"That's no Moon...it's a Stretch Goal!!"
The Third Stretch Goal is Revealed!
You've voted, and your voice has been heard! The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of allowing players to own planets. More details to come on what exactly this feature will entail, but, for now, let your imagination run wild as you picture yourself reigning over huge swaths of space! And start voting for the next stretch goal at http://forums.ltheory.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=21!
Concerning Stretch Goals Above $100K
I've made the decision that stretch goals above $100K, starting with planetary ownership, will be realized as free, post-release content updates. Why? As you can see, there's quite a bit of functionality slated for the base game. As we start to pile on more functionality, it will obviously take more development time to complete. Instead of delaying the release, I'd like to just put the basic game in your hands, and then augment it with free, post-release updates to give you the stretch goal content.
Now, that doesn't exactly preclude the possibility of having these features in the first release - it just means that I won't promise that they'll ship with the game. If I do end up having more development time than anticipated, of course I'll try to put as much as possible in the initial release. But what I will promise is that you'll get the content, and you'll get it for free if you purchase the game!
New Wallpapers
Some people have requested more wallpapers. I can't help but oblige! You can download the full-res versions at http://LTheory.com/media.html!
More Badges...
Are you tired of these yet??
Interview with RPS
I did an interview with RockPaperShotgun, in case you're interested in reading: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/11/30/interview-limit-theory-creator-josh-parnell/.
The Future is Bright!
We annihilated the original goal, blew past the first stretch goal...when will it end!?!? Who knows. But it wouldn't have happened without the enthusiasm of so many generous people who share the same vision of living that dream life in space. Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to bring that vision to life...I won't let you all down :)
~Josh
5,449
Backers
$187,865
pledged of $50,000 goal
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Funding period
Nov 20, 2012 -
Dec 22, 2012
- First created · 32 backed
- Josh Parnell 653 friends
- Website: LTheory.com
Pledge $15 or more
1000 backers All gone!
(EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL) THE GAME . Get a downloadable, DRM-free copy of the game so that you can hop into your ship and start exploring the endless universe(s) the day it comes out.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $20 or more
2145 backers
THE GAME . Get a downloadable, DRM-free copy of the game so that you can hop into your ship and start exploring the endless universe(s) the day it comes out.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $30 or more
472 backers
THE SOUNDTRACK, THE BOOK + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Download the maximum-quality version of the Limit Theory Original Soundtrack, as well as a digital copy of "Architecture of a Universe," the making-of book with development shots, commentary, and details concerning the technical magic that makes Limit Theory possible.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $30 or more
371 backers Limited (629 of 1000 left)
BLACK FRIDAY BUDDYPACK . Give the gift of infinity this holiday season, and treat your friend to a limitless expanse of open space to explore! Includes TWO digital, DRM-free copies of Limit Theory. *** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SPECIAL TIER, AND HIGHER REWARD TIERS DO NOT INCLUDE IT! ***
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $40 or more
88 backers
THE HITCHHIKER'S MAPS + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . The universes of Limit Theory are big. Infinitely so. If you're going to make your way around, it sure would be nice to have a map. The Hitchhiker's Map will give you information concerning the starting regions of a handful of different universes. You'll see planets, space stations, asteroid fields, jump gates, jump holes, and more.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $45 or more
435 backers Limited (65 of 500 left)
BLACK FRIDAY BETA . Yeah, you're hardcore. You like making your own way. You don't need maps or guides to navigate the infinite universe. But what you DO need is early access. With a BETA key in hand, you'll be fighting, trading, negotiating, and dominating, well before the public gets to do so. Of course, you'll also get a download of the game, as well as a digital download of the full soundtrack. *** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SPECIAL TIER, AND HIGHER REWARD TIERS DO NOT INCLUDE IT! ***
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $50 or more
213 backers
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDES + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Maps are good, but insider information is even better. Many Bothans died to bring you this detailed information. The Hitchhiker's Guide, much like the Hitchhiker's Map, will give you a wealth of information concerning a handful of universes. Unlike the maps, however, these guides will include detailed planetary economic data, planetary point-of-interest data (including goods bought/sold, ships manufactured, etc), locations of rich ore fields, optimal trade routes, faction dispositions, and more.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $60 or more
180 backers
THE BETA + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Be the first to explore the infinite expanse of the Limit Theory universe(s). You'll get access to a closed BETA well before the game's official release. Voice your opinion, and you may just have a significant impact on the game!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $75 or more
332 backers
THE PROTOTYPE(S) + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . If you can't wait long enough for the BETA, that's okay...because at this tier, you'll receive exclusive access to a PRE-ALPHA combat prototype/playable demo, coming in early 2013. You'll be among the first players in the world to experience the epic fleet combat of Limit Theory! You'll also get the chance to provide me with feedback, so if you don't like something, you'll be in a good position to get it changed long before release.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Pledge $100 or more
48 backers
THE DISCS + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Get your hands on a shiny new copy of both the game and the soundtrack on custom CDs. These are only available through this Kickstarter offer, so your CDs will be truly limited-edition!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $10 to ship outside the USPledge $150 or more
39 backers
THE BOX, THE CREDITS + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Not only will you get a physical copy of the game and soundtrack, but also a custom physical game box, adorned with beautiful Limit Theory artwork. But that's not all. Open up that box, shove that CD in the drive, run the game and click "credits"...and what do you know? There you are. Your name, immortalized in Limit Theory history under "supporters."
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $200 or more
25 backers
THE MAP, THE SIGNATURES + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Included in your physical Limit Theory box, you will find a physical map of Universe 3827, the default starting universe for new players (of course, since the universe is infinite, the map cannot be complete!) While other players wander around in the (metaphorical) dark, you'll be whipping across systems, doing business as you please without ever having to wonder where you are. Note that this map will show at least twice as much as the Hitchhiker's Map version! Moreover, you will also find that both the map and box have been signed by me!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $250 or more
7 backers
THE SHIRT + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . CDs and boxes and maps are all good and well...but when you want to show off your support in a flashier, more stylish way, you're going to need a shirt. Not just any shirt, though. You're going to need something that says "hey, I'm all about unbounded space exploration, and that's why you should come over here and talk to me." How better to do so than by having a little slice of an infinite universe slathered across your chest?
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $300 or more
1 backer
THE POSTER, THE SIGNATURE + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Ok, so your chest is covered, your disc drive is full, your box shelf is boxed, and your map shelf is mapped. But what about your wall? It's probably feeling a little left out in the cold. But you can fix that. How about adorning it with a large, signed, numbered Limit Theory poster, printed on high-quality, glossy poster paper?
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $400 or more
3 backers Limited (7 of 10 left)
??? TOP-SECRET SCHEMATICS ??? + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Get your hands on an ORIGINAL, ONE-OF-A-KIND "idea sheet" from the development process, signed and dated by me. I write down all of my best ideas regarding technical features as soon as they come to me. You will receive a laminated, one-of-a-kind element from this set of notes! Unfortunately, I only have a limited number of grand ideas...lucky for you, that means you'll own a truly-unique piece of LT history (and possibly have the blueprints of a technological aspect of the game that has not been publicly disclosed)!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $500 or more
4 backers
THE PHYSICAL BOOK + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . Get a printed, hardcover, limited edition copy of "Architecture of a Universe," signed and numbered by me, including a personal message of thanks. The book will be of the utmost quality, printed on high-grade, premium paper with a hardcover. It will also include extra content not found in the downloadable version, most likely in the form of extra details concerning the magical secrets behind Limit Theory technology!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $30 to ship outside the USPledge $1,000 or more
4 backers Limited (1 of 5 left)
THE CUSTOM VERSION + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS . I will write a CUSTOM VERSION of Limit Theory just for you! In it, I will include a small-to-medium feature of your request that did not appear in the publicly-released version. I will be willing to extend the code by a few thousand lines for your personal edition, which will result in a cool new feature for you and only you to play with!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2014Add $30 to ship outside the USPledge $1,000 or more
8 backers
THE ELDER COUNCIL + ALL PREVIOUS TIERS EXCLUDING CUSTOM VERSION . Gain membership to the Limit Theory Elder Council, a VIP group of high-tier backers that will be given special privileges, including regular interaction and meetings with me, as well as exclusive content updates that will not be released to the general public. :: Please see the REWARDS section to the left for more information!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2014Add $30 to ship outside the US
Comments
Creator Jaga on December 12
Going to agree with Kaeroku and Steve on the Stretch goals. When just your stretch amounts total 2-3x (or more) of your original project goal, there's something wrong. It's like selling a game for $50 and then adding on $150 worth of DLC or expansions.
Not saying Limit Theory isn't going to be an amazing game - I am backing it after all. But I think you need to adjust stretch goals quickly before the end of the project, so you can actually realize a higher Kickstarter amount. I'd gladly have funded more than I did, but not with the goals set where they are. I don't believe an increase of 66% of your original goal to be a realistic increase for a single feature.
Creator Kaeroku on December 3
PS (I'm just worried I won't get to see Wormholes and Factions)
Creator Kaeroku on December 3
@Josh: (Re: Your @Steve)
It may be worth considering that many of us are backing primarily because we want to see this game made, but secondarily because we want to see this game be all it can be. By the way, I'm a backer now!
Obviously the stretch goals are there because people want the features... and I agree that your core game is feature packed and delaying dev time to add features is not how you want to do it.
In any case, what I'm getting at is that I while agree with all your points-- not delaying dev time, ensuring the game meets it's original vision on release, offering free updates after the fact-- it occurs to me that making stretch goals increasingly difficult to reach (rather than easier) discourages those who would offer higher funding for stretch goals.
(For Instance:) Project Eternity started with a lofty goal of 1.1M$. 1st stretch goal was 0.3M$ more, second was ... errr 0.2M$? I'd have to check. Then the rest were 0.1$M. Now, I agree that granular goals of high qty aren't the way to go, and as the development resources for your team compared to PE are significantly less. This is just me shamelessly trying to encourage you to not put the stretch goals out of (relatively) easy reach. 25k$ per goal is still effectively 1/2 your original budget per bonus feature.
Just a thought, anyway.
Creator Nathaniel on December 2
Some more great ideas. I also approve of post release updates. not only will it get the product out faster, you will be able to better correct any faults there may be quickly for everyone.
Creator Velkaarn on December 2
A good decision to go for post-release updates. Planetary ownership is also approved, keep up the good work!
Creator Josh Parnell on December 2
Thanks everyone, glad you all tend to support my decision to finish the rest post-release!
@Werner/CatInSpace - Thanks, that guys is managing to get on my nerves a bit! Then again, I understand where he's coming from. If you haven't implemented these things before, I'm sure they look difficult. But, frankly, all things are simple when you find the right insight (ironically, this is exactly what "limit theory" means, as a philosophy ;D )
@Steve H - A fair question. The answer is that the base game includes an absurd amount of content already. Given the rate at which pledging is coming in, I can't really afford to make stretch goals in tiny increments, otherwise I'll run out...AND I'll have to give you the moon on a stick ;) Honestly, I could have taken out a lot of the core functionality and given more granular stretch goals, but I opted to stick loads of stuff in the base game, and that's why I'm hard-pressed to offer more features!
@Dave - Yes, I'll be posting lots of stuff on my personal blog (http://anewmusic.com) as well as the official LT blog (limittheory.blogspot.com)!
Creator CatInSpace on December 1
That RPS interview was great, I really enjoyed reading that. I agree with everyone here that you made the right choice regarding the post-release updates. Things have to remain manageable after all - don't burn out. :) Also, like Werner mentioned, great handling of the situation at those Matrix Games forums. I simply couldn't believe what this 'Kayoz' person was posting there. Staying polite and professional is always a win! Well handled.
Creator Willie on December 1
Yep, planetary management and ownership...awesome sauce. Really want that! Keep up the great work Josh!
Creator John Smith on December 1
Sounds awesome mate! Thanks!
Can't wait to own my own planet (although I was rooting for starting factions ;)
You're doing amazing job, I'm glad I pleged and helped you making this dream come true.
Creator Werner Beytel on November 30
Great stretch goal Josh and congratulations on your interview with RPS. Some attention from RPS never hurts a campaign's pledge totals.
I was especially impressed by the way you handled Kayoz on the Matrix Games forums (linked in the RPS interview's comment section). You answered each of his negative and frankly cynical points with calm, polite, well reasoned responses.
You sir, are a gentleman!
Creator David on November 30
If we get planetary ownership I want options as a ruler.
Monarcy, Democrocy, Company, Hippy, etc.
Creator Steve H. on November 30
Why has the stretch goals jumped from 25k to 33k all of a sudden? Thats a considerable increase considering the amount of funding your asking let alone the huge increase for first two stetch goals.
Creator Blackstaff The Unknown Obsidian Order on November 30
Stop it, Josh ! Stop it, man ! My excitement can't take anything else :)
Creator CDSAfghan on November 30
Fantastic plan, keep it up brother. You're gonna be upgrading the "studio" I imagine, parents house won't cut it anymore! When you tell your Mom about your incredibly successful project is she like "you're so smart I wish you would use your brain for something other than video games" parents pheww. Congrats man!
Creator Styggron [ELITE VETERAN SINCE 1985] on November 30
Brilliant Josh brilliant. Goodness you must be sick of me saying that by now. :-)
Creator Kahuna Kevin on November 30
Cockpit view!
Creator Gatt - Member of the Grey Gamers Guild on November 30
I wholeheartedly approve of your decision to have stretch goals be post-release updates. That tells me as a backer that even though you don't have industry experience you are doing a very good job of recognizing the scope and timetable of the project.
Which in turn tells me that you likely have a good grasp of the work necessary to complete the project, and improves my confidence in your ability to deliver significantly.
Thank you!
Creator WM on November 30
Mate. Thanks for going post-release on these updates - it just sounds far wiser!
If Kicktraq is anything to go by, you'll end up with quite a bit more to do =P I'm proud to support this project
Creator tarasis on November 30
Good interview and yes I think you are taking the right route. Concentrate on base game and then release the extras. I do look toward to owning a planet though, maybe building my own base and landing pads for my fleet :)
Creator ErekoseDM on November 30
Vote : Wormhole Generator!!!
---
on the vote page, the own planets is still an option of the vote process.
last time it wiped out all the votes, and i re-logged in.
we're just down to:
Procedural Music Generation
Cockpits
Ability to Create / Manage Factions
and
Wormhole Generator
correct?
---
glad owning planets made it in as the next goal ^_^
and the stretch add ons wont delay the main game, so we can earn up some credits and resources to buy the planets by the time it does get released.
Creator ReptilianSamurai on November 30
I really like your plan for the stretch goals. Rather than delaying the game, providing free post-release updates for the backers is the perfect way to handle taking on the extra work that the stretch goals present. Looking forward to this very much!
Creator Victor Tombs on November 30
Really enjoyed the interview Josh and your reasoning on the stretch goals makes perfect sense.
Creator Dave Hughes on November 30
This is gonna be awesome, I think the work you have done so far is mind-blowing and i'm really looking forward to seeing the progress of the game as you develop it. Will you be doing a dev diary?
Creator Henrique Vignon on November 30
Nice, and yes post release updates for the stretch goals is more than reasonable