Designer: XCOM and Marvel's Midnight Suns. Next: Emergent Story Generator at Midsummer Studios

Joined September 2012
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We built a studio, we made a game, and I'm really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I'd like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into. It's like "Life Sims The Truman Show," but it's more than that. I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up. Burbank let's you do that. We have moments playing this game where characters come alive in a way we've never experienced. And for an old game developer like me that's special. What you're about to see is definitely pre-alpha. But this game was a dream of mine, our team made it come true, so watch and dream with us.
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We built a studio, we made a game, and I'm really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I'd like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into. It's like "Life Sims The Truman Show," but it's more than that. I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up. Burbank let's you do that. We have moments playing this game where characters come alive in a way we've never experienced. And for an old game developer like me that's special. What you're about to see is definitely pre-alpha. But this game was a dream of mine, our team made it come true, so watch and dream with us.
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Our characters use AI for memory, reasoning and speech. That's what let's you create anyone you want and drop them in any story you write. But all of our art is created by our talented artists. We had no interest in replacing *any* developers with AI.
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Ten years! I can hardly believe it. Thank you to everyone who played (and to those still playing.) Such fond memories of that game, and that team, and that audience.
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I'm know I'm late, but congrats to @EdBeach23 and the entire @CivGame team on Civ VII. So much hard work and care went into that game, and I wish you guys all the best.
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To be fair, those are all nice kids but that Civ Baby poops gold.
2 Aug 2024
Replying to @SolomonJake
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I AM EXCITE! A great team making a great game, I'm telling you.
Who's ready to make history? Join us for the CIVILIZATION VII Gameplay Showcase, featuring a 20 minute deep dive, on August 20! 🗓️ August 20, 2024 🕒 1:30 PM PT 📰 2kgam.es/Civ7TuneIn
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In Midnight Suns, I designed the suit recolors you could collect in game. I let my daughters each design a Deadpool palette when he was released, which resulted in these beauties: (Also explains why one is called Unicorn Bling)
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GLAD MIDSOMMAR. Got to celebrate Midsummer with my girls and with the incredible team at my new studio @ItsMidsummer. It's a fitting holiday for us, a celebration of rebirth. We're making something really special here that I can't wait to share with you soon.
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ME: "O my Lord, I seek humility. How will I learn to remain-" LORD: "I got you, fam. Log into twitter."
Replying to @SolomonJake
- Worst game I've ever played (stupid visual novel and woke to boot) - Struts around feeling proud about it instead of being ashamed (you made a turd, dude. Don't be proud) - Bet you had everything to do with the worst things about X-COM and nothing to do with its best
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Favorite XCOM trivia bit: Sean Bean voiced a scientist in the intro cinematic for War of the Chosen. And yes, he dies. (He was in the booth recording VO for Civ 6, we asked him for the favor and he did it. Stand up guy.)
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I really loved working on this game. I had an incredible team who made it. It is now free, and I'm gone from Firaxis so I get no benefit (nor does anyone, I suppose, it's free) but please give a try if you have a lazy Sunday.
Marvel's Midnight Suns. FREE this week. 'Nuff said.
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THIS was a fun one, talking to Danny about all things Midnight Suns, XCOM and our new studio and what we're doing.
🚨NEW PODCAST🕹️ On the latest episode of DEAR DWYERY I talk to @SolomonJake about life after XCOM, the design identity of Marvel's Midnight Suns, his new studio's plans to create a new breed of narrative-driven life simulator - and of course, the Maryland Renaissance Festival... AVAILABLE WHERE PODCASTS ARE [episode links below]
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I love MinnMax, had a lot of fun on this show. Also shared my dream IP game which would definitely end my career if I made it.
16 May 2024
XCOM's creative director @SolomonJake joins us on the new episode of The MinnMax Show to talk about leaving Firaxis to form @ItsMidsummer, take questions from the community, and rave about Into The Breach from @subsetgames. youtu.be/-12oIr9QMNo
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Some news. New studio, new game. Right off the bat, it's going to seem very different from what I've done before. But this is where my passion is: emergent player stories. I want to make a game that you can't play without writing a story. ign.com/articles/former-xcom…
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A behind the scenes of my narrative director and near-brother that my daughters call "Uncle Rocco". This is us beating out the Midnight Suns story in 2020 right before the pandemic. Half in the bag on Sauvignon Blanc, as was customary.
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Firaxis still has great folks! When I was making WOTC, I was so happy with it I kind of knew it was my swan song, XCOM-wise.
16 Apr 2024
Replying to @SolomonJake
I know it's selfish, but I wish you were still there Jake, XCOM felt safe under your watch 😅😅😅
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The second part to our (LONG) conversation about my time with XCOM and Midnight Suns from a distinctly designer perspective.
Designer Notes 81: Jake Solomon (@SolomonJake), Lead Designer of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2, and Midnight Suns. Part 2! designer-notes.com/designer-…
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Random XCOM tidbit: War of the Chosen was originally about Giant Mechs that multiple soldiers could ride on, plus customizable interceptors and air combat. Hence the codename "Ozzy" (as in heavy metal har, har.) Then we put a prototype giant mech in game and couldn't see shit.
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Our camera angle is not meant for 30 foot mechs, apparently. Let alone the pathing, etc. SO... quick pivot to a Nemesis style enemy, and the voice cast of Star Trek: TNG and the rest is history.
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Ha! Somewhere in the multiverse this exact game is being made. And yes, "Triumph and Torment" is one of the best comics in the marvel universe and one of my absolute favorites. The Hunter and Doom and their relationships with their mothers, a lot to talk about there...
I deny you, @SolomonJake! Marvel's Midnight Suns must not die!
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