ET3D: "We're already funding the game ourselves and are coming to Kickstarter with the aim of expanding the game's feature-set and seeking funds to integrate community input. The biggest risks are that we'll be late (a real possibility), or that certain features that we are planning on now might be changed (or even cut) as we move ahead with development.
If that happens, it'll be because we hit a real roadblock or because some other feature ended up taking significantly more time and resources than we expected. Those kinds of things happen, but they shouldn't affect our ability to finish and release an innovative game that'll be a whole world of fun."
Mmmh, that's surprisingly honest for a KS risk page.
I've been a little burned with pearls like this one (Robotech Tactics)
[i]A project of this scope requires the successful collaboration of artists, sculptors, writers, game designers, and manufacturers. Managing this complex process and minimizing delays are the largest challenges we face in bringing Robotech® RPG Tactics™ to market. We have learned from past experience that success requires careful planning and a full understanding of the scope of the project. In order to facilitate the timely delivery of Robotech® RPG Tactics™, Palladium Books and Ninja Division have brought in a host of new talent to work on the project.
To help ensure realistic deadlines, we have completed the vast majority of our development before launching the Kickstarter. Sculpts for the game pieces are almost entirely complete. The rulebook and game components are deep in development and will be ready for layout soon. Our manufacturers are also ready and have reserved factory time for the project. This means that as soon as the project is funded, we can lock down a timeline with our manufacturers to get the game produced.
It is our commitment to you, the Kickstarter backers, that we will maintain consistent communication throughout the process. This means regular updates, product photos, and plenty of behind the scenes insight as we complete the creation of Robotech® RPG Tactics™.[/i]
And then they proceeded with :
- being ovewhelmed by the scope of the project (both in backer number, money -2000% of the goal-, international distribution and number of different models)
- had a breakup between the 2 companies the month after they grabed the money
- blew their "realistic deadlines" to hell, because
- none of the "almost completed" sculpts had been made for the miniatures (even the computer modelling for the first models was completed AFTER the deadline.)
- Oh, and they broke communication for month, too
2 1/2 years later, I'm still waiting for half of the models, and the first half are a mess, nowhere near the gaming pieces that were promised. Let's say I'm somewhat cynical about the whole mess nowadays. ^^
I know there are many competent KS projects out there. I backed several of them. But the few "rotten fruits" mean that KS projects have to be accountable before the law.