Rebellion - Sniper Elite dev expanding operations

[LESS T_T]

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/0...dge-dredd-to-other-developers-and-publishers/

Announced at the 2000AD 40 Years Of Thrill Power Festival, in Hammersmith today, Jason Kingsley of gaming company Rebellion and publishers of 2000AD, announced a new initiative for the company.

Best known as a games publisher and developer, Rebellion have made a number of 2000AD-based games, but feel they are at full capacity, and are leaving too many classic and exploitable properties on the shelf.

So they are opening up 2000AD’s library of characters to other game developers, for licensing purposes. Talking to Bleeding Cool after the announcement, Kingsley emphasised that while he has had many media approaches for exploiting 2000AD characters, and has something big to announce later this year, video game makers have often seen reticent, as they see Rebellion as a competitor.

But he talked about wanting to work with other game developers and giving them freedom to expand on the 2000AD library, including Judge Dredd and Dredd-related characters. He said he’s love to see someone take on Mega City One’s Helltrekkers…

So anyone interested? Get in touch. Kingsley expects dozens rather than hundreds of inquiries but sees four to five games possibly developed from other publishers in the near future.

I think Focus Home is already on the scene.

I'm not familiar with 2000 AD other than two Dredd movies. Is there any interesting setting for an RPG? I thought second Dredd movie's tower setting would work well with Deus Ex-like games.

 

[Rahdulan]

Very interesting. Judge Dredd is actually a relatively small part of it if you go by Issue reresentation,of the setting albeit an important one. I'd like a Devlin Waugh game for the sheer ridiculousness of it, though.

 

[Lord Rocket]

Meh. Most of the modern 2KAD stuff I've seen has been frankly mediocre and realistically, modern studios aren't going to do anything cool with the older settings. I'm going to fantasise about some cool stuff you could do, though:

Judge Dredd: Comic Dredd isn't really like the recent movie (I like both). Think more ultra retarded Bladerunner. You could do post-apocalyptic wasteland stuff with freaky mutants and psykers running around everywhere (a core conceit of the setting is that civilisation only exists in massive walled cities, surrounded by a nuclear wasteland called The Cursed Earth), assymetrical strategy games where crims try to overwhelm the tactically vastly superior but outnumbered Judges while fighting each other, stupid space opera adventures, tower block sims where you try to distract your chronically unemployed and braindead residents with all manner of meaningless entertainments. Or a middle of the road FPS where you're a Judge shooting creeps and perps etc. etc.

Strontium Dog: Sort of like X-Men, except instead of having cool powers, the mutants just have their faces on their knees, are really hairy, and so on. And their only real employment opportunity is to join the Search/Destroy agency that captures various unlikely fugitives. Think something like Mechwarrior 2: Mercenaries mixed with your favourite tactical shooter; pick which bounties you're going to take on, choose which ugly freaks to take with you; stake out the crims, learn their routines, plan your assault, and then blow them all up with grenades that send them an hour back in time (ie. when the planet wasn't in the same position as it is now). Or try to do things quietly without disturbing the local authorities too much, because you won't get paid if you step over the line. Whatever. Then you can spend all your money on new ridiculous super weapons and do it all again -- or spend the money on prozzas to keep your morale up.

Rogue Trooper: Some blue idiot runs around a world so inundated with horrifying chemical weaponry that your lungs melt when you breathe in. Fuck Rogue, he sucks, take command of the Souther or Nort forces and try and conquer the world of Nu-Earth instead! Straight sci-fi high level wargame (like, brigade level or higher) as you try to wrangle your half-trained and demoralised conscript troops into doing what you need them to do as you attempt to break the stalemate on Nu-Earth (your veteran units are, of course, all severely mentally ill). Plus even more stupid sci-fi stuff.

Nemesis: This would be a game industry simulation where the company Play Workbench attempts to sue the company who owns the rights to the franchise that PW ripped off most liberally for its Flail 500 Grand setting. As the CEO of that company, can you stave off their lawyers long enough to complete a game where the players control an alien wizard with a head that looks a bit like a penis? And what will the reviewers say?

Slaine: Pretty much just a Celtic themed CRPG. It will start off really well, with your party of barbarians and spindly midgets riding around on mammoths and being dragged into hell-dimensions to fight sundry evil celestial deities and their daemonic servants. Later on it will turn into a bizarre load of wank where the writers drone on endlessly about how women are so much better than men, because they're more likely to betray you. Or something. Anyone who's played this far will also be treated to a lot of bizarre, gruesome revenge porn as their characters travel through time and effortlessly behead, dismember, and otherwise mutilate historical figures the writers don't like. Actually, don't make this game, it will suck.

 

[A horse of course]

Rogue Trooper was incredibly boring. I think I got halfway through the game before going back to Skyrim sex mods. On the upside:

 

[PulsatingBrain]

Strontium Dog and Nemesis the Warlock games pls.

Indigo Prime is a cool setting but I dunno what the fuck they could do for games with it. It would probably work well as a point-and-click game

 

[Azalin]

Slaine rpg when?

 

[Dayyālu]

Or something. Anyone who's played this far will also be treated to a lot of bizarre, gruesome revenge porn as their characters travel through time and effortlessly behead, dismember, and otherwise mutilate historical figures the writers don't like. Actually, don't make this game, it will suck.

Someone knows.



The fun thing, reading them in short sessions decades after their completion made the 2000AD comics that fell into it (Nemesis and Slaine) incredibly weird.

 

[Filthy Sauce]

Not into 2000AD at all, so don't care about this.... buts it really cool to see a company take open applications for other developers to work on the IP. Wish Hasbro would stop being fags and do the same with D&D.

 

[Freddie]

A lot could be done with Judge Dredd. It's not just a character but setting as well.

Nemesis the Warlock, I would love to see modern attempt with this. Last game was in 1987. It's just quite a fucked up setting if developers want to go with canon.
In other hand, splitting enemies with sword, burning their head clean off with breathing acid or fire ball or levitate and get just some headshots or something. There were also side characters that could be used in game.

Halo Jones... might work as adventure game. Perhaps the most cohesive story line in 2000 AD.

 

[pippin]

I'd love to have an Arham City-like game with Judge Dredd, since the idea of running around kicking random crims until "important" ones appear is actually how most of Dredd stories go on. I'd also love to play a game based on Anderson.
If a Nemesis game is released, people would complain about it resembling Warhammer a bit too much, when it's actually the other way around (fun fact: most 2000ad creators have also made Warhammer comics). I actually wouldn't mind a visual novel-type of game about Halo Jones, but I'm afraid it would lead to feminists "claiming" her, even if they already did back in the day.
Bad Company is perfectly suited for a Dawn of War-type of game. ABC Warriors could be a perfect mech action game. Slaine I can only see it as a Dark Souls-type of game. Especially if you're going with Bisley's run.

 

[DemonKing]

Nemesis hasn't had a run in the comic for decades, so I can't see that being attractive to developers. Strontium Dog has a slightly better profile but I can't see anyone going that way and while the Rogue Trooper game that came out a decade or so ago was surprisingly decent, I don't think that IP would be attractive either. Realistically anyone interested will probably go for Judge Dredd.

The Rebellion Judge Dredd game was a mediocre FPS but there was a bit of potential there. I could see it working best probably as a Max Payne style 3rd Person shooter - bullet time would be a great way of explaining Dredd's mad shooting skills. Arkham City-style game set in Mega City One would also be fun.

 

[Neanderthal]

I liked Rogue Trooper game but i've gotta admit hes a borin one note character, but a good designer might be able to do a new tale in him, after all blue protagonists are usually good. Slaine I ant read since early days, when he were in that alien tomb/city, an he had a weird power sword instead o his axe, Conans a better Celtic superman but back then Slain were cool. ABC Warriors fuckin yes, same for Kano an lads from Bad Company. I liked that Finn bloke an all. Button Man were a simple premise that I suppose you could expand on. I's prefer to play Wulf Sternhammer or Middenface McNulty rather than Johnny Alpha.

 

[LESS T_T]

Not videogame, but they announced 2000 AD tabletop RPGs: http://www.2000adonline.com/post/1414

New Judge Dredd and 2000 AD Tabletop Adventure Games announced!
EN Publishing to publish ‘Worlds of 2000 AD’ Tabletop Adventure Games!


EN Publishing, under license with Rebellion, are developing a range of Tabletop Adventure Games and supplements based on the iconic characters and worlds found in the legendary British comic 2000 AD.

“2000 AD has forty years of rich history and storytelling and this worldwide license allows us to explore those characters and stories and bring them to the tabletop.” Angus Abranson, Business Manager of EN Publishing said.

The first release will be Judge Dredd & The Worlds of 2000 AD Tabletop Adventure Game, a full colour hardcover book which contains the core ‘Worlds of 2000 AD’ rules as well as the setting information enabling the players to not only play Judges, but also civilians and perps, in Mega City One.

“The rules system we’re using is our own WOIN (What’s Old Is New) engine that also powers our N.E.W. – The Science Fiction Roleplaying Game which spent some time as the #1 best seller on RPGNow.” said system designer and EN Publishing Owner, Russ Morrissey. “The system is incredibly flexible and can cater seamlessly for the Celtic environs of Slaine to space faring hijinks of the Ace Trucking Co.”

Judge Dredd & The Worlds of 2000 AD will be followed by a series of adventure sourcebooks giving players and Game Masters the opportunity to play through the story arcs that made Judge Dredd such an enduring character.

“We’ll be publishing a series of books, starting with The Robot Wars, which will not only allow players and GMs to play through the events that took place in the comic arc, but also add to the game setting with additional rules or source material relevant to the period or location. So, for instance, Robot characters will be expanded in The Robot Wars whilst in Luna-1 we’ll be providing detailed information on the moon colony and life there.” Nick Robinson, Line Developer for the Worlds of 2000 AD Tabletop Adventure Game said. “The idea is to move chronologically through the classic story arcs in the 2000 AD Progs providing adventures for not only Judges, but for those players who may wish to explore the Dredd Universe from a different perspective – that of a Civilian or even a Perp. Each book will contain a core adventure, mini-adventures based upon the other story arcs at the time, as well as expanded setting and rules information.”

In addition to the support material for the Judge Dredd campaign a series of ‘Campaign Guides’ are planned which will cover other 2000 AD settings.

“There is such a vast wealth of exciting characters and worlds to explore in the 2000 AD stable that it’d be criminal not to explore them. By using the core rules in Judge Dredd & The Worlds of 2000 AD rulebook we can then create a range of Campaign Guides that give you setting information, adventures, new careers, etc, across a host of titles. Worlds of 2000 AD : ABC Warriors, Worlds of 2000 AD : Indigo Prime, Worlds of 2000 AD : Nikolai Dante, Worlds of 2000 AD : Rogue Trooper, with the depth of the 2000 AD catalogue we literally have universes to play with.” Angus Abranson said.

Writing and development is well under way with writer Darren Pearce (Doctor Who; Lone Wolf) working on the core rulebook alongside Russ Morrissey and Nick Robinson, with additional content from Robert Schwalb (Dungeons & Dragons; Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay) whilst Andrew Peregrine (Doctor Who; Firefly; Buffy The Vampire Slayer) is writing The Robot Wars.

https://www.worldsof2000adrpg.com/

 

[pippin]

Many 2000AD characters share the same Judge Dredd "universe". Some of them actually were created as Dredd characters and later got their own series, often because of popular demand (Chopper for instance). You could make a 2000AD game and include many, many non-Dredd characters.

 

[Freddie]

Many 2000AD characters share the same Judge Dredd "universe". Some of them actually were created as Dredd characters and later got their own series, often because of popular demand (Chopper for instance). You could make a 2000AD game and include many, many non-Dredd characters.

Universe is indeed truly fascinating what comes to using it as game setting. Mega City 1 is like character on it's own with all the stories with all the crazy stories how people in there try to tackle with questions how to be someone in overcrowded and automated world where there's very little for individual to do to stand out, even get their own experience to act on something instead of wasting their time to endless entertainment and say fashion movements.

Chopper / Midnight Surfer is very good example of what this setting can deliver. If only someone took their time and attention to fully understand the setting and used those possibilities that exist and wouldn't set the bar on low budget game, but for something more ambitious. Money could be there because Morrison's visions are actually still very relevant today.

 

[lightbane]

2000AD games being made would be an amazing thing, they're 100% politically incorrect and absolutely anti-inclusive. The SJW would rage hard if they tried to read any of these comics (assuming they knew how to read).

 

[Destroid]

Nice soundtrack on Nemesis the Warlock.

 

[Freddie]

Nice soundtrack on Nemesis the Warlock.

That's Hubbard. Perhaps recycled from somewhere, but good tune.

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

Slaine rpg when?

1988
http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/sline-the-celtic-barbarian

 

[DemonKing]

Apparently there's a Judge Dredd TV series being made - could have an effect on the value of the IP.

 

[LESS T_T]

https://www.pcgamesn.com/judge-dredd-dredd-vs-death/2000-ad-games-2018

Multiple studios are working on 2000 AD games

Rebellion opened the door to license out games in the 2000 AD universe earlier this year. That means any developer or publisher can approach the studio and pitch a 2000 AD game - Rockstar want to make GTA: Judge Dredd? Sure. Arkane want to do an immersive sim set in Strontium Dog’s world? Go for it. An indie studio wants to make a 2D platformer based on Ace Trucking? Why not. All they have to do is approach Rebellion, ask, and agree to the terms.

Since that announcement, multiple studios have struck deals with Rebellion to make games in their iconic comic book universes. We spoke to Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley to see what we could find out.

“I wanted to do lots of games with 2000 AD characters but we didn't have time and money,” Kingsley says. “As time was going on, lots of people were asking, ‘Why aren't you?’ And I would say ‘Well, we haven't got the time’. So I thought this was ridiculous, literally it's been 17 years and there’s been about three, four games out - that's not good enough.

“So, recently, we opened up the library to people, and said, ‘Come and pitch ideas, if you want to work with us we'll work out a licensing deal that makes sense for everybody, and you can work within the 2000 AD stuff’. So, hopefully next year we should start to see some public announcements about some of those games coming out.”

What those games will look like is anyone’s guess since the floor is open to developers of all sizes. “We've always done a range of titles, and I think it’s safe for you to guess that we'll be doing a range of scales of titles,” Kingsley admits. “For example, one that's been announced is Osprey Games are doing a card game based on Judge Dredd. So that's been announced but that's a card game rather than computer game.

“The way we always work is we have a portfolio approach. Our plan was to have a variety of different titles of different scales, so there would be some kind of very kooky niche titles, and hopefully some really big extensive ones as well.”

At the moment, Rebellion themselves have no concrete plans to release a game in the 2000 AD universe. However, if Rogue Trooper Redux - their recent remaster of that third-person shooter where you play as a blue squaddie - sells well, it could be something they consider. “If that goes well, and the market responds well, which it seems to be doing, there's a good chance we'll look at it again,” Kingsley says. “Every game we do is a test.”

This is an excerpt from a larger set of interviews conducted for Rebellion’s 25th anniversary - keep an eye on the site for more.

Also thought on Brexit as the CEO of "Britain's biggest indie studio": https://www.pcgamesn.com/rebellion-jason-kingsley-brexit

 

[LESS T_T]

Rapid expansion of Rebellion, more development studios, a film studio, OBE: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/press...TUDIOS_WITH_ACQUISITION_OF_TICKTOCK_GAMES.php

REBELLION EXPANDS TO FOUR STUDIOS WITH ACQUISITION OF TICKTOCK GAMES

Oxford, UK - 3 January 2019 - Independent UK developer and publisher Rebellion today announced the acquisition of Yorkshire-based studio TickTock Games for an undisclosed sum.

TickTock Games, founded by industry veterans Arden Aspinall, Jonathan Wright and Paul Kelly, have worked with many major partners across their 12-year history, including, Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Nvidia and BBC Worldwide. TickTock have recently lent their creative and industry expertise to Rebellion projects, working on Rogue Trooper Redux and the Nintendo Switch version of Battlezone Gold Edition.

TickTock Games will become Rebellion North, the fourth games studio falling under Rebellion's umbrella, joining Rebellion Liverpool and Rebellion Warwick as sister studios to the company's headquarters in Oxford. Rebellion North has already begun work on upcoming Rebellion games, as the company readies itself for another big year, with multiple unannounced titles set to launch in 2019.

"Bringing more great people to the company is a great way to start 2019," said Rebellion CEO and co-founder Jason Kingsley OBE. "The company continues to grow and it's important we bring in the right people as part of that process. We've worked with the team at TickTock Games for a while now, and we know they'll continue to prosper as Rebellion North."

The news comes after another landmark year for Rebellion, which not only saw the release of new IP Strange Brigade, but saw the company acquire a $100m facility to convert into a film studio, and become the custodian of the world's largest catalogue of English language comic book IP, thanks to the acquisition of the comics and fiction assets formerly belonging to IPC.

The year closed out with more good news, as Rebellion Co-Founder and CTO Chris Kingsley was awarded an OBE for services to the Economy in the New Year Honours List in recognition of his services to independent UK games development and the UK games industry as a whole, having led Rebellion with his brother for more than 25 years.

 

[J1M]

Did they acquire any worthy IP for a game from IPC? Seems like they would have the same licensing policy for that.

 

[LESS T_T]

Everybody wants do board games: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-20-rebellion-launches-new-board-games-division

Rebellion launches board games division
UK developer and publisher will kick off new business with tabletop version of Sniper Elite

Rebellion is expanding into a new industry with the launch of Rebellion Unplugged, a new division dedicated to board games.

The UK publisher and developer already produces video games, books, comics and has branched into TV and film production. Now the firm is capitalising on the rising popularity of tabletop games by bringing its IP to this market.

Rebellion Unplugged's first release will be Sniper Elite: The Board Game, based on the firm's popular WWII shooters. An early version will be playable at PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia next month, with a Kickstarter campaign due to launch in early 2020.

Several other games are in the works, with more to be announced next year. The company's IP portfolio also includes 2000 AD (including Judge Dredd), Evil Genius and Sniper Elite spin-off Zombie Army.

The new division is being lead by Duncan Molloy, founder and creative lead of Osprey Games' board games line-up.

"We're absolutely delighted to be launching Rebellion Unplugged," said CEO and founder Jason Kingsley. "My brother Chris and I have been making video games for more than 25 years, and our love of the medium has its roots in our childhood love of board games.

"We've got so many great games and comic book heroes and universes to draw from too, so it's going to be a lot of fun."

Still no sign of new 2000 AD video games.

 

[LESS T_T]

Rebellion bolster its catalog more by acquiring their British fellow The Bitmap Brothers and its IPs (Xenon, Z: Steel Soldiers, Speedball, and Chaos Engine...): https://rebellion.com/rebellion-acquires-the-bitmap-brothers-brand-and-portfolio/

It "plans to bring classic The Bitmap Brothers games to new platforms, and going forward to create new titles based on its beloved licenses."

Rebellion acquires The Bitmap Brothers brand and portfolio

We’re proud to announce Rebellion’s acquisition of the iconic The Bitmap Brothers brand and portfolio.

Described as “Gaming’s first rockstars,” The Bitmap Brothers were responsible for what many regard as some of the stand-out games of the late 80s and early 90s, including titles such as Xenon, Z: Steel Soldiers, Speedball and Chaos Engine. Rebellion plans to bring classic The Bitmap Brothers games to new platforms, and going forward to create new titles based on its beloved licenses.

The news comes as the UK’s National Videogame Museum unveiled its new UK Collection which launches with a focus on Rebellion, recognizing the studio’s achievements across multimedia, spanning more than a quarter of a century. This will lead to Rebellion being featured in the first Great British Studios exhibition, launching at a future date in the museum.

“We’re delighted with the addition of The Bitmap Brothers to the ever-growing Rebellion portfolio,” said Rebellion CEO and co-founder Jason Kingsley OBE. “The Bitmap Brothers are renowned for making great games and for bringing gaming into the mainstream with inimitable style. We’ve known Mike Montgomery for many years and we’re honoured by the faith and trust that he has shown in us by passing on the torch. We’ll strive to be vigilant custodians of one of gaming’s great names.”

To celebrate today’s announcement, we have unveiled a special photo featuring company co-founders Jason and Chris Kingsley OBE and The Bitmap Brothers co-founder Mike Montgomery, harking back to the classic images of The Bitmap Brothers that gained mainstream attention in the 1990s.