Kickstarter Killed the Core? Salvaging Your Game's Vision

Kickstarter: From Dream to Development Nightmare?

So, you launched a Kickstarter. Congratulations! Whether you absolutely crushed your funding goal or barely scraped by, you’re likely facing a new, unique set of challenges.

The initial excitement can quickly fade as the realities of game development clash with the often-unrealistic expectations set during the campaign. Many developers find themselves struggling to balance their original vision with the demands (and desires) of their newfound backers.

Feature Creep: The Silent Killer

One of the biggest dangers after a successful Kickstarter is feature creep. More money often feels like a license to add “just one more thing.”

“We hit the stretch goal for procedural generation? Let’s throw in a crafting system too!” That’s how it starts. But each new feature adds exponentially to development time, testing, and potential bugs.

A friend of mine, let’s call him Dave, ran a wildly successful Kickstarter for a narrative adventure game. He hit almost every stretch goal, promising everything from expanded character customization to entirely new storylines. A year later, his team was burned out, the game was bloated, and the release date was slipping further and further.

Dave ended up having to cut almost half of the promised content. He faced significant backlash from backers who felt betrayed. The core game, which was originally compelling, was lost in a mess of half-finished features.

The solution? Rigorous scope management.

Before adding anything new, ask yourself:

• Does this absolutely enhance the core experience?
• Can we realistically implement it without delaying the project?
• Is it worth the cost in time, money, and potential bugs?

Be brutal in your assessment. It’s better to deliver a polished, focused game than a sprawling, buggy mess.

Unmet Expectations: When Backers Become Bosses

Even without feature creep, managing backer expectations is crucial. Many backers feel like they’ve bought a share of your game and are entitled to influence its development.

They have every right to feel that way. They invested in your vision.

But their vision and your vision might not always align.

I worked on a project where backers vehemently opposed a particular art style change. The developers felt it was necessary to improve performance, but the community saw it as a betrayal of the original aesthetic.

The resulting conflict was incredibly stressful and time-consuming.

Transparency is key here. Keep your backers informed about the challenges you’re facing and the reasons behind your decisions.

Regular updates, even when there’s not much new to show, can go a long way in building trust.

Don’t be afraid to explain why certain suggestions are not feasible or would compromise the core vision. Frame it as protecting the game’s overall quality.

The Funding Cliff: When Success Isn’t Enough

Ironically, a successful Kickstarter doesn’t guarantee financial security. Many developers underestimate the true cost of game development and quickly burn through their funds.

Unexpected expenses, extended development times, and marketing costs can all deplete your budget faster than you anticipate.

My biggest piece of advice? Plan for the unexpected.

Build a financial buffer into your budget. Assume that things will take longer and cost more than you initially estimated.

Explore additional funding options, such as grants, publisher deals, or even a second, smaller crowdfunding campaign focused on specific features.

Remember, it’s better to release a smaller, polished game than to run out of money and abandon the project entirely.

Salvaging the Vision: Prioritization and Pivoting

What if you’re already in trouble? You’ve over-promised, your budget is dwindling, and your backers are unhappy. Is there a way to salvage the situation?

Absolutely.

First, take a step back and re-evaluate your priorities. What are the core mechanics and features that absolutely define your game? Focus on those. Cut everything else.

Think of it as pruning a plant. Removing unnecessary branches allows the core to thrive.

Second, communicate openly and honestly with your backers. Explain the situation, apologize for any shortcomings, and outline your plan for moving forward.

Be prepared for criticism, but also be receptive to feedback. Your backers may have valuable insights that can help you improve the game.

Third, don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes, the original vision is simply not achievable. Be willing to adapt your game to the realities of development.

This might mean simplifying gameplay, reducing the scope of the story, or even changing the art style.

Pivoting isn’t failure. It’s a sign of adaptability and resourcefulness.

Case Studies: Success and Failure

Let’s look at some examples.

• Successful Recovery: Pillars of Eternity. Obsidian Entertainment successfully managed expectations after a massive Kickstarter campaign. They communicated clearly, involved backers in the development process, and delivered a high-quality game that stayed true to its core vision. They even delayed the game to polish it further, earning the respect of their community.
• Unsuccessful Recovery: Several ambitious MMO projects have failed to deliver on their Kickstarter promises, often due to over-scoping and poor communication. These projects often resulted in angry backers, negative publicity, and ultimately, abandoned games.

The key difference? Transparency, realistic scope management, and a willingness to prioritize the core experience.

A Sustainable Roadmap: The Long Game

Kickstarter is just the beginning. The real challenge is building a sustainable development roadmap that allows you to finish your game and continue supporting it after launch.

This means:

• Developing a realistic timeline.
• Establishing clear milestones.
• Allocating resources effectively.
• Building a strong team.

Don’t let Kickstarter be the peak of your journey. Use it as a stepping stone to create something truly special.

Remember, your vision is valuable. Protect it, nurture it, and be willing to adapt it to the realities of game development. Your backers will appreciate your honesty, your dedication, and ultimately, your ability to deliver a great game.