The Spirit of Open Source: How 'The Matter of Being' is Redefining Game Development
There’s something profoundly exciting about a game that dares to challenge the status quo, not just in its gameplay but in its very existence. The Matter of Being, the latest addition to the Cultist Simulator universe, is one such game. What makes this particularly fascinating is its bold embrace of open-source principles in an industry often dominated by proprietary locks and exclusivity. Personally, I think this game isn’t just a product—it’s a statement about the future of creativity and collaboration in gaming.
A Game That Lets You Play God—Literally
At its core, The Matter of Being is a narrative/strategy game where you step into the shoes (or rather, the ethereal form) of an otherworldly spirit. Your mission? To haunt mortals, strike Faustian pacts, and navigate divine punishment. One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer scope of your powers: curing cancer, granting immortality, or helping the lonely find love. But here’s the catch—resources are limited, and time is ticking. This raises a deeper question: who do you save, and who do you sacrifice?
What many people don’t realize is how this gameplay mirrors real-world decision-making under scarcity. It’s not just a game; it’s a psychological experiment wrapped in a gothic, otherworldly aesthetic. From my perspective, this is where the game truly shines—it forces players to confront their values in a way that feels both personal and profound.
A License That’s Changing the Game
What sets The Matter of Being apart isn’t just its gameplay—it’s the license under which it’s being developed. Weather Factory’s Sixth History Community License is a game-changer. It allows creators to use the IP to earn up to £50,000 per annum without royalties or questions. If you take a step back and think about it, this is revolutionary. It’s not just about making money; it’s about fostering a community of creators who can build on each other’s work.
This license is a direct response to the restrictive practices that often stifle innovation in the gaming industry. In my opinion, it’s a middle finger to the gatekeepers and a celebration of what gaming could—and should—be: a collaborative art form.
Open Source or Bust: The $100K Milestone
Here’s where things get really interesting. If the Kickstarter campaign hits $100,000, Common Logic has pledged to release all the game’s code, art, and music for commercial use under the same permissive license. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this milestone was set after the game faced funding setbacks due to IP restrictions in a competition. It’s almost poetic—a game about navigating divine punishment is itself fighting against the constraints of the industry.
What this really suggests is that The Matter of Being isn’t just a game; it’s a movement. It’s a challenge to the idea that creativity must be locked away. Personally, I think this is the kind of boldness the gaming industry needs more of.
Modding as the Heart of the Game
One of the most innovative aspects of The Matter of Being is its “modding-first” design philosophy. The core content of the game is built as a mod using the same tools that will be available to the community. This isn’t just a nod to the modding community—it’s a full-on embrace. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it democratizes game development. Players aren’t just consumers; they’re co-creators.
From my perspective, this is the future of gaming. It’s not about handing players a finished product; it’s about giving them the tools to shape the experience themselves. This isn’t just a game—it’s a platform for endless possibilities.
The Broader Implications: A New Model for Gaming?
If The Matter of Being succeeds, it could set a precedent for how games are made and shared. Imagine a world where IP isn’t hoarded but shared, where creators are encouraged to build on each other’s work, and where players have a say in the direction of a game. This raises a deeper question: could this model work for other industries?
What many people don’t realize is that open-source principles have already transformed software development. Gaming could be next. In my opinion, The Matter of Being isn’t just a game—it’s a blueprint for a more collaborative, inclusive, and innovative future.
Final Thoughts: A Game Worth Supporting
As someone who’s watched the gaming industry evolve over the years, I can say with confidence that The Matter of Being is something special. It’s not just about the gameplay (though that’s compelling enough); it’s about what the game represents. It’s a challenge to the status quo, a celebration of creativity, and a glimpse into what gaming could be.
Personally, I think this is a project worth supporting—not just with your wallet, but with your enthusiasm and your voice. Because if The Matter of Being succeeds, it won’t just be a win for Common Logic or Weather Factory. It’ll be a win for everyone who believes in the power of open collaboration and the limitless potential of gaming.
So, here’s my challenge to you: keep an eye on this game. Play the demo. Back the Kickstarter. And if you’re a creator, start thinking about how you might use this license to build something incredible. Because The Matter of Being isn’t just a game—it’s an invitation to reimagine what’s possible.
