Age of Annihilation - Backer Trend and Discussion

[Tiamat]

In two days there are ~1400 pledges. Let's assume we get a similar bump on the back end for a total of ~2800 from the initial and final peaks. That would mean we need to get about 5200 pledges divided by 40 days between peaks = 130 pledges per day on average. Those numbers don't have me optimistic that this will fund. I actually think we're going to end up pretty far short. It really hurts to say it, but I think that is the reality unless something changes.

I heard someone mention that they would try to get Tom Vassel to cover it in one of his Crowdfunding YouTube videos. Tom is arguably the most influential individual in the boardgame media. And don't forget that Heroscape used to be Tom's #1 ranked game. If he spoke favorably of the reboot, I think that could help give this thing some momentum in the community.

[rudyvalentine]

Like many others have already said, the all or nothing $250 pledge prevents any casual interest. I think it’s a great value, but they said early on to reference the HeroQuest campaign for an idea of what the HeroScape campaign would look like.

That campaign offered two tiers. A close to retail priced tier with some bonus content and an all in tier with expansions and even more exclusives. That campaign was very successful, nearly reaching all the planned stretch goals.

I’m afraid they’re pricing a lot of backers out by not having a scaled down entry point. Even people who already have scape collections and want to support the game returning but either don’t have the $250 fun money to spend or who don’t really want to add this much to their collection.

I do think the numbers could grow significantly if they can offer international shipping (although that cost will probably prohibit interested pledgers too) and if they start previewing some army cards to generate excitement for the new units, many of which are completely unfamiliar currently.

[randum]

I can understand why they didn't put it on Kickstarter, since the cost would then increase for us to buy it. Unfortunately though, it won't get nearly as many backers. I also understand that painting costs $$$, but it will also deter A LOT of people. I'll try to be hopeful...

[IAmBatman]

Not offering lower tiers or reduced options as add ons limits not just initial purchases but also add ons. If someone could get just the terrain for $130 and they didn’t want any minis, or only one set of minis because they’re unique, it’s much easier to add on extras. They could have also offered some commons as add ons that people would’ve been more interested in buying in multiples. Did the Dragon Lady set up the campaign? I was told she was gone.

[Garenex]

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

Not offering lower tiers or reduced options as add ons limits not just initial purchases but also add ons. If someone could get just the terrain for $130 and they didn’t want any minis, or only one set of minis because they’re unique, it’s much easier to add on extras. They could have also offered some commons as add ons that people would’ve been more interested in buying in multiples. Did the Dragon Lady set up the campaign? I was told she was gone.

There does seem to be a lot of goofiness in the way this whole campaign was done.

[rudyvalentine]

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

Not offering lower tiers or reduced options as add ons limits not just initial purchases but also add ons. If someone could get just the terrain for $130 and they didn’t want any minis, or only one set of minis because they’re unique, it’s much easier to add on extras. They could have also offered some commons as add ons that people would’ve been more interested in buying in multiples. Did the Dragon Lady set up the campaign? I was told she was gone.

This does seem like the simplest option. Have two boxes. A terrain box and a minis box. Get one or the other without exclusives or stretch goals or get both with everything.

The only reason I can think they would have not to do this would be if they fear artificial interest in the campaign by selling a lot of terrain to non-scapers who aren’t interested in the units for their games. I could see that causing some issues for planning future retail releases and not knowing the true audience, but they’d still have an idea right away how much terrain sold vs the minis and the all-in.

[Master Roshi]

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

Not offering lower tiers or reduced options as add ons limits not just initial purchases but also add ons. If someone could get just the terrain for $130 and they didn’t want any minis, or only one set of minis because they’re unique, it’s much easier to add on extras. They could have also offered some commons as add ons that people would’ve been more interested in buying in multiples. Did the Dragon Lady set up the campaign? I was told she was gone.

I agree with this, I'd rather someone contribute a small portion than nothing at all. Even if a smaller set was added as an option, I'd still be getting the all in option myself, and then we'd see other people finally trickling in who wouldn't otherwise.

[Knox]

Originally Posted by Tiamat

In two days there are ~1400 pledges. Let's assume we get a similar bump on the back end for a total of ~2800 from the initial and final peaks. That would mean we need to get about 5200 pledges divided by 40 days between peaks = 130 pledges per day on average. Those numbers don't have me optimistic that this will fund. I actually think we're going to end up pretty far short. It really hurts to say it, but I think that is the reality unless something changes.

I heard someone mention that they would try to get Tom Vessel to cover it in one of his Crowdfunding YouTube videos. Tom is arguably the most influential individual in the boardgame media. And don't forget that Horoscope used to Tom's #1 ranked game. If he spoke favorably of the reboot, I think that could help give this thing some momentum in the community.

Yes, as things stand this will not fund. It will take a massive upswing from content creators for that to happen.

[Knox]

I think the best thing we can do is each try to recommend the game to 3-5 boardgame people who aren't necessarily heroscapers

[Master Roshi]

I'd be spending more money if I had an option to do so without committing another $250 to get a third set with extra unique i don't need

[Knox]

Originally Posted by Master Roshi

I'd be spending more money if I had an option to do so without committing another $250 to get a third set with extra unique i don't need

Yeah a terrain option would have really helped. Or just like $60/faction - like a bad deal comparatively but a lower buy in

[randum]

Originally Posted by Knox

I think the best thing we can do is each try to recommend the game to 3-5 boardgame people who aren't necessarily heroscapers

The downside to this is they know you're going to buy it, so why would they? But yea, I'm going to do that anyway for non-local friends. I've already recommended it to my friends who I use to play with all the time, before I gave my whole set away to a friend a long time ago.