Steeped in the feudal political intrigue of the BattleTech universe, the game will feature an open-ended Mercenaries-style campaign that blends RPG, Mech and MechWarrior management with modern turn-based tactics.Set in the BattleTech Universe, originally created by Jordan Weisman over 30 years ago, Harebrained Schemes is going back to Kickstarter for the fourth time and has chosen a similar approach to its Shadowrun: Hong Kong campaign, in which they are self funding a base game, and asking the community to co-fund further development.
BattleTech is a dynamic science fiction setting that spans centuries. It is also a shared universe that has evolved over 30 years, in tabletop miniatures games and sourcebooks, along with a series of over two hundred novels, comics, and dozens of computer games.
Harebrained has divided the feature-set for BattleTech into four distinct funding stages on Kickstarter, with the first of those stages self-funded by the studio. A detailed description of each BattleTech co-funding stage (including an expanded single-player campaign and PVP multiplayer) can be found on the game's Kickstarter page (looking for $250,000) along with an exciting variety of physical and digital rewards that are sure to appeal to longtime BattleTech fans.
“Returning to classic BattleTech, particularly the 3025 Succession Wars Era, feels like coming home,” said Weisman. “I’m really happy to join with Kickstarter Backers to create an authentic BattleTech PC game with detailed tactical turn-based ‘Mech combat and a chance to experience an epic game setting that’s endured for over 30 years.”
"This is a passion project for us," said Mitch Gitelman, co-founder and Studio Manager of Harebrained Schemes and producer of the classic MechCommander series. "Ever since we formed the studio, the team has been itching for a chance to make a BattleTech game and they can’t wait to bring BattleTech’s incredible setting to life. It’s a universe filled with intrigue, cutthroat politics, and fascinating characters. That’s right up our alley.”
Although Weisman created the BattleTech Universe, Harebrained Schemes is working closely with Catalyst Game Labs, the current publisher of the BattleTech tabletop board games and novels, to ensure an authentic BattleTech experience. Piranha Games, creators of MechWarrior Online, are also sharing their incredible roster of highly-detailed ‘Mech models with Harebrained Schemes for BATTLETECH, to create continuity across the BattleTech Universe.
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