Citadel Utopia

[Crispy]

Citadel Utopia
Imprisoned within, your only escape is to try anything and everything.​

You live in a world where your movement from zone to zone is restricted by a biochip housed somewhere in your brain. Implanted at birth by the law, to enforce the law, this controls where you can and cannot go, what you can and cannot do. Everything about your existence is controlled by others. With an inquisitive mind and the promise of freedom you can leave this place...

...you can leave this place​

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Citadel Utopia - A freeform RPG set in the confines of social imprisonment.

I'm hoping to have a skilled, driven and focused team working on this by late summer when I will be able to devote my full attention to it. I'm currently looking for skilled and imaginitive artists for the creative side, talented and experienced individuals for the coding and also if you have both you may be able to help in the way of website administration.

I'd be looking for collaborators who are able to:

• Show a mature attitude
• Dedicate time to this project
• Contribute and receive constructive criticism as part of a development team
• Train others in avanced techniques
• Apply newly acquired knowledge to their own field of specialisation

As long as you have these qualities then you're welcome to apply, regardless of age or language (although it is probable that the spoken language will be English, as a university student of French and Spanish there shouldn't be any problems in multilingual communication). If you excel at leadership and co-ordination as well as one of the following fields don't hesitate to mention so, I'll be looking for team leaders to get things moving while I'm on my year abroad. I'd like to have the teams ready and to have started some preliminary work in line with the main bulk of the work in September '05.

• Codification team:
  Coders who've worked on Mods before and enjoy a challenge. This team will need a leader who has experience in a variety of Mods.
  
  
• Mapping team:
  Mappers experienced or interested in designing urban and/or futuristic environments in a comic-book style universe. Lighting experts and texture artists will also be required.
  
  
• Modelling team:
  Modellers for weapons and character items, world models, character models, vehicles, etc. Also Skinners and UV Mappers with knowledge of cell-shading and staying power are welcome.
  
  
• Story Development team:
  Scriptwriters who can demonstrate a skill for imaginative writing, notably for scriptwriting are highly sought after. Like all great RPGs the story will form the backbone for this game. A writing team that can provide variety as well as cohesion will ensure an engaging experience for the player time and time again.
  
  
• Concept development team:
  Graphic artists who can provide conceptual drawings for the project in terms of interior/exterior architecture and eye-candy to fill this environment (machinery, furniture, furnishings, etc.), weaponry, items, character visualisation. Bear in mind that these should fit the comic-book style of the Citadel Utopia world.
  
  
• Website Administration team:
  To be responsible for design and administration (including forums).

If you're interested in applying send me a PM or email me at: crispy(dot)pie(at)gmail(dot)com [ [email protected] ]​

-Crispy​

 

[Crispy]

Thanks for the response I've been getting so far, I'm glad this idea has sparked such interest. While I'm currently without a website I'll be updating this most frequently to keep all my information in one place.

Citadel Utopia Thread

 

[Crispy]

Super Mega Update

My, my things are going very well for Citadel Utopia. Considering how little information I've released about the project I've been very happy with the replies I've been getting in some fields, with some very talented individuals applying for the team.

As a result these guys are very happy:

:imu: :bounce:​

This guy's excited (about something) :naughty:

...and this guy's just been told the storyline! :rolling:

However, not everyone's so happy, for instance this guy :bonce: hasn't changed the expression on his face ever since I told him that we still have no coders. Although they won't be needed until the story is completely worked out, I do need people to come forward so that the Citadel Utopia Dev team can begin discussions on game dynamics etc. So coders, talk to me! (in binary if needs be ).

As you can see from the threadstarter the post below, this project can start rolling as soon as the writing team starts churning out the story, but we still need certain positions filling soon, (in the following order of immediacy). Don't hesitate to apply for the other positions, it's better to have names now than for the project to go into stasis while I look for UV Artists (an incredibly rare species).

• Web Designer/Web Admin (one for both or two individual positions)
• Web Hosting (I may apply for moddb hosting if neccessary)
• Joint-Leader(s)
• Coders
• Concept artist(s)

What are you waiting for? Get applying! :thumbs:

P.S. I wasn't serious about the binary.

 

[Crispy]

New, old news

Here are some posts from another location (HLSource.com). I'm moving them here because HL2.net has a better Modding community and community in general.

*************************************************

Visual Setting:
Basically I want the look to be comic-strip orientated with cell-shading to set it apart from other HL and HL2 Mods. Now I know this is possible (see the VERC's Source Mod FAQ), what I want to know before making it definite is how workable it is (in terms of workload and timescale) and exactly how practicle it would be for an RPG (in terms of total data size and system resources workload).

Similar to Max Payne, I aim to have the game played out in first person with essential storyline conversations having a set and fixed camara angle. Characters' speech would be set in real-time speech bubbles to fit in with the comic-book effect. However, I wouldn't want it to have a Simpsons look, it should still incorporate a reasonable amount of detail as far as textures, models, skins and mapping is concerned. It is for this reason that I want it to be thought of as a comic-book style and not a cartoon style.

The pro's for this idea are as follows:

- It fits with text-based speech, dialogue and information messages. It would be an incredible feat (not to mention how it would affect the data size) to find the various voice actors and go through the hours of editing required to get every line sounding as it should, whereas you can edit the impression a written sentence gives in a matter of seconds.

- It will help create a unique environment for Citadel Utopia, increasing immersion and setting it apart from other HL2 Mods. Not only will it be that SP RPG Mod for HL2, it will also be that cell-shaded comic-book RPG for HL2. In my personal experience of gaming there is not enough to be said for most games that set them apart from the others. I begun gaming in a golden era where there was so much variety out there, things were branching off in different directions and setting new standards in both originality and performance. My main goal for this project is to create something the player can replay again and again, with the secondary goal being that it provokes enough interest and poularity for a sequel.

Digressions and tangents aside I'd be very interested in talking to texture and skinning artists about creating the comic-strip environment. Please PM me or post your thoughts on this subject.

*************************************************

I'd also like to post VERC's Source Mod FAQ for anyone who's interested in getting more experience in their field of specialisation for the Source engine.

Also available is the HL2 Mod tutorial section from the Mod Database. It's fairly limited at the moment but maybe some of you lovely people can make some additions to it.

In case you're wondering I am reluctant to add Citadel Utopia to the database before I have the beginnings of a team and web-hosting and content.

*************************************************

Well it looks like we're getting somewhere with names. I've had interest from concept artists, in game 2D artists and writers.

The good news is that these (amongst others) are the positions that need filling with most urgency at this point. Due to the nature of the project the story has to be set out before much mapping and modelling etc. can be done. Concept art can be started as the story progresses, with ideas being leaked out to give the 2D artists something to work on.

The bad news is that while mappers and modellers will be needed at a later stage of the project (the fact of the matter is that nobody wants to agree to map something they no little about), Citadel Utopia needs webdesigners to get things started for the new year and I'm also looking for someone to take on some leadership responsibilities. Ideally I'd be looking for someone who has worked on a Mod before and knows the ins and outs of the process. Being abroad at the moment makes it very difficult to co-ordinate everything in person, so I'm looking for a partner to help make sure that everything is running smoothly. Coders will be needed for stage 2 of the project (see feature below)

Stage 1: Joint Project Leader required to stabilise project. Writers needed to expand storyline (I could do it all on my own but it'd take a while!). Website goes up. PR guy elected (if I find I don't have time). Texture Artists (both future team members and external advisors) will liase with me and other Project Leader(s) to choose a definitive style for Citadel Utopia.

Stage 2: Coders required to get working on the game structure. Concept artists begin work in-line with stage 3. Mappers create a showcase map for the Citadel Utopia universe (untextured or basic textures).

Stage 3: 2D Artists begin working on map and model textures. Showcase map (textured) with video will be added to website. Mappers (including me) begin working on map locations. Key Modellers will begin working first on world models and later will join the team working on player.models/item.models, UV Mappers will work their asses off!

Stage 4: Alpha testing. Feedback on all areas from all teams.

Stage 5: Closed Beta. Further feedback on all areas from all teams.

Stage 6: Beta 1 (public). Cans of whoopass will be opened upon the gaming community...

For now I'm going to concentrate on rl (but Citadel Utopia is rl?) and the storyline. Send your applications, comments and queries to [email protected]

 

[Crispy]

Team roster as of 31st December 2004

Team roster: (greyed out names are unconfirmed/in consideration)

• Direction:
  One or two positions open for Joint-Leader. Ideal candidate has excellent communicational skills, leadership qualities and initiative; can dedicate time and effort to the project, being available to reply quickly to team queries; preferably has previous experience in Mod development; proficiency in one of the key areas (Coding, Modelling, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy
  This team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Codification team:
  Coders who've worked on Mods before and enjoy a challenge. This team will need a leader who has experience in a variety of Mods.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: BrianFiniff
  this team is accepting applications for near future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Mapping team:
  Mappers experienced or interested in designing urban and/or futuristic environments in a comic-book style universe. Lighting experts and texture artists will also be required.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy
  this team is currently accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Modelling team:
  Modellers for weapons and character items, world models, character models, vehicles, etc. Also Skinners and UV Mappers with knowledge of cell-shading and staying power are welcome.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Dimz, Stozzy_Rox, DougSpice
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Story Development team:
  Scriptwriters who can demonstrate a skill for imaginative writing, notably for scriptwriting are highly sought after. Like all great RPGs the story will form the backbone for this game. A writing team that can provide variety as well as cohesion will ensure an engaging experience for the player time and time again.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, DougSpice, Ojiro Halo
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Concept development team:
  Graphic artists who can provide conceptual drawings for the project in terms of interior/exterior architecture and eye-candy to fill this environment (machinery, furniture, furnishings, etc.), weaponry, items, character visualisation. Bear in mind that these should fit the comic-book style of the Citadel Utopia world.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Q
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Website Administration team:
  To be responsible for design and administration (including forums).
  [SIZE=-4]Members:
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Audio Creation team:
  Talented individual needed for atmospheric music, ability to make long/short tracks for a number of scenarios (nature, motion, action, sadness, solace, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members:
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  
  N.B. Unless I can find some way to format the files, any artists' creations included within the Mod will be available with the free download. At this stage copyrighting and professional distribution of the information contained in this Mod is not being considered.

Applications to [email protected]

 

[DeusExMachina]

I'm a pretty good writer. E-mail me the plotline [email protected]

 

[Crispy]

Yeah, no offence but I'm not going to email anyone the plotline because they say they're a good writer. You need to email me, telling me that you want to collaborate on Citadel Utopia, also giving examples of your previous work etc.

I only do this to avoid another Mod springing up out of nowhere using the same story as mine and claiming they wrote it first because they released it before Citadel Utopia. If you are serious about applying, you'll undestand my reasons for being so strict on security.

 

[DeusExMachina]

No problem, I understand. I've sent you a PM.

 

[Crispy]

If you're a capable webdesigner then contact me, I need a focal point where the team can come together to start work on this.

 

[Crispy]

Team Roster Update

Really which there was a way I could edit the last team roster, but...

Team roster: (greyed out names are unconfirmed/in consideration)

• Direction:
  One or two positions open for Joint-Leader. Ideal candidate has excellent communicational skills, leadership qualities and initiative; can dedicate time and effort to the project, being available to reply quickly to team queries; preferably has previous experience in Mod development; proficiency in one of the key areas (Coding, Modelling, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy
  This team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Codification team:
  Coders who've worked on Mods before and enjoy a challenge. This team will need a leader who has experience in a variety of Mods.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: BrianFiniff
  this team is accepting applications for near future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Mapping team:
  Mappers experienced or interested in designing urban and/or futuristic environments in a comic-book style universe. Lighting experts and texture artists will also be required.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, Mike G
  this team is currently accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Modelling team:
  Modellers for weapons and character items, world models, character models, vehicles, etc. Also Skinners and UV Mappers with knowledge of cell-shading and staying power are welcome.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Dimz, Stozzy_Rox, DougSpice
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Story Development team:
  Scriptwriters who can demonstrate a skill for imaginative writing, notably for scriptwriting are highly sought after. Like all great RPGs the story will form the backbone for this game. A writing team that can provide variety as well as cohesion will ensure an engaging experience for the player time and time again.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, DougSpice, dElete[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Concept development team:
  Graphic artists who can provide conceptual drawings for the project in terms of interior/exterior architecture and eye-candy to fill this environment (machinery, furniture, furnishings, etc.), weaponry, items, character visualisation. Bear in mind that these should fit the comic-book style of the Citadel Utopia world.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Q
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Website Administration team:
  To be responsible for design and/or administration (including forums).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: de0nix, Biggleska, PunisherUSA
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Audio Creation team:
  Talented individual needed for atmospheric music, ability to make long/short tracks for a number of scenarios (nature, motion, action, sadness, solace, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members:
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  
  N.B. Unless I can find some way to format the files, any artists' creations included within the Mod will be available with the free download. At this stage copyrighting and professional distribution of the information contained in this Mod is not being considered.

Applications to CitadelUtopia(at)gmail(dot)com

 

[Ennui]

I'd like to sign up for Website Administration, a PM is forthcoming. I can help a bit with design and management but nothing so serious as to apply for it specifically. A PM is on it's way.

 

[Crispy]

Cheque's in the post

Actually that might be a bit misleading, but I'm writing you an email right now.

 

[Crispy]

Updated Team roster: (greyed out names are unconfirmed/in consideration)

• Direction:
  One or two positions open for Joint-Leader. Ideal candidate has excellent communicational skills, leadership qualities and initiative; can dedicate time and effort to the project, being available to reply quickly to team queries; preferably has previous experience in Mod development; proficiency in one of the key areas (Coding, Modelling, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy
  This team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Codification team:
  Coders who've worked on Mods before and enjoy a challenge. This team will need a leader who has experience in a variety of Mods.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Brian
  this team is accepting applications for near future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Mapping team:
  Mappers experienced or interested in designing urban and/or futuristic environments in a comic-book style universe. Lighting experts and texture artists will also be required.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, Cyrus, Q
  this team is currently accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Modelling team:
  Modellers for weapons and character items, world models, character models, vehicles, etc. Also Skinners and UV Mappers with knowledge of cell-shading and staying power are welcome.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Dimz, Stozzy_Rox, DougSpice
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Story Development team:
  Scriptwriters who can demonstrate a skill for imaginative writing, notably for scriptwriting are highly sought after. Like all great RPGs the story will form the backbone for this game. A writing team that can provide variety as well as cohesion will ensure an engaging experience for the player time and time again.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, DougSpice, dElete, Brian[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Concept development team:
  Graphic artists who can provide conceptual drawings for the project in terms of interior/exterior architecture and eye-candy to fill this environment (machinery, furniture, furnishings, etc.), weaponry, items, character visualisation. Bear in mind that these should fit the comic-book style of the Citadel Utopia world.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Q
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Website Administration team:
  To be responsible for design and/or administration (including forums).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: de0nix, Biggleska, Brian, PunisherUSA
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Audio Creation team:
  Talented individual needed for atmospheric music, ability to make long/short tracks for a number of scenarios (nature, motion, action, sadness, solace, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members:
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  
  N.B. Unless I can find some way to format the files, any artists' creations included within the Mod will be available with the free download. At this stage copyrighting and professional distribution of the information contained in this Mod is not being considered.

Applications to CitadelUtopia(at)gmail(dot)com

This should be interesting, our team members are located from GMT -08:00 to GMT +10:00 but nevertheless everything is running to schedule. We still need a webdesigner for the final WebLayout though...

 

[Crispy]

Just got HLGaming.com hosting. So who wants to make the website? (I've already sketched out the design).

 

[Pilo]

I've Applied for the website design. Check your PM Inbox and email.

 

[Crispy]

I've sent you an email.

 

[holy_cheese]

you don't seem to have an artistic team to make textures and skinning etc. nor does it seem like you have posistions. just thought id bring this up

 

[Crispy]

See post below for updated Team Roster.

I don't have a specific team for this, anyone who works on 2D gameart is in one of the Conceptual Development, Mapping or Modelling teams. I'm thinking about making a standalone 2D Art team though, as it is causing a bit of confusion. Thanks for the input.

The team positions aren't stated publicly yet but I do know what positions the current members are capable of filling. In the cases of some teams -such as the Mapping and Modelling teams- which won't begin work until the next phase of development, I will be waiting until I these teams are more complete before assigning members as Team Leaders, for example.

The setup of this team is geared towards everyone having an input, to a greater or lesser degree depending on the member and the area of development. This means that if someone can do UV Mapping and also has beginner's knowledge of making sprites, I will give them the position of UV Mapper but also give them some sprites to work on. Mods are all about gaining experience and producing something great, and for me that experience doesn't neccessarily have to be limited to one area of development. I want to encourage members to have a fuller knowledge of what is going on in each element of the development.

As I mentioned before the Modelling and Mapping teams will not have any team-specific work until we have more concept art to give them, which begs the question: Why am I recruiting Mappers/Modellers etc. now when they won't start mapping until a few months down the line? This is because I want the Citadel Utopia team to be and feel involved in every step of the Mod's development, from its birth to its release. This will make members of the Mod who are curious and motivated enough to give feedback on other areas of the Mod. As a result these Mod members will come out of Citadel Utopia with more expertise in their field of specialisation but also, notably, a more rounded experience and knowledge of working within a Game Development team.

I hope I answered your queries, once again thanks for taking an interest. :thumbs:

 

[Crispy]

Team Roster (Updated 28th January 2005)

Updated Team roster: (greyed out names are unconfirmed/in consideration)

• Direction:
  One or two positions open for Joint-Leader. Ideal candidate has excellent communicational skills, leadership qualities and initiative; can dedicate time and effort to the project, being available to reply quickly to team queries; preferably has previous experience in Mod development; proficiency in one of the key areas (Coding, Modelling, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy
  This team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Codification team:
  Coders who've worked on Mods before and enjoy a challenge. This team will need a leader who has experience in a variety of Mods.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Brian, Jawz
  this team is accepting applications for near future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Mapping team:
  Mappers experienced or interested in designing urban and/or futuristic environments in a comic-book style universe. Lighting experts and texture artists will also be required.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, Cyrus, Q
  this team is currently accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Modelling team:
  Modellers for weapons and character items, world models, character models, vehicles, etc. Also Skinners and UV Mappers with knowledge of cell-shading and staying power are welcome.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: orcone Stozzy_Rox, DougSpice
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Story Development team:
  Scriptwriters who can demonstrate a skill for imaginative writing, notably for scriptwriting are highly sought after. Like all great RPGs the story will form the backbone for this game. A writing team that can provide variety as well as cohesion will ensure an engaging experience for the player time and time again.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Crispy, DougSpice, dElete, Brian[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Concept development team:
  Graphic artists who can provide conceptual drawings for the project in terms of interior/exterior architecture and eye-candy to fill this environment (machinery, furniture, furnishings, etc.), weaponry, items, character visualisation. Bear in mind that these should fit the comic-book style of the Citadel Utopia world.
  [SIZE=-4]Members: Q
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Website Administration team:
  To be responsible for design and/or administration (including forums).
  [SIZE=-4]Members: de0nix, Biggleska, Brian, PunisherUSA
  this team is accepting applications for immediate work[/SIZE]
  ---
  
• Audio Creation team:
  Talented individual needed for atmospheric music, ability to make long/short tracks for a number of scenarios (nature, motion, action, sadness, solace, etc.).
  [SIZE=-4]Members:
  this team is accepting applications for future work[/SIZE]
  
  N.B. Unless I can find some way to format the files, any artists' creations included within the Mod will be available with the free download. At this stage copyrighting and professional distribution of the information contained in this Mod is not being considered.

Applications to CitadelUtopia(at)gmail(dot)com

Check out the ModDB sig link for short profiles on the team members.