KickStarter Underworld Ascendant Pre-Prototype Thread

[Bubbles]

So cronyism instills confidence in you?

Zep--

Loyal to your friends, loyal to your fans.

 

[Zep Zepo]

So cronyism instills confidence in you?

Zep--

Loyal to your friends, loyal to your fans.

Loyal to your friends, loyal to your fans. Loyal to your backers.

Pick one.

Zep--

 

[Zep Zepo]

Hickman was not even part of the original stretch goals, for those with low memory. And he has done jack and shit to give them any significant boost in backers.

Zep--

 

[Zep Zepo]

These guy are dreaming big! "dreaming" being the keyword there...

"Deeper lore and back story is a whole 2nd push. Bunch more writing, design, narrative and such than we have scooped out below this goal.

Regardless, there is no perfect way to lay out the stretch goals that will work great for each and every fans. Everyone has certain preferences. We're trying to balance things as we can. Besides, if we reach into the higher stretch goals than it becomes moot --- all this stuff gets covered anyway."

Zep--

 

[Unkillable Cat]

I hate to be hating on this thread here, but I own a few novels based on games, and they ALL SUCK.

EVERY SINGLE ONE.

With apologies to Hickman here, but I have ZERO confidence that a novel based on a game can be considered a credible source for anything.

So Hickman wrote the story arc for Garrett, which Stephen Russell then brought to life, and became a staplepoint for the Thief series? Well that's great, but at the same time I don't see a Thief novel out there, do I?

The best option then seems to be to let Hickman have the freedom to write freely, without restrictions or expectations, and just let it all be. I hope Otherside Entertainment has the smarts to do that. Prune where needed, flesh out where needed, but otherwise just let it flow. Don't bind it in a novel...because.

 

[Korron]

Look they need to pull the stretch goal to end all stretch goals. At 1 billion dollars they'll capture MCA, tie him to a chair, and force him to finish Arcanum with his dumbass character that he used as a cop out because an old game didn't have fully realized dialogue options.

 

[Infinitron]

They've made $640k, with exactly 4 days to go.

They'll probably make the first stretch goal of $650k by tomorrow, leaving three days to earn the $100k for the Lizardmen. Not sure if they'll make it, but hopefully post-KS Paypal can make the difference if not.

 

[Darkzone]

They've made $640k, with exactly 4 days to go.

They'll probably make the first stretch goal of $650k by tomorrow, leaving three days to earn the $100k for the Lizardmen. Not sure if they'll make it, but hopefully post-KS Paypal can make the difference if not.

North America is slowly waking up (9.30 EST), so they can still make the necessary $10k, if the North Americans throw in some money.

 

[mindx2]

They've made $640k, with exactly 4 days to go.

They'll probably make the first stretch goal of $650k by tomorrow, leaving three days to earn the $100k for the Lizardmen. Not sure if they'll make it, but hopefully post-KS Paypal can make the difference if not.

North America is slowly waking up (9.30 EST), so they can still make the necessary $10k, if the North Americans throw in some money.

Not likely since it's the weekend. I see Monday as the first goal being met.

 

[Darkzone]

North America is slowly waking up (9.30 EST), so they can still make the necessary $10k, if the North Americans throw in some money.

Not likely since it's the weekend. I see Monday as the first goal being met.

Saturday and Sunday should be normally the low points, but it is now always so. The thing is if the current trend of the double backer amount from the wednesday still applies, and if it does then we could well have 200-240 backers today and that would be sufficient.

Spoiler

Money Mean-- Weekday-- Date
15700 15700,0 Sunday 08.2.2015
17657 16678,5 Monday 09.2.2015
12168 15175,0 Tuesday 10.2.2015
18585 16027,5 Wednesday 11.2.2015
10256 14873,2 Thursday 12.2.2015
06995 13560,2 Friday 13.2.2015
17710 14153,0 Saturday 14.2.2015
09114 13523,1 Sunday 15.2.2015
10010 13132,8 Monday 16.2.2015
12513 13070,8 Tuesday 17.2.2015
01674 12034,7 Wednesday 18.2.2015
13232 12134,5 Thursday 19.2.2015
16033 12434,4 Friday 20.2.2015
10326 12283,8 Saturday 21.2.2015
07699 11978,1 Sunday 22.2.2015
13708 12086,3 Monday 23.2.2015
05658 11708,2 Tuesday 24.2.2015

Btw. Good morning mindx2.

 

[mindx2]

Btw. Good morning mindx2.

 

[Infinitron]

UPDATE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/othersidegames/underworld-ascendant/posts/1150858

As of this morning, we are less than $10,000 away from achieving the Underswamp stretch goal!

Crouched on the confluence of two slow-moving subterranean river systems, the Underswamp is a miasma of odd fungus, twisted trees and creeping lichen. Dank and full of life; a menagerie of deadly toothed and venomous predators roam the spongy terrain. But there is also strange beauty to be found, such as shimmering fluorescent air plants floating above the dark waters. Deep within the Underswamp lie ruins of the temple of Ishtass. This extensive complex, nearly a league across and half sunk in the swamp, is said to hold ancient secrets.

With the Underswamp comes the Rotworm Skin Boots, which give adventurers extra speed wading through the swamp. Let’s all put on the boots and make a final sprint to bring the Underswamp home to the Sygian Abyss!

Some of you may have read recent stories circulating in the press, warning fans that most, if not all, Kickstarted games overpromise, then fail to deliver anything close.

Against the advice of some who advised me to stay silent, I have decided to wade into the controversy. I feel it is necessary to call the press on what is not simply a gross exaggeration, but an unfair characterization of the entire community of indie developers who have chosen to crowd fund their games. In what comes across as a kind of public service bulletin to forewarn of a scam, some in the press seem to be trying to scare away fans from considering backing Kickstartered games. Or if you follow their logic through --- any Kickstarted film, board game, or other creative project under development.

Crowd funding provides an opportunity for fans to get behind those indie developers who want to make games that might not otherwise have an outlet through the traditional publishers, especially those games that go out on a creative limb. Some wonderful crowd funded games have been delivered, and more are on their way. I believe keeping crowd funding as a vibrant alternative to traditional funding is vital. . HERE is a post I wrote on the topic.

Time to Trash Talk Kickstarted Games?

A series of press stories were circulated widely the past week which, more-or-less, trash talk games that have been funded through Kickstarter.

One example, from an Ars Technica story: "You don't need to be a serial, pie-in-the-sky over-promiser like Peter Molyneux for your crowdfunding dreams to outpace your funding and timing realities. When it comes to Kickstarter, everyone is Peter Molyneux, and the backers are the ones enabling their often unachievable dreams."

I have no knowledge of the Godus game Peter Molyneux Kickstarted, so I can't speak to that particular project. Here's what I do know. Claiming everyone doing a Kickstarter funded game is "...over promising and failing to deliver..." is more than just gross exaggeration. It's a cheap shot. Moreover, it's being made under the guise of what seems to be some sort of public service notice. As if warning fans that most Kickstarter-funded games projects are scams.

Games are much like any other creative endeavor. Any film or book can come up short on expectations. Happens often enough. More than a few are cancelled by their studios or publishers before they see the light of day. Does that mean that most film makers and writers are out to scam their fans?

The Kickstarter game campaigns I've looked at are careful to call out that game development entails certain risks. That the project might get delayed, or features change, or get cut. These same risks face games not funded through Kickstarter. Plenty of publisher-funded games fall short of expectations; more than a few get cancelled.

Risks aside, the fact is that a bunch of really good games have been Kickstarted.Wasteland II, Shovel Knight, Shadowrun Returns, Divinity: Original Sin andFaster than Light to name just some. And more are on their way. It happens to be a wonderful way for fans to support indie games they want to see made. Particularly since these are often the same creative games that might otherwise struggle to get funded through traditional sources.

I have a unique perspective to bring to this debate. I founded LookingGlass, which developed games such as Ultima Underworld, System Shock, Terra Nova andThief. During those years we struggled at times to get our game concepts funded by the established game publishers. We were not shy to take creative risks, such as doing a first-person stealth game, which at the time was an unproven concept. Being innovative tended to make it harder to get traction with game publishers.

It is with that perspective that I decided to Kickstart the first game at our new studio, a reboot of the classic Ultima Underworld franchise. We decided to reach out directly to our fans for funding. Our hope is that fans will share our vision and passion, and help us to see the game be made.

As was true at Looking Glass, we are committed to delivering on our vision. Looking Glass never bailed from a project that we had under production. The few projects that failed to reach completion had the plug pulled by folks outside of our studio, without our having a say in the decision. Let me also note that for each game we put into production, in addition to whatever is crowd funded, we are setting aside from our studio's own funds a minimum of two hundred thousand dollars as a reserve to cover contingencies. It's one measure of our commitment to deliver.

With crowd-sourced funding, we are no longer at the mercy of some outside executive to pass judgment on the worthiness of our projects. Of greater value, crowd funding is an effective way to engage the fans early on, to confirm that our vision is striking a chord. Further into development, we also have the advantage of an active audience who can help us better tune the experience that works great for them.

Indie studios pump new lifeblood into the industry, and the fans have the loudest voice in offering their support. Let not the rhetoric of crying wolf silence the fan's voices.

 

[Bubbles]

You left out the most important part:

We’re rolling out 2 new rewards into the pledge tiers!

First, the Custom Tabard, made from the finest silk, is a new digital item being added to the LORE SEEKER pledge tier, and above. It can be custom embroidered with a unique design on the front. You will be able to submit a design as a thumbnail image (which we will need to vet to ensure it’s PG-13), or you if you prefer, you will be able to select from pre-created designs that we will make. For Kickstarter backers only, on the back will be a custom logo showing the world that you were an early backer of the game.

Second, for Kickstarter backers only, for the LORE MASTER pledge tier and above, Paul Neurath will sign in silver ink your COLLECTOR’S EDITION box, and one of our talented artists will sign your COLLECTOR’S EDITION CONCEPT ART PROTFOLIO.

 

[Infinitron]

You left out the most important part:

We’re rolling out 2 new rewards into the pledge tiers!

First, the Custom Tabard, made from the finest silk, is a new digital item being added to the LORE SEEKER pledge tier, and above. It can be custom embroidered with a unique design on the front. You will be able to submit a design as a thumbnail image (which we will need to vet to ensure it’s PG-13), or you if you prefer, you will be able to select from pre-created designs that we will make. For Kickstarter backers only, on the back will be a custom logo showing the world that you were an early backer of the game.

Second, for Kickstarter backers only, for the LORE MASTER pledge tier and above, Paul Neurath will sign in silver ink your COLLECTOR’S EDITION box, and one of our talented artists will sign your COLLECTOR’S EDITION CONCEPT ART PROTFOLIO.

 

[Astral Rag]

Caved in and pledged. Was planning to stay away from KS in 2015 but I couldn't resist backing this project.

 

[mindx2]

Here's the full KS update:

#24
Exploring deep into the Underswamp!

Posted by OtherSide Entertainment


As of this morning, we are less than $10,000 away from achieving the Underswamp stretch goal!

Crouched on the confluence of two slow-moving subterranean river systems, the Underswamp is a miasma of odd fungus, twisted trees and creeping lichen. Dank and full of life; a menagerie of deadly toothed and venomous predators roam the spongy terrain. But there is also strange beauty to be found, such as shimmering fluorescent air plants floating above the dark waters. Deep within the Underswamp lie ruins of the temple of Ishtass. This extensive complex, nearly a league across and half sunk in the swamp, is said to hold ancient secrets.

With the Underswamp comes the Rotworm Skin Boots, which give adventurers extra speed wading through the swamp. Let’s all put on the boots and make a final sprint to bring the Underswamp home to the Sygian Abyss!

Announcements

We reached 11,088 backers as on noon Saturday! This means all our Kickstarter backers are going to get their very own Chattering Bart. Plus, 5 bonus fan submitted quips will be selected and added to Bart’s repertoire. If you also get a Jabbering Bertha Add-On, watch in wonder how the odd couple will chat up a storm.

We’re rolling out 2 new rewards into the pledge tiers!

First, the Custom Tabard, made from the finest silk, is a new digital item being added to the LORE SEEKER pledge tier, and above. It can be custom embroidered with a unique design on the front. You will be able to submit a design as a thumbnail image (which we will need to vet to ensure it’s PG-13), or you if you prefer, you will be able to select from pre-created designs that we will make. For Kickstarter backers only, on the back will be a custom logo showing the world that you were an early backer of the game.

Second, for Kickstarter backers only, for the LORE MASTER pledge tier and above, Paul Neurath will sign in silver ink your COLLECTOR’S EDITION box, and one of our talented artists will sign your COLLECTOR’S EDITION CONCEPT ART PROTFOLIO.

Some of you may have read recent stories circulating in the press, warning fans that most, if not all, Kickstarted games overpromise, then fail to deliver anything close.

Against the advice of some who advised me to stay silent, I have decided to wade into the controversy. I feel it is necessary to call the press on what is not simply a gross exaggeration, but an unfair characterization of the entire community of indie developers who have chosen to crowd fund their games. In what comes across as a kind of public service bulletin to forewarn of a scam, some in the press seem to be trying to scare away fans from considering backing Kickstartered games. Or if you follow their logic through --- any Kickstarted film, board game, or other creative project under development.

Crowd funding provides an opportunity for fans to get behind those indie developers who want to make games that might not otherwise have an outlet through the traditional publishers, especially those games that go out on a creative limb. Some wonderful crowd funded games have been delivered, and more are on their way. I believe keeping crowd funding as a vibrant alternative to traditional funding is vital. . HERE is a post I wrote on the topic.

Finally, in the submitted Fan Art, SteveC continues to build an old-school rendered menagerie of creatures, here a Dire Faerie. Speaking of fan submissions, please remember to post your favorite t-shirt slogan this weekend in the FORUM.

Paul Neurath

 

[Darkzone]

So SJW are attacking now crowdfunding.. When does this madness stop?
Btw mindx2 only $8,5k to $650k.

 

[Doctor Sbaitso]

Read that Ars artcle; Yawn.

TL;DR buyer beware.

 

[mindx2]

Read that Ars artcle; Yawn.

TL;DR buyer beware.

There an archived link?

 

[Doctor Sbaitso]

There an archived link?

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/02/on-kickstarter-everyone-is-peter-molyneux/

 

[Darkzone]

mindx2
Na still conviced that we will not hit the 650k today? If we hit the 650k will you give me your UU1 and UU2 boxes?

 

[mindx2]

mindx2
Na still conviced that we will not hit the 650k today? If we hit the 650k will you give me your UU1 and UU2 boxes?

........... .

 

[Darkzone]

mindx2
Na still conviced that we will not hit the 650k today? If we hit the 650k will you give me your UU1 and UU2 boxes?

View attachment 4435 ........... .

Ohh.. Hulk sad.

 

[Infinitron]

Fuck, looks like somebody withdrew his pledge. Nope, they won't make it to 650k today.

 

[Darkzone]

Fuck, looks like somebody withdrew his pledge. Nope, they won't make it to 650k today.

A $3000- backer. Ok that is something, that i cannot foresee. Now it is very unlikely that they will make to 650k till 2.00 CET.

Edit: The $3000 backer is back. So 2.5k and 3hours. The bet is on.