Elite Danergous, Interstellar Marines, and more.

David Braben's at it again folks!

Who? Oh, just the father of pretty much the entire space sim genre. The guy responsible for making Elite(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_%2…) and its sequels, Frontier: Elite II(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontier…), and Frontier: First Encounters(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_En…). He's at it again with Elite: Dangerous. Along with the staples of the series that veterans have come to expect and love, now comes multiplayer and next generation graphics. But he needs our help. Check out the KickStarter here:

www.kickstarter.com/projects/1…

If you've got a few bucks (or pounds, if you're British) to throw around, please think about pledging. If nothing else, we need more space games!

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The folks at Zero Point Software are working to bring the next generation of first-person shooters to life with Interstellar Marines(www.interstellarmarines.com/), a game about mankind's first steps into the cosmos, featuring non-linear gameplay, rpg elements, and tactical four-player co-op; but they need help. Please check out their KickStarter.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/z…

They've already got several playable prototypes out now if you need any convincing. Just look for them at the front page their site.

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If single-player isn't your thing, then have a look at Infinity: The Quest for Earth(www.infinity-universe.com/). Finally back on track after two years of pure engine development. And I-Novae Studios, the folks behind it, have a plan for moving forward.

Be on the lookout for a playable tech demo in the next few months. The developers are mum on the details, but I'm pretty sure that the least we can expect is the ability to play around with the procedural generation engine. Of course, as if that wasn't enough, there's also a KickStarter planned AND they're going to re-make the venerable Infinity Combat Prototype (ICP) into a full, stand-alone companion game. (www.blog.playscifi.com/infinit… is an interview with Kieth Newton about the tech demo and ICP remake at PlaySF(the KickStarter announcement occurred after this interview))

And they're looking for artists. With development of the game getting back into gear, the upcoming demo, AND the ICP remake, there's a lot of work to do, and they need more people to be able to do it. Right now they need concept artists, and they're looking for professional quality. If you think you have what it takes, and want to get in on the action (they're hiring), here's a few resources so you can audition:

Style guides for all three factions: www.infinity-universe.com/~dev…
These are your bibles, even the developers have to follow them. (some of the art in them old, but that will be updated as more, newer art is made)

This image will give you information on ship types and sizes, as well as information on equipment hardpoint sizes, space station sizes, and ship garage sizes: i132.photobucket.com/albums/q3… (ignore the information about triangle counts)

And this post one of the developers will give you the technical specs for putting together and presenting concepts. Even the developers have to follow them:www.infinity-universe.com/Infi…