Obsidian’s Project Eternity Kickstarter broke records because it catered to an under-served audience and brought a fresh, but familiar enough proposition to the table. A Kickstarter comes with its own set of challenges though, not the least of which is sometimes having to make a choice between what’s best for the game over what was promised during fundraising.
But while Obsidian boss Feargus Urquhart is obviously very happy with how things turned out, he’s quick to pull traditional game publishers out from under the bus and reaffirm their importance to the industry. As for Project Eternity, Obsidian seem to have it well in hand.
The Challenges of Kickstarter Campaigns
Kickstarter campaigns, while offering a unique avenue for funding, come with their own set of challenges. One of the primary difficulties is managing backer expectations. When developers promise certain features or content during the fundraising phase, they are often held to those promises, even if they later find that some of those features may not be feasible or beneficial for the final product. This can lead to a delicate balancing act between staying true to initial promises and making necessary adjustments for the game’s overall quality.
Moreover, the transparency required in a Kickstarter campaign can be a double-edged sword. While it builds trust and engagement with the community, it also means that every development hiccup is under public scrutiny. This can add pressure on the development team to deliver on time and meet the high expectations set by their backers.
Obsidian’s Approach to Development
Obsidian’s approach to Project Eternity’s development has been methodical and well-planned. “The gameplay of it is pretty defined,” Urquhart told Rock, Paper, Shotgun. “There’s going to be things that we’re going to want to change once we get up there. How exactly do we want the inventory to work? How is this going to work? How is that?”
This iterative approach allows the team to refine and polish the game mechanics as they progress. Urquhart’s comments highlight the importance of flexibility in game development. While the core gameplay and mechanics are well-defined, there is always room for improvement and adjustment based on testing and feedback.
“But generally, it’s well-defined. This is how you control the party. This is how area transitions work. How we’re rendering all that. Some stuff on the technology side is different, but it’s better. All the basic gameplay, we pretty much get it.”
This level of detail and planning is crucial for a successful game. By having a clear vision and a well-defined gameplay structure, Obsidian ensures that they can deliver a cohesive and engaging experience for players. The ability to adapt and refine these elements as development progresses is what sets successful projects apart from those that struggle.
Additionally, Urquhart’s willingness to acknowledge the role of traditional game publishers is noteworthy. While Kickstarter provides an alternative funding route, traditional publishers still play a vital role in the industry. They offer resources, marketing support, and distribution channels that can be crucial for a game’s success. By recognizing this, Urquhart underscores the importance of a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both crowdfunding and traditional publishing.
In conclusion, Obsidian’s Project Eternity Kickstarter success can be attributed to their ability to cater to an under-served audience with a compelling proposition, while also navigating the unique challenges of crowdfunding. Their methodical approach to development, combined with a willingness to adapt and refine, has positioned them well to deliver a high-quality game. The recognition of the continued importance of traditional publishers further highlights the nuanced landscape of game development and funding.
Source RPS
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