Crowdfunding expansions discussion

[CaptainSodom]

There are several ways to fund expansions. One is stretching existing KS and backing funds, one is retail sales, expansion sales, debt, publisher, etc. One is crowdfunding.

These are not mutually exclusive sources of funding, which many in the thread seem to inexplicably think. FD could supplement other sources of funding with crowdfunding, and hopefully replace less desirable ones entirely (eg. P2W, publisher). And running a second (and third, and fourth) campaign would have other benefits, such as generating more buzz, attracting more players, and offering more opportunities for customer feedback.

I wrote a post about my fears of this becoming another "Pay to Win" game and was slaughtered because of it.

...

As far as I was concerned (regardless of what the Lord David said) this was always going to become a pay to win game. I honestly could not see any other way to make it work if they were not going to do subscriptions.

I created the thread due the similar concerns you have. If E: D becomes P2W or microtransaction-laden grind fest, I'm outta here. I'd rather see FD fund expansions in other ways.

And yes, I agree, FD have to deliver expansions without additional KS. And knowing FD, it seems they really think they can do that. Otherwise they wouldn't be giving preorder option for it.

I'm sure they are prepared to deliver promised expansions. With additional funding they'd be able to deliver better, bigger and prettier expansions.

 

[Sanderson]

I don't believe Frontier is relying solely on crowd funding for ED. There's no way. With a crew of around 70 or so that's easily 7 million a year just to operate and keep the doors open.

I'd rather it was all crowd funding if possible but just don't see that as the case.

I would however load up on extras that don't effect gameplay; anything that is cosmetic that doesn't give any kind of advantage I'd go for.

I'll bet they have investors lining up to throw money into this. Me included.

 

[Patrick_68000]

For backers have chosen the extension pack. all the major extensions will be included in the pack. There will be no problem for Frontier on the financial aspect. Do not forget that the original version of ED (without future extensions) was funded during the kickstarter for the sum of £1,250,000. £1.4 million including the MAC version. And £1.5 million included 10 extra spaceships. We are currently more than £3 million.

 

[KING5TON]

How about they use that extra million pounds they've received since kickstarter ended or use the money they will make between now and after release?

Let FD handle the funding.

If they make an awesome game they will get the sales and the sales will fund the expansions (over kickstarter money).

I have faith that they'll make an awesome game.

 

[Fromhell]

the expansion (planets and characters) must be already covered with the initial Kickstarter, it was a pledge tier

 

[Patrick_68000]

It is unfortunate that since few days we do not know the number of backers and the amount of commitments in real time

 

[TheDoctor]

I suppose the one way we can make sure that expansions happens is to go out and let as many people know who like space sims about the game when it is launched, via guilds, twitter, facebook or good old fashioned word of mouth.

It is funny a friend of mine wanted me to back star citizen in 2012 (I already had done so as well as ED) and I pointed out ED to them and they were all dismissive about it.

Two weeks ago they found out about the Premium beta and was moaning about how they missed out on the Kick Starter and were all over ED saying how great it was going to be, even though I had told them about it 18 months ago.

 

[CaptainSodom]

the expansion (planets and characters) must be already covered with the initial Kickstarter, it was a pledge tier

Getting the expansions was part of higher pledge tiers. That does not necessarily mean pledges from those tiers were meant to cover expansion development entirely, or even in part.

In fact, I'm 100% certain it's not enough to cover expansions, which take hundreds, or much more likely, thousands of man days of work.

 

[cherbert]

Getting the expansions was part of higher pledge tiers. That does not necessarily mean pledges from those tiers were meant to cover expansion development entirely, or even in part.

In fact, I'm 100% certain it's not enough to cover expansions, which take hundreds, or much more likely, thousands of man days of work.

Crowd Funding the expansions simply will not happen. But anyway.. isn't this conversation all a bit premature and pointless? At least wait for the main game to be released and establish itself as a success.

 

[Rog]

To quote DBOBE (all hail his cool spectacles):

Really big expansions are likely to be paid for while we also intend for some smaller free updates. If you have pledged to to £80 tier or above you will receive all expansions for free.

Look under 'Future Plans' about a third of the way down the page.

Meaning: People pay for the expansions. That's how they are funded.

Exceptions: a relatively small amount of people who have already paid for them early on in blind faith.

I would point out that the Kickstarter more than met its funding, and since then loads more people have signed up. Lots recently after the launch of SC's AC for some reason.

FD also have external funding, investors and alternate revenue streams. One would tend to assume they've also got astute people and a financial plan consisting of something better than something scribbled on the back of a beermat.

DBOBE (praise be unto his holy jumper) has also recently said in a Q&A that they'll be exploring the console market after launch. It's probably a dead cert that PS4 or XBone or both will get it. The Cobra engine will make porting relatively pain free.

More cash from those two not insignificant companies with their capable servers. Plus hordes of console owners starved of a decent in-depth game buying E: D and expansions (at a hefty premium).

Funding solved.

 

[Dread Z]

Not every game should take user direction, or emphasize its importance.

it doesnt have to be sold as you being a part of some process...not for me at least...

im quite content just having one way access to an early version just for the shear novelty I guess..its better than waiting for years only to be disappointed

 

[Patrick_68000]

Meaning: People pay for the expansions. That's how they are funded.

Very true !

DBOBE (praise be unto his holy jumper) has also recently said in a Q&A that they'll be exploring the console market after launch. It's probably a dead cert that PS4 or XBone or both will get it. The Cobra engine will make porting relatively pain free.

More cash from those two not insignificant companies with their capable servers. Plus hordes of console owners starved of a decent in-depth game buying E: D and expansions (at a hefty premium).

Funding solved.

It was sold 5 million of PS3 consoles in France. And the XBox is not far behind. There is also the PS4. We can imagine the potential for the whole world