The reasons for this are simple however: founder American McGee is prioritizing the rights for a film based on Alice first.

As explained on Kickstarter, “First, we’re facing a challenge with the Alice film rights. Since working to remove it from the Oz campaign we’ve been unable to launch it as a separate campaign here on Kickstarter – the submission has been rejected multiple times and our appeals have failed (multiple campaigns are not allowed). To launch a campaign for the Alice films rights means we must first shut down the Oz campaign.”

He also explained that the progress the campaign had made so far was also a contributing factor. Despite amassing $141,513 in funds and 2,607 backers, it was only on track to make 30 per cent of its $950,000 goal by the deadline of August 5.

The fact that OZombie wouldn’t have met its crowd-funding goal by the deadline on August 5th was also a factor. “Second, we wouldn’t consider shutting down the Oz campaign if it were trending towards success. As it is, we’ve reached 15% of our goal with 20 days left in the campaign. Projections suggest we’ll hit 30% of our goal by campaign end. I’ve been telling myself to remain optimistic and see this thing through – but when the reality of our funding trend is combined with the pressure of the Alice film rights situation…

“For Oz, we can always launch another campaign in the future. On the other hand, the Alice film rights are only within reach during a rapidly closing window of opportunity. We’ll sacrifice Oz today in order to have a real chance with Alice.”

McGee has promised news regarding the Alice film Kickstarter later this week.

It’s finally been decided that Spicy Horse will go with OZombie and it has launched a Kickstarter which has already garnered $41,693 of its $950,000 goal from 511 backers with 41 days still to go.

On the decision to go with OZombie, American McGee stated that, “We’re still having meaningful and productive conversations with EA regarding Alice. Truth is, it’s an important bit of IP for them and for us (and for you!) which means that negotiating a deal is going to take time. This is normal. Think about it this way – it took over 12 months (yes, 12 months!) to negotiate and close a deal for Alice: Madness Returns.

“This time around, we started talking with EA about a new Alice during GDC 2013 and those talks are still ongoing. Everyone involved in the talks knew about the upcoming Kickstarter campaign and has worked towards getting something in place that would could link with the campaign. Who knows? We might still get there before this campaign ends, but past experience has taught me not to bet on things like this.”

OZombie looks pretty enticing though. Check out the Kickstarter page for more info.

Currently positions are for those willing to work and live in Shanghai, but as the post states, “Relocation is available in special cases. Better if you’re already in Shanghai or China.”

There has been enough hype for American McGee’s works since Akaneiro: Demon Hunters, Spicy Horse’s last title, was successfully funded through Kickstarter. McGee has been hyping up Alice: Otherlands for some title now, with the IP staying with Electronic Arts. Despite the difficulties in getting a deal to happen, there’s an extremely good chance we may see Alice return.

On other hand is OZombie, which looks to combine the Wizard of Oz with zombies and steam-punk gameplay. Check out the official Facebook page for American McGee for regular updates on both titles, including art work and concept designs.