Today Tom Hall, the designer behind such games as Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D, and DOOM, has announced his latest project, one aimed with fledgling game makers in mind. Called the WORLDS OF WANDER Platform Game Creator, it's a tool that will allow players not just to play a game but to create one themselves with a simple level editor.
With it comes a fully finished title, a "spiritual successor" to the Commander Keen series called SECRET SPACESHIP CLUB, which users can use to test out their skills in Simple Mode before building full levels and worlds to share in Advanced. Says Hall of the development:
“It’s time to be able to play and create wherever you are, with whatever computer or device is near you. The goal is for players to access game content, make, and share their work as easily as they share MP3s and digital photos. It’s time to do that with games.”
He adds, "…This is a new era. Game making should be for everyone everywhere."
The aim is to not just create an easy system that walks players through the process of level editing, but also build a community of sharing content. To that aim they're asking for funds through a new Kickstarter campaign, dedicated to raising at least $400,000 for the project, with more features unlocking as money comes in, including Box 2D physics support, and new planets, art styles, and content. WORLDS OF WANDER runs on Unity and will ultimately be available on iOS, PC, Mac, and Ubuntu Linux. Programming will be handled by industry veteran Chris Burke, whose cross platform experience on ports like Mortal Kombat and Sinistar will no doubt prove an asset. He and Burke have 62 years of experience in the industry between them. Check out the Kickstarter page for more details on this ambitious project and to plunk down your cash.
