Ex-Blizzard Dev Jeff Kaplan Jokes About His Cowboy Game: "We're Cheap and Poor," Might Add Deer Ticks for Higher Metacritic Score

Summary

Former Blizzard developer Jeff Kaplan recently talked about his upcoming cowboy-themed game in a public setting, joking that his team is "cheap and poor," and that he would consider adding deer ticks—and maybe even dealing with horse nuggets—if it helps boost the game's Metacritic score. The self-deprecating remarks quickly drew attention from players and the industry. Known for his work on classics like World of Warcraft, Kaplan's new project has been highly anticipated, and this humorous glimpse into its development has created a buzz. The candid communication style helps bridge the gap between developers and players, showing a lighthearted side of indie development despite limited resources. It also hints that the game, still unannounced, may feature surprising details as a result of these quirky ideas. For fans of western-themed games, this is a promising sign. Meanwhile, industry observers see this as a refreshing example of a veteran developer embracing community engagement and transparent development. As the project remains largely under wraps, Jeff Kaplan's joke has already given it a unique identity in the minds of many players, sparking discussions and memes about what other eccentric elements might appear in the final product.