Double Fine has left the door open for a return to Brütal Legend, but the proposed sequel sits behind one exceptionally ambitious crowdfunding milestone: $100 million.
The Psychonauts studio is seeking funding after separating from Xbox and has launched a Kickstarter campaign in progress. Backers can help decide which project from a selection of game-jam ideas should become a complete game. The possibility of a metal-themed sequel appears among the campaign’s stretch goals, as spotted by FRVR.
$100M – We make Brütal Legend 2. Yes, really.
A very large stretch goal
Released in 2009, Brütal Legend combined action and strategy with a heavy-metal setting. Its central idea could be summed up as a version of Guitar Hero reimagined as an action game.
The original featured a remarkable cast, including Jack Black, Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, The Runaways’ Lita Ford, Ozzy Osbourne and Tim Curry.
Double Fine and Electronic Arts also faced a contentious publishing dispute with Activision Blizzard before release. That conflict was eventually resolved, allowing the game to launch and receive critical acclaim.
Why $100 million?
The enormous figure may reflect Double Fine’s desire to protect the scope of a sequel that would be developed without the financial support of a major publisher. It is a substantial cushion for bringing the studio’s vision for a new Brütal Legend adventure to life.
The immediate Kickstarter target is considerably more modest: $400,000. At the time of writing, the campaign had reached $290,000 with 29 days remaining, making its primary goal appear achievable. Reaching $100 million, however, would require an extraordinary response and would make the project the most successful Kickstarter ever.
Even if that metal-powered milestone remains out of reach, supporters still have a range of other Double Fine concepts to consider. For more stories about games, cabinets and the wider scene, explore RETROCADE’s arcade news and editorial coverage, or browse arcade machines and DIY arcade kits for home gaming projects.
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