The open-source game, Cultist Simulator, has launched a demo and Kickstarter campaign, thanks to its unique and permissive license. This narrative/strategy game, The Matter of Being, offers players a unique perspective as an otherworldly spirit, haunting mortals, thwarting divine punishment, and striking Faustian pacts. Developed by Common Logic, it is the first game on Steam to be created under Weather Factory's highly permissive community license, allowing creators to use the IP for commercial projects with no royalties. With an estimated $8 million in sales from the Secret Histories franchise, including Cultist Simulator and Book of Hours, this new game promises an engaging experience.
The game's key features include shaping the lives of mortals, with the power to cure cancer, make people immortal, and help the lonely find love. However, players must choose wisely, as resources are limited and time is ticking. Different win conditions and the ability to manipulate relationships add depth to the gameplay, allowing players to revisit NPC stories and choose different outcomes. The 'modding-first' design further enhances the game's potential, supporting a strong modding community.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is the open-source ambition. If The Matter of Being reaches a $100K Kickstarter milestone, Common Logic will release all code, art, and music for commercial use, provided they follow the terms of Weather Factory's Sixth History Community License. This commitment to openness is a bold move, and it raises questions about the future of game development and IP ownership.
The Kickstarter campaign offers various rewards, including Mac support, native mod authoring tools, and character romance. Content creators, streamers, and journalists are invited to engage with the developers for further insights. Exclusive keys to upcoming content will be available for interested parties, providing a glimpse into the game's potential.
In my opinion, this game's open-source nature and permissive license are a breath of fresh air in an industry often dominated by restrictive practices. It challenges the traditional model of game development and IP ownership, and it's fascinating to see how it might shape the future of the industry. The game's unique gameplay, combined with its open-source ambitions, makes it a project to watch and a potential game-changer.
