Bumblebee Studios announces Kickstarter campaign for Interstate Cowboys, an RPG with Smart NPCs

Bumblebee Studios :

Bumblebee Studios, the creators of the groundbreaking detective game Vaudeville, have announced the upcoming launch of a Kickstarter campaign to support the development of Interstate Cowboys, an RPG that aims to build on the experience and lessons learned from Vaudeville, taking them to the next level. If you followed the latest Game Developers Conference (GDC), you might have already seen Interstate Cowboys featured during Convai's presentation. Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQnZB5SJmEM
 
The preview of the Kickstarter campaign is available at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bumblebeestudios/interstate-cowboys-an-ai-driven-role-playing-game
 

Here is the description of the campaign:

The Humble Beginnings of a Dream
 

In the vibrant world of game development, where imagination meets the frontiers of technology, Bumblebee Studios embarked on an ambitious journey. Last year, we introduced Vaudeville, a pioneering game that broke new ground by featuring advanced AI-driven NPCs. This innovation marked our entry into the gaming industry, but our path was anything but smooth.

Our initial Kickstarter campaign didn't reach its goal, a challenge that tested our resolve. Despite this setback, our passion for Vaudeville remained undiminished. We launched the game in Early Access in June, with the belief that our dedication would shine through. Sales started slowly, a trickle of interest that hinted at the potential within.

A Turning Point

Then, the unexpected happened. Influential streamers like MoistCr1TiKaL, Hasan Abi, and Will Neff stumbled upon Vaudeville, broadcasting its unique qualities to the world. Their curiosity and appreciation ignited a surge of interest, transforming our game into a sensation almost overnight. This pivotal moment was a testament to the power of community and the unpredictable nature of success in the digital age.
 

Over the past year, we've tirelessly refined Vaudeville, releasing numerous updates to enhance the gaming experience. Our commitment to excellence has never wavered, fuelled by the feedback and support of our growing player base.

Learn more about Vaudeville's development and its impact: Vaudeville Post-Mortem, Inworld AI Use Case.

Vaudeville's innovative approach garnered attention from the industry, earning it prestigious accolades such as two Gold Awards at NYX (Best Indie, Best Innovation) and a 2nd Place at GWDC GCore Cloud Award. 
Explore Vaudeville on Steam: Vaudeville Steam Page.
 

The Next Chapter: Interstate Cowboys

With the lessons learned and the successes of Vaudeville fuelling our ambition, we're thrilled to announce our next project: Interstate Cowboys. In partnership with Convai, we're crafting an experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional RPGs. Our vision is to create dialogue so lifelike, it's akin to conversing with a real dungeon master, set against the backdrop of Neo Vista City's neon-soaked streets.
 

 

Discover the world of Interstate Cowboys and the technology behind it: Interstate Cowboys on Steam, Convai's Feature, Convai's Reel.

Interstate Cowboys isn't just a game; it's an odyssey into a world where every choice carves a unique path through a narrative rich with danger, intrigue, and betrayal. Join Driver Zero and allies in a quest against the criminal empire of Viktor 'The Baron' Morozov, where your decisions shape the fate of Neo Vista City.
 

 

A Growing Family

Since the days of Vaudeville, Bumblebee Studios has evolved. Our core team has expanded, and with the help of countless contractors and a vibrant community of 20,000 players, we're stronger than ever. This family of creatives and gamers is the heart of our studio, driving us to reach new heights.
 

 

Looking Ahead
 

We're targeting the summer of 2025 for the launch of Interstate Cowboys, with our Kickstarter backers gaining early access to the beta in June. This campaign is more than a funding goal; it's an invitation to join us on a journey to bring a shared vision to life.
 

 

Join us as we embark on this exciting new adventure. Your support not only brings Interstate Cowboys closer to reality but also strengthens a community united by a love of innovative gaming. Together, let's ride into the sunset of Neo Vista City, where the future of RPGs awaits.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bumblebeestudios/interstate-cowboys-an-ai-driven-role-playing-game