When backers pledge their support for a crowdfunded project they have the reasonable expectation of developers keeping them updated. While it can be difficult to hit just the right mark between too many or too few updates, most agree that content trumps quantity in backer communications. When Exogenesis: Perils Of Rebirth failed to deliver on either, backers were quick to call them out on it.
First a little perspective. Exogenesis: Perils Of Rebirth surpassed its 2014 Kickstarter funding goal, raising more than $56K. Since then Kwan’s post-apocalyptic visual novel has suffered setbacks and production issues. As is often the case when developers are facing problems, backer updates were few and far between as the years wore on.
When development began, this school was still new.
After an extremely personal update in September of 2016 the Kickstarter page fell silent. There were small art teases posted to the team’s Facebook page, but for the most part backers were left to assume the worst. The developers did check in and respond to Kickstarter comments, but usually just with promises of future updates that never manifested. The frustration on both sides was obvious.
Finally, after months of prodding, the developers gave in to backer demands and finally posted a brief update on May 5th. Considering it had been about 7 months since their last official communication, the update could have used more meat.
Promises, Promises
The update presented backers with some location concept art and familiar, bland excuses regarding the state of the game. Kwan attempted to assure backers that despite the delays they are still making progress on the project. They also took a moment to clear up confusion regarding the voice over stretch goal. They still plan to release a voiced version of the game, but this would happen after the initial launch.
For backers seeking answers, this update offered little information to bolster their confidence in the wayward project. While Kwan has offered to continue posting similar, smaller updates, based on the current reactions such an offer may prove to be too little too late to salvage their reputation.
