Hey guys, I'm posting on behalf of the Palio Project, a game dealing with the Palio di Sienna. We are currently running a Kickstarter campaign, and would love to have your support. Check it out!
http://kck.st/H820O8
The Palio Di Sienna is a centuries old bareback horse race that takes place several times a year in the city of Sienna, Italy. The original race was conceived as a way for the dominant families of the city to gain political control for one year, without the need for fighting and bloodshed. Over the centuries the Families came to represent districts, and are known as Contrade.
Originally there were 59 contrade but it has been reduced to 17 contrade at this point in time. To reduce injuries and death, only 10 of them compete each year.The other 7 compete the next year and 3 of the last participants are chosen by lots to bring the number up to 10.
The rules of the Palio are very simple. The Jockey does not win. It is the horse that determines if a contrada wins. A horse without a rider that finishes first is still the winner. Originally this rule was created in an attempt to stop Jockey assassination. Tradition does not let another jockey take the chosen ones place after they have been blessed, so an assassination would have eliminated that family from the race. This rule still applies today because this is a bareback race and several sharp hairpin turns are known to cause not only injury to the jockey, but also the horses as well.
Another rule prevents the use of any other tools besides the bridle and their riding crop. However there is no rule about physical contact during the race. Many times Jockeys will whip their opponents horses to get them to speed up in sharp turns in an attempt to dehorse that jockey.
Our goal is to create a fun an accurate representation of this historic race set in the Renaissance era. This multiplayer racing game will allow players to experience the Palio di sienna without the need to travel to Italy to witness this exciting event.
Remember this race is oriented around physical contact between riders and their horses. Not only will you be racing your horse, but your job will be to remove other players and AI riders from their horses as well.
Our game engine is the Unity 3d engine, and retail price point is expected to be competitive with other indie games of this scope upon publishing.
Why we need your help
First off, this team is led and composed of junior and senior college student who are paying for the majority of the games costs out of pocket.
We want to take several of our team members to Italy to witness this incredible event.
While there we will record audio of the real crowd, and Professionally film the race.
Take high resolution pictures of the actual textures and building materials that make up the Piazza del campo to create the most accurate representation possible.
Interview the contrade and get valuable cultural information and views from the different contrade/districts.
We will also require your help in the fees and licenses actually associated with publishing the game. So far all the money going into this is coming from our pockets and as students we would love your help.
And if you have any questions feel free to ask!
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