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Funding Fatigue?

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  • MadFrenchieMadFrenchie Member LegendaryPosts: 8,505
    edited May 2018
    The end of this work week will say a lot about CoE's future trajectory.  If there's that many layaways waiting to be completed, and they are due by the 31st, we would expect to see a rather large uptick from the combined deadline and the anniversary sale's final days.
    Slapshot1188

    image
  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,778
    The end of this work week will say a lot about CoE's future trajectory.  If there's that many layaways waiting to be completed, and they are due by the 31st, we would expect to see a rather large uptick from the combined deadline and the anniversary sale's final days.
    Keep in mind that they were supposed to have been paid off at the end of April but they extended it by a month because there were so many unpaid...
    MadFrenchie

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  • VrikaVrika Member LegendaryPosts: 8,020
    edited May 2018
    I think the problem with CoE's current sale is too much good stuff: They've managed to devalue past purchases by offering things like masses of free soul packs and old souls and bringing retired offers back.

    Once people see that, they become worried about the value of their current assets, and decide to wait and see instead of making new purchases.
    KyleranOctagon7711
     
  • WellspringWellspring Member EpicPosts: 1,464
    The biggest realization I had, was a few months ago when I sold my KS package. The offers I received were very low (like 50% of what I paid low). Which some of these offers were even from the ivory tower, who wanted to buy a second account. I feel I got very lucky to finally get an offer to pay exactly what I paid during KS, which came out to be a net ~$40 loss after the merchant selling fees. 

    It illustrated to me how much faith the collective playerbase has in the game now.

    Comparing this to my Crowfall KS package which can be sold right now through their TrustedTrader program for $85 more than I paid. Or Pantheon, which would easily sell for double.

    I do hope the CoE somehow gets finished though, only because the guy that bought my account was very nice and I'd fee bad if he gets screwed by SBS. 
    Octagon7711
    --------------------------------------------
  • GaladournGaladourn Member RarePosts: 1,813
    it's the technology that scares me, not the funding. If it works, money will come. But you need to show something to convince people and this is not the case so far.
    Octagon7711
  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,252
    Well again, I'm sure people would be more willing to make good on their lay a ways if the Devs had something more substantial to show at this point.


    Octagon7711

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  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,778
    One other thing to note:  It seems that store credit spent counts towards the goal.  So SbS went and gave people store credit a little while ago for forum/community participation.  Even I got some :)

    I think that the actual cash raised is lower than the number shown.

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

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  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,252
    One other thing to note:  It seems that store credit spent counts towards the goal.  So SbS went and gave people store credit a little while ago for forum/community participation.  Even I got some :)

    I think that the actual cash raised is lower than the number shown.

    Wait, wut? I didn't get any store credit for my forum posts. Heck, I can't even update my avatar photo.


    "True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde 

    "I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant

    Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm

    Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV

    Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™

    "This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon






  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,778
    Kyleran said:
    One other thing to note:  It seems that store credit spent counts towards the goal.  So SbS went and gave people store credit a little while ago for forum/community participation.  Even I got some :)

    I think that the actual cash raised is lower than the number shown.

    Wait, wut? I didn't get any store credit for my forum posts. Heck, I can't even update my avatar photo.


    You obviously aren't considered influential enough :)
    KyleranJamesGoblin

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,252
    edited May 2018
    Kyleran said:
    One other thing to note:  It seems that store credit spent counts towards the goal.  So SbS went and gave people store credit a little while ago for forum/community participation.  Even I got some :)

    I think that the actual cash raised is lower than the number shown.

    Wait, wut? I didn't get any store credit for my forum posts. Heck, I can't even update my avatar photo.


    You obviously aren't considered influential enough :)
    I have "zero" influence. I think I rate slightly below "pond scum."

    ;)


    JamesGoblinVrika

    "True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde 

    "I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant

    Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm

    Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV

    Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™

    "This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon






  • StaalBurgherStaalBurgher Member UncommonPosts: 265
    I think for a long waiting period like this some period of stagnating interest is to be expected for most projects.



    From what I can see the daily average is holding strong. Whether this latest sales attempt garnered big support or not, if the above numbers are true, then funding is still holding up pretty well all things considered.
    Kyleran
  • NeutralEvilNeutralEvil Member UncommonPosts: 108

    I think there were a few problems with this funding campaign


    1. As JW referred to in Slap's screenshot was they went to "niche" with the added items you can buy. Clearly they have been working on the shipbuilding portion of the game and so then tailored most of the new items available to that. But this left a ton of people who have little to no interest in seafaring with nothing to buy

        - on a side note "spaceship.jpeg  -  boat.jpeg"  - LOL

    2. IMHO they need to get Alpha I up and running and show it to the public before they can hope to garner any significant amount of new backers/donors. And to hope to get more money from those who have already backed/donated

    3. Delays in the VOXElyria and Land Selection could have played a role too. Why buy boats when I don't even know if I'll have access to a major body of water?


    Also, whilst checking the store to check the average price of these new items I noticed something.. Alpha I is absent from the Alpha & Beta Access section of the store

    Does that mean they are in Alpha I right now or have reached the max number of players they're going to allow in?  - I'll pose this question on the CoE forums

    KyleranOctagon7711AnOldFart
  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,252
    Getting something the players and see and play with is the secret to keeping the funding taps flowing.
    NeutralEvilSlapshot1188MadFrenchieOctagon7711AnOldFart

    "True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde 

    "I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant

    Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm

    Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV

    Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™

    "This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon






  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,778

    I think there were a few problems with this funding campaign


    1. As JW referred to in Slap's screenshot was they went to "niche" with the added items you can buy. Clearly they have been working on the shipbuilding portion of the game and so then tailored most of the new items available to that. But this left a ton of people who have little to no interest in seafaring with nothing to buy

        - on a side note "spaceship.jpeg  -  boat.jpeg"  - LOL

    2. IMHO they need to get Alpha I up and running and show it to the public before they can hope to garner any significant amount of new backers/donors. And to hope to get more money from those who have already backed/donated

    3. Delays in the VOXElyria and Land Selection could have played a role too. Why buy boats when I don't even know if I'll have access to a major body of water?


    Also, whilst checking the store to check the average price of these new items I noticed something.. Alpha I is absent from the Alpha & Beta Access section of the store

    Does that mean they are in Alpha I right now or have reached the max number of players they're going to allow in?  - I'll pose this question on the CoE forums

    No... Alpha 1 has not started.  They don’t even have a published date projection for it yet. They were supposed to have worked on it early this year but looks like the issues getting Minecraft Elyria going have impacted that. 

    It looks like Caspien is going to push hard to hit the 2019 release date.  Either by choice or by funding. That means the no wipe 3 month head start would be around Sept 2019.  That’s about 15 months.  Given their production rate so far I hope folks are prepared for significant feature cuts.   As I said, that’s not all bad news if it means that reality is starting to crack the Ivory Tower. 
    NeutralEvil

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

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  • NeutralEvilNeutralEvil Member UncommonPosts: 108

    Just confirmed the main reason for Alpha I being removed was because they have reached the desired number of testers for that phase.

    And per the quote someone was gracious enough to post for me, in reference to the removal of Alpha I it says: "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    Kyleran
  • DakeruDakeru Member EpicPosts: 3,803

    "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    What does that even mean?
    I'm getting seriously confused over the various differentiations of "Alpha".

    So "It" refers to Alpha.. Alpha may or may not appear before Alpha I this year but it will not appear before pre-Alpha.

    This reminds me of math class where they are making confusing sentences and you have to figure out the right order of things happening.
    NeutralEvil
    Harbinger of Fools
  • NeutralEvilNeutralEvil Member UncommonPosts: 108
    edited May 2018
    Dakeru said:

    "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    What does that even mean?
    I'm getting seriously confused over the various differentiations of "Alpha".

    So "It" refers to Alpha.. Alpha may or may not appear before Alpha I this year but it will not appear before pre-Alpha.

    This reminds me of math class where they are making confusing sentences and you have to figure out the right order of things happening.

    Sorry that the context was lost!


    Allow me to paraphrase that

     - "Alpha I as an a la carte option in the store will not return before VoxElyria (Pre-Alpha) begins. But Alpha I as an a la carte option may or may not return before Alpha I itself launches later this year. "


    Post edited by NeutralEvil on
    Dakeru
  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,778

    Just confirmed the main reason for Alpha I being removed was because they have reached the desired number of testers for that phase.

    And per the quote someone was gracious enough to post for me, in reference to the removal of Alpha I it says: "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    If they already have the desired number of testers how can he say it may return?

    More likely... as demonstrated repeatedly... they are attempting to make it “scarce” and increase the desirability.  I would bet the house that just before Alpha 1 (or right after it starts) they will have a last chance sale out of the goodness of their hearts to allow people the opportunity to be a part of the momentous occassion.  Likely accompanied by some “Lore” piece that describes the Dawn of Mann or something.
    NeutralEvil

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,252

    Just confirmed the main reason for Alpha I being removed was because they have reached the desired number of testers for that phase.

    And per the quote someone was gracious enough to post for me, in reference to the removal of Alpha I it says: "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    If they already have the desired number of testers how can he say it may return?

    More likely... as demonstrated repeatedly... they are attempting to make it “scarce” and increase the desirability.  I would bet the house that just before Alpha 1 (or right after it starts) they will have a last chance sale out of the goodness of their hearts to allow people the opportunity to be a part of the momentous occassion.  Likely accompanied by some “Lore” piece that describes the Dawn of Mann or something.
    Such a cynic you are. ;)  Perhaps they are figuring those who don't make good on their lay aways will free up some testing slots for future package buyers.


    NeutralEvil

    "True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde 

    "I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant

    Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm

    Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV

    Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™

    "This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon






  • MadFrenchieMadFrenchie Member LegendaryPosts: 8,505
    Kyleran said:

    Just confirmed the main reason for Alpha I being removed was because they have reached the desired number of testers for that phase.

    And per the quote someone was gracious enough to post for me, in reference to the removal of Alpha I it says: "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    If they already have the desired number of testers how can he say it may return?

    More likely... as demonstrated repeatedly... they are attempting to make it “scarce” and increase the desirability.  I would bet the house that just before Alpha 1 (or right after it starts) they will have a last chance sale out of the goodness of their hearts to allow people the opportunity to be a part of the momentous occassion.  Likely accompanied by some “Lore” piece that describes the Dawn of Mann or something.
    Such a cynic you are. ;)  Perhaps they are figuring those who don't make good on their lay aways will free up some testing slots for future package buyers.


    Eh, considering the entire testing thing has become a way to get cash before the game's completed, I'm with Slap on this one.  It's pretty standard fare in marketing to try and give things artificial scarcity to drum up cash.
    Octagon7711

    image
  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,778
    Kyleran said:

    Just confirmed the main reason for Alpha I being removed was because they have reached the desired number of testers for that phase.

    And per the quote someone was gracious enough to post for me, in reference to the removal of Alpha I it says: "Note Caspian said: "It may or may not return before Alpha I later this year, but will not return before Pre-Alpha begins."

    If they already have the desired number of testers how can he say it may return?

    More likely... as demonstrated repeatedly... they are attempting to make it “scarce” and increase the desirability.  I would bet the house that just before Alpha 1 (or right after it starts) they will have a last chance sale out of the goodness of their hearts to allow people the opportunity to be a part of the momentous occassion.  Likely accompanied by some “Lore” piece that describes the Dawn of Mann or something.
    Such a cynic you are. ;)  Perhaps they are figuring those who don't make good on their lay aways will free up some testing slots for future package buyers.


    Eh, considering the entire testing thing has become a way to get cash before the game's completed, I'm with Slap on this one.  It's pretty standard fare in marketing to try and give things artificial scarcity to drum up cash.
    They repeatedly do this.  They pulled Nobility packages after a "GET THEM NOW BEFORE THEY ARE GONE" type of campaign.  Then they went and put the Count back.  

    Final Few Days!

    This special promotional event continues for only 4 more days! and after that, all of the special items that were added to the store will be gone or return to the vault.

    The promotions going back are:

    • Carriage for Two
    • The Love Boat
    • Buy the Farm
    • Otterbarge
    • Cottage for Two
    • War-on-a Boat

    A la carte items returning to the vault:

    • 2250 EP Items
    • 3000 EP Items
    • Foxcelot Pet
    • Song Birds
    • Colony Starter Kit
    • Rowboat
    • River Barge
    • Coastal Raider
    • Coastal Cutter

    Don't worry... they will be back :)
    NeutralEvilMadFrenchieKyleran

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • Octagon7711Octagon7711 Member LegendaryPosts: 9,004
    I have to agree.  People want something to experience if they want to contribute financially.  Most kickstarters that do well continue to pump out videos and provide hands on experiences that carry the promise of being added to at a later date.  They appear to be losing their audience and need a server for people to explore the concepts they are talking about.
    NeutralEvil

    "We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa      "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."  SR Covey

  • KathyDarlingKathyDarling Member CommonPosts: 6
    I very recently (as in about 6 months ago) heard about CoE and decided to invest a little money to see if it went anywhere. I was cautiously optimistic with their development timelines back then but, as we're now halfway through the year, my optimism has vanished. As a developer myself (not games, but high profile applications) I know teams can pull off amazing things under pressure and tight deadlines, sometimes delivering the impossible through sheer will. However, we're now in June 2018 and there is precious little to show for it, I'm distinctly unimpressed by the information that's been released to the public. They have promised so many things and features with such nuance and delivered very little in the way of demos. And the technology switch was very concerning.

    My first thought about this "Kickstarter anniversary" BS was that it was a blatant cash grab and a HUGE red flag which says "we're running out of money". It's disheartening to see because the game as an idea is fantastic, a dream come true for MMORPGs really. I'm very concerned that, come launch (cross my fingers), what we'll get is a bare bones game with pretty landscape but very little to do and the game will die before it even begins.

    Really sad to see. I hope I'm wrong.
    WellspringOrangeBoyDakeruAnOldFart
  • OrangeBoyOrangeBoy Member UncommonPosts: 213
    I like their monthly updates (or the lack thereof). Shows me the blatant disrespect they have lmfao
    DakeruKathyDarling
  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,252
    I very recently (as in about 6 months ago) heard about CoE and decided to invest a little money to see if it went anywhere. I was cautiously optimistic with their development timelines back then but, as we're now halfway through the year, my optimism has vanished. As a developer myself (not games, but high profile applications) I know teams can pull off amazing things under pressure and tight deadlines, sometimes delivering the impossible through sheer will. However, we're now in June 2018 and there is precious little to show for it, I'm distinctly unimpressed by the information that's been released to the public. They have promised so many things and features with such nuance and delivered very little in the way of demos. And the technology switch was very concerning.

    My first thought about this "Kickstarter anniversary" BS was that it was a blatant cash grab and a HUGE red flag which says "we're running out of money". It's disheartening to see because the game as an idea is fantastic, a dream come true for MMORPGs really. I'm very concerned that, come launch (cross my fingers), what we'll get is a bare bones game with pretty landscape but very little to do and the game will die before it even begins.

    Really sad to see. I hope I'm wrong.
    Welcome to MMORPG.com, always glad to see a new face.

    Kickstarter MMORPGs are a huge gamble, even when well funded like Star Citizen long periods of time go by with no release date in sight.

    This title has always been long on big promises, but very short on funding.

    They've never had near enough to build this game as envisioned and were relying on future investors to help complete the core game.

    These "angels" have yet to buy in for whatever reason, so Caspian is relying on continued crowd funding to keep the doors open.

    While that strategy is working for Chris Roberts most others will struggle trying to do it for too long.

    All of these titles are a long shot, but this one is one of the least likely to deliver in any sort of shape that meets the promises made.

    Hope I'm wrong, but that's not the way to bet.
    Slapshot1188Mendel

    "True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde 

    "I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant

    Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm

    Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV

    Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™

    "This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon






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