Al_B on 1/7/2014 at 14:36
That's fantastic news :D
Twist on 1/7/2014 at 15:56
Well this looks interesting.
Paul Neurath, co-founder of Looking Glass Studios, has got Tim Stellmach signed on to be the lead designer. Stellmach was not only the lead designer of Ultima Underworld II, but also the lead designer on both of the classic Thief games.
I always thought Stellmach's role in the original Thief games was a bit under-appreciated -- in both the media and in the community. When people mention Thief's development, they often name drop certain big names like Ken Levine, Warren Spector, Doug Church, Randy Smith, etc... some of whom were barely involved.
But Stellmach was the only one in a key leadership position on both of the original classics.
I eagerly await the first bits of insight into how they'll approach this project.
EvilSpirit on 1/7/2014 at 16:21
Quote Posted by Twist
Paul Neurath, co-founder of Looking Glass Studios, has got Tim Stellmach signed on to be the lead designer.
For the record, I don't think I said anything either way about being lead designer on Ascension. I *should* have kept mum at this point about even being involved, and more details about the composition of the team are still forthcoming. Plus, I'd hate terribly to take anything away from Paul, because Underworld was always his baby.
That said, I'm extremely excited about my involvement and gratified by your appreciation. Wish us luck!
- Tim
Briareos H on 1/7/2014 at 16:27
This is great news and I'm really excited about the project! With the right approach, a small team and even a moderate budget can build a great successor to UUW. Any word on the funding model?
Hopefully more info will appear soon after that press release. Man, this feels good.
Twist on 1/7/2014 at 16:45
Quote Posted by EvilSpirit
For the record, I don't think I said anything either way about being lead designer on Ascension.
Whoops... I apologize for the misunderstanding! It's still great to see you involved in whatever role you fulfill! And it's great to see you post here again. :)
Also, to clarify my earlier statement regarding the name dropping: I meant no disrespect to Ken Levine, Warren Spector, Doug Church or Randy Smith -- and especially to Doug Church! He, too, is often under-appreciated. As I understand it, that's partially by his own design. As I understand it, he prefers to avoid the limelight.
It's just that I see portions of the media lean on the same big names over and over again -- especially Ken Levine and Warren Spector -- when talking about the origins of Thief, and too often leave out people like Tim Stellmach, Paul Neurath and Doug Church.
Bah, it's all sounding wrong. :o Sorry. I'm really just trying to briefly acknowledge how and why I'm excited to see this classic franchise rebooted and to see Paul Neurath and Tim Stellmach actively involved in the development of an immersive first-person game.
EvilSpirit on 1/7/2014 at 17:02
Quote Posted by Twist
Bah, it's all sounding wrong..
No worries. And, hey, among his other talents, Ken is a genius at publicity (a wonderful skill given his role as a studio head), and Warren is ... well, Warren is Warren, so he has everyone he's ever worked with cheerleading for him. These are not bad things.
smallfry on 1/7/2014 at 17:47
So happy to hear about this! I really hope they can pull it off.
Mr. Tibbs on 1/7/2014 at 22:19
Awesome news!
twisty on 2/7/2014 at 01:11
Incredible. This has made my week. Can't wait to hear more about it.
