Interstellar Marines is an indie-game from Zero Point Software that has been gaining momentum lately, including a recent interview with Rock, Paper, Shotgun . Here is just one of the reasons that you should be paying attention to this ambitious project:

Quadrupedal shark. Nuff said.

Genetic abominations aside, we have seen numerous small developers risking everything in hopes of making the next Limbo, Penumbra, or Gratuitous Space Battles. Most fail. Insterstellar Marines is among the latest entrants in a new type of development that doesn't try to hide the flaws of the creative process, but rather, places them front and center for fans to experience.

By releasing numerous alpha-builds of a game, developers are able to get immediate feedback and respond accordingly. Alternatively, it also gives players the opportunity to experience a game before committing to a purchase. Quite likely, many of those people will then go on to tell their friends. Need I remind you of the phenomenon that is Minecraft?

Zero Point Software currently has three small chapters that are playable and intended to introduce players to the core elements of Interstellar Marines. Pre-orders are being taken as well as donations. In a move that I can't say I've witnessed before, Zero Point Software's strongest supporters will also become shareholders in the company.

Watch the following video for a behind-the-scenes look at Interstellar Marines and the team behind it.