Obsidian turns to Kickstarter for Project Eternity

The secret project from Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick of Truth developer Obsidian Entertainment has been revealed. The independent developer today launched a Kickstarter campaign for Project Eternity (working title), an isometric, party-based PC role-playing game.

The developer is asking for $1.1 million to complete the project, and as of press time, has drawn over $270,000 from more than 6,000 backers. The crowd-funding campaign will close at 9 p.m. EDT on October 16.

According to the Project Eternity official description, the game will combine elements of past Infinity Engine role-playing projects like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. Players will create their own character in Project Eternity, and will gather companions along their journey, which will be replete with "complex, difficult choices," according to Obsidian.

Gamers who back the project at $20 will receive a digital copy of Project Eternity, should the campaign be successful, redeemable through Steam. A contribution of $35 secures backers a copy of the game, as well as a digital soundtrack and collector's book. The book includes concept art, a player's handbook, monster manual, information about the campaign setting and characters, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Project Eternity.

Obsidian turned to Kickstarter for Project Eternity because the company said it was "almost impossible" to secure the necessary funding through traditional publishing means. Additionally, the studio said it is asking for more than most Kickstarter projects because it is "creating a whole new world."

For more on Project Eternity, check out the game's Kickstarter page.