EXCITING COLLABORATION UPDATE...
Hey Unsung Backers,
Though it took a little longer than anticipated, we are happy to tell you that we have entered into a strategic agreement with a major company, who will be providing design work for the tactics game, as well as other Unsung branded games in the future. We have begun the collaboration process with them, and will start to see the fruits of those efforts over the next few months.
We will coordinate with them and make a formal announcement in the near future, but want you to know that this is in place and will have a positive impact on the gameplay, mechanics and overall delivery timeline for the beta and full release. We had hoped to have some design and art progress to show by this month, but we are just now getting the time we need to spend with our partner on the core mechanics and the game world and need to do this before providing updates with visual content progress. Rather than making estimates as to when we think content updates will be ready, we will stick to updating on the design progress more regularly, and then update you when we have a good step forward with some content progress, whether it be concept art or screenshots of in-game progress.
Again, look to get a formal announcement on our partner as soon as we can all coordinate on public messaging for that. Hopefully, it won’t take longer than a few months, but announced or not, it is happening and is a huge plus for Unsung Story development.
Thanks.
Playdek
Geomancer about 1 hour ago
@Steven
That timeline would only span 1 day. It would start with the day the project was funded, and end the next day when the money was transferred to the companies negative balance sheet.
Brian Zabell about 1 hour ago
So basically Playdek wasn't satisfied in taking our money, and now they're selling the rights to churn out more money from a game that will never exist. They're just "strategically" making sure that the other company foots the bill from this disaster rather than themselves.
Steven Fluet about 5 hours ago
Again, i want a map of this project from bginning to end. Concept, mission statement, securing talent, funding, and then all the post funding decisions that led to this moment: no game, no talent, no story, no mechanics, no art. I want a post funding map of where the money went, so we can see what the money was actually used for, and what that meant for the stability of its company and other products. Mapping this failure from beginning toend goes a long way towards transparency, and towards nsuring future companies can learn from your errors.
Brandon about 5 hours ago
Two years later and nothing to show for it. You used our money on another project. Refund.
zdsdead - Gimp of the WOM about 7 hours ago
They're thieves, they're filthy little thieves
cursedseishi about 12 hours ago
@Eric King
Reporting to Kickstarter is pointless, as it's been said in the comments dozens of times already. Kickstarter does NOTHING once a project has been funded. Their ToS states this, saying that any and all issues must be brought up by backers to either the project runners themselves or the proper authority. Kickstarter waives all liability for any project failing, they only deal with projects currently running or being started--and mostly only if they violate major issues such as being pornographic in nature.
It only likely got an update here because people had started pushing and advocating for people to begin contacting legal companies. That is about the only thing to do as well, considering how broad its been.
As for this update? The fact you can say "shouldn't take longer than a few months" in regards to announcing this miracle partner is ridiculous. Given the consistent and repeated issues of communication with this project, the last thing you should be doing is making more promises about communicating better in the future. Its at the point where you need to begin showing, not telling. No one wants to hear about a formal announcement, we are not the public we are your investors. People have sued for far less, people have sought legal advances for far less. There has been no sign of actually communicating and staying in contact to the best of your abilities. In fact, its been shown that your company has taken to other projects and games to create and release instead--which could show an almost willful ignorance towards this project specifically.
That, is a major issue here. No one wants to hear about other Unsung games, no one wants to hear about possible exploitation of the IP in other products. Mighty No. 9 failed miserably because they tried to push the game in a dozen directions when the first game hadn't even seen release. Before you start pushing for Unsung Tales, and Unmentioned Beginnings, or Unsung Story 2, show us that the first game actually deserves anything more than the first.
mike about 16 hours ago
If you could apologize and explain why funds from this project were spent elsewhere it would mean a lot. It wouldn't fix all the ill will you've generated but it would be a start, for me at least.
Eric King about 21 hours ago
Yet another vapid and ultimately meaningless update, with even more promise to communicate better (not going to happen) and deliver some big news (also not going to happen). Here's my favorite line from this update, though:
"...as well as other Unsung branded games in the future."
As I stated in the comments page -- when Playdek hilariously posted this update on the Twilight Saga Kickstarter page (fitting, since that's where our money actually went) -- this seems like a really ballsy statement to make considering that there has been ZERO progress of note on the INITIAL Unsung branded game!
I gave up asking for a refund long ago, because there isn't any money to refund. I'm sure Playdek took the money from this Kickstarter, put it toward Twilight Saga, and were hoping that profits from that title could fund this game. There's not going to be a game, at least not even remotely close to anything resembling the bill of goods we were sold.
I find it a bit conspicuous, Playdek, that you only ever update when there's a push by backers to report the project to Kickstarter. You're seemingly doing just enough (read: absolute bare minimum) to keep up appearances of anything being accomplished, when in fact there's no money and nothing to show for the backers' contributions.
Even IF by some chance something does get produced, I am never going to touch it. I simply will never be able to get over the absolute dumpster fire of a Kickstarter this has been. Of all the Kickstarters I have backed, this one is the ONLY one that has not delivered exactly as promised.
Want to "communicate better" with your backers, Playdek? Try addressing some of the many, many upset people here... you know, the people who funded your project? Admit that you messed up, hone up to this cluster of a project, and do the right thing. Of course, you won't, because then you'll actually be legally liable...
Nick Highfield about 21 hours ago
Thanks for the update, Playdek. I'm excited to hear about this collaboration and I can't wait to see how things go in the future!
Xifanie about 22 hours ago
Guys, guys... we've been had.
Unsung Story IS unsung. They delivered.
Matthew Millsap about 22 hours ago
You stole my money, Playdek. You stole my money. There is absolutely zero chance you can deliver the product that was pitched in the campaign. The big names originally attached to the project are gone, you have literally NOTHING to show for the time and money spent once the campaign ended, and now you have the audacity to post infrequent, vague updates and assume that somehow your backers will just hold tight and you'll deliver.
You won't deliver. You can't deliver.
You. Stole. Our. Money.
Patrick Jouppi about 22 hours ago
As humorous as these comments are, the idea that this project will actually ever deliver a finished product is even funnier.
Michael Magliocca
Superbacker
about 22 hours ago
I have repeatedly asked for a refund as you pulled a bait and switch with Matsuno and Boelinger, then said it was going to be a multii-player game which I have zero interest in. Third you are over two years past funding and have done no demonstrable work on the game. Give me my money back.
YSoSidious 1 day ago
This is unbelievable. Those who have requested a refund should get it now. Playdek and Jeremy Soule have destroyed my faith and interest in Kickstarter and because of them I have refused to back any further campaign and can't wait to close my account once my pending projects are fulfilled. At least Jeremy Soule refunded my money.
Dunan 1 day ago
"We had hoped to have some design and art progress to show by this month, but we are just now getting the time we need to spend with our partner on the core mechanics and the game world and need to do this before providing updates with visual content progress."
I don't know if I'm reading too much into this or not but it sounds like you're going to be at the mercy a publisher or something now which ultimately may change the project completely.
Also it sounds like nothing's been worked on, clearly by lack of updates or anything to show us.
I wish I could have given this money to a more worthy cause or to one of the more worthy devs that I've previously pledged for. The money could have been used for something more useful instead of being wasted.
Dave, Shadowrunner 1 day ago
Thanks Playdek for helping to ruin Kickstarter for honest indie developers. Because of scams / utter incompetence like yours, people are more reluctant to back projects in general, which means less games getting funded here.
Tor Iver Wilhelmsen
Superbacker
1 day ago
Undelivered Story? We are not looking forward to "announcements", but happy to look forward to a release.
keytar 1 day ago
*long, wet fart noise*
Michael Brand
Superbacker
1 day ago
Might as well just cut and paste this below for all future updates:
***
TL;DR
None of the famous people, nor the concept arts, nor the gameplay mechanics we originally used to entice backers to this project is still applicable... But stick around and don't take legal action against us, and some day, sometime in the indefinite future, we might sooner or later eventually release a game that's nothing like what we originally promised. Now please wait another 2~4 months for another "Update" that is as equally as lacking in substance as this one.
***
Arthur Santos Hogemann 1 day ago
Well ... better than nothing( low standart is a bitch ).
Silas Holesovsky 1 day ago
I guess I am going to need more popcorn!�
Unco Lober 1 day ago
"EXCITING NEWS! WE SENT SOME EMAILS TO SOME COMPANIES, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVEN'T REPLIED YET. WE'LL KEEP YOU POSTED, BACKERS! AND THANKS FOR THOSE $600k :^) "
Matthew Harold
Superbacker
1 day ago
I quote:
"We had hoped to have some design and art progress to show by this month, but we are just now getting the time we need to spend with our partner on the core mechanics and the game world and need to do this before providing updates with visual content progress."
So finally after 2 1/2 years you get around to admitting that there is literally nothing you can show us for the $660,126 you 'spent', that is embarrassing and/or disgraceful.
Dawn_
Superbacker
1 day ago
I am actually glad i backed this game. Otherwise where would i read such crunchy comments ^^
Jo Bjørnar Hausnes 1 day ago
I have to agree with all the negativity in the comments; these updates over the years are embarrassing. No progress to speak of, and no communication that mean something. In the classes I teach we often touch the subject of crowdfunding, and I always mention this project as the prime example of what NOT to do.
Kelvin Baillie 1 day ago
This and a few other Kickstarters like this are the reason I've almost entirely stopped backing video games. There are far too many of these instances that I'd rather just wait until a game is actually released and then put my money down than taking these risks.
Its likely the same for a lot of people as video games get far less attention here than they used to. It is a shame as the idea of Kickstarter is good, unfortunately it is let down by the liars, robbers and downright lazy people who take advantage of some easy money.
William Turner 1 day ago
The game was estimated to be released over a year ago, and we are still denied a new date of expected completion. There is no evidence that you've started programing this game at all. I kickstarted this project in January of 2014, and you expected it would be done by around the end of 2015. Its already near the end of 2016 and you're only now about to offload the work you were going to do to another company that you're afraid to even announce the name of. This type of behavior shouldn't be allowed, and is a shameful display. You're employees should feel lucky that your website was never built, so that their names are kept private.
Also while this project is being mostly ignored, you've created a $4 expansion for one of your mobile games which you enjoyed posting on facebook... great to know that your prioritizing making more money rather then providing the product that nearly 16k people have already paid you for. Many of the people here still have some shred of faith in you, or try to give a bit of encouragement, but I believe in speaking truthfully. You have basically robbed people, and are essentially acting like it isn't a high priority to make the situation right. You see comments from other posters, like Danger Van Gorder, who admits to having created, and delivered, on their own Kickstarter campaign in the time that we have been waiting.
Also as a short side note to those who might feel that my comments are not respectful and considerate. There is a link telling me to show these qualities, but when you click on it you are immediately told that Kickstarter was founded on three core values; transparency, trust, and honesty. Playdeck has honored none of these values. Where is their respect and consideration?
Manuel Kroeber 1 day ago
Why does it take the "next months" to push out the announcement? I really want to believe in that project but it's really not easy with that communication policy you guys are following with announcements of announcements.
Danger Van Gorder 1 day ago
You know, i actually created and delivered on my very own Kickstarter campaign during these long years.
This was my model for what not to do.
Phil 1 day ago
Like, I didn't even want my money back, because I know you don't have it, I just want you to be honest. You've done no work on this game in the last 2 years, admit that, you done goofed.
Phil 1 day ago
Another update with no progress on the game. Admit you're not making it and give us all some peace
skidpro 1 day ago
I am not buying this, oh wait....
Daniel Ortiz Nieto 1 day ago
I have lost all hope for this game, but if finally anything comes out and surprises me, I will be glad, but at this point I don't care.
Rodolfo Camarena 1 day ago
An update, yes! This is what I've wanted. Please try your best to provide more frequent updates. It's all I really ask. Better than nothing at all. Thanks.
Steve 1 day ago
Fucking refund us, thieves.
Zenon Berg
Superbacker
1 day ago
Pounds of negativity and I'm sorry you have to wade through it. Is it ridiculous? Yes. Is it disheartening? Yes.
I, for one, like getting the updates and am excited for the final project. Wow us, please :D We know you have it in you!
Issagrim 1 day ago
No substance yet again and I don't think there ever will be. You have not delivered what the backers have paid for and as such should refund any that ask and yes, I am one of those people who do want a refund.
Cameron 1 day ago
Bunch of crap! Sounds like a jumble of words just like the last update. Give us our cash back! I had high hopes for this game.......YEARS AGO!!!! Someone should find a way to start a lawsuit on this.
Cameron 1 day ago
Bunch of crap! Sounds like a jumble of words just like the last update. Give us our cash back! I had high hopes for this game.......YEARS AGO!!!! Someone should find a way to start a lawsuit on this.
Luiz Oliveira 1 day ago
Really? But what about the money that we backed for you to make the game? i've bancked projects really more complexes, with a smaller team AFTER this project, and already had received it done. Really shame on you. You get more ridiculous on each update,
showing the total unpreparedness and incompetence in dealing with the project. Refund is all i wnat now. Nothing more, nothing less.
Nathan James 1 day ago
This is ridiculous. This isn't what I signed on for. I've waited, and waited, and hoped for the best, but I'm done being optimistic. You lied to me, you lied to all of us. This isn't what I backed, and I hope that failure meets every project you hope to accomplish in the future. I didn't sign on to help build your empire, I signed on to build a product I believed in. If you had any sense, you would have accomplished that and used that product to build your brand. Way to mislead the masses and tarnish your brand before you've ever even released your product. Shame on all of you.
Aerothorn 1 day ago
Thanks for the update! Looking forward to it.
Mark Dorney 1 day ago
So long overdue and you *still* have nothing to show us? I can't tell if the notion of further Unsung branded games is a joke, but you are taking the piss.
paul woodard 1 day ago
please provide monthly updates, even if its we have nothing new don't vanish for months on end
Shane
Superbacker
2 days ago
Oh look. A rewording of the same bullshit post we've been reading for the past 4 updates.
Miguel Duran 2 days ago
An exciting collaboration update would entail actually hearing that Matsuno and Boelinger, the two names that actually made me back in the first place, were getting paid and delivering design work. Some reassurance that either of them was even remotely still involved would be more interesting than this partnership. I hope that's coming too. If they've done basic design docs and then been shown the door, I think the demands for refunds will be pretty overwhelming.
Chris Hughes 2 days ago
Wow, so you've got some behind the scenes stuff that you can't quite talk about but that will turn this whole mess around. Sounds like every update you've given past the first month. Just another bundle of lies.
Seriously, we should all go to whatever App Store we have access to and 1-star everything by this scumbag of a company. 15,000 one star ratings sounds like a good start.
Ed Gallagher 2 days ago
lol, i'm torn
on the one hand, obviously i want a refund. this is asinine.
on the other hand, if i get a refund i'll miss out on this amazing batch of comedy 3-4 times a year.
decisions, decisions
Richard Dardano 2 days ago
I would like to echo Ryan Powell's comments. I backed the project because of Matsuno's involvement. Over the past few years(!), Matsuno hasn't even been mentioned in your updates. I wouldn't mind the wait or the delays, but I do mind feeling misled that what I was backing (a Matsuno designed game and world) was a misrepresentation of what is going to be delivered.
I won't go so far as to demand a refund or call Playdek a fraud (although your limited communication and unresponsiveness to backers sure implies something sketchy going on), but this has reached ridiculous levels of poor customer management. Even Project Phoenix seems to have gotten their act together and realized that the only way to build goodwill for a product years late is to over-communicate and show progress. While I would wager that you think this update is an attempt at over-communicating, without anything substantive (like who your partner is, what the relationship is, how the development work is going to be split, etc.) backers will believe think this is another attempt to string-us-along.
Until you have a contract locked with your 'partner' and something to show, forget the vague updates and concentrate on delivering something.
Reese Holland 2 days ago
Refund is still what I want. Be sure to enter this deal with a budget provided to refund every backer who requests one.