Rock, Paper, Shotgun

By John Walker on November 16th, 2012 at 6:00 pm.

30 new experimental games from proven indie developers, for $15? Cripes. And it’s not even a bundle. This is a Kickstarter-based fundraiser for something called LA Game Space, where developers like Steve Swink (Shadow Physics, Scale), Cactus (Hotline Miami), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Bennett Foddy (QWOP, GIRP) and Santa Ragione (Fotonica) have contributed never before released games in a bid to raise funds for a non-profit organisation.

So what is LA Game Space? It’s a planned warehouse conversion to create a space for artistic game developers to create and experiment, exhibit, and have access to the tech they need. And it’s a non-profit. You can learn more watching this video:

As a Kickstarter, there are obviously rewards. The main push is on the $15 level, that nets you the 30 unreleased games. Even if the hit rate is low amongst them (and with the calibre involved, that’s unlikely) that’s still a great bargain. Then hoof up to $55 and there’s a t-shirt designed by Bryan Lee O’Malley. These people clearly have the right friends. Go higher and you’ll find people like Derek Yu and Adam Saltsman getting involved with pixel portraits, and so on.

I’ve had my hands on Steve Swink’s in-the-works contribution, Inputting, and it’s already fantastic. A game where the method of control becomes a factor in the levels, from the simple idea of manoeuvring a ball by moving platforms corresponding to keys, to flying a ship where the WASD keys that move you are literal factors in the environment, obstacles to avoid. It’s tough to explain, and it’s a damned smart idea.

So, clearly we can’t judge the quality of the games coming out of this, so can’t recommend you throw your cash toward it. But just the concept of the Game Space seems an idea I’m pleased to support.