It's official! We've teamed up with Outbreak Studios to make Dark Nebula - Episode Two. http://www.outbreakstudios.se/news.php?id=11 GOTHENBURG, Sweden October 29, 2009 - Peter Björklund, the CEO of Outbreak Studios announced today that they have signed up with 1337 Game Design to develop the second episode of the game Dark Nebula for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The first episode of Dark Nebula was released on Apples App Store just two weeks ago and has already become a bestseller in many countries. Some reviewers have even named it the best game released for the platform to date. "At Outbreak Studios, passion and creativity is central in everything we do, and when we decide which projects to get involved in we only work with clients that share those values. We love what 1337 Game Design has done with the first episode, so were very excited to take things further with the sequel. We also prefer to work with projects where we are as close to the end consumer as possible, and Dark Nebula is perfect for that." Peter says. Dark Nebula was designed by Anders Hejdenberg, a game industry veteran who has worked with Peter Björklund on numerous games before. "Weve promised our fans to make the second episode much longer than the first one, and weve promised ourselves to make it just as fresh and exciting gameplay-wise. By signing up with Outbreak Studios we feel confident that both those promises will be kept. I think it goes without saying that we are extremely pleased with this collaboration." Anders says. The work on the second episode has already begun, and the title is planned to be released early next year. Before that, an update will be released for the first episode with Facebook-integrated highscores and a calibration option for the controls. About Dark Nebula - Dark Nebula is a skill-based action game where the objective is to get your player character through an array of levels filled with various obstacles. The controls are similar to marble labyrinth games but the levels are filled with elements and puzzles inspired by platform games where you need to jump over swinging blades, dodge spikes and avoid deadly falls.
WooHoo! Totally loved the first episode! How much longer will the second episode be? And how about a social network for the leaderboards instead of FaceBook?
great news! but what is outbreak studios? what are the advantages of collaborating with them? Thanks!
Dark Nebula is fun and extremely unique. Very happy to hear the game will be extended and the devs getting the financial backing and horse power they need so they can focus on making another great episode.
Prab: I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "how about a social network for the leaderboards instead of Facebook". Could you elaborate on that? Sic: Outbreak Studios is a newly-started company founded by some really experienced game developers. Working with them allows us to get more features into the game within the same timeframe, and fresh perspectives in the creative process. Riveronfire: We are definitely getting more horsepower! Just to clarify though, Dark Nebula is still financed by 1337 Game Design - which in turn is financed by game sales of Dark Nebula - Episode One.
Oops, okay, on hindsight that sentence sounds weird since Facebook is a social network. lol I meant: how about integration with Plus+, OpenFeint, AGON, etc, to handle your leaderboards (and optionally achievements)?
The second episode will be available as DLC. Regarding leaderboard integration, our plan is to host the leaderboards ourselves so that everyone has global ranking. If you have facebook you will also be able to compare your score with your facebook friends. We've been in contact with Openfeint, but quite frankly they take a ridiculous chunk out of your profits if you want to use their service.
Didn't a devoper post that Apple takes a percentage which can go to people like OF/+/AGON, but it's taken whether or not you use it? So OF isn't really free, but it kinda is from the developer's perspective. I bet Apple just pockets the money if you don't use it...
I really thought Dark Nebula was awesome. Really impressive and enjoyable game, so an episode two is good news!
I'm really happy for you guys, you listen to your fans anf I'm sure it'll keep paying off. if open feint charges a ridiculous amt of money, I understand why you would avoid it, but could you check with Plus+ too? I know many of us don't use facebook integration with our games (although it is better than nothing).
I'd like to be happy about this but honestly I'm still not pleased with the meager amount of game play in the current episode. Great game but many other great games out there with 5x as much game play.