Wasteland 2 Kickstarter Ends With a Bang

[Darknacht]

If the companies that actually know how to predict sales think these games will tank, then that's kind of a bad sign.

The thing is that the publishers have no idea how to predict sales as proven by these Kickstarter games, publishers are saying that no one wants to buy these games but they are getting over $3 million in fully paid preorders, this proves that people do want to buy these games.

These venture capitalists/investors are buying a dream. Not a finished product.

It isn't possible to know they want the game that will/might be made.

Interesting business model, I just don't think statistically the majority of them will turn out well.

Preorders and day one purchases are always buying a concept without certainty of what the final project will be. I think the kickstarter games have a better chance to succeed because they are what people want, rather than EA or whoever guessing what will have the most mass appeal but will in the end just be crap. Also one of the benefits of this type of development is that a developer, that actually knows what people want, can make a game and all sales after launch are profit and they don't have to give up their IP. From a developer standpoint I can't see any down side to funding a game this way and from a gamer standpoint while their is a small amount of extra risk, compared to just buying a game day 1, there is a much better chance of getting the game you actually want rather than some dumbed down version that the publisher determine will appeal to the largest portion on the mindless masses.

Captcha: 'head over heels' Yes I am.

 

[UnderGlass]

If the companies that actually know how to predict sales think these games will tank, then that's kind of a bad sign.

The thing is that the publishers have no idea how to predict sales as proven by these Kickstarter games, publishers are saying that no one wants to buy these games but they are getting over $3 million in fully paid preorders, this proves that people do want to buy these games.

These venture capitalists/investors are buying a dream. Not a finished product.

It isn't possible to know they want the game that will/might be made.

Interesting business model, I just don't think statistically the majority of them will turn out well.

I don't see any difference to the publisher/developer model. Publishers aren't investing in a finished product either.

The difference is that publishers are only interested in the return on investment. They don't care about the final product as an end and are understandably afraid of anything that seems too fringe or niche. If the investment will not provide a healthy return then what's the point? That is fine, certainly for big-budget productions that aim for much larger demographics. But for developers and fans of less popular genres or those seeking a game free of big business/profit-driven interference this seems a perfect fit.

 

[Cheeseman Muncher]

I was in for 15 bucks from the off but went up to 30 in the closing minutes after I saw how much free crap they were giving away for it. Two copies of the game, an art book PDF and a couple other bits and pieces for the equivalent of a few pence over 18 quid? I'd easily pay more than double that if I could afford it.

 

[samsonguy920]

How much of that will go due to the rewards and fees? Maybe we didn't get there after all...

I am pretty sure Brian Fargo had those figures in mind, and that you shouldn't worry about it. Good chance that once the game hits Alpha, that will bring in more investment, as well.

 

[octafish]

I think Wasteland 2 will be the closest thing to a Twilight 2000 PC game I am likely to see. I eagerly await my copy. Depending on how friendly the mod-kit is I may even attempt a full conversion using the T2000 scenario.

 

[Darknacht]

Damn, I'm actually really interested in this. Is it going to be isometric or what?

Yep, if you want more info check out the forums.
Also the Kickstarter campaign is over but you can still perorder the game from their store for $20.

 

[ThunderCavalier]

The hype has been built up, and people have literally thrown their money at the producer so they can have a chance to throw their money at him again when they go out to buy the game.

Let's hope we don't have a Fable on our hands. Can't say I'm genuinely interested in the game, but hey, maybe I'll change my mind. I'm certainly up for any new change, especially if something like this already have $3 million backing it from people who don't even have a tangible copy of the game yet.

... Can't be as bad as MW3, at the very least.

 

[Darknacht]

The hype has been built up, and people have literally thrown their money at the producer so they can have a chance to throw their money at him again when they go out to buy the game.

Let's hope we don't have a Fable on our hands. Can't say I'm genuinely interested in the game, but hey, maybe I'll change my mind. I'm certainly up for any new change, especially if something like this already have $3 million backing it from people who don't even have a tangible copy of the game yet.

... Can't be as bad as MW3, at the very least.

If you funded at least $15 then you don't have to buy the game later and unlike Fable, Wasteland 2 has a team of people who are experienced at making this exact type of game and making it better than anyone else.

 

[KapnKerfuffle]

I wonder just how similar it will be to Fallout? Not that it should be; I know Fallout is the spiritual successor, but they're two separate franchises in their own right now. But considering how much overlap of the staff between the two series, I daresay the similarities won't stop at "post-apocalyptic setting". I just hope it doesn't go in the complete opposite direction and take itself too seriously. At any rate, I'm super pumped for this, and can't wait for release!

From what I've gathered, it is going to be super serious, and having no publishers, will seriously address the 18+ issues that would be prevalent in a post-apocalyptic environment... along with some dark humour of course.

OT:

I would also assume from the concept art, unlike Fallout, this will be set in our post-apocalyptic world, as oppose to Fallouts "stuck in the 50s" world.

Sounds good and all, but it begs the question...
Will there be titty?
I want to see a boob. If you are going 18+, earn it. Fill it out.

 

[Deadyawn]

Holy shit, we made it to 3 million? Wow, that's impressive. Even if it fails horribly it will be a good experiment (although I'm hoping it will be awesome).
$55 well spent I think.

 

[Tayh]

Well done, everyone. I'm impressed with the goals they achieved.
The long wait until their final release is going to be painful.

 

[Ickorus]

Kickstarter funding must be making the big publishers like EA & Activision wee themselves a little bit.