In just over 24 hours Double Fine studios raised over 1 million dollars to make a new adventure game, simply titled, “Double Fine Adventure”. The goal for Double Fine was set at $400,000, $300,000 will be used to create the game, and $100,000 will be utilized to film the entire creation process. Gamer’s can contribute as little as $1, per the Kickstarter policy, but the real rewards begin at $15.00. For a scant $15.00 you are given PC Beta access, a full copy of the completed game, access to the video series, and access to the private discussion community where you can share input on the game. The prizes continually increase, and even go as far as to hit the already sold out lunch with Tim Schafer himself.
Truthfully the real story is what fans will do to support their products. In just over a day Double Fine has enough money to make this game 3 times. I hate to make this a rant on Sopa or Pipa but this truthfully goes back to the piracy issue. If you provide a product your community wants, in a way that they want it, they’ll pay for it. Double Fine couldn’t get funding for an adventure game, so they got funding for it from their audience. In a scant few days the game is funded, and they can begin production, and then they can sell it to their public with no out of pocket expenses to recoup. They have no reason to be scared of piracy, their game is covered, and any additional sales are profit. Proof that the only way for an industry to survive, is to adapt.
Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert have proven once again that they can redefine an industry and cater to the hardest to please group of consumers in the industry. I cannot wait to receive my copy, watch the web series, and play the beta. I realize it’s at it’s goal times 3, but I guarantee your support will be put to good use, feel free to donate here
Thoughts after the video.