Unity - an announcement

Louis G · Post by **Louis G** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:20 pm 0

Seen this late,

Dont worry Jeff, you havent let anyone down, you have gave us so many happy times, with your games, this community and being a really cool approacable friendly guy.

Glad you have Giles to keep you company and cheer you up, have a good break a few beers and several currys.

Only when your ready think about coding again, you deserve time to yourself.

Regards
Louis

ThetaReactor · Post by **ThetaReactor** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:40 pm 0

Well, you've still given me some hope, fine Yak-sir. Have a nice rest for a bit. We'll keep the fires of rampant speculation burning...

UNITY: REVOLUTION WITH WIRELESS DS TOUCHSCREEN/MICROPHONE CONTROL!

Whoo!

spinlizard · Post by **spinlizard** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:27 pm 0

Really sorry to hear that Yak. You certainly haven't let anyone down though so don't ever think that.

Take a well earned break, eat a few vindaloos and swallow some of those Stellas that we glimpsed in your fridge in those recent pics.

We can wait for Unity. I'm sure it will emerge in time and the development you did during the last 2 years will be put to good use.

Xstreme · Post by **Xstreme** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:32 pm 0

Everything's been said.

knirfie · Post by **knirfie** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:49 pm 0

It's a real shame the game had to be cancelled, was really looking forward to this, but if you felt that you couldn't complete it in time for it to be viable, then so be it.

How about continuing the game for a next generation release, say, for the Revolution for example?

Kronos · Post by **Kronos** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 10:14 pm 0

this is really bad news, especially for u yak, thats a lot of you you've poured into that code must be really unfluffy to have to leave it now.

me *hugs* yak. like most im sad we wont see unity now but also greatful for all your past codings which brought us much joy on our little 'puters

maybe we could see a demo of some levels unless contractually your hands are tied.

have a great xmas and many an alcoholic day of rest o hairy one

Istar · Post by **Istar** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 10:41 pm 0

Well, nuts. I go off the grid for ONE DAY, and look what happens.

Anyway. Nothing more to add, it's all here already.

However, I'd just like to share something... back in 1998 I had an idea for, well, something. I spent around 18 months getting the basic framework up and running, but then the management of the time decided I wasn't going to get a 'product' out there in any sensible timeframe, and redirected my efforts elsewhere. The code was zipped, archived, and stashed in a dark corner of the disk.

Six months ago, I got an opportunity to pick it up again. Some refactoring has taken place since then - four more years of experience at the coalface has shown me some new ways of tackling a few things. Technology has moved on, and some chunks of the code are now far sleeker and sexier than they were five years ago. And, even if I say so myself, they were good THEN.

The system is fast approaching 'release candidate' level. Another six months and it'll be in production. And it looks like it's gonna do everything I imagined, plus a shedload more. It's been a long time coming, and the hiatus has, if anything, helped me arrange the way everything hangs together in my head without getting caught up in the minutae of the implementation.

Sometimes you need a break, and to take a step back. Nothing is wasted, because the bricks you have made so far can become the keystones in a greater construction to come. It happens. Live and learn. And enjoy the ride, where-ever it takes you.

I.

betamax · Post by **betamax** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 11:20 pm 0

Im so very sorry to hear this Jeff.

Fortunately the community that's built itslef here is about so much more than one project. It's more than a concept. A helping hand and a watchful eye. A kick in the arse for those that need it

Be of great heart. We look forward to your next batch of ideas wih equal (if not greater) relish.

Nil desperandum and Excelsior.

the2bears · Post by **the2bears** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 12:33 am 0

So sorry to hear the news, but I'm impressed with your positive attitude and the response from this community.

You've managed to inspire me this last while though, shown that a small team can still have vision and feed that vision. You'll pull through, which is something you already know. Maybe it helps to hear enough people say it.

Cheers,

Bill

5th Earth · Post by **5th Earth** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 12:52 am 0

Unity is dead. Long live Unity.

Here's to hoping the project gets ressurected someday. Or perhaps even a leaked beta version...

.

Ads · Post by **Ads** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 1:51 am 0

Good luck with the future. I'm sure you'll be able to make use of what you've learnt on this project. All the best!

mutantcamel · Post by **mutantcamel** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:48 am 0

HGFB wrote:I must say I did suspect something like this when you suddenly stopped talking about it.

A producer friend and I had tried to set up a 'making of' video dealie to go with Unity with Lionhead. We tried to get a meeting organised, but over the course of about 2 months over Sept/Nov, dates were repeatedly put back, and we got a bit of sinking feeling that we were being strung along a little bit, but in light of this news, it's terrible to think that it was Unity going down the tubes all the while.

That's a hell of a kick in the nadgers Jeff, hope things aren't too gloomy at the Cowbarn, and all power to you for investing so much over such a length of time.

Valgalder · Post by **Valgalder** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:51 am 0

Interesting time for this to be cancelled... as I was just resurging my interest in this project.. downloading all the media I could about it and was playing through Tempest 3000 again (what a freaking awesome game!, makes me want to dig out my Jaggy again for some rounds of T2k and D2k).... it is a depressing announcment.. but not a total shocker.

I wish you the best of luck in the future Jeff.. your work continues to amaze me and friends that come over and enquire about thsoe quirky games that you have made that I like to mess around with...

VLM2 still gets almost daily usage on my new telly... my girlfriends little brother was amazed when he first saw it.. he was quite funny.. I had it on random mode and every time it would change he would yell in excitment.. Hey Sara look at those colors!!!! hehhe...

Have a good holiday...

marf · Post by **marf** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:55 am 0

Add me to the list of infrequent posters, constant lurkers.
I've been following your stuff since t2k, and was too happy that unity was going to be on a commercially viable system, which I just happened to own:)
Good luck in the future, I will be here following along, eager to play whatever you may hatch next, like so many others here.
Peace

Valgalder · Post by **Valgalder** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 3:06 am 0

Also add me to the list of people that bought a gamecube just for Unity

So Yak, you owe me 99 bucks please!

.. hehe.. well actually I got a good deal.. I got it for 99 when they still had the Gameboy Player bundled and came with the N64 Zeldas and a demo disk.. fortunately I have since found a use for the GC, mostly with all the various Mario games.. and Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes..