Automation was first born out of a casual conversation between Andrew and myself about the old genre of tycoon games dying out, and there never was a really great Car Tycoon game. The ones that did exist treated cars like a generic product such as fridges. It then clicked that we had the skills to make the game we wanted ourselves, so we started to make Automation. 

I grew up as a major tycoon-game geek - spending hours upon hours with the likes of Transport Tycoon and Railroad Tycoon. So this project really resonated with me. I wanted to learn more about Caswal and Andrew to see how they're making the next great tycoon game.

There are very few games for the car enthusiast, but loads of games for the racing enthusiast. There are a few that do a bit of both to various degrees, but Automation is for people who really care about cars, want to know how cars work and build cars of their own. Run their own car company the way that they want to. 

Making a game, with an awesome community, about a subject I care about, it can't get much better than that.

I think the time has come for Automation. What has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of indie-gaming and self-publishing - how are your supporters responding?

A little harder than first thought, by that producing a good pitch and a good video. Luckily we have a lot of friends to read over it give us advice and help craft it into something we were happy with.

From our supporters I think we are asking a lot to believe in us. We have no actual product or demo released yet as well as not having produced a full commercial game before. In that regard we are unproven, for those who do believe is us and have funded us we thank you so much. We will try our best to not disappoint.

I was sold when I saw your pitch and screenshots. You've built a lot of momentum - any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a similar project?

If we were to do this again, we would of waited until we had a demo or open beta released and put into peoples hands. Also we would of liked to of orchestrated a planned series of press releases over the duration of the RocketHub project, this was our aim but it never really materialised.

I think what also helps a crowdfunded project like ours is that it is a bit of a niche, rather than just another platformer. People care about niches, it is what they care about and makes it easier to get a community together to help get a project going.

Thank you Automation team. I'm looking forward to playing the game and becoming a car tycoon. Grab your copy and show your support.

-Vlad