SpyParty

SpyParty is a stealth video game developed by Chris Hecker. SpyParty was first shown at the Experimental Gameplay Workshop at the 2009 Game Developers Conference.[1] Hecker describes his game as "an asymmetric multiplayer espionage game, dealing with the subtlety of human behavior, character, personality, and social mores, instead of the usual spy game explosions and car chases".[4]

SpyParty
Developer(s)Chris Hecker, [1] John Cimino
Publisher(s)Chris Hecker
Artist(s)John Cimino, Reika Yoshino[2]
EngineCustom
Platform(s)Windows, OS X
Release
Genre(s)Stealth
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Gameplay
A spy attempting to complete a mission

A round of SpyParty is played between two players: one is the "spy" and the other is the "sniper". The spy is given control of one of several avatars at a high society cocktail party, and must complete a pre-determined number of missions within a time limit while attempting to blend in with the other non-playing characters. The sniper, viewing the party from the outside, does not know which avatar is the spy and must observe all of them to deduce which one it is.[5] The sniper wins if they identify the spy and shoot them or if the spy runs out of time without finishing their missions. The spy wins the game if they complete all of their missions or if the sniper shoots a character other than the spy.

Sniper gameplay

Hecker has stated that there will be modes beyond than the current two-player Spy vs. Sniper game in the future once the core game design is complete.[6]

Development

Development of SpyParty began in 2009.[1] Signups for an invite-only closed beta opened in May 2011.[7] Beta access for the public opened in June 2013.[8]

To help with the illustrations in the game, John Cimino joined the SpyParty team in September 2011[9] and the updated artwork was revealed to the public the following year on SpyParty's official website.[10]

In early October 2013, Hecker and Cimino released new character and environment art to the open beta.[11] This included five new playable characters and one new level, "Modern". Chris Hecker uses the words "illustrative" and "timeless" to describe the new art style[12] and has stated a goal of being "the most diverse game ever".[13] As of October 2016, there are 21 characters available for players.[2]

A February 2014 update added replays to the game.[14] The feature was designed to help new players improve their skills.[15]

Despite claiming in March 2010 that the game would be released in two years,[16] Hecker has not provided a release date for the final product, apart from a somewhat humorous tweet saying the game is still another two years away from completion in March 2013. In late 2017, the developer announced that an early access release on Steam was coming in early 2018.[17] He later announced that the game early access would be available on Steam on April 12.[3]

References
  1. Mastrapa, Gus (2010-03-23). "Innovative SpyParty is Ultimate Mind Game". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  2. Conditt, Jessica (2016-10-28). "'SpyParty' finally looks like a real video game". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  3. McWhertor, Michael (2018-04-02). "SpyParty hits Steam Early Access on April 12". Retrieved 2018-04-09.
  4. Nasaki, Kayin (2012-06-27). "Spy Party, Nidhogg, EVO and making a Competitive Game". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  5. Burch, Anthony (2010-03-19). "Why you need to be excited about SpyParty". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  6. McWhertor, Michael (2012-08-27). "SpyParty's Dashing New Look". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  7. Totilo, Stephen (2011-05-10). "SpyParty Beta Starting Soon, Here's How to Sign Up". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  8. Moore, Bo (2013-06-20). "A Cocktail of Deception: SpyParty Enters Open Beta". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  9. Wilkinson, Jeremy (2012-08-28). "Spore Artist Gives SpyParty a New Lick of Paint". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  10. Conditt, Jessica on Aug 27th 2012 (2012-08-27). "SpyParty redesign: the new art of espionage". Retrieved 2013-03-14.
  11. Benson, Julian (2013-10-08). "Spy Party video shows new art style. Shoot sims with a sniper rifle". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  12. Hancock, Patrick (2013-08-08). "SpyParty's new environments are warm, cool, & Scooby Doo". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  13. Narcisse, Evan (2013-07-02). "SpyParty's Next Claim To Fame? It Will Be 'The Most Diverse Game Ever'". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  14. Hecker, Chris (2014-02-27). "Replays Are Here!". Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  15. Hecker, Chris (2014-01-20). "In-game Replays Update and Preview". Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  16. Teti, John; Wolinsky, David on March 13, 2010 (2012-03-10). "AVC at GDC'10, Day Four: Spy party". Retrieved 2013-03-20.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. Bailey, Dustin (2017-11-23). "In development since 2009, SpyParty will hit Steam Early Access next year (probably)". Retrieved 2018-02-23.
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