How I Landed A World Famous IP For My Indie Game | Mars Attracts Devlog

[@Gamer4672]

Not gonna lie, I thought this game was just some hire ups IP cash grab crap (Gollum, King Kong etc.) and didn't have any interest in it just because I didn't originally think there would be any passion into it. But this video really educated me and shows how much you care about it. Gonna wishlist it now. Thanks!

[@outliersocial]

Thanks! 😀 Forgot to mention that in the video but that is also a downside of an IP - as gamers we're so used to IPs being milked for every drop there's definitely a sense of cynicism that the game has to overcome. Hopefully we can make a game that shows our passion 🤞

[@excrubulent]

​@@outliersocialI think it's no longer the rule that it used to be. I think enough of the lessons of bad movie games have filtered over to movie studios that they can work with game studios rather than railroading them. Especially older IPs that aren't rushed out the door to coincide with a movie release seem more likely to get the time and care they need.

[@DrGoldenLink]

@excrubulent I agree with you. If this was ten-fifteen years ago, especially in the days of licensed shovelware on the PS2/gc/Xbox, there would probably be a lot more similar reactions of dismissal. Thankfully the theme park community of gamers isn't filled with the same vitriol seen in other communities.

[@Yugga_Bubba]

Hire ups

[@zitronator9224]

Gollum wasn't a Cash Grab it was a also from an Indie Studio, it turned out so bad, because they were bought by a big company which lead to crunchtime.They also never worked in a 3d Game before so thats that

[@zackhuffman5761]

I'd love to see some in game achievement cards with artwork based on the original trading cards

[@outliersocial]

Great idea! That might just make it in 😀

[@aitor.online]

Omg that's brilliant!!

[@monochrome_soft9472]

or using them for the steam trading card system would be such a good fit

[@alphabros5226]

I think the name being such a fun warping of "Mars Attacks" really cements how this game is a great idea!

[@ImproveConditions]

makes no sense to me to buy the rights then use a name that looks like you dont have the rights

[@ojinm]

Kind of trippy to think that the lengthof time from Mars Attacks' trading cards to the movie is around as long as the time from the movie to the game...

[@outliersocial]

Not sure I really needed to hear that 🙃

[@alien5589]

@@outliersocialtime makes fools of us all

[@TomSFox]

Wait until you hear about Cleopatra and the pyramids.

[@SuperSayinSolidSnek]

​@@TomSFox something, something, iPhone, amirite?

[@ZacPensol]

I worked at a toy company where we licensed various IPs. It really can be a lot of fun, but also a bit of a headache. Still, worth it if it's a license you already enjoyed and suddenly have that sandbox to play in.

[@KWART_O_MANIA]

Could you elaborate on which IPs the company licensed? I'm interested

[@outliersocial]

We've (mostly) avoid any headaches so far 😁

[@mr.motorbike3698]

insane youtube homepage pull. i had no idea about this until now! Can't wait!

[@Quzga]

Ikr, as a texture artist who grew up in with Mars attacks and Rollercoaster tycoon, this was like finding a washed up bottle with diamonds on the shore

[@grimmizded]

One of the best memories I have is stumbling upon and rebuilding a Mars Attacks Pinball machine from a shut down bowling alley. An old CRT tube monitor was angled over the glass so it could project animated holograms, scores, and lasers which made playing it in a dim room felt surreal. Seeing how much work that went into that and I believe that same passion you are bringing is why this IP will forever be a classic. Thank you for creating something that further immortalizes this theme and universe, I'm glad TOPPS is still pushing creativity, and thank you for the nostalgia.

[@HOTD108_]

The question of whether or not you'd be able to use the "Ack Ack" sound effect has been on my mind since the announcement, and hearing about it in this video was so fascinating. Thanks for clarifying! I'm sure the game will be terrific with or without the sound!

[@Deliveredmean42]

Probably better to make a new recording which is possible.

[@Storey01]

Gameplay looks more reminescent of Theme Park World than Roller Coaster Tycoon which defintiely gets me on board!

[@yancieb]

I wanted that game so bad because, on the cover and in the trailer they showed mascots riding the rollercoasters. I wanted the game so bad just to see that and it wasnt possible in game🤣

[@4Bakers]

I know nothing about Mars Attacks but something that might be interesting is the idea of a culture misunderstanding a culture. like if you set up your exhibits to be more accurate to how humans actually live, it makes the humans happier, but if you set up your exhibits to represent how the aliens think humans live, it makes the aliens happier, at the cost of human comfort. I can't think of another game that does that.

[@SkyGeneral100]

I believe that the ACK ACK sound is a must have for the game, and the owners will grant the rights for sure

[@outliersocial]

We certainly hope so!

[@MrQuantumInc]

The sound is from the movie, so it is unclear if the owners of the original IP own it. It depends on how much of a distinction exists between the movie itself and the IP that the movie was based on. Still, even if it doesn't work out they could have a sound engineer record a new version of martian ACK ACK speak.

[@Lucifronz]

Considering it's already usable in text form and has existed in the comics, if nothing else I imagine it's a House of the Rising Sun issue where you can re-record the lines and it should be fine as long as it's not a one-for-one recreation. There's precedent there. But of course I am not a lawyer and things don't always work the way they should, so it's always best to play it safe and see that all rights holders are happy.

[@Jimbodawg]

I've never watched Mars Attacks and will likely never play this game, I just love watching passionate people succeed at doing what they love. I'm here for the ride, that's all.

[@NafenX]

It's a really fun and goofy film! Give it a watch if you get the time

[@ArksideGames]

watch the movie, still fun, better than modern hollywood

[@j377yb33n]

Mars attacks is peak Tim Burton, give it a play during christmas

[@reidboggs4344]

You should watch the movie. It’s pitch perfect bad.

[@greysnake2903]

Because you were bad at this?

[@edwardorbit]

Mars Attacks should have gotten a game a long time ago, each devlog just makes me more eager to play the game, another great thing to look forward to in an already stacked 2025🔥

[@outliersocial]

Thanks! Here's hoping we can do it justice

[@mr_h831]

I don't see why, everyone I know says the movie was terrible and some kind of Hollywood inside joke. Lol

[@deltastudioswastaken]

6:08 not gonna lie I thought it was gonna be a dating sim when I first heard the name lol

[@DaPegMeister]

The fact it's not some massive entity and just a chill guy makes me actually interested in this game now. Will definitely be checking it out

[@safebox36]

Not gonna lie, one of my favourite trends of recent indie titles is the revival of 80s and 90s IPs with modern gaming conveniences. Stuff like the Robocop immersive sim, The Mummy roguelike, the Friday the 13th co-op horror. I know this is technically based on a series of cards, but I'm glad the trend is continuing 😂.

[@Jon-Patrick-S]

Hadn't heard this was announced but you got me intrigued as you seem genuinely passionate about the IP, props to whoever made that thumbnail too because it was a real eyecatcher give that guy a raise.

[@lavolpe2823]

That was more insightful than I thought! Interesting to know how an IP is acquired, not talked about often.

[@outliersocial]

Thanks! We try to be as open as possible. If there's any other topics you'd like us to cover in future videos, please let us know

[@JetSetGummy]

the fact that you chose not to make a Destroy All Humans clone is great! the gameplay fits perfectly with Mars Attacks but it just would’ve been the same game. I had no idea this game was in the works and now i’m super hyped and i can’t wait to try it out!! big fan of the movie just like everyone here and i’ll probably be a big fan of the game too now :D

[@outliersocial]

Thanks! It was super important for us to do something a bit different to anything that already exists, after all where is the fun in just copying someone else's homework?

[@empressassassin9975]

Man, the art direction I'm seeing in this video and in your other videos I watched after this really is STELLAR. I think this would be a really great concept even without the IP tie-in but it's elevated even further with it! Really looking forward to this!

[@outliersocial]

Thank you, very glad you liked it!

[@SildenYT]

ACK ACK ack ack ack-ack ack ACK ack.... 4:20 I do like how this morphs into a translated version. Little details like that make me feel so dizzy with excitement :)

[@outliersocial]

Ack ack ack! (Translation: thank you!)

[@Alienous]

There's some really cool insight in this video, much appreciated. It's cool whenever you see an indie studio be bold. Best of luck to the team.

[@MizzCrazyness008]

Best of luck to the team and keep up the incredible work!

[@TheSlimHim]

This is the first I heard of this game. Hearing an overview of how licensing works was super interesting! It's also really nice to see that a movie I enjoyed is getting a game adaption by someone that isn't just re-skinning an existing game. Instantly subscribed.

[@magicat723]

I'm so excited to see how this turns out. The excitement behind the developers, the acceptance of the IP holders, the fact that you get to use so many concepts from the cards that were unseen in the movie... this feels like you've caught lightning in a bottle! So much potential in your hands now.

[@dihexa7256]

I’ve loved the Mars Attack series for more than a decade now, excited to see this project. Good luck

[@Purplinessky]

Very fun to see!

[@LemonMcgee]

Great video. another topic you would never see on any other devlog, keep them coming.

[@marioman1242]

Hey you're at the end of the video.

[@KrakenWasSlayed]

Get that free steam key bud 👏

[@XxThatGuyOverTherex1]

ACK ACK ACK!! Didn't hear about this until now. Im definitely interested!

[@scottcryer7799]

I honestly didn't realize how much I needed more Mars Attacks in my life. I love the concept and love that the IP owners agreed to let you guys do this! ACK ACK!

[@outliersocial]

Honestly we're still kind of amazed we've been allowed to make this game!

[@poppyfrancis7338]

This literally just showed up in my KZbin recommended despite not having watched Mars Attacks! in years. And I am upset I wasn't made aware of this earlier. This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen, please keep up the good work!

[@R4V3-0N]

I am so thankful that the KZbin recommended this to me. This is an amazing story and I would have never guessed there'd be a Mars Attacks game released these days let alone one that looks as quirky and endearing as this!

[@TheSkeletonVA]

I’ll be honest, when I first heard of the game I was worried if it being shovelware. But it really does look like y’all are putting in a lot of effort to make the game fun and its own thing. Good luck, and here’s hoping y’all succeed!

[@DarwinCromwell]

Something about the thumbnail feels familiar

[@mikkelhoffmann28]

This was an amazing peak behind the curtain of what goes into making a game like this. Thank you for the peek

[@nightlord131]

Really like what you've shown of the game so far, it's just such a great fitting idea for the Mars Attacks IP!

[@spark_279]

I love mars attacks, I’m glad an indie studio is working on a game with the IP. I look forward to how it turns out!

[@Stealth86651]

A Mars Attacks! game? Sign me up. So glad it seems you're not just making an IP cash grab. I hope you're able to transition the humor of the movie/IP into the game

[@TheRealLizardKing]

I love this game concept! We need more management games and this one looks great! Wishlisted!

[@Quzga]

As a texture artist who grew up with Mars attacks and Rollercoaster tycoon this feels like it was made for me!

[@plagiats]

It's the first time I hear a devlog on the subject of actual licensing, quite informative

[@outliersocial]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@pepsidoggy]

As a up and starting game-dev, this is extremely insightful! Thank you!

[@SomePointlessGarbage]

Very nice video, feels very open and honest. Feels like we need even more of this from game developers.

[@TiltedRose]

wow, great information. this has officially peaked my interest. ill be coming back to hear you talk about your game more!

[@feelincrispy7053]

I watched mars attack at the movies when I was 8 years old. For the next 8-9 years I was scarred by that movie. Countless nightmares and the curtains at bedtime had to be completely shut with absolutely no gap for aliens to see through. It did start me on my journey of space and quantum physics discovery and to this day I sleep to space videos because of that movie. It was without a doubt the most profound movie to affect my life to date

[@linamishima]

Excellent video with good coverage of a rarely discussed but important topic! Subscribed early on in the video as there’s so much love for the craft in all its forms!

[@mister_milkman]

I can't even imagine how hard it can be to find the rightholders to certain franchises. Sometimes it can be multiple rightholders at once so it becomes quite the nightmare. Really cool that it all worked out here.

[@SimonGreen85]

TIL this game exists. Thanks for the engaging conversation!❤

[@BrianKyleMcCord]

I’m not like a huge Mars Attacks fan, but I love the alien aesthetic, and I love the passion you guys seem to have for this project!

[@darrens3]

This looks excellent! Well done guys and good job to Topps for seeing the potential in this! WIshlisting now!

[@DMonkey3000]

Mars Attacks might be one of my all time favourite movies! It holds a special place in my heart! Can't wait for this game!

[@Fjonan]

this is great news! I wish you all the best with this project

[@JamesFarrOfficial]

This is fantastic. Excited to play this on my channel.

[@PrideBornAmadi]

My Grandpa used to love this, it makes me happy to see this franchise come back.

[@AdamYJ]

I believe "House of the Rising Sun" is considered an American folk song at this point. So, that should have been available to everyone. Kind of like how Assassin's Creed: Black Flag was allowed to use "The Parting Glass" and "Over the Hills and Far Away", as both of them are folk songs as well.

[@urgedwarrior]

As someone who used to play an insane amount of Roller coaster Tycoon and even more Zoo Tycoon I'm super hyped for this one. So much better than another 1v4 multiplayer or something similar!

[@Ventrue533]

Hope to see more of that artwork, its incredible stuff

[@v.y.o.]

Everything about this is so outlandish, I love it

[@YeahImRose]

Game looks awesome! Hope dev goes smoothly!

[@ApocCharging]

Thanks for making such detailed and transparent devlogs! Keep up the great work.

[@zombiesalmon4997]

Instant subscription

[@Skeffles]

Fascinating to see what you went through to get the IP. In particular how it's the card IP and not the film. I hope the game is awesome and releases well!

[@ltbq]

I never knew the film was based on trading cards! That's such an interesting tidbit, really looking forward to the game

[@SaishiYT]

I am LOVING all the style this game is oozing with!!

[@dragonhunter4592]

The lung baloons would have sold me as an IP holder that you understand the franchise perfectly.

[@SpeakingJargon]

Clever! Definitely going to look further into this game.

[@fitandhappy42]

Great video guys, thanks for putting this together. I’m currently teaching game design students and this is a great resource for them about some of the ins and outs of IP and licencing.

[@manitoboi]

It's bonkers to me that this hadn't happen before. It's such a beloved IP to not have a videogame by now. My utterly admiration and the best of wishes to you guys!

[@outliersocial]

We just hope we can do it right now that we have the chance!

[@gilian2587]

Destroy All Humans from the ps2 era was pretty close.

[@manitoboi]

@@outliersocial And I'll be first in line to get it. Thanks for doing this!

[@MrErtsatz]

This seems like a ton of fun. I'm excited to see how this develops.

[@eugeneshichkin1623]

It's such a great idea to make a theme park on Mars! Thank you for detailed dev logs and good luck with your future (I do hope so!) masterpiece!

[@outliersocial]

Thank you! It means a lot to us to know people are enjoying the devlogs 😄

[@blissharmony]

Randomly came across this on steam and it's a perfect idea! I loved the movie when I was younger (even though it was scary) and I also love roller coaster tycoon and zoo tycoon, so mashing them together will make for an interesting game, good luck with this !!!😊

[@KikiJynx]

Mars Attacks was one of the first horror movies that gave me nightmares, I’m glad it’s getting fan love

[@behema9815]

As someone woth absolutely zero attachment to the IP this sorta reverse-zoo sounds like a really cool idea!

[@samamies88]

in past (like back in nes to ps1 era) some small (indie) studios who did licenced games either fell in one of four categories: 1) got stuck on always making licenced games (often with strict schedule cuz often game was supposed to be launched alongside with movie. This is also why game has completely different plot cuz devs didn't have the script nor did they see the movie as it wasn't released) 2) managed to make their own ips that later blew up and some of those houses are big league now 3) got merged with bigger fish 4) bankription (or other reason to shut a company such as indiffirences, splits, burbouts etc). These days indies don't seem to do as much licensed games so am not sure if these paths are still true or not.

[@mrpdg89]

Very cool, hope to see the progress as it goes

[@thisismyname2185]

I didn't know about this game before today, but now I'm very excited for it

[@rampen837]

Actually super interesting dev log!! Never got into Mars Attacks before this game might be my first exposure to the IP

[@PoliceTelephoneBox]

I just found you through this video. I've since watched the trailer. Looks awesome! Akk akk!

[@outliersocial]

Welcome aboard!

[@robonorm8792]

This was a pretty cool peak behind the scenes that we don't usually get to see.

[@Tactician42]

I want this to do so well that Topps taps you to work the same magic with Dinosaurs Attack!

[@DarthBlam]

I never expected a game of Mars Attacks decades after the movie came out. Let alone a friggin park management game

[@cerisskies]

Love to see indies get something big like this!

[@eddyv2838]

As a kid I remember being terrified of the movie since every time I’ve ever seen the movie it’s always the scene where they have the first encounter with the humans and the dove gets released and the mars aliens get spooked and kills everyone but even when I was scared I did think the aliens looked goofy and cool. I just find it crazy how every time I would see the movie it would always be that scene and I’m sad I didn’t get to watch the rest for a long time lmao.

[@BitestheStuff]

Cool concept for sure, and I always like Mars Attack. Looking forward to seeing more of it.

[@djtumolo]

fantastic stuff. i feel like being able to end run the movie studios was huge for yall.

[@Lucifronz]

Well that's pretty cool. You've got the look down pat, now you just have to make sure it's fun. Best of luck. I'll be keeping an eye on it myself when it releases.

[@timparks9833]

Mars Attacks has the best lore. I did a deep dive into all the comics and trading cards about a decade ago. It was so bizarre, and while it had some humor, it got pretty dark and bleak.

[@TalleyBellum]

This game looks like a fun mix of the sims with roller coaster tycoon with a coat of Mars Attacks paint I mean I've never watched or consumed anything related to Mars Attack, but I know it's a series that exists

[@Brian_Rogers]

I'll admit I wasn't expecting a park management sim when I saw Mars Attacks was getting a videogame but it does fit with the theme of the IP and I look forward to trying it eventually when it comes out.

[@nathanlowry9421]

Seems like a super cool concept

[@marcantony5110]

This is the first time I’m hearing of the game, sounds interesting can’t wait to check it out :)

[@Abruptleader]

My dad showed me mars attacks as a kid and it scared me so much lmao. Can't wait to play this and see the human captive exhibits. Love the idea of famous achievments being turned into reinactments for the martians to laugh at.😂

[@russano22]

Very cool stuff! Can't wait to see what the finished project looks like :)

[@ShallowVA]

Topps seems to be pretty cool about letting people be creative with their property! Mantic licensed Mars Attacks a few years back for a scifi miniatures game they were working on that turned out pretty good too. Its great you can sidestep WB, movie studios seem to like just sitting on IP.

[@CMacK1294]

The sort of setting and style of the original cards would probably make for a hell of an XCOM style game.

[@NGScoob]

Yes, please do get the ack ack ack sound. It would be cool if you could have Frank Welker record new audio for the aliens as it’s almost 30 years old. I’m sure he can still do it.

[@xander6283]

Looks super great!

[@cozygoblin]

As someone who loves mars attacks and theme park games...this looks awesome!

[@LeafBoxDK]

Wow! This really is a great idea!

[@kairi4640]

Very helpful video. I was so confused seeing the trailer originally, thinking it was a spin off of Destroy all humans. Then realizing it was based off the movie, to now finding out it's from a indie developer. 😂 It is nice hearing that even a indie company could obtain a popular IP though. I was always thinking about this one tv series involving a IP. Shame I'm not a extrovert, I have so many ideas.