With just two days to go, the controversial Kickstarter for Codename: Morningstar is closing in on its end, and with only 16% of its funding goal achieved at the time of writing, it doesn't seem likely to succeed unless something changes over the weekend. The last full update from the developers on the Kickstarter page was on December 23rd, nearly two weeks ago. However, they have been making comments recently which contain some hints at future plans.
They say "The end of the Kickstarter doesn't necessarily signify the end for us. We'll see what the new year brings!" which hints that they won't be giving up completely, as their recent statement that "...if there does not appear to be a sufficient market interest our continued investment in the gaming industry is not assured" implied. So, even if the Kickstarter fails, it sounds like there are other plans in motion.
[lq]The end of the Kickstarter doesn't necessarily signify the end for us. We'll see what the new year brings![/lq]
The Kickstarter has actually raised $70,000 so far which, if not compared to the high initial goal of $425,000, is actually a really good showing. Nearly 1,200 people have shown positive interest and support by pledging money, so there is a support base there. With a bit of regrouping, Codename: Morningstar could still come to fruition. As they themselves say, "...one thing we've found is there are a large number of people who won't be convinced that we're doing something special until they actually see it. We're working on how to make that happen." In other words, any future approach will likely involve potential customers actually being able to see the product firsthand. Additionally, they mention that have "been working on a radical plan behind the scenes on how to price the Forge [component of C:M]", so there may be some new information on that soon.
With all that in mind, and with the end of the Kickstarter closing in, Trapdoor has posted a new "story update", which is their metaphorical way of talking about their progress:
"Newtonian smiles as he brushes the snow from his cloak. The heat from the pub's old stone hearth is pleasing, but the sheer number of friends and supporters tucked into every chair in the room warms his heart. He had been nervous when the decision was made to use Nowell's magic to return home for help. With only three days left in their quest, it seems that the Trickster's riddle will go unsolved. The rogue had feared they would not be welcomed home having failed to retrieve their magical tools before the holidays. He worried that the dream of the Crystal Tome of Storytelling would be lost. Now, as he looks over the room - the community pouring over possible solutions to the puzzle, discussing alternate routes over the mountains - Newtonian realizes this is just the first step of the journey. Determination and belief can be seen on each face. There are some tears, that's for sure, but there are no signs of surrender. Hobo, carrying a tray stacked impossibly high with beer tankards, weaves her way through the crowds - handing out frothing mugs of cheer and goodwill. Newtonian shakes his head, marveling at her resilience. A quick glance out the window shows the stars dimming as the sun begins to rise. Nowell's magic will end soon, and the adventurers of the Trapdoor Forge and Magicworks will face the final decision for solving the Trickster's puzzle. "Hurry, friends," he shouts. "Time is drawing near. The odds are impossible, but put everything you can into this final push. The story must be told!" Cinereus summons a quick volley of fireworks which fill the room with light and sound. Cups raised, a cheer goes up - one last toast to the effort, "To Morningstar!"
[video=youtube;JZRsap1TUq0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JZRsap1TUq0[/video]
They say "The end of the Kickstarter doesn't necessarily signify the end for us. We'll see what the new year brings!" which hints that they won't be giving up completely, as their recent statement that "...if there does not appear to be a sufficient market interest our continued investment in the gaming industry is not assured" implied. So, even if the Kickstarter fails, it sounds like there are other plans in motion.
[lq]The end of the Kickstarter doesn't necessarily signify the end for us. We'll see what the new year brings![/lq]
The Kickstarter has actually raised $70,000 so far which, if not compared to the high initial goal of $425,000, is actually a really good showing. Nearly 1,200 people have shown positive interest and support by pledging money, so there is a support base there. With a bit of regrouping, Codename: Morningstar could still come to fruition. As they themselves say, "...one thing we've found is there are a large number of people who won't be convinced that we're doing something special until they actually see it. We're working on how to make that happen." In other words, any future approach will likely involve potential customers actually being able to see the product firsthand. Additionally, they mention that have "been working on a radical plan behind the scenes on how to price the Forge [component of C:M]", so there may be some new information on that soon.
With all that in mind, and with the end of the Kickstarter closing in, Trapdoor has posted a new "story update", which is their metaphorical way of talking about their progress:
"Newtonian smiles as he brushes the snow from his cloak. The heat from the pub's old stone hearth is pleasing, but the sheer number of friends and supporters tucked into every chair in the room warms his heart. He had been nervous when the decision was made to use Nowell's magic to return home for help. With only three days left in their quest, it seems that the Trickster's riddle will go unsolved. The rogue had feared they would not be welcomed home having failed to retrieve their magical tools before the holidays. He worried that the dream of the Crystal Tome of Storytelling would be lost. Now, as he looks over the room - the community pouring over possible solutions to the puzzle, discussing alternate routes over the mountains - Newtonian realizes this is just the first step of the journey. Determination and belief can be seen on each face. There are some tears, that's for sure, but there are no signs of surrender. Hobo, carrying a tray stacked impossibly high with beer tankards, weaves her way through the crowds - handing out frothing mugs of cheer and goodwill. Newtonian shakes his head, marveling at her resilience. A quick glance out the window shows the stars dimming as the sun begins to rise. Nowell's magic will end soon, and the adventurers of the Trapdoor Forge and Magicworks will face the final decision for solving the Trickster's puzzle. "Hurry, friends," he shouts. "Time is drawing near. The odds are impossible, but put everything you can into this final push. The story must be told!" Cinereus summons a quick volley of fireworks which fill the room with light and sound. Cups raised, a cheer goes up - one last toast to the effort, "To Morningstar!"
[video=youtube;JZRsap1TUq0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JZRsap1TUq0[/video]
![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
