    tiffany uk
    tiffany jewellery uk
    tiffany jewellery sale
    tiffany rings
    tiffany co rings
    tiffany engagement rings
    tiffany bracelets
    tiffany co bracelets
    tiffany necklaces
    tiffany charms
    replica tiffany jewellery
    replica tiffany
    tiffany co
    tiffany and co

    ReplyDelete
  36. I totally agree with your thoughts here, very interesting. I love these games, thank you. pmp academy

    ReplyDelete
  37. I like the helpful info you supply on your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at again here regularly. I am relatively certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff proper here! Good luck for the next!
    website design company

    ReplyDelete
  38. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks Read More Read More Read More

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks a lot for sharing it, that’s truly has added a lot to our knowledge about this topic. Have a more successful day. We are one of the best

    using the photos Make the Videos

    Activate visitor mode in vivo mobiles

    Download Latest version apk

    Latest GBWhatsapp download

    Increase His Downloading Speed

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete


  41. Wow you did an awesome writeup. It if truth be told used to be an amusement account it. Glance complex to more brought agreeable from you! Also Check: kiss anime mobile

    ReplyDelete
  42. You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will go along with with your website.

    Slides.com
    Website
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  43. Waste of time. I thought this game was cool.. After played it, I get bored at the first glance.
    dagbet
    indobetplay
    asla apk
    maxparlay
    wap.tbsbet
    www.cool222.com
    tbsbet
    tbsbet wap
    igkbet

    ReplyDelete
  44. #escorts KOLKATA ESCORTS now. Looking for escorts service in Kolkata or CALL GIRLS in Kolkata? Get VIP model celebrity Independent high profile Kolkata female escorts in Kolkata or escort service in Kolkata. http://www.akolkataescorts.com

    Escorts in Kolkata
    Kolkata Escorts
    Independent Kolkata Escorts
    Kolkata Escort
    Kolkata Escort Service
    Kolkata Escorts Service
    Escorts Service in Kolkata
    Escort Service in Kolkata
    Escort in Kolkata

    ReplyDelete
  45. KakiQQ Situs Judi Poker QQ Domino 99 Bandarq Online Terpercaya 2019
    Official Website : Agen BandarQ
    Visit : Agen BandarQ Online

    ReplyDelete
  46. KakiQQ Situs Judi Poker, DominoQQ, BandarQ Online Terbaik, Terpercaya Serta Terpopuler di Indonesia 2019
    Official Website : Situs BandarQ
    Visit : Situs BandarQ Terpercaya

    ReplyDelete
  47. CobaQQ Situs Bandar Judi Poker QQ Domino 99 Bandarq Online Terpercaya 2020
    Official Website : Agen DominoQQ
    Visit : Agen DominoQQ Terpercaya

    ReplyDelete
  48. Latest Group Link 2020
    great Article, I love it, You can watch much more latest groups link visit here - http://bit.ly/34fsZG2 | Best Telegram Group Link - http://bit.ly/2uB4jLi | Best Movie Watch for Online - http://bit.ly/37KWBfD

    ReplyDelete
  49. Treating Erectile Dysfunction ( ED) In men. It's also known as 'Purple Tringle Pill'. Buy From the reliablekart and get the worldwide free delivery of Fildena 100 mg in USA, Uk and many more. Also, The medication infuses typical active chemical— Sildenafil— which dilates the arteries of the pe*is. Agen Bola

    ReplyDelete
  50. Whatsapp Group Join Link List: It's all about WhatsApp Group Links. Here you find all types of 10000+ WhatsApp Group Links (Porn, Sex, 18+, Adult, Girls,Entertainment, Education, Jobs,Region, Religion, Sports)all over the world.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thanks for sharing, I just like the valuable info you provide for your articles. I'll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right

    here regularly.

    New comedy movies

    Raksha bandhan quotes

    free amazon prime account

    Moviesda

    movierulz plz

    jio rockers

    ReplyDelete
  52. We are providing excited footwear and ladies handbags in India, Mumbai just follow us back in https://www.jabyz.com/

    ReplyDelete
  53. Download Best YouTube Downloader for Android. You can check the download here.
    An old version of VidMate APP, lightweight but superfast and workable!
    VidMate App 2017

    ReplyDelete
  54. Visit Web
    Gitlab.domainepublic.net
    Information

    You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will go along with with your website.

    ReplyDelete
  55. After exploring a handful of the articles on your website, I seriously like your way of writing a blog.

    extratorrents search
    hdsector

    ReplyDelete
  56. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis.

    aka.ms/remoteconnect
    Movierulz ht
    moviesflix pro
    Today pk
    extratorrents search

    ReplyDelete
  57. I blog frequently and I really appreciate your content. This article has really peaked my interest.
    msum d2i
    letmewatchthis
    genyoutube
    i'm feeling curious
    thoptv for windows

    ReplyDelete
  58. Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for providing this information.

    hdhub4u
    Myhtspace
    hdsector

    ReplyDelete
  59. thank for sharing More Visit Top 10 highest-paid actors on Indian television.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Ready to strengthen your YouTube presence in market?Give a click and get your free YouTube subscribers right now. also check f95zone

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thats great post !! I like ur every post they always give me some new knowledge.

    VidMate | VidMate for PC |
    VidMate 2014

    ReplyDelete
  62. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Visit Web
    Information
    Earlyretirementnow.com
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thats great post !! I like ur every post they always give me some new knowledge.
    VidMate 2017 | VidMate Online | VidMate download 2018

    ReplyDelete
  64. The Different Types of Data Mining
    disneyplus.com login/begin : How do I login Disney plus
    Best Stream2watch Alternatives Watch Live Sports Online
    3 Signs It’s Time to Modernize Your Digital Platform (& How to Start)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful.Office Tool Plus

    ReplyDelete
  66. All issues have been explained clearly and openly. I certainly found the presentation informative. I appreciate your site.WhatSender


    ReplyDelete


  67. Wow! very beautiful, great, and good post. I like it very much.
    winzip-pro

    ReplyDelete
  68. avast secureline license file
    playstation 4 crack
    m3 data recovery torrent
    Thanks for this informative blog and forgiving us and the opportunity to share our views.

    ReplyDelete
  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
    expandrive crack

    ReplyDelete
  71. It is critical to have high-quality content in terms of attracting people to come see the website, and that is exactly what this website provides.
    Filmora Scrn Crack

    ReplyDelete
  72. Great blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my
    own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. any video converter pro crack

    ReplyDelete
  73. Good material. Great job see you dear, thank you so much for such a good job. I would like to thank you for this post. Here are some useful links for students around the world. These tips may help me in the future. A high-profile publication with all the essential information.
    ava find full

    ReplyDelete
  74. It is really what I wanted to see hope in future you will continue for sharing such an excellent. Your writing skills are gorgeous. keep it up!good work thank you.
    pinnacle game crack

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nice information. I’ve bookmarked your site, and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account to get updates instantly. Ableton Live Suite Crack

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thanks for Sharing such an amazing article. Keep working... Your Site is very nice, and it's very helping us.. this post is unique and interesting, thank you for sharing this awesome information Adobe Photoshop CC Crack

    ReplyDelete

  77. An informative and knowledgeable site. I really appreciate the article you shared with us.
    fl studio license file

    ReplyDelete

  78. This publication is a compilation of information. Readers are very impressed after reading this wonderful post.
    sony vegas free download with crack

    ReplyDelete
  79. Such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks prokeysfree.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Hello, Dear Thanks for sharing such great content with the US it’s really amazing content so please keep sharing. I also have something for you so please check out
    Adobe After Effects Ios Torrent Mac

    ReplyDelete
  81. Perfect piece of work you have done, this internet site is really cool with superb information.
    igoal แทงบอล

    ReplyDelete
  82. I must say it is very informative as well as interesting. Thanks to the author of this post/page for writing such wonderful lines. ivideomate-video-downloader-crack/

    ReplyDelete
  83. You can try using gbwhatsapp, the latest version of 2022, which has many functions that the official whatsapp does not have, bringing a better experience. I have downloaded and used it, and the experience is great. You can click to learn about it
    https://www.newgbapps.net/gbwhatsapp/

    ReplyDelete

  84. I am very happy to read this article. Thanks for giving us Amazing info. Fantastic post.
    Thanks For Sharing such an informative article, Im taking your feed also, Thanks.contenta raw converter registration key

    ReplyDelete
  85. Android application PacKage called APK An application file ready for installation in an
    Android device. The compressed APK file, which is a ZIP archive in the JAR format



    YoWhatsApp APK

    ReplyDelete

  86. I am very happy to read this article. Thanks for giving us Amazing info. Fantastic post.
    Thanks For Sharing such an informative article, Im taking your feed also, Thanks.download arcgis 10.8 full crack

    ReplyDelete
  87. The Formation of content is very good, a great example of writing skills. Thank you for sharing.You can also check mine Neevia Document Converter Pro Crack


    ReplyDelete
  88. The Formation of content is very good, a great example of writing skills. Thank you for sharing. You can also check mine Bestpcsofts

    ReplyDelete
  89. The Formation of content is very good, a great example of writing skills. Thank you for sharing.You can also check mine GoldWave Crack


    ReplyDelete
  90. https://exbackbencher.com/starbucks-partner-hours/

    ReplyDelete
  91. <a href="https://exbackbencher.com/starbucks-partner-hours/>starbucks-partner-hours/</a>

    ReplyDelete
  92. Hey there, it’s a great post! thank you for sharing this great information with us
    Photoinstrument Crack/
    Crack Warez

    ReplyDelete
  93. This guide subtleties a few handy solutions for HBO max app not working on firestick You can utilize the arrangements talked about underneath to fix HBO Max Ablaze television gadgets like FireStick 4K Max, Fire television Light, Fire television Solid shape, and FireStick 4K.

    ReplyDelete
  94. The motivation behind why the HBO application continues to crash isn't yet known, however it's likely something connected with your web association. While your HBO application might be fine on another gadget, on the off chance that your web association is slow or shaky, this may be the reason for your HBO now keeps stoppings. Restarting the Roku gadget and afterward reinstalling HBO Max might fix the issue. This strategy may not work for you, but rather it can basically fix the issue.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Watch Online Pashminna Today Episode Latest updated Today Video of Hindi Drama Serial Video On Sonyliv and Sony Tv In HD.

    ReplyDelete