Hello,
I am currently working on a 2D isometric ARPG. So far, I have significant portions of the code done for rendering worlds, but I really need to find some artists to work on the project.
The name of the game is Rapture. It takes place after a significant event (hence the title), where good and evil have departed Earth and those left behind face a demonic invasion. Similar games are Diablo and Diablo II. We have something playable to show for, but need artists to really bring the vision to life. Target platforms are Windows, Mac, and Linux on Steam distribution.
I am not specifically promising royalties or payment at this point, it's far too early to worry about it and I need people who are passionate and intrinsically motivated.
Here are a few screenshots of what has been done. Keep in mind that this is primarily programmer art.
Dl.dropboxusercontent.com
Dl.dropboxusercontent.com
Dl.dropboxusercontent.com
The game engine and modcode is open-source, licensed under the GNU GPL. The engine is custom-built and is to be superior to FLARE in terms of features. You can find the source code here:
Github.com
Focus
We are really looking to bring back the feel of classic Diablo games. The world, atmosphere, storytelling, music, and gameplay were unparalleled by future ARPGs (including Diablo III) that followed. This game will be a 'return-to-roots' for the genre, with some extra focus on RPG gameplay elements, storytelling, and atmosphere which we feel are absent in most modern-day ARPGs, which focus more on grinding, loot, and combat. As such, we are focusing on the horror element which made Diablo popular from the start. We hope that our game can serve as a spiritual successor to Diablo II.
Past Experience
I have past experience with working on Diablo II mods, and have played the game extensively as a big fan. I was quite angry with the overall direction of Diablo III and to me, Path of Exile and other games don't fill the same void. My friends and I have worked on mods for other games as well, and I understand their skillsets and motivations quite well. We don't want to overwhelm ourselves with an overly ambitious first title in the indie scene, as so many projects are on ModDB and IndieDB. Overall, I would say that we have around 15 years experience of modding between the three of us.
I am looking for these types of people to further the project:
- An artist(s) skilled in 3D art, specifically in the task of creating levels in a gothic horror environment. All artwork is to be done in 3D and then re-rendered in isometric 2D spritesheets (the original model being preserved for future engine features). Must be capable in mesh creation, animation, UVs, and texturing. While being skilled in all these areas is a big plus, we are okay with divvying the workload.
- An extra programmer would be excellent.
As a member of our team, I expect dedication to the project and tasks at hand, and also communication with others. You will also be able to collaborate with us on storyline, design, and gameplay decisions.
I am NOT looking for:
- Managers
- Musicians
- Sound Design
- Game Designers
- Writers
Team Hierarchy
Myself, Lead Programmer and Project Lead; Silverfang, Art Director/Modeller; Resuru, Modeller/Texture Artist; TBA, Musician/Composer
Contact
You should contact me at my personal email address: [eezstreet] at [live] dot [com]. Be sure to include information in the email with examples of past work, and a little extra information about your motivation/past experience with ARPGs would be great too! 
Feel free to reply to this thread with any questions you may have, and I will try to answer them all.
Edited by: eezstreet
