May 28 Update (Patreon)
Content
Meanwhile, though, I wanted to get everyone's opinions on another matter. As I've mentioned, I have a number of side projects in the works. One of these is essentially done - I could release it now, I'm just not sure if it could use more polish or if now is a good time. I will make a preview for $10 backers when I have some free time from my main work.
Here's the thing: though I love the core of this game, I have some doubts about whether or not the production values should be improved. I'm enthusiastic about the art, I mean things like GUI, a custom soundtrack, etc.
For a long time I've been toying with the idea of doing some kind of crowdfunding campaign. I have a number of reasons that I'll list below, but for now I'll just say that this upcoming project might be a good candidate.
I want to be clear, though, that I wouldn't be doing this to try to milk more money out of patrons. You guys would get all the equivalent rewards. For example, a copy of the game will probably be the $10 reward - if you're pledging $10 on Patreon, or have given me more than $10 total, you'll get a free copy along with the usual TLS rewards. You guys are my core supporters, you'll get the first chance at anything I make, free or commercial.
Instead, I want to try this as another experiment. I hear from a decent number of people who are fundamentally opposed to the Patreon model. They want to support a specific project and receive a discrete product for their money, not support a creator. That strikes me as a reasonable stance, but will those people actually show up for a non-hypothetical project? Not sure.
If you guys have major objections to this idea, though, now would be the time to voice them. I also want to get your opinions on something else: crowdfunding platforms.
Right now it looks like my only real option is Kimochi. The platform itself is nearly dead, it would basically be just a gathering place for anyone I could interest in this project. My question for you is if everyone here thinks the platform looks safe enough to use - I know many people are concerned about their money/info and porn websites.
But I'm still very uncertain about this, which is why I wanted to post asking for opinions. Here is the issue as I see it:
Pros
- Reach a new audience: In addition to the anti-Patreon people, this game has the potential to reach a large group of less NSFW-focused people who would never otherwise take notice of my work.
- Higher quality release: More feedback from more people, honing the game synopsis/pitch, player feedback on which parts would most benefit from more investment, etc. Making the game go through the grinder of a campaign can only improve its quality.
- Better chance of a successful release instead of sinking into obscurity: This is the biggest threat to new games, and a successful campaign helps ward against that.
- Track record: I think I have a decent reputation on Patreon, but if Patreon ever closes or kicks out NSFW creators, I would like to have a track record of being able to conduct successful crowdfunding campaigns as well.
Cons
- Bad optics: Despite all my above disclaimers, it would still be seen as "double dipping" by some people. Now, some people seem to be offended by indie creators getting money at all, but in this case I think they have more of a legitimate point. Some Patreons also do Kickstarters, but not many in the NSFW games community.
- Consumption of time/energy: This one shouldn't be underestimated - running a campaign does suck up both. It wouldn't use it all; I would still put out TLS/KoD updates in a reasonable amount of time. But basically, this would be choosing to invest some time and energy in promotion instead of raw creation. This is something I think is necessary, but I'm never eager about it.
So anyway, that's what I'm thinking about right now. Part of me wants to just release this game so you guys can play it, but part of me thinks that would be ignoring a potentially good opportunity. I was skeptical about posting Ouroboros on Newgrounds, for example, and that went well.
This is something I have been turning over in my mind a long time, often going back and forth, so I welcome feedback.