Melsonian Moving from Crowdfunding to Pre-Orders

Melsonian Arts Council (creators of Troika and Longshot City - two that I love, and well known for their gonzo approach to settings) has announced in a blog post they are moving off of crowdfunding platforms and instead using a pre-order system on their website. They go into their reasoning, and while I disagree with many of the points (I believe that other than plucky creators, it also helps established companies proceed on risky endeavors in a less-risky fashion in this uncertain market and hobby), I can't fault their personal reasoning, and wish them the best.

The first two projects up for pre-orders are Witch-War to the Vale of Forbiddiction and Beyond and The Perilous Pear & Plum Pies of Pudwick and they do say that those that support them in pre-orders will get something extra, and that it's guaranteed to come out no matter how many pre-orders they get. Honestly, I think it's just a switch in the name, and not having to be as open in communication nor give up any of the money, but that's just the cynic in me.

To me, this sounds like pre-orders from the days of yore. Which is great, because I really prefer them to crowdfundings. I'd rather give my money directly to MAC than a share to Kickstarter/Backerkit. Also, if you pre-order, your right for a re-fund is a lot more clear-cut than with crowdfundings.

I think doing it the straightforward, slightly old-fashined way and foregoing the hype is a good fit for MAC.

As someone who also buys boardgames, I've become less than keen on preorders. IME it's hit & miss, with frequently unacceptable, lengthy delays before a game goes into production/print. I particularly dislike GMT Games (one of the biggest BG publishers) P500 system, where 500+ preorders must be placed before they go into production. It works fine for popular titles, but for anything niche or less popular expansions, you can be waiting years.

I haven't bought any of this Melsonian's products and their upcoming products don't really pique my interest. I have concerns about preorders becoming a trend for other TTRPG publishers though. If Publishers promise a date in which they'll go to print depsite the number of preorders, I wouldn't mind. But if they do something like GMT's P500, I'm too done with the waiting game to bother placing an order.

I'm weary of kickstarters lately so I'd rather pre order like any Video Gamer does.