Vapourware Unforetold: Witchstone (formerly Project Witchstone) - "living world" sandbox RPG with turn-based combat - CANCELLED

[Axioms]

There was no way this game was gonna do what they said. Even major studios can't do that stuff with an RPG where you walk around a 3D world with character models. Even Kenshi doesn't really do those things, or Dwarf Fortress/Rimworld. But at least they can fake it.

Maybe not this time, but I'm glad that studios are at least trying to push forward on some important ambitions for the genre. Hopefully there are lessons to be learned here that might make the vision of a socially systemic RPG more possible a few years down the road.

Someone would need to get a socially system map&menu or visual novel game done first. Like larger scale Academagia maybe, before it comes to 3D model walking simulators.

 

[Tyranicon]

They explain what happened to development, reduced price to 9.99 USD permanently, and say they might try to get people refunds. Which alright, fair enough. Hats off to you if you actually manage to give out refunds.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1064120

Dear community,

The discontinuation of Unforetold: Witchstone and the subsequent team layoffs has deeply affected us all at Spearhead Games. We want you to know that this decision was not made lightly. Facing significant financial shortfalls, we were compelled to make this heartbreaking choice due to insufficient funds to sustain the project and support our valued employees.

We understand the frustration and disappointment this news may bring. Please know it was always our intention to create and support a game that you, our passionate community, would love and enjoy. The perception that funds were taken without delivering on our promises could not be further from the truth.

To provide further context, Unforetold: Witchstone has a long history. What began as a prototype made by a lean team of 10, grew over the past six years to encompass a development team of nearly 40. This was only made possible by an investment from a large third-party publisher, which also led us to increase the scope and ambition of the game. However, a few months ago, that publisher made significant cuts internally, including dropping us and several other projects.

Following that terrible news, but believing in our amazing team and what we were building together, we made the decision to use the studio’s savings to continue developing the game together with the entire team. We were optimistic that securing another interested publisher was a viable path forward, or barring that, we could take the game into Early Access if the search dragged on.

However, as many of you have noticed over the past year, the industry has changed greatly, with many layoffs and cancelled projects at some of the world’s largest studios. It quickly became a time where pursuing funding became a massive uphill battle. Still, we remained optimistic that we could garner some interest if we launched into Early Access, and that the sales would support our team while we continued to look for interested partners.

Despite our initial positive expectations for the game's sales, we sadly did not meet these objectives. This financial reality forced us into making a decision we had hoped to avoid. While we tried, and are still actively trying, to secure funds to complete the game, the current climate of the game industry makes that prospect unrealistic at this moment.

We acknowledge that our previous communication could have been more comprehensive, particularly regarding the Steam platform specifics (price adjustments, refunds, etc.), which was an oversight for which we take full responsibility. We are learning from this experience and acknowledge the need to improve how we communicate significant changes. Your trust is paramount to us, and we are dedicated to rebuilding it moving forward.

To address the concerns raised, we have provided below the current details regarding Steam pricing and refund policies for Unforetold: Witchstone. Our commitment to transparency remains steadfast, and we are in ongoing discussions with Steam to clarify and expand upon these measures as necessary. As new information emerges, we will promptly update this section to keep you fully informed and supported.


Is the game staying in Early Access?

Unforetold: Witchstone will remain on Steam and in Early Access. We have updated the Steam store page to notify potential players that the game is no longer supported, and if they purchase now, the game is not likely to change. While removing the game from Steam completely or offering it for free was considered, we have legal obligations to investors to maintain the sale of the game.

Is the pricing going to change?

To reflect the fact that the development of the game is on hold indefinitely, we are reducing the price to $9.99 USD.

We feel that this price will allow more people to enjoy what has been created so far, and that the game may still serve to inspire other developers while leaving the door open to investors to complete the game.

I’ve played more than two hours, can I still get a refund?

Steam’s policy is that refunds are not offered past the standard 2 hour playtime window, even in the case of Early Access titles. We are currently in talks with them to make a special case for those that wish to refund past this point, but we cannot promise this will materialize. This decision is not up to us, but to Steam. We will keep you posted as soon as we have clarification on what is possible.


Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. We are committed to keeping you informed and look forward to sharing updates with you as soon as they become available.

- Spearhead Games

 

[Infinitron]

I wonder who the publisher who dropped them was.

 

[toro]

What began as a prototype made by a lean team of 10, grew over the past six years to encompass a development team of nearly 40.

This is mismanagement of epic proportions. They rode the gravy train right into the final wall.

 

[La vie sexuelle]

They explain what happened to development, reduced price to 9.99 USD permanently, and say they might try to get people refunds. Which alright, fair enough. Hats off to you if you actually manage to give out refunds.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1064120

Dear community,

The discontinuation of Unforetold: Witchstone and the subsequent team layoffs has deeply affected us all at Spearhead Games. We want you to know that this decision was not made lightly. Facing significant financial shortfalls, we were compelled to make this heartbreaking choice due to insufficient funds to sustain the project and support our valued employees.

We understand the frustration and disappointment this news may bring. Please know it was always our intention to create and support a game that you, our passionate community, would love and enjoy. The perception that funds were taken without delivering on our promises could not be further from the truth.

To provide further context, Unforetold: Witchstone has a long history. What began as a prototype made by a lean team of 10, grew over the past six years to encompass a development team of nearly 40. This was only made possible by an investment from a large third-party publisher, which also led us to increase the scope and ambition of the game. However, a few months ago, that publisher made significant cuts internally, including dropping us and several other projects.

Following that terrible news, but believing in our amazing team and what we were building together, we made the decision to use the studio’s savings to continue developing the game together with the entire team. We were optimistic that securing another interested publisher was a viable path forward, or barring that, we could take the game into Early Access if the search dragged on.

However, as many of you have noticed over the past year, the industry has changed greatly, with many layoffs and cancelled projects at some of the world’s largest studios. It quickly became a time where pursuing funding became a massive uphill battle. Still, we remained optimistic that we could garner some interest if we launched into Early Access, and that the sales would support our team while we continued to look for interested partners.

Despite our initial positive expectations for the game's sales, we sadly did not meet these objectives. This financial reality forced us into making a decision we had hoped to avoid. While we tried, and are still actively trying, to secure funds to complete the game, the current climate of the game industry makes that prospect unrealistic at this moment.

We acknowledge that our previous communication could have been more comprehensive, particularly regarding the Steam platform specifics (price adjustments, refunds, etc.), which was an oversight for which we take full responsibility. We are learning from this experience and acknowledge the need to improve how we communicate significant changes. Your trust is paramount to us, and we are dedicated to rebuilding it moving forward.

To address the concerns raised, we have provided below the current details regarding Steam pricing and refund policies for Unforetold: Witchstone. Our commitment to transparency remains steadfast, and we are in ongoing discussions with Steam to clarify and expand upon these measures as necessary. As new information emerges, we will promptly update this section to keep you fully informed and supported.


Is the game staying in Early Access?

Unforetold: Witchstone will remain on Steam and in Early Access. We have updated the Steam store page to notify potential players that the game is no longer supported, and if they purchase now, the game is not likely to change. While removing the game from Steam completely or offering it for free was considered, we have legal obligations to investors to maintain the sale of the game.

Is the pricing going to change?

To reflect the fact that the development of the game is on hold indefinitely, we are reducing the price to $9.99 USD.

We feel that this price will allow more people to enjoy what has been created so far, and that the game may still serve to inspire other developers while leaving the door open to investors to complete the game.

I’ve played more than two hours, can I still get a refund?

Steam’s policy is that refunds are not offered past the standard 2 hour playtime window, even in the case of Early Access titles. We are currently in talks with them to make a special case for those that wish to refund past this point, but we cannot promise this will materialize. This decision is not up to us, but to Steam. We will keep you posted as soon as we have clarification on what is possible.


Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. We are committed to keeping you informed and look forward to sharing updates with you as soon as they become available.

- Spearhead Games

They changed the price a day or two after they canceled the game. Were they really hoping to the end that someone would be fooled?
I can't decide - are they extremely cynical or extremely stupid?

 

[toro]

They explain what happened to development, reduced price to 9.99 USD permanently, and say they might try to get people refunds. Which alright, fair enough. Hats off to you if you actually manage to give out refunds.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1064120

Dear community,

The discontinuation of Unforetold: Witchstone and the subsequent team layoffs has deeply affected us all at Spearhead Games. We want you to know that this decision was not made lightly. Facing significant financial shortfalls, we were compelled to make this heartbreaking choice due to insufficient funds to sustain the project and support our valued employees.

We understand the frustration and disappointment this news may bring. Please know it was always our intention to create and support a game that you, our passionate community, would love and enjoy. The perception that funds were taken without delivering on our promises could not be further from the truth.

To provide further context, Unforetold: Witchstone has a long history. What began as a prototype made by a lean team of 10, grew over the past six years to encompass a development team of nearly 40. This was only made possible by an investment from a large third-party publisher, which also led us to increase the scope and ambition of the game. However, a few months ago, that publisher made significant cuts internally, including dropping us and several other projects.

Following that terrible news, but believing in our amazing team and what we were building together, we made the decision to use the studio’s savings to continue developing the game together with the entire team. We were optimistic that securing another interested publisher was a viable path forward, or barring that, we could take the game into Early Access if the search dragged on.

However, as many of you have noticed over the past year, the industry has changed greatly, with many layoffs and cancelled projects at some of the world’s largest studios. It quickly became a time where pursuing funding became a massive uphill battle. Still, we remained optimistic that we could garner some interest if we launched into Early Access, and that the sales would support our team while we continued to look for interested partners.

Despite our initial positive expectations for the game's sales, we sadly did not meet these objectives. This financial reality forced us into making a decision we had hoped to avoid. While we tried, and are still actively trying, to secure funds to complete the game, the current climate of the game industry makes that prospect unrealistic at this moment.

We acknowledge that our previous communication could have been more comprehensive, particularly regarding the Steam platform specifics (price adjustments, refunds, etc.), which was an oversight for which we take full responsibility. We are learning from this experience and acknowledge the need to improve how we communicate significant changes. Your trust is paramount to us, and we are dedicated to rebuilding it moving forward.

To address the concerns raised, we have provided below the current details regarding Steam pricing and refund policies for Unforetold: Witchstone. Our commitment to transparency remains steadfast, and we are in ongoing discussions with Steam to clarify and expand upon these measures as necessary. As new information emerges, we will promptly update this section to keep you fully informed and supported.


Is the game staying in Early Access?

Unforetold: Witchstone will remain on Steam and in Early Access. We have updated the Steam store page to notify potential players that the game is no longer supported, and if they purchase now, the game is not likely to change. While removing the game from Steam completely or offering it for free was considered, we have legal obligations to investors to maintain the sale of the game.

Is the pricing going to change?

To reflect the fact that the development of the game is on hold indefinitely, we are reducing the price to $9.99 USD.

We feel that this price will allow more people to enjoy what has been created so far, and that the game may still serve to inspire other developers while leaving the door open to investors to complete the game.

I’ve played more than two hours, can I still get a refund?

Steam’s policy is that refunds are not offered past the standard 2 hour playtime window, even in the case of Early Access titles. We are currently in talks with them to make a special case for those that wish to refund past this point, but we cannot promise this will materialize. This decision is not up to us, but to Steam. We will keep you posted as soon as we have clarification on what is possible.


Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. We are committed to keeping you informed and look forward to sharing updates with you as soon as they become available.

- Spearhead Games

They changed the price a day or two after they canceled the game. Were they really hoping to the end that someone would be fooled?
I can't decide - are they extremely cynical or extremely stupid?

While removing the game from Steam completely or offering it for free was considered, we have legal obligations to investors to maintain the sale of the game.

 

[Zombra]

They changed the price a day or two after they canceled the game. Were they really hoping to the end that someone would be fooled?
I can't decide - are they extremely cynical or extremely stupid?

Have you ever had a job where there is more than one thing to do?

 

[La vie sexuelle]

They changed the price a day or two after they canceled the game. Were they really hoping to the end that someone would be fooled?
I can't decide - are they extremely cynical or extremely stupid?

Have you ever had a job where there is more than one thing to do?

Yes. Moreover, we knew the concept of hierarchy of responsibilities.

 

[Zombra]

They changed the price a day or two after they canceled the game. Were they really hoping to the end that someone would be fooled?
I can't decide - are they extremely cynical or extremely stupid?

Have you ever had a job where there is more than one thing to do?

Yes. Moreover, we knew the concept of hierarchy of responsibilities.

"We" being you and the one other person who ran a 50 person studio?

 

[La vie sexuelle]

They changed the price a day or two after they canceled the game. Were they really hoping to the end that someone would be fooled?
I can't decide - are they extremely cynical or extremely stupid?

Have you ever had a job where there is more than one thing to do?

Yes. Moreover, we knew the concept of hierarchy of responsibilities.

"We" being you and the one other person who ran a 50 person studio?

If you justify what these people do, it's hard for me to take you seriously.

Let me just say that if you offer a game at full price, cancel it after a month, delay in changing the price, and then put a lower price instead of simply selling the product, you deserve nothing but contempt, even if it wasn't just about cynicism and scam.

 

[Zombra]

They did the right thing while under great duress in a situation totally out of their control but it took them over 30 seconds to do so. They are history's most monstrous criminals

 

[La vie sexuelle]

They did the right thing while under great duress in a situation totally out of their control but it took them over 30 seconds to do so. They are history's most monstrous criminals

I guess you can't decide if it was heroic or not worth your attention.

I will leave you to meditate on this problem.

 

[Tyranicon]

Well if anybody is still following this or cares, they apparently are fully delisting the game from steam and offering refunds to people who bought it before the price drop.

I checked and the game does seem to be delisted/not for sale now.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1064120/allnews/

Dear community,

For any among you that are not yet aware, we have suspended the production of Unforetold: Witchstone indefinitely. The combination of poor sales and a primary funding source falling through for us at a critical time meant that we could no longer support our amazing team. As a result, we were forced to let most of our people go and halt production, leaving Unforetold: Witchstone in an unfinished state. This was an incredibly difficult time for all of us, and we understand the disappointment that you, our players, felt.

As mentioned in our previous statement, we have been speaking with Steam since before this news became public about possible solutions for those that already purchased the game. We thank you all for your patience, and are happy to say that, after concluding our talks with Steam, they have agreed to offer the following:

1. If you purchased the game before the price drop to $9.99 USD, Steam should now approve your refund request. In order to submit a request, please log in to Steam support and select "View complete purchase history," then select Unforetold: Witchstone and choose "I have a a question about this purchase."
2. If you purchased the game after the price drop, Steam's normal refund policies will still apply.

We also stated that we were keeping the game on Steam due to legal obligations, even though it was not our preference. Since then, we have reached an agreement with previous financial partners regarding the continued presence of the game on Steam. As such, as of
March 27th, 2024
, the game will be delisted from Steam. This means that:

1. The game will no longer be available for purchase on the Steam marketplace.
2. Those of you that own the game and choose not to refund it will continue to have access to it in your Steam library.

Thank you again to everyone for your patience as we sought solutions for this matter. Your support has meant the world to us, and this decision was not one made lightly. We ask that you
please do not hesitate to request a refund
if it is right for you. More than anything, we value the feedback you provided as we worked together on content and fixes for Unforetold: Witchstone; feedback that we will continue to carry with us to all future endeavors.

All the best,
Spearhead Games

 

[Nikanuur]

Oh well, another one bites the dust. This one at least honored the last will so to speak.

 

[DavidBVal]

I'm sorry for the devs, there were some interesting ideas in there. I remember thinking "they can't afford to pay Greenwood and have 60 reviews in the first month, can they?".

Also I suspected the game had weak technical foundations that would eventually collapse, when I read a thread about each save taking 500mb (which they "fixed" to 50-100mb later). Not saying the devs are terrible, it can be that they're overwhelmed by too many tasks at the same time. A bad omen nonetheless.

Pretty much proves there's little "middle ground" for game development right now: either you're small and very lightweight, or you're big and have an experienced team and serious money to fuel it to the end.