Blackheart Games

[MichaelBHG]

Hello everyone,

We are an indie developer looking for some fresh talent for our upcoming game, Universe Alliance. We're currently hiring in all areas so feel free to shoot me an email at michael@blackheartgames.net

A little about our team and our mission. We are a group of college students with a passion in video games and game development. We started Blackheart Games in hopes to organize a team of talented individuals who share the same passion as we do. The first game in our development queue is a space rail shooter, inspired by Starfox 64.

A bit about Universe Alliance. We intentionally wanted to develop an RPG but found that 5 people working on such a huge project would take years to complete. We discussed the possibilities and decided that we should try something different, something that not many people have thought of (that we are aware of). Universe Alliance is inspired by Starfox 64 and several different science fiction novels, TV shows, movies, and games. The concept we have come up with is a game that utilizes a mixture several genres, RPG and rail shooter being the primary. Players will pilot a ship in space, on different planets, and underground. Depending on how successful the player is, they are rewarded with possible upgrades. Each mission affects how the game will end. A wrong decision can destroy an entire planet, or cause an ally to turn against you. The game is set to be single player for now, with free downloadable content and eventual multiplayer support. We felt that it would be best to fine-tune the single player experience first, then focus on the multiplayer so it will not feel 'tacked on'.

Our current team consists of:


Michael Lerch – Lead Writer, Level Designer
Eugene Campbell – Cinematic Director
Michael Medina – Concept Artist
Mario Ruiz - Lead Composer
Kevin Bryant – Lead Modeler, Animator, Texture Artist
John Jordan – Programmer
Stephanie Roach – Graphics Artist
Megan C – Model, Voice Actress


The website just went online, it isn't much since we are completely focused on developing the game. We plan to release weekly development diaries soon. You can visit our website at www.blackheartgames.net

Our main job requests are:

Programmer (Unreal Script)
Level Designer
Modeler

If you would like to contact me for more information please feel free to email me at michael@blackheartgames.net or add me on Skype, kidd34th. In the meantime we hope to hear from you soon!

Michael Lerch
michael@blackheartgames.net
Writer / Level Designer
Skype: KidD34TH

[eugen32]

Do you use the UDK for your game, are you interested in experienced people who just started learning the UDK?

[Angel_Mapper]

Not sure why you'd be looking for a C++ programmer when UnrealScript is all that's available in the UDK? Is that what you meant?

[MichaelBHG]

Do you use the UDK for your game, are you interested in experienced people who just started learning the UDK?
Yes, we will be using the UDK for our game. We will review all applications and will accept those who show potential.


Not sure why you'd be looking for a C++ programmer when UnrealScript is all that's available in the UDK? Is that what you meant?

Ah, thank you Angel for that clarification. I was under the impression that UnrealScript was much like C++, though I am not a programmer. :p

[photonarbiter]

awsome :) sounds like a great opportunity.

[prasand82]

http://forums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=707478

This link lead u to some cool images of vehicles that I have created just for Unreal.
If you are interested you could PM on my thread.
thanks

[micahpharoh]

I was under the impression that UnrealScript was much like C++

it ultimately uses the same logic, but I'm told it's more like java

[MichaelBHG]

I wanted to update everyone with a current work in progress model to spark some extra interest in the development. :)

http://www.blackheartgames.net/spacefighterwip1render.jpg

And a background image for everyone to enjoy!

http://www.blackheartgames.net/Image1.jpg

We are looking for additional programmers and level designers. We hope to hear from you soon!

michael@blackheartgames.net
www.blackheartgames.net

[Viion]

looking hawt

[MichaelBHG]

Thanks! I'll post the finished model when it's ready! :D

[MichaelBHG]

It's not finished just yet, but here it is! :)

http://www.blackheartgames.net/spacefighterwip2render.jpg

[katana2665]

My degree is in Illustration, but I've been 3d modelling for 7 years or so. I am available to handle smaller asset pieces. You can see the way I handle edgeloops at this deviant site...happy to help the team.

http://katana2665.deviantart.com/

[MichaelBHG]

Hey Katana2665, I sent you a private message though I'm not sure if you receive email alerts so I wanted to also update you here.

Please contact me at michael@blackheartgames.net We are very interested in having you on our team. :)

[MichaelBHG]

Hey everyone!

I wanted to write a quick update to show whats new with our first title, Universe Alliance. So much has changed over that past few weeks since my last post and I feel the amount of new content will be very pleasing to those interested in joining our team.

First up is the Santar, a space pirate players will encounter in a short side-mission that is not entirely related to the story. In every work of science fiction there has always been an event that added more intensity to the situation. We felt that we would take our own spin on this which is why we created the Santar.

WIP
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii303/lhumphries_2008/Universe%20Alliance/headrender2.jpg
http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv105/MrEugie/alien_highpoly_wiprender02.png

Next up is the UAFighter, aka Earth Alliance ZRX-3. You may or may not have seen the previous render and we felt the texture that was made was too dirty so we're working on re-texturing the UAFighter and this is what we've come to so far:

WIP
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii303/lhumphries_2008/Universe%20Alliance/UAfighterWIP1.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii303/lhumphries_2008/Universe%20Alliance/specular-lighting.gif

It's coming along extremely well, but we're not done just yet! Next on our list is what everyone can expect in the coming months:


A prequel cinematic series that will reveal precisely why the K'yaar is attacking Earth. These will consist of ten 10 minute episodes rendered using the UDK.
A side series that will follow the events of the game from a different perspective. We haven't estimated the length or number of episodes just yet.
The Blackheart Games Podcast which will reveal development insight and bits of the story.
and finally media galore!


WIP
http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv105/MrEugie/conceptalienrace.jpg

I also want to talk about the gameplay a bit. The game is set on rails, if you have ever played Starfox 64 you will know exactly what we're trying to achieve. There will be several environments and only two types of vehicles the player will be to experience first-hand. Ground, Underwater, Air, and Space. Players will be either piloting the ZRX-3 fighter or the ORION tank. This we feel will help keep the game from feeling repetitive as you're not always going to stuck inside the fighter. I also want to note that at some point players will experience a first person sequence in which they must defend themselves as they are waiting for a support ship to rescue them.

Finally to wrap things up a bit I would like to announce a few open positions that we are looking to have fulfilled. Please note that this is a paid position however you will be compensated upon release of the game. The positions we are looking to fulfill are:


3D Model Animator
Environment Artist
Level Designer
SFX Artist


Please contact me with your resume and location so that we can coordinate properly. michael@blackheartgames.net

Thank you!
Michael Lerch
Blackheart Games