Well, here's a discussion point I guess. Illfonic has an awful track record in their short history. The current 'indefinite delay' with the Star Citizen FPS module that was due in April certainly isn't inspiring confidence.
You seem to be well versed on the project. What about this team has convinced you that they will be able to pull off what they are pitching? As it stands, their only released game (a twitchy FPS) was underwhelming at best, and their first foray into the AAA space isn't going very well.
Why should we care about Revival?
Well, I'd prefer a discussion on the announced game systems and their potential to change the status quo. But this is kind of a cynic's approach, and I really feel we as gamers need to find a way to stop leading with that. Anyway.
There's no doubt there's a risk to the project, from a financial, technical, logistical and creative perspective. But the Illfonic team has earned enough credit with me to help them try. I've been hanging around since January and watched how the developers interact; it's the way they matter-of-factly answer questions. It's as if the game is already running, they are so certain of their designs.
And speaking of the design, they are preparing to put all of their actual design documentation online in a wiki very soon. I think that says a lot about their confidence and desire to do things differently.
Two of the lead developers were original narrative and design leads on RIFT (in fact, created the lore and many of the systems in that game.) They talk about how many of the ideas in Revival were originally conceived during RIFT development, but ultimately kept getting yanked from the design because they wouldn't be compatible with the mainstream target audience the publisher was hoping to attract. The rug was pulled out from under them and that's why they're so intent and excited to finally be able to call the shots and make the game they've been wanting to make for 10 years. So they have experience.
Also, it's important to note they are not crowdfunding this. Illfonic is privately funded; one of the partners is a successful artist and producer in the music industry, which no doubt helps.
And in getting to know them? They are us. Except with the means to execute.
All of these things are reasons I believe in the team and their effort.
Re: Star Citizen FPS. I don't think Illfonic's part has much if anything to do with the delays they are facing. The actual FPS design, mechanics, modes, gameplay, etc are being handled by Illfonic and not really where the problem is rooted.
Also, you have to look at what can only be called an exodus of senior production management at CIG. That has to be taken into account, especially as they try to right the ship. Ultimately, I don't believe Illfonic's involvement in Star Citizen has any real bearing on their capabilities to execute on Revival. They are also separate teams.
Why should we care about Revival? I truly believe this is the real innovation we've been saying we all wanted for a decade.
