The End of Our Journey
Hello, dear backers.
It has been over 10 months since our last update. It is with a heavy heart that this is going to be the first of our last few updates.
Looking back at 2015, it brings back a lot of cherished memories. That was when the project started due to your belief in our dream: to make this dream project come true. We increased our efforts, making decent progress on all aspects of the game. Sadly, by the end of the year, we encountered design and technical issues during the development, which slowed our progress significantly.
By 2016, we decided to split the content into three parts, which helped us see the likelihood of completing the project without sacrificing the quality that we were aiming for. Nevertheless, the project cost us a big chunk of the budget. It gave us no more than three months to work on the working demo. We were hopeful that by then, we could pitch our idea better and get an investor.
By end of April 2016, with the demo that we completed, we started pitching to potential publishers and investors to fund the project. By the end of May 2016, we had completely depleted our resources to maintain the team as well as the company. Thus, causing the complete suspension of the project. Some of us hung on fiercely keeping things running as long as possible, in hopes of locating someone who could bring this project to live once again.
After several months of trying, it was getting very difficult to maintain this project. Unfortunately, we can no longer say that this project still has hope. Currently, the company is no longer operational and some of our team members have found new places to start afresh.
We are sad to inform you that we have terminated this project for good. We are fully aware of the disappointment this decision will cause, and so, we humbly ask for your forgiveness.
As we are currently without resources, we will be giving away all the progress that we have made so far, including the demo version, which will be available for download for all our backers in our next update. We are all very grateful to have the opportunity you helped provide to see some part of the Winterflame dream come true.
Thank you, for believing in us for the past two years.
BigAlzBub
Superbacker
about 3 hours ago
I only backed the game at the $12 mark, and I knew the risks, so I'm not going to get too upset about it, but I do feel that as backers we have been shoddily treated by the lack of updates and communication, seriously how much effort does it take to write up an update which says "Guys, the project is in trouble", and maybe some people (not all) might have been prepared to dip further into their pockets to help out, because they would rather pay a little more and have a completed game, rather than be in the situation we are now, which is we have paid and will get next nothing. Unfortunately any trust I had is gone in this particular Kickstarter, but it won't stop me backing other projects I like the look of, as out of all the projects I have backed only one other has failed to produce anything.
Ilya about 3 hours ago
Come on you guys, we all knew the risks. If you're going to get greedy about your money (that you'd have spent on junk food anyway), why make the pledge in the first place? I'm sure the Artoncode team is feeling crushed enough, even without your reproach.
Anastriel about 5 hours ago
Pretty disappointing update. I agree with Chris below on both counts. It makes people less willing to crowd fund and you should consider finding something to make it up to backers.
Joshua Brooks
Superbacker
about 6 hours ago
So basically you go dark for a year, then come back on and tell us "we lived on your money for the last year, and you get nothing, sorry".... that's beyond shameful. No information, no recompense, nothing to show for it. kinda glad the game isn't finished, if this is the best you can do.
Chris Skuller
Superbacker
about 7 hours ago
Have you considered giving away downloads of some of your other titles as a way to make at least somewhat good on your promise to deliver a game?
Chris Skuller
Superbacker
about 7 hours ago
Damn. Can't say I'm happy to hear this. This project looked so promising.
Well, I appreciate you coming on here and giving us this info even if it is terrible. I'm not one to rake someone over the coals, but I imagine that a lot of other backers aren't going to be so easy going. Especially those who backed much higher than my little $12.
It's a shame when something like this happens because it damages video game crowdfunding as a whole. With every failed project, less and less people are willing to put in and this is unfortunate.
Taufshwara Diasriandaru about 8 hours ago
so what will happen to our money?