Epicinium is a turn-based wargame hits Kickstarter crowdfunding for Linux, Mac and Windows. But the games unique, in that nature is a finite resource. This is also a game the employs fast turns, simultaneously. Since players have to balance firepower and resources. As the victor score focuses on how much nature remains when the dust settles.
After over a year of development and testing. Developer A Bunch of Hacks are confident they can show that the game. Which is already engaging, fun and capable of covering the final stretch of development. With plans to improve Epicinium further include adding a singleplayer campaign. While making the game even more readable. And expand the player’s tactical options with more units and game modes.
Besides a regular release on Steam and Itch for Linux, Windows and Mac. A Bunch of Hacks will have a separate open-source release under a GNU GPL license, after a successful Kickstarter.
Since this is for modders, LAN-ers and tinkerers. Which also includes a simple command-line server, the engine and the full game logic.
Epicinium assets will be made available under a non-commercial license. This way, it allows the start of AI and multiplayer battles from the command line. The upcoming singleplayer campaign will not be included. Nor will the community and matchmaking services from the official game server.
Epicinium turn based wargame Trailer (Linux, Mac, Windows)
After working for over a year to build Epicinium from scratch in C++ and SDL2, this is a risky decision for us. In hindsight, it might have been easier to go open-source from the start. However, we still think it’s the right decision. We are enthusiastic users of open-source software ourselves, and we support being transparent on what’s running on your machine. We would like to enable our community to do extensive modding and customization, and to allow fellow starting game developers to use (parts of) our engine for their own games.
Epicinium is planning the release for Q3 2019. The game will also include an easy-to-use map editor, adaptive AI opponents. These learn from playing against you (to be development is in collaboration with staff and students from Utrecht University’s AI master programme). And a well-documented JSON API for writing your own AIs.
Epicinium turn based wargame is being developed by A Bunch of Hacks. They are a worker cooperative for independent game development from the Netherlands. They are looking to raise € 30,000 ($34,218.66 USD) to ensure a successful development and release. The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for Epicinium is available now.
Also, check out the YouTube channel for more developer documentaries and follow on Twitter.