Instaback moment for me.
I see some complaints and here's how I feel about this: Primary reason for backing is that I want to see a game made. I know these guys' history and I like their work. These people have been a big part of some of my favorite games. I'm immediately willing to pledge $50. I also like that I can order a decent boxed copy. This combined with the fact that I want to help this game exist means I am willing to pledge at least $100 (and I found out with Wasteland 2 that I do actually care about name in credits for things that inspire me). I like game books too so now I'm contemplating $250 for that extra book.
Consumers get to vote for what they want and producers get to minimize risk and their fucked-up shenanigans for cost recovery because they already have the funds they need if they reach their goal.
Now, the main thing I dislike is that Steam is mentioned and it's not clear if there will be an alternative. I can see their reason for wanting a digital distribution system, but isn't the disc in the boxed version a form of distribution? They're distributing the game to me with that box and shipping, correct? I sure as hell am not going to pledge $140 for a collector's edition boxed version that has DRM with it! Distribution method can't be an excuse for that.
Another thing that bothers me a little bit is the long wait for these games to be made. What if all my information gets screwed up in that time or Kickstarter ceases to exist? This is secondary stuff though. Primary is that I helped fund a game I want to see made. If my information is lost, it's not that much of a concern with video games because I could download it and know that I helped make this game exist.
I think this is a good thing about Kickstarter. Many people love Obsidian and their work, but it's not just about them. It's about us too. Like
this article writes about, fans feel involved and they feel like
we did it.
We are part of the project. This success is partly our success too. This is bigger than looking at it as just a purchase for me.