Frequently Asked Questions

[Stoic]

1. Just what is The Banner Saga?
2. What's the difference between Chapter 1 and the full game?
3. Will you be releasing the game on Steam, Desura or other popular digital distribution services?
4. Will The Banner Saga be DRM-free?
5. How about Linux?
6. Why aren't you offering a box version of the game?
7. Aren't there already viking gods like Odin and Loki?
8. What are the system requirements for The Banner Saga?
9. Is it too late to make or upgrade a pledge via Kickstarter?
   

[Stoic]

What's the difference between Chapter 1 and the full game?
The Banner Saga as it exists in this Kickstarter will be a complete story in its own right. In terms of a larger story arc, it represents the first part of a three-part trilogy that has already been planned out. We don't yet have a timeline for the full trilogy, as our first priority is to complete Chapter 1 of The Banner Saga and see where that takes us!

Our goal is that when all chapters are complete, each game will both stand on their own, AND form a fantastic and cohesive whole, like any great series of books, movies, or games.

Chapter 1 of the game will not be a short 2-hour fling. Depending on how much we raise during this campaign the length of the game will vary.

The decisions you make and characters you build in Chapter 1 of the game will carry over into the other chapters of the game.

Why not just make one complete game from the start? Developing all three parts of the game could take some time and as an indie developer we can't afford to fund a 2-year development cycle. We decided to make it into a trilogy to keep people interested in the game and get it to players sooner.

We've just recently decided to give the full 3-part game away to anyone who donates (or has already donated) $50 or more to the campaign. It's our thanks for making this campaign such an amazing success!

[Stoic]

Will you be releasing the game on Steam, Desura or other popular digital distribution services?
We're already looking into getting the game up on the major distribution sites including the ever-popular Steam. Believe me, we'll let you know as soon as we do!

[Stoic]

Will The Banner Saga be DRM-free?
DRM-free = yes. We have no intention of installing invasive software on your computer.

Isn't something like Steam technically DRM?
You will always have the option of downloading a standalone version of the game to play on your hard drive, if you prefer not to use services like Steam.

[Stoic]

How about Linux?
Linux is now being supported.

[Stoic]

Why aren't you offering a box version of the game?
Believe me, we would love to offer a version of the game in box form but we have been unable to find somebody who could produce this for a good price while keeping the prize relatively cheap. Producing a physical box, printing a game manual and burning CDs is time consuming and expensive, and usually only becomes cost-effective in the hundreds of thousands of copies.

If you can do the job or know someone who can, email us at stoic@stoicstudio.com.

[Stoic]

Aren't there already viking gods like Odin and Loki?
The Banner Saga is strongly influenced by viking culture, but is not using actual Norse mythology. Instead, we have our own mythology and history, and our own reasons for the end of the world and what happens in the story. Each god in The Banner Saga is a new creation.

[Stoic]

What are the system requirements for The Banner Saga?
While we don't yet know the exact numbers (and we're still actively optimizing the game), being completely 2D gives us the advantage of running at a fairly low minimum spec. We'll give you specifics as soon as we know ourselves.

[Stoic]

Is it too late to make or upgrade a pledge via Kickstarter?
Once a Kickstarter has concluded, Stoic can no longer accept new or updated pledges via it - to include upgrading to a higher reward tier.

[Stoic]

Just what is The Banner Saga?
Short Answer: The Banner Saga is a role-playing game merged with turn-based strategy, wrapped into an adventure mini-series about vikings.

Travel through stunning landscapes straight out of an animated film. Battle painstakingly hand-animated foes in strategic, turn-based combat harkening back to the classic "Tactics" days of gaming. Make decisions with consequences in conversations with people you'll truly care about.

And throughout the whole thing record the history of your people on your banner where it will be remembered, because soon there might not be anything left.

The Banner Saga is a mature game aimed at gamers who appreciate art, story and strategy.

The Real Answer: Our first priority has always been to make a role-playing game that feels and looks fresh, and plays like the classic tactical strategy games of our childhood. It's not about defeating the villain and saving the day. It's not about grinding to get past the next fight. The Banner Saga throws you into the end of the world and asks "how do you deal with this"?

• DRM-Free, and available on PC and Mac
• Not another generic fantasy: Drawing heavily from Norse culture while creating its own identity and mythology, The Banner Saga takes a low-fantasy approach to viking themes. Giants: yes. Horned helmets: no.
• Strategic combat: Recruit a large roster of unique characters throughout the story, each with different abilities that interact in combat in a deeply tactical way and personalities of their own. The Banner Saga harkens back to classic turn-based gameplay with a strong emphasis on tactics over brute force and endless grinding.
• Travel across gorgeous landscapes: The choices you make as events arise have a huge affect on how the story plays out- who survives, who dies, and what's worth saving. Add people to your caravan as you travel, or lose them when tough decisions arise. You're not just fighting to save nameless strangers, you're fighting for your neighbors, your family and your way of life. We want you to care what happens to them.
• An emphasis on story: Your choices in dialogue and throughout the game truly affect the story and the people around you. A mature story for adults means forming relationships and making tough decisions; not sex, violence and swearing.
• Play online: Though the single-player campaign is our focus, The Banner Saga provides a deep multiplayer game; build a unique party of characters and battle friends and enemies in multiplayer combat. Upgrade your party over time and devise new strategies.
• Risk in gameplay: A lot of modern games play it safe- you know you'll defeat the evil and save the day. In The Banner Saga you can't take anything for granted. We want it to feel like a good tv mini-series; the world doesn't revolve around you, it's about how you deal with change.