Peter Molyneux, a name synonymous with both groundbreaking game design and a reputation for hyperbole, has once again stepped into the spotlight. Renowned for pioneering the “god game” genre with his 1989 classic, Populous, and for leading the beloved Fable series, Molyneux’s legacy is a tapestry woven with both acclaim and skepticism. His latest venture, unveiled at Gamescom, is titled Masters of Albion, but whispers of doubt surround its potential quality.
The last offering from Molyneux’s studio, 22cans, was a blockchain business simulation that capitalized on the sale of “land NFTs.” Prior to that, the highly publicized crowdfunded title, Godus, has since vanished from PC storefronts, leaving many to question Molyneux’s ability to deliver on his promises. A retrospective from Kotaku in 2014 highlighted the designer’s penchant for grandiose claims, a trait that has often led to internet mockery.
Curiosity: Molyneux’s Weird Cube
One of Molyneux’s more eccentric projects was Curiosity, a mobile app featuring a colossal cube composed of billions of smaller cubes. Players were invited to tap away at the surface, with the promise that the first to reach the center would win a “life-changing” prize. Molyneux framed this endeavor as a social experiment rather than a mere monetization strategy, stating, “This is not a money-making exercise; it is a test about the psychology of monetization.”
Despite the skepticism surrounding the project, curiosity prevailed. When an 18-year-old named Bryan Henderson ultimately clicked the final cube in 2013, the much-anticipated prize turned out to be a role in Godus—a game that failed to meet expectations, leaving Henderson without the promised glory.
Godus: The Kickstarted God Game
The treasure from the cube was a special “God of Gods” multiplayer role in Godus, along with a share of the game’s revenue. However, the reality was far from the dream. The game struggled on PC, and the multiplayer features that could have elevated Henderson’s status were never completed. In a 2015 interview, Henderson expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from 22cans, a sentiment echoed by many Kickstarter backers who felt let down by the project’s trajectory.
In a candid moment, Molyneux acknowledged the challenges of game development, stating, “Making a computer game that’s entertaining and that’s incredible and that’s amazing is almost impossible.” Yet, as time passed, the goodwill he once enjoyed began to dwindle, particularly after Godus was removed from sale on Steam, leaving backers without the rewards they were promised.
Also, There Was That NFT Game
In a bid to reinvent himself, Molyneux ventured into the world of blockchain with Legacy, a Web3 game developed in collaboration with Gala Games. This venture involved selling “land NFTs” during the height of the NFT craze, but Molyneux later admitted to struggling with the economic model. Despite the controversy, the project reportedly provided enough funding for Masters of Albion.
And Now: Masters of Albion
As Molyneux prepares to launch Masters of Albion, he finds himself at a crossroads. His past failures loom large, and the skepticism surrounding his new project is palpable. Molyneux himself has acknowledged the need for this game to be exceptional, stating, “It’s got to go into early access and be really amazing.” The stakes are high, and the gaming community watches with bated breath.
While Molyneux’s history is marred by unfulfilled promises, the allure of his ambitious projects remains. As he embarks on this new journey, the question lingers: can he reclaim the magic that once defined his career, or will he continue to be a figure of both admiration and derision in the gaming world?
(Image credit: 22cans)
