Jagged Alliance 3's Development Story

Jagged Alliance 3 is out now on PC and is coming soon to consoles! #sponsored
This video being sponsored is allowing us to donate $10,000 to Hit Save. In this video, Did You Know Gaming takes a look at some facts, secrets and Easter eggs surrounding Jagged Alliance 3 and the history of the Jagged Alliance franchise. We got to talk to a handful of developers who worked on the series, and were able to uncover some new and interesting facts about JA3.
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Hit Save! is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the preservation of video games, their history, and related physical and digital materials. The organization has a big focus on indie games, and helping the history and preservation community with funding and equipment. Hit Save believes a single org can only do so much, so they want to help the global community as much as possible.
Video Editing by TheCartoonGamer
Voicer Over by Dazz
Sources/Further Reading:
DYKG Interview with Boian Spasov
community.jaggedalliance.com/...
community.jaggedalliance.com/...
community.jaggedalliance.com/...
community.jaggedalliance.com/...

[@Alex-95-Gaming]

Game devs stumbling into a military group and then being invited to record sound effects from confidential weapons is an absolute power move.

[@raafmaat]

well it is for the devs ofcourse! but i dont get why the military did this, whats there to gain for them? i would have expected this kinda thing more with some big sim-shooter like Arma or something

[@clarissacapuchino5141]

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[@raafmaat]

@@clarissacapuchino5141 thanks for your input

[@JemaekaDeleon-cw9jo]

​@@raafmaat11¹1¹¹¹

[@bogoid]

@@clarissacapuchino5141 you're absolutely right

[@austin.....]

These devs are insanely passionate and even though I do not personally play Jagged Alliance, I respected the hell out of them when I was watching their pre-release streams. They'd keep going over time trying to answer everyone's questions. The creator of the franchise himself seems like a dude you could go fishing and a share a beer with. They had angry joe at one point (one of the most volatile, controversial people you could ever have as a guest) and it turned out to be an incredibly awesome moment instead. Just love these guys now. I do plan to check the series out when the next strategy urge hits me.

[@TehAwesomer]

While this is obviously sponsored content, I appreciated how it was actually informative about the history of this beloved and troubled IP.

[@Stonezorz]

This is MILES better than your other sponsored videos, very well done!

[@Ayoosi]

Gotta say, this game has been one of my favorites in a long time. I love the characters and strategies, the lack of min/max, even the skills work well to make different playstyles but not be overwhelming or overpowering. It's a good game and definitely carries the JA2 lineage well

[@Kirvyx]

At least they are transparent about their motives

[@RigGames4]

I really wish more development studios were open like this. It's obviously stressful for the team during the hard times, but monetise it, document it and share the story. I thoroughly enjoy stories like these!

[@hadiferlan3760]

Respect and salute for the devs and long time fans to never give up on Jagged Alliance 3 coming true

[@PolyraclureDeVinyle]

I didn't know the franchise, and was searching for something to scratch that "turn based tactic game" itch i caught from Xcom EU. And boy am i having a blast with this game. It does have it's quirk, but you can tell it's made with passion, and i'm sure they can continue to evolve the franchise !

[@jamesboyce2460]

They succeeded and double kudos to Larry Roachburn voice actor.

[@gregoryberrycone]

true, some of the mercs like magic i felt were a step down but larry was really perfect in every way

[@catriamflockentanz]

It may be mean to say such a thing but with a title like "Jagged Alliance" it is perfect for development struggles.

[@elijahwalton2248]

Can you guys cover Stargate SG-1 the alliance? I can't find any information explaining why that game suffered delays and was canned even after the original cast of Stargate SG-1 voiced their respective characters

[@gregoryberrycone]

My favorite game ive played in a very long time, feels like it was made just for me

[@jowi_24seven43]

THQ Nordic have always been a fun publisher. Taking chances of uncommon game mechanics and odd games. I've immensely enjoyed dozens of their published games during a decade or more! Edit: I still hope a remake of Volition's Summoner is released in my lifetime.

[@joeslickback]

9:10 As a Fire Emblem player, I know that feeling all to well. Missed a 90 and died to a 5

[@BajiBunny]

So happy to hear how quickly the devs got their luck with this game back on track. It's really interesting hearing their theory on their UI. As an XCOM fan I know what they were talking about with players spending too much time focusing on the UI than the game itself and min-maxing the moves they make. As a JA fan they've done us a service. Thank you.

[@chuggaafan1]

"was now in the hands of Akella" Wouldn't want to disappoint the fans.

[@DavisKrauklis]

About not showing hit chance - on steam, showchancetohit mod is still Top1 in workshop... And for me the problem was not that it didn't show the chance, but that you didn't know what modifier adds how much to the overall chance to hit, so how much cover negates and how much aiming improves was all a mystery. Decision to not show those numbers is still puzzling to me even after hearing their reasoning.

[@austin.....]

They actively encouraged it to be modded because they knew some would still want it. The devs were insanely supportive of modding in general. Their reasononing of "focusing too much on numbers and being disappointed in % chance results" imo makes sense as someone that really doesn't like X-Com. For me it's more interesting to just shoot what you think might happen, and see what happens. But I don't play on hardcore ironman extreme mode and minmax every situation. So maybe I'm just weird but I appreciated the option.

[@jamesboyce2460]

I support the choice and the mercs comments if it is a hard shot

[@derheadbanger9039]

It's a miracle JA3 was finised - and turned out this great!

[@Mankey619]

More promos for upcoming games that are coming out this year. Best wishes to the hard working devs and I also wish them the best in their future careers as game developers.

[@fuzzy7644]

3:35 Every single Postal fan went exactly how awful this is was about to come. 💀

[@KordanorsGamingLair]

A few clarifications: 00:10 Not every core title has a different developer (its clarified later). The first Game and the second were developed by the same team (essentially). Ian Currie just created SirTech Canada in the meanwhile (together with Linda Sirotek, sister of the Sirotek brothers leading SirTech US, whom he married) 00:16 Strategy First announced JA3 in 2004, but it was already known that JA3 is being produced way before that. In June 2001 Ian Currie stated "We've been working on JA3 for a while now; however, we're still not in heavy production." 01:10 Deadly Games was not an expansion. It was a full game, continuing the Story. Just not a full "JA2", a bit like UB, but even less of an expansion 01:17 The studio did not directly merge into SirTech. Its not completely incorrect, but its important to know that there was SirTech US, and SirTech Canada basically. This new Studio was SirTech Canada and that absorbed Madlab. Legally it was a separate entitiy as far as I understand which is why they kept operating after SirTech US (which acted as publisher) was no longer 01:32 The publisher Part is actually more complicated, as the video only Highlights US publishers. But this leaves a gap which becomes important later on. EU was always having different publishers. Jagged Alliance 1 was published by Softgold in Germany, Mindscape in the UK. Deadly Games was published by Virgin (UK and Germany). Jagged Alliance 2 was then published by Topware in Germany (important!), Topware then had legal trouble, UB was therefore published by JoWood/Innonics ...(to be continued) 01:40 "and sold even more" is misleading. Jagged Alliance 2 was a financial flop in the US. Sales in Europe, specifically in Germany (Topware) were much better. JA2 even released in Germany before the US due to the publisher. Wikipedia: "The editors of GameSpot nominated it for their 1999 "Best Game No One Played" award" 02:10 Wildfire was initially a US Only release 02:27 Zuxxez is actually the German publisher. Remember Topware publishing JA2 getting legal problems? Zuxxez is reformed/renamed Topware publisher (they also got the old name back by now) 04:05 Misleading: Rage was published 2018 as is mentioned on the screen. Which is AFTER THQ already had the license. HandyGames, the Publisher of JA Rage was already owned by THQ Nordic at that point.

[@SpecShadow]

a bunch of JA3-like games were made before and all of them ? A mess of a games... "Back in Action" was OK with mods while" Brigade E5 New Jagged! Union" - had pretty cool real time with pause combat. For me - one of the best I've ever experienced as a gamer... "Hired Guns Jagged Edge" was a mess in a familiar enviroment. With infamous showcase where devs tried to show the game, but were showered with grenades in-game by AI. Like a CoD WaW on Veteran.

[@buivars]

Scrunkles Adventures' troubled development history (+ $10,000 for video game preservation)

[@mattjindrak]

I never heard of this series until i got random ads for it on Facebook. It looks like shit

[@Bobistheone1]

Damn and I thought Square Enix had a tough time putting certain games out.

[@NonisLuck]

you did one of these recently

[@Dr.Quarex]

Oh neat, I actually really enjoyed Omerta: City of Gangsters and was so disappointed it was not an ongoing campaign but rather a series of discrete map challenges that I opted not to buy it, but that makes me think Jagged Alliance 3 definitely was in good hands and I should finally pick it up too!

[@PokyBallinBabo]

What about the other 4 games, like JA: Rage? 😮

[@Deses]

I understand the sponsored videos, but do you think you can space them out a little bit?

[@hamtaro126]

They will not understand, They want money, They want to BURN to SIN!!! SIN till they LOSE!!!! THAT is why they are gonna fall, VERY SOON!!! because of GREED!!! Shame on them!!!

[@Deses]

@@hamtaro126 chill out you big idiot, the sponsored videos are as good and interesting as the regular ones and they get money to survive and donate to good causes. I see no problem here at all. I just say that two in a row is kinda too much.

[@wingkeung9979]

It’s a gem of a game that’s been overshadowed with all the recent heavy hitters. I didn’t beat it yet but did enjoy what I played since yeah I LOVED Silent Storm. I do wish there were more voice clips though since the writing was good overall but it became repetitive REALLG quickly due to lack of variety.

[@GigaBowserNS]

Sponsored videos are fine, but two in a row?

[@TheCreepypro]

love videos being made for a good cause

[@goranisacson2502]

Jagged Alliance is a series I've always seen in the periphery of my gaming circles but never really engaged with- a history lesson like this was pretty interesting. Though I now wonder if you have a series of these sponsored videos in the pipeline, and it'll be a while before a meatier un-sponsored video shows up?

[@jennasloan396]

One might say Jagged Alliance 3 had a jagged development

[@joaquim4553]

but what happened to those poor reviewed JA games at 4:00, who devoleped them and who had the rights, why is that part of the story missing?😭

[@dun0790]

I have no interest in this game but seeing the respect and dedication the developers put into it make me want to buy it 😅 if only all devs had that style Edit: ok if it ever comes to switch i have no choice lol

[@TramiNguyen-oi3kp]

I love this channel!

[@trashl0rd]

JA3 somehow pulled it together and made a worthy sequel that the series truly deserved. Maybe not perfect, but way better than most diehard (and cynical) fans were expecting.

[@SploshBadger]

I think two in a row is a bit cheeky

[@vishalkalicharan7710]

Is there a museum dedicated to those preserved games?

[@VGMStudios33]

No idea but there is a Museum dedicated to Metroid.

[@MarxMayhem]

I appreciate these kinds of videos. Often the comments would say "I've never heard of (this game)", but as a channel all about knowing games, the roads less travelled are roads worth taking.

[@Gnarfledarf]

Damn, you're getting really desperate with these titles.

[@perpetualcollapse]

Getting that bread 🍞💪

[@kenshokram]

If you have the chance to cover videogames like this instead of the gatcha mobile phone scam type ones for the sponsors, that'll be a win-win! But I understand if it's not a choice thing.

[@hamtaro126]

They never will, Thier whole history is a scam with F2P microtrans mobile games (which is a greedy sin)!!!

[@aortaplatinum]

Okay, two commercials in a row...

[@hamtaro126]

And a Group of Infamous, Greedy Dunm-Dunms who do not give a Carp!!! Word of the day: "EVIL"

[@joeslickback]

Nintendo: What's game preservation? Does it make us money?

[@scorpioedc7979]

I am glad to hear that JA3 is coming to consoles. Hopefully, it will still be playable on PS4 not just PS5 only.

[@taragilesbie94]

This is possibly the best example of sponsored content done well that I have ever seen. It doesn’t feel like an ad, because it’s exactly the sort of video this channel would normally release. But it does make me interested in the game anyway, and I love that you’re donating the money to game preservation efforts. Well done.

[@MrScheller]

Who has stolen my steroids?!?

[@DarkDragonSlayer]

Joe mama!

[@KordanorsGamingLair]

Larry?

[@zeroarts7623]

… what game were we talking about again? 😂😂😂 Was working and I shit you not thought this was a troll post because of how many times the games title was said 😂

[@durtysouth85]

pc gamer Mag..i thank you for introducing me to this game/franchise that i hold near and dear to my heart

[@CmotDribbler]

As a fan of JA2 I preordered JA3. Literally the firs game i preordered since Fallout 3. Glad I did, highly entertaining game with good challenges and interesting characters

[@KamikaziiKidd]

Let's play a drinking game. Take a shot every time he says Jagged Alliance.

[@thefieldsofdawn]

Great video!

[@safebox36]

I actually forgot this game was coming out, thanks for reminding me to go buy it now that it has 😅.

[@bobrod2224]

😮😮🙂🙂🎇✨️🎆

[@liverpools]

Jagged Alliance is one of my favorite series ever. 3 came out really good. Love th game.

[@freduccini7423]

Oh my god stop with the entirely sponsored videos please

[@jmjedi923]

Damn the game that im playing rn! This seems super interesting!

[@Jake76667]

this game looks fun. i’m going to pick it up on steam

[@raafmaat]

the version of JA2 on steam is horrible! anyone know if a normal copy of JA2 will still run on win10/11?

[@kaargen]

JA2 just does not run well on modern systems at all. You're better off installing the 1.13 patch.

[@raafmaat]

@@kaargen is that a patch to throw onto the horrible steam version to make it better? i guess that could work :)

[@hamtaro126]

Do not trust what you see... Go do something else if you want to game better on PC!!! A warning for those interested in PC gaming!!!

[@JohnSmith-tx3ys]

Ja3 is the best game I’ve played in a long while. Actually, it’s the only game I’ve played in a long while.

[@PresidentGrass]

Vote Grass 2024 cause

[@gracekim25]

Oooo ok

[@manoftheusajones5147]

Do Pikmin 4 next!

[@ender7278]

You can tell it's sponsored because it's a game nobody's ever heard of.

[@DrRESHES]

Wow, JA is spreading.

[@venabre]

Keep watching for game preservation Keep watching for game preservation Keep watching for game preservation Keep watching for game preservation

[@ThomasFarmer21]

Honestly not a fan of a facts based channel making a video on something they are sponsored by.

[@SupaPhly0]

not first

[@KiwiHavok777]

Swag

[@JusticeJanitor]

I'm ok with you guys doing this but two in a row is a bit much.

[@Vayday]

"We asked the community" I wasnt asked. This sucks

[@YossifEtok]

No thanks

[@AlgorithmInstituteofBR]

Huge JA2 fan. I hate this game.

[@gribblegrape6496]

First 28 seconds!!!

[@lohto3]

Another? Really? Sponsors are fine and all but this is one weird way to go about it. And I'm being polite when I use the word "weird."

[@AkuTenshiiZero]

One of these here and there is fine. Two in a row is a bad move. Three is an unsub.

[@hamtaro126]

Just UNSUB NOW from them... before they pull a move you and I will regret!!! THESE PEOPLE MAY BE WATCHING YOUR COMMENTS!!! Edit: Made things clearer... Few typoes gone!!!

[@VictoryReviews]

10k to a good cause is fine by me

[@hamtaro126]

P-H--A---GGGG!!!!

[@InsultMeCauseYoureScared]

@@hamtaro126takes one to know one

[@RagnarNidhoggr]

XCom is the inspiration for JA3's gameplay, not JA2. It's a terrible disappointment to any hardcore fan of 1.12 or 1.13

[@dFRmRVBn]

Bulgarian developers above all xD best strategy developers in the world Bulgarians

[@jeffmaesar]

JA3 worthes every euro spent.

[@tehquiper6796]

Here's to helping the algorhythm

[@hamtaro126]

The GOOGLE Bots are Hypnotizing you, And DO, NOT, FORGET IT!!!

[@Poyidoya]

I don't understand the point of giving so much money towards "Game Preservation". Games both released and unreleased tend to work just fine on emulators (which are improving as the years go on) and anything worth playing or "preserving" tends to get fan ports or fixes to work on emulators. I fell as though most of these twitter groups who spend all day scanning dirt cheap Japanese game magazines aren't doing anything that people actually interested in "game preservation" aren't already doing for free and much less clout.

[@TehAwesomer]

You answered your own question with the line 'anything worth playing or "preserving" tends to get fan ports or fixes to work on emulators' ... ... actual historical preservation is about preserving everything, including stuff which isn't popular.

[@Poyidoya]

​@TehAwesomer Historical preservation is one thing, but outside of the gigaleaks and random finds here and there, a good chunk of prototype finds I've seen are shovelware crap no one could care about if it was commercially released and near final builds or review copies of games. There are some great finds, but I think they are too far and few to justify giving a single group $10k. I think I am just jaded about it all since the hot thing right now is clout chasing (Conker and Banjo prototypes being shown off, but not dumped) or dirt cheap Japanese game magazines getting translations and scans for the sake of "rare material" (did you know Miyamoto said this one minute thing about OOT that wasn't brought up in Nintendo Power??!?).

[@VGMStudios33]

Good grief this was boring. Oh and can you say Jagged Alliance more? I don't think you've said enough times in the video. 🙄