The Trials and Tribulations of Tiki Games, part 3
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Feb 7th 2007 at 5:00PM }
Tiki Games is currently developing a PSP-exclusive RTS game called "Galaxy's End." Read more about the trials and tribulations of being an upstart developer in this three-part series by Tiki Games President Kevin J. McCann. See part 1 of the feature here. See part 2 of the feature here.
That said we've recently begun to get some interest both from potential investors to major publishers. One of the publishers even contacted me due to Galaxy's End appearing on PSP Fanboy – so thanks to Andrew (and thanks to Joe who originally passed us along). Toward the end of 2006 I was concerned that Galaxy's End may not see the light of day (not to mention financial concerns since Tiki Games is self-funded). But now I'm feeling a bit more optimistic (a somewhat dangerous thing to feel, but it helps) that we're finally getting close to landing a real contract.
I'd also like to thank the various posters at PSP Fanboy (and other forums) that have responded positively toward the little glimpse of Galaxy's End. It's reaffirming for us at Tiki Games to see largely positive feedback toward our game from our intended customer-base.
For those of you that feel the RTS genre can't be done justice due to potential control issues on the PSP – we (and the publishers that have seen our game) feel the controls are solid. The key is designing the game from the ground-up with the PSP in mind – specifically designing with its controls and screen dimensions in mind. Not simply porting a PC RTS to a handheld – instead taking the most popular elements of the RTS and "translating" them to a handheld, while adding a few innovations/improvements of our own.
Likewise for those of you wanting Blizzard's WarCraft/StarCraft or EA's C&C series – give us a try. We're aiming to surprise you with a solid RTS experience on a handheld. Besides, those guys are doing well already! ;)
While Galaxy's End future is still uncertain, hopefully we'll secure a publishing deal soon. Your enthusiasm and spreading the word does indeed help. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Kevin McCann
President / Creative Director
Tiki Games, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pixelator @ Feb 7th 2007 5:20PM
These guys bring to the table what so many bigger publishers have lost sight of: Vision. See what you want on the target platform and develop it to completion.
No ad campaign, no pre-design marketing strategy. It's just a game developed by people who are doing it because they love it. Top it off with communication like is showcased here and you simply have to doff your hat in admiration.
Devs don't get any better. If someone doesn't hand them a bloody check and contract there's no justice in the world.
Strangler @ Feb 7th 2007 10:06PM
I think that a rts could be done on the psp control wise well with the d pad but not the analog, the analog is too sensitive. The dpad could be done well but not at angles, just click say the x button while dragging a field with up and sideward motion. Shouldnt be bad.
Chaz @ Feb 7th 2007 7:06PM
My sentiments exactly. These guys seem to be doing it right. I can't wait for this game to hit the shelves.
Joe @ Feb 7th 2007 7:51PM
I really have liked getting more of the feel these last few days reading about what is going on. I just wonder and hope this game will sell for 20. If so this game will sell a lot.
There have been many great games I have wanted in the past for the PSP but they are either 40 or 50 and if this game can come out at 20. It will be a sure thing to sell lots.
required @ Feb 7th 2007 8:32PM
I'd have no problem w/~$50
required @ Feb 7th 2007 8:41PM
oops I meant ~$40 I'd say no to $50
Wally @ Feb 7th 2007 8:47PM
I'd love to see some RTS action on the PSP instead of all of this Turn Based stuff, like field commander. Don't get me wrong, it was a good game, but the pace doesn't do it justice. It felt like a more complicated chess game to me. Note that I do like chess. I really hope that Tiki gets picked up by a publisher soon, because I live in San Diego, and maybe I could get a job there. :D
Jeremy @ Feb 7th 2007 10:56PM
wow, this game sounds great Kevin.
I really think ya'll can pull it off, especially since ya'll are designing it from ground up specifically for the PSP.
My only suggestions are to make sure to have a good online multiplayer AND a map editor
Is there a site we can visit to see updates on the design and development?
Peter @ Feb 8th 2007 1:39AM
So are they going to release a demo of this before a retail release?
Kade Storm @ Feb 8th 2007 1:47AM
There is little to no justice in this world. Until the head-honchos aren't determining our needs for us, some indie developer cannot actually do one better and give us something that we really want.
I agree with TXA, it's painful to watch independant efforts truly culminate in what we idealise in gaming, while store shelves are full of largely half-baked titles, by big-ass publishers that we're strategically groomed into appreciating.
required @ Feb 8th 2007 2:28AM
Too bad developers can't skip the publishers and make downloadable games.
Alien @ Feb 8th 2007 4:13AM
Tiki games this game is much more apealing than Starcraft or Warcraft or C&C or AoE . This game is one of the moste promissing titles from the PSP . If you put it on the market I guarantee you 2 buys ( one from me and one from my cousin , whos dieing for a real RTS for the PSP ) . Go Galaxys End , go Tiki Games :D
Wayne @ Feb 8th 2007 4:21AM
These guys at Tiki need to get a demo out, the demos available are far and few between and a good demo could sell this game. Guys, just keep in mind that I won't be so excited about the games/series when it's called "Galaxy's End 3" and EA Games has bought you out. Yeah I'm talking about Westwood Games. I wish the developers all the best.
Zaki @ Feb 8th 2007 7:59AM
This is their website there is not much to their
http://tikigames.net/
txa1265 @ Feb 8th 2007 10:29AM
Re #1. "These guys bring to the table what so many bigger publishers have lost sight of: Vision. See what you want on the target platform and develop it to completion."
Very nicely stated pixelator.
I am skeptical of RTS on a handheld, but am less skeptical when I know a dev *started* with the question "how would a great RTS play on a PSP" instead of "how do we cram this IP onto the PSP".
Jason Frisvold @ Feb 8th 2007 2:16PM
*cough*DEMODEMODEMODEMO!!!*cough*
So I think a downloadable demo would definitely spur interest in this game.. How bout it? :)
Joe @ Feb 8th 2007 9:28PM
I just got some more info from Kevin and the game really sounds like it is going to be great.
http://www.playstationportable.de/artikel/galaxysendinterview/seite2.html
kutash @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:57PM
Man I hope they make it. Not only would I love to play an RTS game on the PSP, but also, I'd love to see the "little guy" make it big. This RTS design looks very promising and I certainly would buy it when it is first released. Summer 2008 for a tentative release date is a long ways off though. Here's to hoping that they don't give up and cross the finish line with a fantastic RTS game for the PSP.