[
Introduction]
Let me preface this by saying I have no delusions of grandeur. We all are aware of some recent gaming headlines where companies are seeming to actually start paying attention to their fans. But I've observed enough downfalls of fan efforts to have a realistic outlook on the matter. I don't expect anything, but I also can't expect nothing.
Chrono Cross' ten year anniversary is coming up soon. I don't anticipate news of a new Chrono any time soon, nor for at least another several years. (Although I do expect that Cross arrange album pretty soon, get crakin' on that Mitsuda)
[
The Project]
The idea is something like a blog that's updated montly. The goal is not necessarily just to assemble random fan efforts--OK, that's part of the process. But the gestalt here is proving to SE the bankability of the Chrono franchise.
The content we'd deliver per update is variable and open to discussion. My thought on this is to show SE players' interest in the Chrono series while simultaneously hyping a possible new entry to the series:
- fan art, including characters environments that may have changed somehow and characters that may have aged
- fan arrangements & remixes, etc.
- (i'm not so keen on fan fiction, it doesn't seem appropriate for this sort of thing)
- conceptual art and music based on a new entry in the series that draws inspiration from previous games
- conceptual box art designs for a new entry in the series
- absolutely nothing to do with hacking
- this is imperative: a list of people who bought something Chrono-related that month. I have no idea how many people would could get to actually comitt to this and for how long we could keep it up, but money talks louder than everything else unfortunately.
- and hell, why not a giant poll on the side that asks whether the reader would buy a new Chrono game? (the only answers would, of course, be "yes"
)
Ideally, we get new contributors for each update, whether they're doing art, music, or buying stuff. Some might feel this overlaps with the Compendium, but the sole purpose of this project is to display interest in a new game.
[
Then What?]
The important part comes next: SE gets mailed about each and every update. You might think this is crazy. But look at it this way: each month features new contributors, and (hopefully) new sales, which all represent potential buyers. Add it up over a few years and we could have a good solution to proving to SE that Chrono is worth their investment.
I should also point out that any email/mail needs to go directly to SE Japan. SE North America is absolutely nothing but a front for customer service here in the states. They aren't going to suggest to their parent company to make a new game. In fact, they'd probably just try to shut us down for something related to copyright.
Naturally, we'll need a volunteer translator. Ideally, we'd also mention the project to Masato Kato and Yasunori Mitsuda. Yeah, neither of them need to be sold on a new Chrono entry--but it would be great to let them know nonetheless.
Imagine each email looking like this:
"Dear [Square Enix],
The many fans of Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and Radical Dreamers have long awaited a new entry in the Chrono series. We are certain this series is one of Square Enix's most beloved franchise, and that it will continue to be a solid investment for years to come. Here is what your fans have done this month:
- x new box art for Chrono Break
- x new fan art sketches from Chrono Trigger
- x new fan arrangements from Chrono Cross
- x new tracks for the Chrono Break OST
- x fans have purchased official Chrono game, music, and accessory merchandise this month
- As of [current date], x people have comitted to buying a new entry in the Chrono series"
(Using "Chrono Break" is just provisional; we can call it whatever, it doesn't really matter... it just serves as an analog for a new entry in the series)
[
Is this realistic?]
I know there will be several replies stating lack of practicality and other criticisms, and that's a good thing. Maybe this idea is horrible, but it may inspire someone else to thing up something better. Also, it would be best if we could get fans from all over the world to contribute, including fans from SE's native Japan. That means advertising the cause elsewhere. It also means trying to convince every single gaming news unit who interviews SE anytime in the future to try and sneak in a question about Chrono.
This is also the perfect time to start getting SE's attention. Their plate is full for 2010 and beyond, with four Final Fantasy titles (three of which are next-gen), The Third Birthday, and more that's as of yet unannounced. That makes this a great time to start hinting that a new Chrono game might be a good investment for their future lineup.
As for my involvement, I will personally lead the mock soundtrack for the project if we actually have enough interested people. I'll also be the first to purchase some Chrono merchandise.
Please, I welcome all comments, criticisms, flames, and accusations of lunacy.
I know I don't need to ask who here wants a new Chrono game. But if we want to see one sooner rather than later, it's up to us to get the ball rolling. Shoot me down or cheer me (us) on; but do something. I think we're all ready for the next game.
