Dear Charlie, Max, Cory, Matt and the rest of the UWE team,

I start this letter with an affirmation, I am a fanboy. Much of my indulgence into the online gaming quagmire is either a direct or indirect result of discovering, and falling prey to the addictive and unique Natural Selection. From the first time I played, to the last, I have been infatuated with Natural Selection and all it has to offer. My personal investment (financial or otherwise) in Natural Selection, while somewhat mediocre, makes me feel as though I am inextricably linked to the success or failure of the product as a whole. As such, I feel as though I should at the least reveal my thoughts, apprehensions, and yes, even my joyous anticipation of my most enjoyed game’s sequel.

Natural Selections beginnings were humble, just about as humble as can be. A pet project gone supernova. It’s cult success almost unheard of in the industry. In a world where franchises can change hands, change shape, or even disappear entirely. The world of Natural Selection has somehow managed to maintain it’s status among both the hardcore fan base, and the casual. And this is something that is most defiantly not forgotten by you. Yet herein, I feel, lies a problem.

We all know the horrors of online forums, the terrors of popular-yet ill advised-thinking, the consternation that follows those loud voices drowning out reason. And it worries me. With trepidation I read the varied ideas of those whom enjoy the game just as much, if not more, than I. I understand your mantra, this game is for the fans, we ravenously asked for it for years, and now with it nearing our doorstep we can almost taste it. But I ask this, is this game not first and foremost yours? This is something you lived and breathed for years, is this beast which you have nurtured to adulthood not owned by you?

I can understand you coming out and asking for critique and inspiration. But when does it become too much? When do you stop building a game and start fluffing the masses, the community’s denizens feverishly asking for more? When do the core elements begin to make way for flashy nonsense? Natural Selection was a resounding success, and that came from your own hard work, sure there was help along the way. But this is your brainchild, your undertaking, and when it is all said and done the buck will stop with UWE.

I know you are familiar with some disappointment, the horrors of past Blatantly Unintended Shortcomings can only weary you in future endeavours. Not to reveal too much, not take on more than can be handled, or not to promise what cannot be readily foreseen, for fear of reprisal. I can only say, do not be put off. We are understanding. We are here for a reason, and while naysayers may be loud. Those who are already in your pocket are not the target.

Before I continue, I will digress further. As I have stated, I herald from the ‘hardcore’ stock. Those that will follow this game where ever it goes right sure of success. But I still feel this is something poignant to comment on. NS2 was stuck in development stagnation for some time, there is no denying this. Without capital, there is nowhere to go. One query I feel I have to make is simply, why was the prospect of NS:Source not pursued? I know you probably have your reasons, and could recite them verbatim. But I must say, I know myself, that I would gladly fork over upwards of $20 to have played even a direct port of Natural Selection to a new engine. It simply feels as though it was a market untapped. The hype surrounding the possibilities of the source engine 5 years ago simply seemed to scream possibilities to a veteran modification team.

My unease with the past does not end here. I look to Natural Selection 2 with wide eyed excitement. But then I look to its predecessor. At release, Natural Selection was still a wonder to behold, the things done with a now aged engine are unparalleled by modern standards. Yet it truthfully took NS several years and many iterations to get truly “right” and ultimately reach it’s peak. My fears are kindled by the prospect of NS2, an equally (if not more) ambitious project, pitting such diversity and uncertainty into the tangible realm can only be met at first with pitfalls. Pitfalls that may take some time to overcome.

I will end on a more uplifting note, I by no means intend to question the abilities of the development team nor their intentions. But, simply to express my concern in the hope that I will be pleasantly surprised and conclusively proven wrong on all accounts. I understand that this project is something that you have put your heart, soul, and even livelihoods in to. It is with this, that I can only truly be optimistic that Natural Selection 2 will be all that it can possibly be. I leave you with one remaining wish, and the main focus of this letter, please, build your own game. When it is complete we will still be here, waiting ever diligently in the shadows.

Regards,

Mr Charisma