The Petition!
In October 2008, we started a petition to ask Valve to reconsider distributing Determinance on Steam. You can read about the trials and tribulations of that process here.
We then found that other indie game devs wanted in on the action, so we banded together with some of our developer friends to create a kind of disturbing indie cartel.
Here is the text of the petition..
“We are writing this petition in order to encourage Valve to open up their service to indie developers, and allow people to buy games of all shapes, sizes and levels of quality without imposing arbitrary selection criteria. We ask, at the very least, that they have a defined set of selection criteria, and that they make these known.”
Please sign to show your support for indie games!
Also Digg the petition to let other people know about it.
If we get 5000 signatures on the petition in the next 6 months (that’s a lot) – I (Paul Taylor of Mode 7 Games) will personally fly out to Valve’s offices and give it to them.
If we get 10,000 signatures, I will personally fly out to Valve’s offices and give it to them, while dressed up as a tomato.
I will do absolutely everything in my power to get a meeting where I present the petition to one of the big honchos in the company.
Here is some further information on us and our games…
Mode 7 Games
http://www.mode7games.com
Our crazy sword-fighting game Determinance was released a couple of years ago, and managed to achieve some small successes, including a 78% review in PC Zone magazine, and a Game of the Year Award for Innovation from Gametunnel.
After applying to Valve to get our game distributed over their Steam service and being refused twice, we gave up all hope. We would love to be on Steam – it is by far the best way of reaching the audience of indie gamers who would enjoy Determinance the most.
We’re aware that the game is not a world-beating magnum opus, but people do really love playing it. Here’s some quotes we received from new players during the last three days:
“Only played bots so far, but they are more than enough entertainment for me. Chances are that online play will be even more fun! I’ll most definitely be buying this tomorrow.”
“I am buying this right now. Hands down the best game besides Toribash I have ever played. Thanks Mode7!”
“Awesome , awesome , awesome! This game is really pwn =D”
Here’s some press quotes:
“One of the most admirable indie combat sims yet.” (PC Zone)
“Determinance is original and innovative, reaching for things that seem impossible and succeeding in creating a game experience like no other.” (Gametunnel)
If you would like the opportunity to buy Determinance on Steam, please sign this petition to let Valve know how you feel. We really appreciate your support.
Positech Games
Positech Games is a one man company based in the UK (England). It was formed by gaming geek Cliff Harris in 1997 when he was working as an IT support guy. Cliff has been writing and selling games for 10 years now. Cliff does ALL the programming and 80% of the art for his games. He also handles all the tech support, web design and marketing of the games.
Winter Wolves
Riva Celso is the founder and owner of Winter Wolves (2003) and Tycoon Games (2007), two websites dedicated to bring universally fun games for all types of game players, from sport simulations to rpg and adventure games.
Puppy Games
RPG Creations
Catnap Games
