Peter Molyneux talks GODUS and the impact of his promises

Designer won’t stop believing

Following the Kickstarter launch of GODUS, a self-described “innovative reinvention of Populous” from developer 22 Cans, Peter Molyneux has spoken with Rock, Paper, Shotgun about how the new game is a step forward for the genre and where Curiosity went wrong.

When asked if issues with the experimental game will negatively impact the Kickstarter for GODUS, Molyneux said that “I can’t blame people for not believing. I am going to put everything, every ounce of energy, every piece of myself, every statement I made into this game, because this… Populous created me. I didn’t create Populous.

“I know I’ve said things… I wish I could not say them, I guess. I just… I still believe so much. I swore that when we started 22 Cans that we wouldn’t over-promise, and I guess through stupid mistakes we have. I have to live by those. If it means that the project doesn’t get kickstarted, if it means that people use the Kickstarter to vent their frustrations, then I guess I have to live by that.”

Despite his sheer enthusiasm and ambition that unfortunately seem to come back and bite him when high expectations can’t be met, it appears work has been taking a toll on the designer. “I’m one of those human beings who’s surprised he’s still alive every time he wakes up in the morning,” he explained. “I think I will be doing games until the day I die. I can’t see that, at this rate, the way I’m burning through my life… I don’t see that I’ll be alive much longer.”

Interview: Peter Molyneux On Curiosity’s Failings, GODUS [Rock, Paper, Shotgun]