What happens next?
In the aftermath of Kickstarter, I wanted to talk a bit about what to expect over the next month and beyond, in terms of both development and reward fulfillment.
Game-Keys
We've gotten a few emails from people wondering when they will receive their game keys. This is going to take a little time. We can't begin to process and send out keys until we receive the final backer report from Kickstarter. After the project ends, Kickstarter / Amazon continue to try to collect payments from pledges that had failed payment transactions. This will go on for 4 more days. Then shortly after that, we should receive the final backer information and can begin processing the keys.
We expect we'll be able to send out keys in 7-10 days. We will send out an update to let you know once the keys have all been sent out. So, until you see that update, you don't have to worry about not receiving a key. If there are any people missing keys after that, we'll work with you to get it all straightened out, so don't panic.
Rewards
Different rewards will be going at different times as roughly indicated by the reward delivery estimates for each tier. Note, that game-keys will all go out first and you'll have access to whatever version of the game you pledged for as soon as it becomes available for download. The Logitech mice we already have and will send out soon, hopefully by the end of June. Other physical rewards will take longer as we need to do some work in creating them. Some, like the Crate Story, will likely ship after the game is released as we can't write that part of the story until after it happens. The physical copies of the game will also ship sometime after release since we need to press them once we have a final build of the game. You'll have your game-key already though, so you can download a digital version on release day. We don't want to delay the digital release while physical copies are manufactured.
When will the alpha / beta be ready?!
Our current estimate is that alpha may be ready by the end of this year or early next year. We're working our hardest to make this happen as soon as possible but we need to produce a certain amount of continuous, playable content and complete certain technical tasks before this can happen.
We expect beta to follow 4-6 months after alpha and then estimate August 2013 for the full release. I'm sure no one wants us to rush and release the game before it is ready though. After all, this is part of the reason we've avoided a standard publishing deal. So, please be patient; it will all pay off when we reach the finish-line.
So what's happening now? When can we see some new stuff?
I've already had a couple people asking me to release another status update on the game but, you have to understand, we've been putting a lot of energy into the KS campaign over the past month and we don't even have the money yet from it. Some progress has been made on sounds, animation and programming but, we're still just two guys with a little part-time help, who have also been running a KS campaign. So, beyond a successful KS project, there isn't a lot of tangible work to show yet.
The purpose of the KS campaign was to help accelerate development but it is going to take some time for the effects of our funding to... take effect... I'm currently working out arrangements to bring more people on full-time. Because we've exceeded our goal, we'll be able to hire some additional people too, so I'll also need to post some job opens and start interviewing people. We're also starting to get the ball rolling on additional contract work and we're attending to all the KS related details of preparing to send out keys and responding to emails. On top of all that, Rhis and I are back to frantically working away on the game. I'm doing a bunch of work to connect and flesh out the regions just beyond the starting area, so I should have something to show on that front in a couple weeks. A lot is happening right now but it will take a few weeks before it starts to bear fruit.
I'll continue to release major updates on Kickstarter for a while to ensure that they go out to all backers and I'll also be posting them on the forums. Smaller development updates, when they occur, will be posted to our Development Updates forum. If you want to receive email alerts when new updates are posted on the forum, you can use the "Forum Tools" in the top bar of each forum to "Subscribe to This Forum". We also generally send out development updates via our Facebook page.
And now, back to work!
-Arthur
12,457
Backers
$537,515
pledged of $280,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Apr 17, 2012 -
May 18, 2012
- First created · 18 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: grimdawn.com
Pledge $18 or more
5215 backers
Digital download of finished game for PC, DRM free at a low price for your early support. Can be downloaded directly from us or via Steam and other distribution sites + Exclusive "Service Medal" in-game accessory, available only on Kickstarter.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $24 or more
217 backers
Swashbuckler Edition includes all previous rewards + Start the game in style with an exclusive swashbuckler's coat! (in-game item) - All higher tiers will receive this reward. Co-op bundles will receive duplicates of this prize because no one should have to swashbuckle alone!
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $28 or more
150 backers
Drunken Master Edition includes all previous rewards + Special vintage, black-label bottle of Enchanted Burrwitch Brew that never runs dry. (in-game item) Have no fear of gaining unfair advantages though, far from granting special powers, this vile brew is certain to dull your combat abilities and may induce vomiting. Please use responsibly. - All higher tiers will receive this reward. Co-op bundles will receive duplicates of this prize because misery deserves company!
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $32 or more
894 backers
Co-op bundle includes 2 copies of the finished game, for digital download, DRM free, at a special lower price for those who just wanted an extra copy to share with a friend or loved one. + Includes in-game accessory "Service Medal" for each copy
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $35 or more
1351 backers
Early Access Edition with digital download of finished game for PC, DRM free + Exclusive access to the beta + Digital download of Grim Dawn original music + "Veteran's Medal" in-game accessory, available only on Kickstarter.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $45 or more
441 backers
Early Access Edition + Expansion is everything from the $35 tier, including beta access, plus our first expansion (which will be developed after release).
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $48 or more
468 backers
Co-op Expansion Bundle includes 2 copies of the finished game and 2 copies of the first expansion, both for digital download, DRM free, at a special lower price for those who just want an extra copy and expansions to share with a friend or loved one. + Includes in-game accessory "Service Medal" for each copy
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $50 or more
859 backers
Digital Collector's Edition with "Crate Story" downloadable PDF (Gives a behind-the-scenes look at the struggle of starting a new game studio and tells the story of Crate from the last days of Iron Lore to the development of Grim Dawn and the many challenges we've overcome along the way. Will include color photos and concept art from development). + Digital download of finished game for PC, DRM free + Exclusive access to the alpha and beta + Digital download of Grim Dawn original music + Name in the game credits + Officer's Medal in-game accessory, available only on Kickstarter. + Massively stylish George Washington style powdered wig in-game accessory.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $58 or more
642 backers
Digital Collector's + Expansion is everything from the $50 tier, including alpha / beta access, plus our first expansion (which will be developed after release).
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $64 or more
199 backers
Co-op Digital Collector's Bundle includes everything from the $50 version plus one additional digital copy of the finished game (does not include duplicates of all the extras).
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $78 or more
241 backers
Co-op Digital Collector's Expansion Bundle includes double everything from the $50 version plus two copies of our first expansion all for digital download.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $85 or more
535 backers
Digital Deluxe Edition with Special Will-O'-The-Wisp pet that acts as a light in the darkest of times. (cosmetic only) + Get our first expansion free via digital download when it is released + Exclusive, high resolution, digital map that could be used as a wallpaper or printed out for your wall. + Everything from the Digital Collector's Edition, including a digital copy of the game with access to alpha and beta. (This includes no physical goods to help international fans who want to support the project more but avoid VAT)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $98 or more
187 backers
Co-op Digital Deluxe Bundle includes everything from the $85 version plus one additional digital copy of the finished game (does not include duplicates of all the extras).
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $100 or more
275 backers
Boxed Special Edition of the game with physical game disk and soundtrack. This is for those fans who just want the boxed game at a lower price without a lot of other physical goods. + Small fold-out paper map + Everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition including the expansion and a digital copy of the game with access to the alpha and beta. (Please add $10 for shipping outside the US & Canada)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $150 or more
170 backers
Boxed Deluxe Edition of the game with physical game disk and soundtrack. + Grim Dawn poster suitable for framing + Small fold-out paper map + Everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition including the expansion and a digital copy of the game with access to the alpha and beta, plus an extra copy of the final digital release to give to a friend or loved one.(Please add $10 for shipping outside the US & Canada)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $175 or more
22 backers All gone!
Limited G400 Edition gives you everything from the Boxed Deluxe Edition plus a sweet Logitech® Optical Gaming Mouse G400 for all your precision clicking needs! The people at Logitech® were kind enough to offer us these mice to use as a reward but we have a limited supply!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $250 or more
59 backers Limited (1441 of 1500 left)
Hoarder's Edition includes a printed book edition of the "Crate Story" (Gives a behind-the-scenes look at the struggle of starting a new game studio and tells the story of Crate from the last days of Iron Lore to the development of Grim Dawn and the many challenges we've overcome along the way. Will include color photos and concept art from development). + Grim Dawn poster signed by Arthur Bruno + Everything from the Boxed Deluxe Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition but with 2 digital copies of the game with access to the alpha and beta. (Please add $10 for shipping outside the US & Canada)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $375 or more
31 backers Limited (969 of 1000 left)
Enthusiast's Edition is mainly for fans who just wanted a way to contribute more and get a little something without extra physical merchandise. It includes 4 digital copies with access to alpha and beta + Your game box signed by the Grim Dawn team + Your book signed by Arthur Bruno + Everything from the Hoarder's Edition, except the extra game copies, which are included in the 4 copies above.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
10 backers Limited (240 of 250 left)
You get to name something in-game (must be suitable and appropriate)! Could be an NPC, hero monster, equipment, gravestone or in-game fiction. + Your name will appear in a special "boss" section of the credits. + Everything from the Enthusiast's Edition but with 10 digital copies of the game with access to the alpha and beta.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $4,000 or more
1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)
Create and name your own equipment set! You get to choose the name for a unique item set and choose the completion bonus! (We set the values for balancing reasons and can reject inappropriate names) + Everything from the Enthusiast's Edition but with 15 digital copies of the game with access to the alpha and beta.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $8,000 or more
1 backer Limited (14 of 15 left)
Collaborate with Grim Dawn designers to create your own side-quest! Note that side-quests must be relatively simple and we reserve the right to reject ideas that don't fit the game (but if that happens, you can try again). + Skype lunch (or in person if you happen to be around Boston or want to meet in San Francisco during the week of GDC) with Arthur Bruno and other team members of the Crate team where we can talk about development and listen to your feedback. + Everything from the Enthusiast's Edition but with 20 digital copies of the game with access to the alpha and beta.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Comments
Creator Rashan O'Donnell on February 11
I'd rather see a well finished game than a rush job, so I don't mind waiting at all - one of my biggest disappointment was SOTS II :-(
Creator Sean on June 2, 2012
Thanks for the answer
Creator Crate Entertainment on June 2, 2012
Sean, it is going to be several months before they do. We did only just receive the Kickstarter funds with which we're going to finish the game. ; )
Creator Sean on June 1, 2012
The key don't activate on Steam for me
Creator Antonidas|Archmage of the Obsidian Order on May 29, 2012
Can't wait to play the final game, Titan Quest is one of my favorite games so I already know what great stuff you can do. :) Take whatever time you need to get it right, I'll be waiting 'til the end of time for quality work. :)
Best of luck to you and Crate, let's hope for many sequels, new IP's and great success in the future. I, and thousands of other people around the world, believe in you! :D
Creator Bert Derveaux on May 27, 2012
Ok take your time, dont put yourself under to much pressure and do try to get those new guys inline in what you have in mind for Grim Dawn. I think that's a key factor, if those guys understand what Grim Dawn is all about and they know what you expect it to become, that will help them greatly.
Oh and did I say good luck alreayd?
Creator Dain Schroeder on May 24, 2012
Please, take all the time you need! Of course I'm excited to get my hands on this game, but I have Diablo to hold me over in the meantime. When this comes out, though, I think I'll have a new favorite dungeon crawler to spend time with!
Creator bladewasp on May 23, 2012
I just wanted to echo Lex and StanleySteamer - please, take your time!
Creator StanleySteamer on May 23, 2012
People have been prodding you with emails? Good grief.
Just take your time. I think most of us who backed the project are aware something like this can take a while.
Creator Lex on May 23, 2012
Take your time Crate do what ever you think is best for the game. We all know your an amazing developer that won't let us down!
Creator myblade on May 23, 2012
@benfries: But for DNF, it was delayed, aborted and even the publisher and developers changed. Since there is no publisher here this won't happen. And I am confident, that there is no need to change the developers (unless Arthur starts to innovate again ;-))
Creator AureasAetas on May 23, 2012
Just make a great game, that's the only important thing.
We can wait
Creator Chris Taran on May 23, 2012
Don't let impatient people make you feel rushed! It's their problem if they thought they'd be getting a game so soon after the KS ended. I don't mind if I don't see anything until the game is done personally.
I just want you guys to take as much time as you need to make the best game possible! :)
Creator Joshua Tumlin on May 23, 2012
Take your time. I wouldn't mind giving us a taste with a beta(with bugs and all) while you iron it out as nice as you can.
Creator Cuяtis on May 23, 2012
I guess it leaves me about a year to finally get the Covu Sword in Titan Quest : Immortal Throne before jumping on Grim Dawn.
Creator Rashan O'Donnell on May 22, 2012
Awesome - looking forward to the finished product; I say we give the developers some breathing space so we can have an excellent finished game - can't wait though :-)
Creator Ben - Xenon Special Forces on May 22, 2012
Rant @Idlehands
Ya know, after Duke Nukem Forever, I wonder why people continue to quote the *a delayed game will eventually be awesome* part. In truth neither holds, thanks to post release patches (that can make a bad game good ... although nobody likes that way of delivery) and the simple fact that just delaying alone is no guarantee for nothing.
On topic:
As long as there are updates every few weeks to show that you are still alive and kicking, I don't care how long it takes ... well as long as you don't run out of money ;)
Creator Scott Hunter on May 22, 2012
Time to distract ourselves with other things...
Creator Idlehands on May 22, 2012
Remember guys, a rushed game with be forever bad and a delayed game will eventually be awesome.
Don't rush the developers, let them do what's best for the game and just wait patiently. That's the hardest part, and I can't wait either... but let's just chill and have some Tri-Beer for now.
Creator Archon - Obsidian Order Illusive Man on May 22, 2012
"we can't write that part of the story until after it happens."
Wait... what ?
Marty, brace yourself for temporal displacement !
Creator myblade on May 22, 2012
Hey Arthur, but before u send the keys the upgrade emails from early adopters will be processed, right? :)
Besides this: Rock on!
Creator Charles Alvis on May 22, 2012
lol, lots Kickstarter noobs on here. As a person that has backed over 150 projects there were lots of delays and a couple of people that took the money and ran. Rarely will a Kickstarter project meet it's deadline. Let's give the guy a chance to perform until we start calling him out.
Creator scout on May 22, 2012
@Crate Entertainment Again congratulations! I am dissappointed to hear about the fake pledges. I think people won't mind that some of the original stretch goals are left for later considering the goals were not actually met. I think you're doing a great job answering all of our questions and being explicitly open about funding, thank you. I also have to say that you are one of the more vocal (as to what is happening with your project) people on kickstarter and we appreciate it. :)'s and beers all around.
Creator Andreas O. on May 22, 2012
"Hell I say have Alpha closer to June 2013"
Why not 2015? Or actually... maybe 2020? That way, they will have enough time for SURE...
Creator William on May 22, 2012
BTW, I bought a digital collectors w/ expansion co-op bundle and have no one to share it with. Send me a message if interested, I can take paypal.
Creator Nicholas Russell on May 22, 2012
I'm all for Crate taking their time as well. The real problem with the publisher-driven model is that they inflict schedules upon developers and most of the stuff we all consider bad games are so only because they were rushed into releasing a product on the publisher's time table, rather than for any sloth on the developer's side. Hell I say have Alpha closer to June 2013 rather than at the end of this year as I'm sure the additional language options you've chosen will offer enough translation work to warrant it.
Creator Crate Entertainment on May 22, 2012
Lol Brandon...
Creator Pappaboy on May 22, 2012
It's always better to wait a few more months and get a much better game, than a half-done, like a lot of games nowadays. If someone puts a little less work in some parts of a game, than needed, and it almost feels like an incomplete game. So just keep up the good work, do your best, we trust you!
Creator MRW1976 on May 22, 2012
Great Update, Arthur! Take your time to make the best game possible (no pressure here...;)) and don't forget to get some sleep now and then. Plus the occasional Tri-Beer. ;) This is going to be a thrill ride. Happy to be on board!
Creator Brandon Wallace on May 22, 2012
Nice update. But WHAT PROGRESS HAVE YOU MADE?
P.S. I don't have my key yet. Should I be worrried???
:->
Creator Greg on May 22, 2012
Keep up the good work guys, I hope those who've never run even a very small business understand how limited your time really is. Its easy to be derailed by simple things like accounting in my experience :/
Maybe there should be a scheduled monthly update or bi monthly update newsletter so you're not spinning your wheels answering "WHAT PROGRESS HAVE YOU MADE?" e-mails :) Good luck!
Creator TrentJaspar on May 22, 2012
Wow, by the sound of it, plenty of folks are being impatient already: not surprising. Relax guys and let Crate get back to development. I trust they'll give out updates and info as it's available. But they've got a ton on their plate, so let them do their thing, spend their $537,515, and deliver a great game sometime in late-2013! :-)