Crowdfunding has its perks but it also has its drawbacks. One double edged sword is the transparency that updates provide. On the one hand, it keeps fans in the loop. On the other, it also shows some glaring problems with the development of a game. In the case of SpaceVenture, it’s unfortunately both. The game has been over five years in development, and there is still no sign of a release window.
SpaceVenture is one of the projects I’m most excited about. It’s the one where I put my biggest sum of change, and it’s also the return of two living legends in the adventure game community. However, I will also admit to being a bit disheartened by the pushbacks. That’s not to say I’m not still positive. I’m still very much anticipating a great game from Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe. That said, it has been in development for quite some time.
Five years is a lot of time for a game to be in development. I’ve seen plenty of indie adventure games release on a fraction of the budget SpaceVenture got and in a fraction of the time as well. So, one can see why one could be frustrated at the lack of anything playable. Even a beta build honestly could go a long way. That said, most backers seem to be taking the long wait in stride. At least the vocal ones.
Despite the setbacks and pushbacks, SpaceVenture has one major thing going for it. They keep backers updated with information and development news. Pretty much every update has something to show off, even if it is a rough work in progress. This is a lot more than I can say about some projects that have gone completely dark. At the end of the day, all I care about is a quality product sent to me.
A famous game developer once said “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.” Five years, and counting, might be quite a wait, but I do believe SpaceVenture will be worthy of the Two Guys. I just hope it’s not another five year wait. Just how long of a wait period is too long for you? One year? Two years? When do you start picking up your torches and pitchforks?
Mark, Scott and Chris Pope were entertaining thru the Kickstarter! Where are their presence in any of the Updates? Non-existent in video, podcasts, etc. They are gone. But, obviously Mark keeps it going with Chris’ help, and us fans are fine with what they have provided. Personally I’m not a fan of the Ace character, but I do hope they eventually sell a lot. It’s an interesting story!