Former Maxis employee working on new project, SpyParty
If you enjoyed the bioengineering action of Spore, you owe Chris Hecker a debt of gratitude. He was a contributing developer for the title, and is a six-year employee at Maxis -- rather, he was an employee, until he was let go from the company during Maxis' recent round of layoffs. However, he's not recovering from the downsizing by crying into his ice cream -- instead, he's using his newly found free time to develop one of the most interesting-sounding independent games we've heard of in a while.
Hecker's project, SpyParty, pits two players against each other in two different roles -- one plays the eponymous Spy, who must move around a party, discreetly completing objectives and blending in with the other guests. The other player is a Sniper who must identify the Spy's movements, and, well, snipe them. The game was received fairly well when demoed at GDC earlier this year -- now, we hope Hecker will have the time he needs to crank out a finished product. Best of luck, Chris!
[Via Big Download]
Hecker's project, SpyParty, pits two players against each other in two different roles -- one plays the eponymous Spy, who must move around a party, discreetly completing objectives and blending in with the other guests. The other player is a Sniper who must identify the Spy's movements, and, well, snipe them. The game was received fairly well when demoed at GDC earlier this year -- now, we hope Hecker will have the time he needs to crank out a finished product. Best of luck, Chris!
[Via Big Download]













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Little Pete 1 @ Aug 30th 2009 5:06PM
Your talents are wasted on us. You should be hitting up the comedy clubs every night.
Help me! @ Aug 31st 2009 3:29PM
A blogger comedy show, where EVERY FUCKING JOKE is the "X is... well.. x"
FUCK
NukeAssault @ Aug 30th 2009 5:06PM
Sounds alot like The Ship. >_>
Cool though.
Flo @ Aug 30th 2009 6:44PM
I have this game. Very fun. But no one plays it online anymore... Don't suggest you get it because of that.
NukeAssault @ Aug 30th 2009 7:07PM
I played it as it was apart of a free steam weekend. I thought it was a really cool idea and i enjoyed it alot. Never got it though. I actually looked around and apparently they are making a new one.
VaultICEE @ Aug 30th 2009 5:11PM
Seinfeld is that you?!
Donald @ Aug 30th 2009 5:12PM
This game is two Hitman games duct-taped together.
Drew @ Aug 30th 2009 6:57PM
Oh lord.......
GET BACK IN THE CELLAR!
CH3BURASHKA @ Aug 30th 2009 5:13PM
Very interesting. Speaking of awesome independent games, my 2 cents consist of the Unfinished Swan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibZoHjt3ENg. Can't wait for these two to come out.
Einhanderkiller @ Aug 30th 2009 5:15PM
The Ship, but not on a boat.
Yaanu @ Aug 30th 2009 5:24PM
NOT ON A BOAT!
NOT ON A BOAT!
TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT ME
BECAUSE I AM NOT ON A BOAT!
Cloud_ST @ Aug 30th 2009 5:27PM
@Yaanu
Oh I see what you were trying to do there,it ended up pretty lame though.
Yaanu @ Aug 30th 2009 5:30PM
Yeah, sorry. Why don't YOU try to make one that still fits the meter?
WiiFTW @ Aug 30th 2009 5:17PM
SPAH!
Infidel @ Aug 30th 2009 5:18PM
this really does sound pretty fun, i always welcome multiplayer games that are based on stealth and blending in
Wiizer ($299) Having BC On Your Launch Console? (Priceless) @ Aug 30th 2009 5:24PM
I think he qualifies as a spammer. Look at his comment history! Time to report.
Dana @ Aug 30th 2009 5:29PM
Sounds like a continuation of the ideas pioneered by The Ship.
I'm sorry for Maxis but not for anyone involved directly with Spore or Sim City Societies, those titles were terrible. Yes I tried them with all the optimism in the world and just want my $50 back on each. I pray one day we will have a real Sim City 5
Einhanderkiller @ Aug 30th 2009 5:54PM
I saw Sim Cities Societies in the bargain bin at Staples for $4.95.
Erik @ Aug 30th 2009 5:30PM
SPY CHECK!!
Wiizer ($299) Having BC On Your Launch Console? (Priceless) @ Aug 30th 2009 5:49PM
Master Chief is not all that great.
Samus could beat him. Hell, even Zero Suit Samus wouldn't have that hard of a time.
obo @ Aug 30th 2009 5:54PM
"If you enjoyed the bioengineering action of Spore, you owe Chris Hecker a debt of gratitude."
That's such a backhanded compliment considering the backlash against the simplification of the gameplay and design compared to the early demos.
Meh @ Aug 31st 2009 4:22AM
This.
Drew @ Aug 30th 2009 6:57PM
Batman could kill Master Chief.
But won't, he is too noble.
Sly [Planeteer | Power of Teets & Crumpets] @ Aug 30th 2009 7:01PM
this game actually sounds kinda funny, haha.
also, am i the only one who wants a Spy vs. Spy game? that could be sick if done right.
Powerlord @ Aug 30th 2009 7:47PM
They made 3 of them back in the 80s. You can even find one of the on the NES!
Einhanderkiller @ Aug 30th 2009 8:40PM
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/spyvsspy/index.html?tag=result;title;1
Sly [Planeteer | Power of Teets & Crumpets] @ Aug 30th 2009 9:15PM
i wouldn't mind a brand new PS360 spy vs. spy game. it could be hella fun. the user reviews for the one einhander linked to are pretty positive about the multiplayer.
Maxathon @ Aug 30th 2009 7:24PM
Hecker, eh? I guess it won't be coming out on the Wii.
Look At This Suit @ Aug 30th 2009 8:47PM
Psh, everyone knows that Kurt is a far superior Spartan.
Blank-Mage @ Aug 31st 2009 8:36AM
Leonidus could kick Chiefs' ass.
Sam @ Aug 31st 2009 11:17AM
down a well.