Web developer launches Indiegogo campaign to buy the Homeworld IP from THQ
Wants to make Homeworld 3 and Homeworld Touch.
Web and app developer teamPixel has turned to crowdfunding site Indiegogo in an effort to purchase THQ's cult classic space strategy series Homeworld following the publisher's recent bankruptcy.
While Sega purchased Homeworld developer Relic yesterday in an auction for $26.6 million, the acquisition only included the Company of Heroes and UFO series, leaving Homeworld lost in space. "The THQ bankruptcy has given all of us a massive opportunity to put Homeworld back in the hands of gamers," said teamPixel's lead developer Robert Santos on the Indiegogo page.
If the teamPixel acquires the Homeworld rights, it would like to bring the original RTS game to Steam and GoG, develop Homeworld Touch - an iOS port of the game - and most excitingly of all, create a fully-fledged new sequel, Homeworld 3.
So who is teamPixel, you ask? The studio describes itself as "an interactive media company" that's focused on web and app development. "For over eight years we have specialised in web design, web development, desktop software, and mobile applications," the developer stated. "Yes, this means we are relatively new to the gaming industry (we actually have made games on commission for local companies), but entering the video game industry for ourselves was always a goal for the company. All of our work in other interactive mediums has been preparation for this."
While teamPixel is a tiny independent studio, it has started work on a prototype for Homeworld Touch hinting at how it would operate with touchscreen controls. The video below doesn't show much, but it does suggest that the control scheme could work. "We've been testing several prototypes, and we've found the experience to be incredibly immersive and intuitive," said Santos. "It's almost like the games were meant to be played this way!"
TeamPixel has already raised an undisclosed amount of capital for the project via equity funding, credit, and the team's personal funds, but it needs at least $50,000 more if it has any chance of acquiring the series' rights. If the studio is unable to secure the rights from THQ, it will offer all backers a full refund. "Without the Homeworld franchise, we have no way to act on our ideas, and so you deserve your money back," said Santos.
$50,000 is only the bare minimum needed, though. It will take approximately $100,000 for the developer to bring Homeworld to GoG and Steam. For $250,000 Homeworld Classic will be free for its first month. A half million dollars will bring sequels Homeworld 2 and Cataclysm to iOS. And $750,000 will grant a free copy of Homeworld 3 to every contributor.
Currently the campaign has raised $2675 towards its $50,000 minimum goal with 14 days left before the 6th February deadline.