Contributions - Are we Crazy to Ask?

[medierra]

Well, apparently not...

However, we have seen a lot of posts on news sites and such where people seem to be almost offended by the fact that we're allowing people to donate. The common question is "how the hell can these guys expect me to donate money without even seeing a screenshot or in-game move?!"

The answer, simply put, is that we never expected you to. Although, many people already have. We really didn't believe donations would take off until after we had more to show. Initially we thought that we'd offer a pre-order closer to the end of the project after releasing a trailer or something to that effect. However, over the previous months we continually received emails from fans asking for a way to donate. It occurred to us that contributions could be put to much better use early in the project and that, if fans wanted to contribute, we'd be foolish not to accept their help. So far the money we've collected is modest but it is still enough that we can add a few more assets to the game. Whether donations keep up as they have been or drop off to nothing, I'd already count it as a small a win for the game.

So, the option is now available. If you personally need to see more before you're ready to commit, we totally understand. In fact, we really expect that and we'll be releasing some early media soon. If that isn't enough, hey, we expect that too. We expect that most of our sales will come after release. We're not asking everyone to buy the game now. The option to donate is here for those die-hard fans who wanted to be part of the action. We're just incredibly grateful to all those who have seen fit to help us out with development and make the final release that much better!

[Chameleon]

So you guys are ruffling some feathers? Great!

I take it as a good thing, it means you are doing something different and breaking new ground. It can only help others if someone forges a new path. More power to you.

[deimos]

Crazy to ask? Not in any way. Is a fan crazy to donate without seeing any media? No, if that fan believes it's going to make a difference and help produce something good.

Personally, i do want to see something before i make the final decision. Despite that, i don't believe those screenshots could turn me away from that Legendary package, you'd have to draw something in MS Paint to make that happen.

That's the way i understood it from the get-go; nothing is forced and nothing is expected. I checked the contributions page and thought "why not." Looks like not everyone sees it that way.

Don't worry about it though, if you got fans emailing you about donations before you even got a page up for that, i'd say leave the doomsayers be.

Originally Posted by Chameleon

So you guys are ruffling some feathers? Great!

I take it as a good thing, it means you are doing something different and breaking new ground. It can only help others if someone forges a new path. More power to you.

Completely agree. Business models of the past cannot and will not work in the future, i see the internet itself as one big publisher and distributor for games, movies, music etc. The cartels die slowly though.

[Scryer]

Of course you aren't crazy to ask, I think that you guys originally structured them as Pre-orders was pretty good way to stop some of the possible complaints. I think when it does come to a small team of developers this type of model is very effective.

People are generally willing to help out in some way, so that's what you can expect. Especially from those fan's that just want to see you succeed.

[rsy]

All I needed to hear was "spiritual successor to titan quest".

Here is my credit card, have your way with it.

[deimos]

Originally Posted by rsy

All I needed to hear was "spiritual successor to titan quest".

Here is my credit card, have your way with it.

My thoughts worded perfectly.

[Malpheas]

Originally Posted by Scryer

People are generally willing to help out in some way, so that's what you can expect. Especially from those fan's that just want to see you succeed.

Let them as not interred with the well deserved IL reputation for quality, be nay sayers.

I really like the idea that I can affect the production and help out, rather than sitting here saying "I wonder what I could have done differently." As well, if without producer, then power to you all. I hope you succeed splendidly.

Cheers,

Malph

[Bede]

Money before product is how the 15th/16th C. Renaissance worked

[Exodus311]

I pre-ordered the Legendary Edition without blinking an eye. TQ was great and "donating" (aka pre-ordering which I do all the time anyhow) to a company so they can keep their ideas and dreams internally and not have to change what they have for another investor is a great thing.

[medierra]

Originally Posted by Bede

Money before product is how the 15th/16th C. Renaissance worked

Nice, we are totally renaissance men now! Working for our noble patrons!