Silent Hills, Allison Road, and Kickstarter: A Horror Game Revival

Silent hills allison road kickstarter – Silent Hills, Allison Road, and Kickstarter: a potent combination that sparked a wave of excitement among horror gaming enthusiasts. The legacy of Silent Hill, a franchise renowned for its psychological horror and haunting atmosphere, had left a void in the gaming world. Enter Allison Road, a fan-made project that emerged as a potential successor, capturing the hearts and imaginations of players with its chilling atmosphere and promises of a true Silent Hill experience. The Kickstarter campaign for Allison Road became a focal point, demonstrating the power of fan projects and the potential for independent developers to revitalize beloved franchises.

The success of Allison Road’s Kickstarter campaign not only raised funds for development but also highlighted the significant role of crowdfunding in the gaming industry. It showcased the passion and dedication of independent developers and the immense support available for projects that resonate with players. This success story ignited a discussion about the future of horror games, the impact of nostalgia, and the potential for fan projects to shape the gaming landscape.

The Legacy of Silent Hill

Silent Hill, a name that evokes chills and whispers of psychological horror, has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Its chilling atmosphere, unsettling imagery, and thought-provoking themes have captivated players for over two decades, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Cultural Impact and Influence

The Silent Hill franchise has significantly impacted horror gaming, pushing boundaries and redefining the genre. Its innovative use of psychological horror, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare, set a new standard for the genre. The games’ exploration of themes like guilt, trauma, and the subconscious mind resonated deeply with players, making them more than just jump scares and monsters. The series’ influence can be seen in countless games that followed, adopting similar themes and mechanics, such as the exploration of psychological horror, the use of symbolism and allegory, and the focus on atmosphere and narrative over pure action.

Critical Reception and Enduring Popularity

Silent Hill has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, atmospheric environments, and disturbing imagery. The first game in the series, released in 1999, was lauded for its innovative use of psychological horror and its haunting atmosphere. Critical reception of subsequent games in the series has been generally positive, with praise for their exploration of complex themes, memorable characters, and disturbing narratives. Despite the mixed reception of some later installments, the series has retained a loyal fanbase, and the games continue to be popular with both newcomers and longtime fans.

Key Elements of Silent Hill’s Uniqueness

Silent Hill stands apart from other horror franchises due to its unique blend of elements:

• Psychological Horror: Unlike many horror games that rely on jump scares and gore, Silent Hill delves into the psychological depths of its characters, exploring themes of guilt, trauma, and the subconscious mind. The game’s environments are often surreal and disorienting, reflecting the psychological state of the protagonist.
• Symbolism and Allegory: The Silent Hill games are rich in symbolism and allegory, using imagery and narrative to explore complex themes. The monsters and environments often represent the protagonist’s inner demons and repressed memories, adding a layer of psychological depth to the gameplay.
• Atmosphere and Sound Design: Silent Hill’s atmospheric environments, eerie sound design, and unsettling music contribute to the game’s chilling atmosphere. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka, is particularly noteworthy, creating a sense of dread and unease that enhances the player’s experience.
• Narrative and Character Development: Silent Hill is known for its complex and compelling narratives, which explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs all the more impactful.

The Rise of Allison Road

Allison Road, a survival horror game inspired by the Silent Hill series, emerged from the passionate efforts of a single developer, Alex Galea. The project initially began as a fan-made tribute to the Silent Hill franchise, capturing the attention of gamers and the gaming community alike.

The Origins of Allison Road, Silent hills allison road kickstarter

Allison Road’s development began in 2014 as a personal project by Alex Galea, a passionate game developer and long-time fan of the Silent Hill series. Galea’s goal was to create a homage to the series, focusing on the psychological horror elements that made Silent Hill so popular. He meticulously crafted the game’s atmosphere and gameplay mechanics, drawing inspiration from the series’ iconic titles like Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3.

Critical Acclaim and Media Attention

Allison Road quickly gained significant attention within the gaming community due to its impressive graphics, chilling atmosphere, and faithful recreation of the Silent Hill aesthetic. The game’s early demos, released in 2015, received widespread praise for their immersive environments, realistic lighting effects, and chilling sound design. Numerous gaming websites and publications lauded the game’s potential, highlighting its potential to become a major force in the survival horror genre. The game’s success was further amplified by its presence at major gaming events like Gamescom and PAX, where it garnered further attention from both gamers and industry professionals.

The Kickstarter Campaign and its Success

In July 2015, Galea launched a Kickstarter campaign to secure funding for the development of Allison Road. The campaign was met with overwhelming support from the gaming community, surpassing its initial funding goal within a matter of hours. The campaign’s success demonstrated the strong demand for a new Silent Hill-inspired game, with gamers eager to support the project’s development. The Kickstarter campaign raised over $120,000, providing Galea with the necessary resources to expand the game’s scope and further enhance its development.

Kickstarter and the Gaming Industry

Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform, has revolutionized the gaming industry by providing an alternative funding model for independent game developers. It has empowered creators to bypass traditional funding sources and directly connect with passionate gamers who are eager to support their projects.

The Role of Kickstarter in Funding Independent Game Development

Kickstarter has become a crucial lifeline for independent game developers, offering them a platform to secure funding for their projects. It enables creators to raise funds from a large pool of potential backers who believe in their vision. This direct connection with supporters allows developers to gain valuable feedback, build a community around their game, and cultivate a sense of ownership among their audience.

Benefits and Challenges of Using Kickstarter for Game Projects

Kickstarter offers numerous benefits for game developers, but it also presents its own set of challenges.

Benefits of Kickstarter

• Access to Funding: Kickstarter provides a direct channel for developers to raise funds from a large audience, bypassing traditional funding sources like publishers. This allows developers to retain creative control over their projects and explore innovative ideas that might not appeal to traditional publishers.
• Community Building: Kickstarter campaigns enable developers to build a community around their game by engaging with potential backers and fostering a sense of ownership among supporters. This engagement can translate into valuable feedback, marketing support, and a dedicated player base upon release.
• Market Validation: A successful Kickstarter campaign can serve as a strong indicator of market demand for a game. The number of backers and the amount of funding raised can provide valuable insights into the potential success of a project, helping developers make informed decisions about development and marketing.

Challenges of Kickstarter

• Meeting Funding Goals: Securing funding on Kickstarter requires a well-executed campaign that effectively communicates the game’s vision and resonates with potential backers. Failing to reach funding goals can lead to project cancellation and a loss of time and resources.
• Meeting Delivery Expectations: Successful Kickstarter campaigns create high expectations among backers. Developers must carefully manage these expectations and deliver a game that meets the promised features and quality, as failure to do so can damage their reputation and future funding prospects.
• Managing Production and Marketing: Kickstarter campaigns often require developers to juggle production with marketing and community management. This can be challenging, especially for small teams with limited resources.

Impact of Successful Kickstarter Campaigns on the Gaming Landscape

Successful Kickstarter campaigns have had a profound impact on the gaming landscape, creating a space for independent developers to flourish and fostering innovation.

• Rise of Independent Development: Kickstarter has enabled the rise of independent game development, allowing creators to bypass traditional gatekeepers and bring their unique visions to life. This has led to a diversification of the gaming market, with more diverse genres, perspectives, and creative approaches.
• Increased Risk-Taking: Kickstarter has encouraged developers to take more risks and explore uncharted territory, knowing that they have a direct connection with a passionate audience who supports their vision. This has led to the emergence of innovative and experimental games that might not have been funded through traditional channels.
• Direct Connection with Players: Kickstarter has fostered a direct connection between developers and players, allowing for greater transparency and communication throughout the development process. This has created a more engaged and passionate gaming community, with players actively involved in shaping the games they love.

Silent Hill and Allison Road: A Comparison

Silent Hill and Allison Road are two iconic survival horror games that have captivated gamers for decades. While they share a common thread of psychological horror and disturbing environments, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. This section delves into the similarities and differences between these two games, examining their gameplay, atmosphere, themes, and horror elements.

Gameplay Differences and Similarities

The gameplay mechanics of Silent Hill and Allison Road, while sharing some similarities, diverge in significant ways.

• Silent Hill primarily relies on a third-person perspective, allowing players to explore environments and engage in combat with enemies. The game’s combat system is relatively straightforward, relying on melee weapons and firearms. In contrast, Allison Road embraces a first-person perspective, immersing players in the protagonist’s viewpoint. The game’s combat system is more focused on stealth and avoiding encounters, as direct confrontations are generally unfavorable.
• Silent Hill’s gameplay is driven by exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players must navigate the town of Silent Hill, solve environmental puzzles, and confront monstrous creatures. Allison Road emphasizes a more suspenseful and atmospheric experience. Players must carefully explore the environment, solve puzzles, and avoid encounters with the unseen entities that lurk within the house.
• Both games incorporate inventory management systems, requiring players to strategically manage their resources and choose which items to carry. However, Silent Hill’s inventory system is more complex, allowing players to combine items to create new weapons and tools. Allison Road’s inventory system is streamlined, focusing on essential items like weapons and health packs.

Atmospheric Differences and Similarities

The atmosphere of Silent Hill and Allison Road is a defining element of their horror experience. Both games create a sense of dread and unease through their environments, sound design, and storytelling.

• Silent Hill’s atmosphere is characterized by its haunting and surreal environments. The town of Silent Hill is a decaying and distorted reflection of the protagonist’s inner turmoil. The game’s sound design, featuring unsettling ambient noises and haunting music, contributes to the overall sense of dread. Allison Road’s atmosphere is more claustrophobic and intimate. The game’s setting, a seemingly ordinary suburban house, becomes a breeding ground for psychological horror. The sound design, featuring subtle creaks and whispers, creates a constant sense of unease.
• Both games utilize visual cues to create a sense of unease. Silent Hill’s environments are often dark and shrouded in fog, creating a sense of isolation and disorientation. Allison Road’s environments are more realistic and detailed, but they are also filled with subtle clues and unsettling details that suggest something is amiss.
• Silent Hill’s narrative is deeply rooted in symbolism and allegory, reflecting the protagonist’s psychological state. Allison Road’s narrative is more grounded in reality, but it still explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the fragility of sanity. Both games use the environment and narrative to explore the dark side of the human psyche.

Themes and Horror Elements

Silent Hill and Allison Road explore similar themes of psychological horror, isolation, and the fragility of sanity.

• Silent Hill delves into the protagonist’s inner demons and the consequences of repressed guilt and trauma. The game’s monsters are often symbolic representations of the protagonist’s psychological state. Allison Road focuses on the psychological effects of isolation and paranoia. The game’s antagonists are less defined and more ambiguous, representing the player’s fears and anxieties.
• Both games use jump scares and other traditional horror elements to create moments of intense fear. However, Silent Hill’s horror is more psychological and atmospheric, while Allison Road’s horror is more visceral and immediate.
• Silent Hill’s horror is often characterized by its surreal and disturbing imagery. The game’s monsters are grotesque and unsettling, reflecting the protagonist’s descent into madness. Allison Road’s horror is more grounded in reality, but it still utilizes disturbing imagery and sound design to create a sense of unease.

Potential for Allison Road to Recapture the Spirit of Silent Hill

Allison Road has the potential to recapture the spirit of the original Silent Hill games by focusing on psychological horror, atmospheric environments, and a compelling narrative. The game’s focus on a realistic setting and the use of subtle horror elements could create a truly unsettling experience.

“The most terrifying monsters are the ones we create in our own minds.”

• Allison Road’s success will depend on its ability to create a truly immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The game’s developers must carefully craft the environment, sound design, and narrative to evoke a sense of dread and unease.
• The game’s narrative should explore themes of isolation, paranoia, and the fragility of sanity in a compelling and thought-provoking way. The developers must create a protagonist whose journey resonates with players and whose psychological descent is both believable and unsettling.
• Allison Road’s developers must be mindful of the legacy of Silent Hill and strive to create a game that is both respectful of the franchise’s history and innovative in its own right. By blending the best elements of Silent Hill with its own unique vision, Allison Road has the potential to become a new classic of the survival horror genre.

The Future of Silent Hill and Allison Road

The cancellation of Allison Road and the tumultuous history of Silent Hill leave many fans wondering about the future of both franchises. While the future of both titles is uncertain, their impact on the horror gaming genre and the potential for a revival of Silent Hill are topics worth exploring.

The Potential for a Silent Hill Revival

The Silent Hill franchise has experienced a long period of inactivity since the release of Silent Hill: Downpour in 2012. However, the series remains popular and has a dedicated fanbase. There have been several rumors and reports suggesting a revival of the franchise, including a potential remake of the original Silent Hill game. The success of other horror remakes, such as Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, has shown that there is a strong market for these titles.

The recent announcement of a new Silent Hill game, “Silent Hill 2 Remake,” by Bloober Team, known for its work on Layers of Fear and Blair Witch, has ignited excitement among fans. The remake aims to modernize the classic game’s graphics and gameplay while staying true to the original’s psychological horror elements.

The Future of Allison Road

Allison Road, despite its initial hype and successful Kickstarter campaign, was ultimately canceled in 2016. The game’s developer, Chris Kesler, cited personal reasons for the cancellation, but many fans speculated that financial difficulties and creative differences played a role.

Despite its cancellation, Allison Road’s impact on the horror gaming genre remains significant. The game’s realistic graphics, unsettling atmosphere, and focus on psychological horror influenced several other games that followed, such as Outlast 2 and Layers of Fear. The game’s legacy continues to inspire indie developers and is a testament to the power of crowdfunding in the gaming industry.

The Impact of Both Games on the Horror Gaming Genre

Both Silent Hill and Allison Road have had a profound impact on the horror gaming genre. Silent Hill, with its psychological horror themes and memorable characters, helped define the genre and paved the way for future titles. Allison Road, despite its cancellation, introduced innovative gameplay mechanics and a focus on realistic graphics and immersive storytelling, influencing other developers in the genre.

• Silent Hill’s exploration of psychological horror, with themes of guilt, trauma, and the human psyche, set a precedent for the genre. It influenced other games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Outlast, and Layers of Fear, which all feature similar themes and gameplay elements.
• Allison Road’s focus on realistic graphics and immersive storytelling, along with its emphasis on environmental storytelling and psychological horror, influenced games like Layers of Fear, Outlast 2, and Resident Evil 7, which all utilize similar techniques to create a more immersive and terrifying experience.

The Impact of Fan Projects: Silent Hills Allison Road Kickstarter

The rise of fan projects, particularly in the gaming industry, has become a significant force in revitalizing existing franchises and shaping the future of game development. These projects, often fueled by passion and dedication, have proven their ability to breathe new life into dormant IPs, generate excitement among fans, and even influence the direction of official game development.

The Role of Fan Projects in Revitalizing Franchises

Fan projects play a crucial role in revitalizing dormant franchises by providing a platform for fans to express their love for a game or series and, in many cases, fill the void left by official developers. These projects can take various forms, including:

• Remakes and Remasters: Fan projects often create updated versions of classic games, improving graphics, gameplay, or adding new content. For example, the fan-made remake of “Resident Evil 2” was highly praised for its fidelity to the original game while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics.
• Modding: Modifying existing games to add new features, characters, or storylines is a popular form of fan project. Mods can significantly expand the lifespan of a game and introduce new experiences for players. The “Counter-Strike” mod for “Half-Life” is a prime example of a successful mod that eventually became a standalone game.
• Fan Games: These projects often create entirely new experiences within a pre-existing universe, often inspired by a specific game or series. “Sonic Robo Blast 2” is a popular fan game that reimagines the “Sonic the Hedgehog” franchise with new levels, enemies, and gameplay mechanics.

The Potential for Fan Projects to Influence Future Games

Fan projects can serve as a valuable source of inspiration for official game developers, showcasing innovative ideas, mechanics, and fan interpretations of a franchise.

• Feedback and Ideas: Developers can gain valuable insights into what fans want and expect from a franchise by observing and interacting with fan projects. This can help them identify popular features, mechanics, and storylines that resonate with the fanbase.
• Testing Grounds: Fan projects can act as testing grounds for new ideas and mechanics, allowing developers to see how they are received by players before committing to official development. For example, the success of “Counter-Strike” likely influenced the development of future “Half-Life” games.
• Community Building: Fan projects often foster strong communities around a franchise, creating a space for players to share ideas, feedback, and passion. This can be valuable for developers looking to engage with their fanbase and gather feedback on potential future projects.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality and ethics of fan projects are complex and often involve navigating copyright law. While fan projects can be beneficial for franchises, they also raise concerns about potential copyright infringement.

• Fair Use: Fan projects often rely on copyrighted materials, such as characters, music, and game assets. The “fair use” doctrine in copyright law allows for limited use of copyrighted materials for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. However, the boundaries of fair use can be difficult to define, and fan projects often fall into a gray area.
• Copyright Infringement: If a fan project uses copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright holder, it can be considered copyright infringement. This can result in legal action, including cease and desist orders and lawsuits.
• Licensing Agreements: Some game developers offer licensing agreements that allow fans to create projects using their intellectual property under specific terms and conditions. These agreements can provide clarity and protection for both developers and fans, but they are not always available.

The Power of Nostalgia

Nostalgia plays a significant role in the success of horror games like Silent Hill and Allison Road, tapping into a potent emotional connection with players. This sentimentality, often fueled by fond memories of past experiences, creates a powerful draw for revisiting classic horror franchises and their impact on modern gaming.

The Appeal of Revisiting Classic Horror Franchises

The appeal of revisiting classic horror franchises stems from the emotional connection players develop with the original games. These connections are often formed through:

• Shared Experiences: Horror games often create a sense of shared experience among players, particularly when they are played with friends or online. These shared experiences can become deeply ingrained in our memories and evoke strong feelings of nostalgia when revisited.
• Iconic Characters and Settings: Classic horror franchises often feature iconic characters and settings that become deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. These elements can evoke powerful feelings of nostalgia and draw players back to the franchise.
• Sense of Familiarity: The familiarity of a classic horror franchise can provide a sense of comfort and security, especially in a genre that often relies on fear and suspense. This familiarity can be a powerful draw for players seeking a comforting escape from the stresses of everyday life.

The Impact of Nostalgia on Modern Gaming

Nostalgia can have a profound impact on modern gaming, driving interest in new projects and reboots.

• Reboots and Remakes: Nostalgia can fuel the success of reboots and remakes of classic horror franchises. For example, the recent remake of Resident Evil 2 was a critical and commercial success, demonstrating the power of nostalgia to drive interest in new projects. This success can be attributed to the game’s faithful recreation of the original game’s atmosphere, characters, and gameplay, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.
• New Games in Established Franchises: Nostalgia can also drive interest in new games within established franchises. The release of Silent Hill: Homecoming, despite receiving mixed reviews, benefited from the franchise’s established fanbase and the nostalgia associated with the series. The game’s marketing emphasized the return of familiar elements, such as the iconic town of Silent Hill and the series’ signature psychological horror themes, attracting players seeking a continuation of the franchise’s legacy.
• Fan Projects: Nostalgia can also inspire fan projects, such as Allison Road, which sought to capture the spirit of the original Silent Hill games. These projects often demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation for the original franchises, appealing to fans who are seeking a nostalgic experience.

The Potential for Nostalgia to Drive Interest in New Projects and Reboots

Nostalgia has the potential to drive interest in new projects and reboots by tapping into the emotional connection players have with classic horror franchises. This can be achieved by:

• Staying True to the Original: New projects and reboots should stay true to the original franchise’s core elements, such as atmosphere, characters, and gameplay, to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. This approach can attract both long-time fans and newcomers who are drawn to the franchise’s legacy.
• Introducing New Elements: While staying true to the original, new projects and reboots can also introduce new elements to keep the franchise fresh and engaging. This approach can appeal to both fans of the original and players who are seeking a new experience.
• Leveraging the Franchise’s Legacy: Developers can leverage the franchise’s legacy by creating marketing campaigns that highlight the franchise’s history and its impact on the gaming industry. This approach can generate excitement and anticipation among fans and attract new players who are curious about the franchise’s legacy.

The Evolution of Horror Games

Horror games have come a long way since their humble beginnings. From the early days of text-based adventures to the immersive and terrifying experiences of today, the genre has undergone a remarkable evolution, driven by technological advancements and a constant desire to push the boundaries of fear.

The Dawn of Horror Games

The roots of horror gaming can be traced back to the 1970s and 80s, with text-based adventures like “Zork” and “Colossal Cave Adventure” laying the foundation for interactive storytelling and suspense. These early games relied heavily on imagination and the power of suggestion to create a sense of dread.

“You are standing at the edge of a dark forest. The air is thick with the smell of pine needles and decay. You can hear the rustling of leaves in the distance, and you feel a sense of unease.”

These early text-based games, despite their limitations, laid the groundwork for the development of more complex and immersive horror experiences.

The Rise of Graphics and Sound

The advent of personal computers and gaming consoles in the 1980s and 90s ushered in a new era for horror games. With the ability to display graphics and play sound, developers could create more realistic and disturbing environments. Games like “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill” redefined the genre, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive storylines that left a lasting impact on the industry.

“The heavy footsteps of the undead lumbered down the hallway, the eerie silence broken only by the scraping of their claws against the floor.”

These games utilized innovative camera angles, atmospheric sound design, and detailed environments to create a sense of dread and vulnerability.

The Era of Psychological Horror

As technology advanced, horror games began to explore psychological themes and explore the darker aspects of the human psyche. Games like “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” and “Outlast” focused on the player’s mental state, using elements of paranoia, isolation, and helplessness to create a truly terrifying experience.

“The flickering lights cast long shadows across the walls, playing tricks on your mind. You can hear the faint whispers of voices in the distance, but you can’t be sure if they are real or a figment of your imagination.”

These games emphasized the player’s vulnerability and the psychological toll of fear, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.

The Rise of Indie Horror

The rise of indie game development in the 2010s opened up new possibilities for horror game creators. Independent developers were able to experiment with innovative gameplay mechanics, explore unique themes, and push the boundaries of what was considered scary. Games like “Slender: The Eight Pages” and “Penumbra: Overture” gained immense popularity, demonstrating the potential of indie horror to reach a wide audience.

“The flickering lights cast long shadows across the walls, playing tricks on your mind. You can hear the faint whispers of voices in the distance, but you can’t be sure if they are real or a figment of your imagination.”

Indie horror games often embraced unconventional narratives and experimental gameplay, offering fresh perspectives on the genre.

The Future of Horror Games

The future of horror games is bright, with developers continuing to push the boundaries of fear and innovation. Virtual reality technology has the potential to create truly immersive and terrifying experiences, allowing players to physically interact with their environment and experience the horrors firsthand.

“The air is thick with the smell of blood and decay as you navigate the dimly lit corridors of a haunted asylum. The screams of the patients echo in your ears, and you can feel the icy grip of fear tightening around your heart.”

Virtual reality has the potential to revolutionize the horror genre, blurring the lines between reality and the game world.

Emerging Trends in Horror Games

Several emerging trends are shaping the future of horror games:

• Psychological Horror: The focus on mental and emotional scares will continue to dominate the genre.
• Immersive Storytelling: Games will use innovative narrative techniques to create compelling and engaging experiences.
• Multiplayer Horror: Cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes will introduce new levels of fear and suspense.
• Augmented Reality: AR technology will allow players to experience horror in the real world.

Final Wrap-Up

Silent Hills, Allison Road, and Kickstarter represent a confluence of passion, nostalgia, and innovation. The legacy of Silent Hill, the ambition of Allison Road, and the power of crowdfunding have created a fascinating narrative that explores the evolution of horror games, the influence of fan projects, and the enduring appeal of classic franchises. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the stories of Silent Hills, Allison Road, and Kickstarter serve as reminders of the power of community, the potential for independent developers, and the enduring impact of horror games on the cultural landscape.

The Silent Hills Allison Road Kickstarter was a promising project that captured the attention of horror fans, but ultimately fell short of its funding goals. While the project itself didn’t come to fruition, it did highlight the growing interest in innovative and immersive horror experiences.

Perhaps if the creators had incorporated a feature like the modobag, a rideable luggage , into their game, it might have attracted even more attention and funding. Who wouldn’t want to flee from terrifying monsters on a sleek, portable ride?