Shadowrun Returns could get multiplayer after launch

Shadowrun Returns developer Harebrained Schemes would be stretched too thin if it tried to squeeze multiplayer in for launch, Shadowrun creator Jordan Weisman has told us, but the engine's being built in a way that could support adding it later.

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Shadowrun creator Jordan Weisman wants to have multiplayer into Shadowrun Returns, he's told Shacknews, but developer Harebrained Schemes would be stretched too thin if it tried to squeeze it in for launch. However, the Kickstarted cyberpunk RPG adaptation's engine is being built to theoretically support adding it later.

The revelation came in an interview last week, when we asked Weisman if Shadowrun Returns would support multiplayer, perhaps through play-by-e-mail or 'hotseat' co-op.

"We do want to do all that," he responded. "We got very excited and I mentioned it in a video and then we sat down and realized in the time frame and realistic budget--even that we were starting to see the fans might extend us to--it would stretch us too thin to commit to that for launch."

"We think the kinds of things we'd love to add--a PvP mode for deathmatch arena play, or co-operative RPG play--we definitely are going to build the engine to allow us to expand in that direction, but we didn't want to commit to having that at launch."

Look out for our full interview with Wiesman tomorrow, same Shack-channel, covering oh so many lovely things. Already a roaring success, having hit more than triple its original goal, the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter is still soliciting funds. Pledging at least $15 will net you a PC, Mac or Linux copy of the RPG when it launches.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    April 19, 2012 1:15 PM

    Alice O'Connor posted a new article, Shadowrun Returns could get multiplayer after launch.

    Shadowrun Returns developer Harebrained Schemes would be stretched too thin if it tried to squeeze multiplayer in for launch, Shadowrun creator Jordan Weisman has told us, but the engine's being built in a way that could support adding it later.

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      April 19, 2012 2:15 PM

      multiplayer would be amazing.

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      April 19, 2012 3:56 PM

      I'm not at all interested in an arena mode, but something where you're fellow members of the same shadowrunning team could be cool. Maybe even rival teams with opposing objectives (steal the MacGuffin vs save the MacGuffin, etc)


      I'm hoping the Kickstarter is able to hit the 1.5 million mark, as the stretch goal is to add in a mission that ties in some stuff from the SNES and Genesis games. I played the SNES one to death and have always been disappointed that the sequel teased in the credits never came to be.

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        April 19, 2012 5:45 PM

        I like the way you are thinking... sounds like fun!

        I'm doing my part for this game. Right now, unless I change my bid, I'm in for the boxed edition with all the goodies (I can't even type how much money that is because I haven't admitted it to myself yet... but it will be worth it I'm sure).

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          April 19, 2012 8:29 PM

          I went for the same amount as you, and I too haven't admitted it to myself yet.

          I can't remember the last time the mere mention of an upcoming game had me this excited.

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      April 19, 2012 4:07 PM

      I'm just glad they're just focusing on single player until after the game comes out.

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        April 19, 2012 5:26 PM

        Yeah, its definitely the right move.

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        April 19, 2012 5:46 PM

        Yes, I agree. This shows that they have a good plan laid out already and they are smart enough to stick to it and not get bogged down by changes.

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      April 19, 2012 11:22 PM

      How was the SNES version compared to the Genesis game? I played the hell out of the Genesis game. It was awesome to me. Ambience, music, gameplay... one of the very few games I ever played through multiple times, much less finished in the first place.

      But I never had an SNES or a close friend with one, so I never had any basis for comparison to the other Shadowrun game.

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        April 20, 2012 7:24 AM

        They really were 2 different games completely. SNES was more action and focused more on puzzles and Gen was more tactical and had a much better Matrix interaction....

        I think the Genesis was slightly better because it represented the Matrix in the way I would want to go through it.

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        April 20, 2012 7:25 AM

        BTW if they hit 1.5 mil they will give us a storyline connecting the SNES and Gen versions :) I dropped my $125 yesterday !

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      April 20, 2012 7:37 AM

      You asked my question! I think that if they really can't get the multiplayer stuff in without it affecting the single player then it shouldn't be there. Still, my dream of running games written by your GM in an integrated online Shadowrun platform would be amazing.

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