Square Enix Invites Devs to Make Pitches for Gex, Fear Effect, and Anachronox

Square Enix is seeking ideas from interested developers for new games in the Gex, Fear Effect, and Anachronox franchises. 

The publisher isn't necessarily seeking direct sequels but is instead keen for pitches which will takes those games in a different directions. 

"What would Gex look like in a side-scrolling adventure, or a turn-based strategy?"  Square Enix commented. "So feel free to mash up genres, and get creative."

This process is part of a program called the Collective, which launched in 2013 and sees Square Enix partner with developers for crowdfunding campaigns. Once Square approves an idea, they submit it to the community – giving them the chance to provide feedback and vote. 28 days later, they'll decide whether or not to submit the game for crowdfunding. 

Given that Square Enix is a large company, relying on crowdfunding for these projects seems somewhat controversial however, the publisher defended this buy saying the project will be the responsibility of the independent developer and the studio which makes the game "will still be the key beneficiary of its success".

Square Enix will take five per cent of of the net crowdfunded total should the initial target be reached, and will also levy a 10 per cent distribution fee on net sales revenue of the game, as well as a 10 per cent license fee for IP usage. 

"And, obviously, we'll have more involvement in the direction of development," Square Enix continued, "because let's face it, we want to make sure the game that's released is the game that's promised."

The developer will retain 80 per cent of the net revenue of the game's sales, Square Enix added, "and who knows, maybe we'll be interested in licensing a sequel as well?"