French independent publisher and developer Microids is considering adding support for the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset to their upcoming puzzle-focused adventure game, Subject 13. Whether or not their plans will become reality is being left up to backers of the game’s Kickstarter, which has reached $13 thousand of its $40 thousand goal just over one week into the fundraising campaign. Support for the Oculus Rift is the first of four additional stretch goals to be announced and will be added as a feature when the game launches if supporters raise a total of $60 thousand.
Subject 13 follows the story of Franklin Fargo, a physics professor who fell into depression after the death of his fiancée and became a recluse. The former professor finds himself mysteriously abducted by an unknown person who refers to him as Subject 13. Forced to undergo a series of bizarre tests in an underground, abandoned scientific laboratory, Franklin Fargo must use his wit and the items at his disposal to find a means of escaping.
The development of Subject 13 is being led by noted adventure game designer Paul Cuisset, formerly of Delphine Software, best known for titles such as The Stealth Affair and Flashback. Cuisset is joined by the staff of Paris-based indie developer Microids, who are known for adventure games similar to Subject 13 such as Amerzone and Syberia.
Kickstarter backers can receive a number of rewards for supporting the development of Subject 13. The minimum pledge of $1 will earn backers a spot on the game’s website and access to a live chat, while supporters who pay at least $20 will receive a copy of the game when it launches. More extravagant rewards for bigger spenders include a Subject 13 lab coat and storage box, a model of an important item from the game, and the chance to have a photo or an item design included in the game. For $10 thousand, Kickstarter backers can earn a chance to meet with the development team in person and have their likeness used as an alternate model for Franklin Fargo in the game.
Subject 13 is currently slated to launch at the end of 2014 on PC and Mac as well as iOS and Android mobile devices with console versions potentially following at a later date. The Subject 13 Kickstarter campaign will run until August 8, 2014.