Beyond The Gates Of Antares - Rick Priestley New Sci-Fi Game - Kickstarter Upcoming!

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**judgedoug**

This is one of the few Kickstarters where it actually feels like it's really funding a business model instead of a glorified preorder system. We are the crowdfunding (instead of a bank) and we've been pitched an idea. Everyone's gotten used to the last year's worth of "this is already coming out anyway but if you pay now then we'll give you a pile of extra junk oh and it'll probably ship really late too".

**Bolognesus**

^^This^^!

Really, I love KS projects like SW, Bones, DB et al (KoW is a bit of an odd one out in the sense that they really, really did a lot of stuff they never anticipated doing this way but would have done over the next year or two,three anyway) where we just get a fethton of goodies for paying early and having a little faith -- but this has it's own kind of appeal.
Now many of us (me included

) can't draw worth gak but getting on a forum and discussing pretty pictures is something we can all do - and really, for that GBP122 I think I'm going to have a whole lot of fun with this even before anything ships or one game is played

**Ignatius-Grulgor**

Still people need to remember it's early days yet we've got 58 days to go where they can put a lot more out there, they're probably counting on Rick being a major factor in the first few days of draw at least. Then they can start really pumping out the info, I doubt with the people involved they'd allow it to flop. Plus it's hardly just Rick that's a big name here, John Stallard is the CEO of warlord games and an ex-CEO at Games Workshop. Kevin White is the owner of Hasslefree Miniatures, Bob Naismith created a huge chunk of Space Marines, and Tim Prow has a great catalogue of miniatures including some of my favourites from Reaper as well as a lot of the heroclix range.

I certainly don't mean to come across too much like I've been supping the kool-aid though, there are always going to be things people don't like about a project. I personally like that they've left things free to be changed by the backers, they really do seem passionate about making this as much about us as them. Anyway I don't want to keep rambling on, a little nugget to show they really are listening and adjusting on the fly already:

Hi Backers!
We're somewhat overwhelmed by the support you guys have given us, so thank you very much for backing us! We're bringing in the new year with a bang!

Yet again a number of you have contacted us wanting us to split out our offerings in a new tier, this time is was collectors rather than players, so we've added a new reward tier just for you:

Collectors Singularity Hansa - £305 - Limited to 10 = Collectors Edition Backers Rulebook + Custom Painted Hansa + Roll of Honour + Big Bang Reward Tier (Graphic coming soon!) (Free Shipping)

We have a more 'normal' update coming later this evening once we've gotten ahead a little!

Have a great 2013!

GoA Team

If they keep up that speed of update and do keep listening to us then I'll be sticking with it regardless, I've been tremendously disappointed by for example the current Wyrd kickstarter where they've shown what verges on disdain for the backers.

**AlexHolker**

endtransmission wrote:
See. I'm sat on the other side of this fence. I think the kickstarter is great and love the idea of getting involved this early in the process as it means I've actually got a say in how the universe and models pan out. We've seen with Sedition wars that they didn't seem to actually want feedback on the sketches and greens they showed; this project on the other hand really does. Yes, the production costs are high, but there have been higher goals... if it doesn't reach it, then you've not lost anything by backing it. If it does... the rules discussed so far on the forum seem like a great concept and the models don't seem particularly pricy for what you are getting.

I wouldn't object to the group effort if they weren't asking for money before things were finalised. You think you've got a say in how the universe and models pan out, I think not-me has a say in how the models I've (hypothetically) already paid for pan out. I don't want to give them a few hundred bucks only to see the masses talk them out of making anything I want to own.

**Bolognesus**

OTOH this involves the same folks who will actually be paying.
To each his own, I guess.

**GBDarkAngel**

Ok..So Rick Priestly has been roped in too help a company go Head to Head with GW but dont want to risk their own cash so want us to pay for it.

Im pretty sure Mantic already do a alternative Sci Fi tabletop game.

Keep your cash folks all you will be doing is funding their little project for a couple of years then they will can it or it will die a slow painful death.

**judgedoug**

GBDarkAngel wrote:
Ok..So Rick Priestly has been roped in too help a company go Head to Head with GW but dont want to risk their own cash so want us to pay for it.

Im pretty sure Mantic already do a alternative Sci Fi tabletop game.

Keep your cash folks all you will be doing is funding their little project for a couple of years then they will can it or it will die a slow painful death.

What point are your trying to make here? Yes, Kickstarter is a way to have the public fund an idea instead of a bank. Do you need more information about how it works?

**Compel**

While I'm still rather unsure of this. I don't think it's fair to say that Rick Priestley has been 'roped in' as some sort of 'celebrity' endorsement.

From some of the stories I've heard, the concept is something quite close to Priestley's heart.

**Bolognesus**

GBDarkAngel wrote:
Ok..So Rick Priestly has been roped in too help a company go Head to Head with GW but dont want to risk their own cash so want us to pay for it.

Im pretty sure Mantic already do a alternative Sci Fi tabletop game.

Keep your cash folks all you will be doing is funding their little project for a couple of years then they will can it or it will die a slow painful death.

I think this is going for a *maximum* 40-50 minis each side - while warpath might be at that point now, it certainly isn't intended to stay that way after a decent kickstarter with plenty of hard plastic models etc...
Besides, the way this game is said to use active/reactive model mechanics the way they're hinting at gives it a whole other, more 'detailed' smaller scale skirmish feel entirely!

Keep our cash? Why? If I have fun with stuff costing me ~150-180 pounds for a year or two, three - that's called quite good value per hour of fun, where I'm from

Also, since I'll probably get two complete well-playable sides just from the KS without *ever* having to buy anything again - I effectively have a self-contained game I could pick up 20 years from now even if it bombs. Sure, the online component will be gone but the battles are independent from that, so what's there to worry? It's fethin Rick Priestly and Warlord Games - they'll deliver on the game and the models; anything after that is a bonus.

...And besides, plenty of games keep a small, but active, player base long after they're gone from FLGSs and webstores. You just gotta know where to look!

**Pacific**

Compel wrote:
While I'm still rather unsure of this. I don't think it's fair to say that Rick Priestley has been 'roped in' as some sort of 'celebrity' endorsement.

From some of the stories I've heard, the concept is something quite close to Priestley's heart.

Yes I believe he is the head designer. I'm guessing that the set-up is something like the one of the team that made 40k; Rick with some of the other game design 'cabal' (I believe even some of the guys who helped make 40k), but this time of course the communication/feedback between the designers and the people who are commenting on the forum - something that was obviously not possible 25 years ago.

GBDarkAngel - you need to read the rest of the Kickstarter info. Actually, even a paragraph or two, to realise what this game is about before dismissing it out of hand mate.

**BobtheInquisitor**

It sounds like it is very much designed for gamers first and modellers/fluff..ers? second. I wish them the best of luck and hope you all get what you want, but I can't see anything to get excited about here.

Wake me up when they have some designs for the drones. Good designs, I mean.

**BrookM**

Possibly problem with having the community design the things is that the people with the loudest shouts get the most to say and could keep others from seriously chipping in, like with those other plastic Guard stand-ins that were very much moulded by a small group of people who made sure nobody else could get input in on the final designs.

**Bolognesus**

...What plastic guard stand-ins were that?
We'll see - I think these guys know they'll have to moderate the debate to make sure such a thing doesn't happen and really, the best way to prevent it from happening is jumping into, not staying out of, the fray

**Pacific**

BobtheInquisitor wrote:
It sounds like it is very much designed for gamers first and modellers/fluff..ers? second. .

I don't mean to sound rude by saying this mate but you really need to read the opening preamble on the kickstarters page. One of the central tenets of this project is that, rather than already having firm ideas in mind for the model and game concepts, it is molded partly with input from the community that want to take part in it.

There is lots to be excited about with this project - again if you read on through the admittedly long-winded KS opening page, the whole ideas of this community shaped game universe and game mechanics, with real-time updates and progression of the universe (that utilises the communication/feedback technologies made possible only in the past few years), makes me think this has the potential to be something quite special and unlike anything we have seen before*. Although 'potential' is the operative word here.

(and also why it's important that as many people as possible back this project!

)

* I say 'unlike anything we have seen before' in the sense that it could create a new and fun way to play - not just some new miniature that has 15 legs, body appendages or whatever

**Duncan_Idaho**

Went for Feeder.

Why?

Cause no game Rick designed in the last 30 years and he was allowed to pour his heartblood into ever let me down. Even today most of them are fun to play.

And GoA is a work of love by Rick and other GW-veterans. The game they wanted to do but due to several reasons never were able to do. Until now.

And don´t worry about the loudest having the say where the game goes... in the end the designer decides and Rick rather goes for good design suggestions than most vocal shouts.

**Melcavuk**

Also in for a Feeder special, it has the potential to be something amazing and I'm happy to go on faith with what Rick has been posting up on the forums. They've got the team together and while they've set a high target that is what they consider neccessary to make this a success rather than just half hearting it.

As for the designs being public centred, it'll likely help alot with brainstorming but having the proper creative team able to pick and choose concepts prevents it descending into idiocy.

**BobtheInquisitor**

Pacific wrote:
BobtheInquisitor wrote:
It sounds like it is very much designed for gamers first and modellers/fluff..ers? second. .

I don't mean to sound rude by saying this mate but you really need to read the opening preamble on the kickstarters page. One of the central tenets of this project is that, rather than already having firm ideas in mind for the model and game concepts, it is molded partly with input from the community that want to take part in it.

I did read it. Or, I started to and then my eyes glazed over because it was talking about stuff that doesn't interest me. So I skipped to the next paragraph.
And the next.
And the next.
...Something about D10s...
Some biographical info...
Aha! Model sketches! Wait, is that General Kale from Tim Burton's Nightmare Before The Planet Of The Apes? And some kind of Werewolf? That sketch isn't even up to Blanche standards of detail.
Close tab.

And if I want to take part in designing a model, I'll design it myself and print it from shapeways or something. What you're describing is the Liberty and Union League all over again. How did their sci-fi soldiers turn out, again?

There is lots to be excited about with this project - again if you read on through the admittedly long-winded KS opening page,

No. Assimilation Host and Dreamforge had long-winded opening pages, in an admittedly adorable way. This opening page would make Proust twirl his fingers with impatience.

the whole ideas of this community shaped game universe and game mechanics,

Sounds great for gamers. My point stands.

with real-time updates and progression of the universe

Sounds great for gamers. Again, what's this got to do with me?

(that utilises the communication/feedback technologies made possible only in the past few years),

This sounds like trouble in the making. For gamers.

makes me think this has the potential to be something quite special and unlike anything we have seen before*. Although 'potential' is the operative word here. (and also why it's important that as many people as possible back this project! )

* I say 'unlike anything we have seen before' in the sense that it could create a new and fun way to play - not just some new miniature that has 15 legs, body appendages or whatever

Let me get this straight: I say, "Sounds great for gamers. I am not a gamer." And you respond, "No, you're wrong. It will be lots of fun to play and have gaming things for gamers who game and maybe a model for gamers." Is that where we are now?

**JamieisOOP**

kenshin620 wrote:
lord_blackfang wrote:
. With digital sculpting and plastic production now so easily accessible that small companies like Wyrd and Soda Pop can go all-plastic, even for skirmish games where they can only expect to sell 1 of each model to a given customer, there really is no excuse for not going that route.

Remember though, these guys are in the UK and are partnered with Warlord

The only plastic option these people know is the Bottleneck known as Renedra

Unless they go "restic" of course like Mantic (who also have problems finding hard plastic options)

Warlord make hard plastic kits....

**Cyporiean**

JamieisOOP wrote:
kenshin620 wrote:
lord_blackfang wrote:
. With digital sculpting and plastic production now so easily accessible that small companies like Wyrd and Soda Pop can go all-plastic, even for skirmish games where they can only expect to sell 1 of each model to a given customer, there really is no excuse for not going that route.

Remember though, these guys are in the UK and are partnered with Warlord

The only plastic option these people know is the Bottleneck known as Renedra

Unless they go "restic" of course like Mantic (who also have problems finding hard plastic options)

Warlord make hard plastic kits....

From Rendra.

**Bolognesus**

I'm guessing they might just have arranged for a reserved spot in advance

also, with renedra booked that full so consistently I can't imagine they're not looking to expand...

**CptJake**

Cyporiean wrote:
JamieisOOP wrote:
kenshin620 wrote:
lord_blackfang wrote:
. With digital sculpting and plastic production now so easily accessible that small companies like Wyrd and Soda Pop can go all-plastic, even for skirmish games where they can only expect to sell 1 of each model to a given customer, there really is no excuse for not going that route.

Remember though, these guys are in the UK and are partnered with Warlord

The only plastic option these people know is the Bottleneck known as Renedra

Unless they go "restic" of course like Mantic (who also have problems finding hard plastic options)

Warlord make hard plastic kits....

From Rendra.

Are you sure? I know Renedra make plastic tents, fences and other scenery, but I though Warlord was responsible for the plastic figures. Renedra may do the tooling and injection molding but Warlord seems to have Warlord on the packaging, but keeps the Renedra name on the scenery items. I have Warlord Zulus and Brits and they are great figures. Warlord offer a ton of plastics. If Renedra is a bottleneck I don't see how Warlord can have so many new releases and stock and sell the volume they do...

**Bolognesus**

I'm guessing Warlord is one of the bigger reasons Renedra is so packed of late

**Ignatius-Grulgor**

What a fantastic response we've had from our early-bird backers!

When we set up our Kickstarter we realised we were asking a lot from gamers, especially because we were starting a brand new project from scratch, and because it's a new project we didn't have much to offer you all except for dreams and enthusiasm. This is - of course - what Kickstarter was created for - but we know that many other successful miniatures Kickstarters have begun with existing ranges and games behind them.

So, yes, we are asking you guys to take a leap of faith on the strength of the team we have lined up, and naturally some folks said it couldn't be done. Well - I guess now at least we know it can be done!

So thank you everyone who has pledged their support and enthusiasm – thank you very much! Both Rik (that’s the other one), John and I have been overwhelmed by your response; we never imagined our project would get off to such a great start!

And yes it is a start – there’s still loads to do and we need you help to do it too. Beyond the Gates of Antares is something I've been wanting to do for longer than I care to admit - and it's only now with the advent of globally accessible information that it's become possible. What I'm aiming to create is a living universe that is not only inhabited by the players but where the players take part in the development of the back-story is a way that has never been realised before. Here then is the ambition - to build a universe that is infinitely and indefinitely expandable - a universe ripe for adventure and battle - and ultimately a universe that will encompass all that is best in science-fiction gaming.

Here’s to 2013 and Beyond the Gates of Antares! Happy New Year everyone.
Rick Priestley

Help us spread the word
We need to make sure everybody knows about us, so we've made some facilitatory artwork to help spread the word. GoA is all about involving you guys right at the start and our first job is to get us funded!

So get creative on it, anything you can think of to spread the word from wandering around your home town with a robot WarDrone suit on (ok, so we haven’t actually made any but a simple cardboard box with the words “I’m a WarDrone – Pledge NOW or my IMTel nano-drones will infect you” will probably work!) to downloading this PDF (http://www.darkspacecorp.com/ks-flyer/), emailing it to your friends and relatives, printing it out and handing it out to literally everyone you come across, you can even get some blu-tack and stick it on the foreheads of shop owners if you like! (apologies if you are actually a shop owner… stick it to a customer’s forehead perhaps? )

Anyway, the point is: If you tell as many people as possible there’s a much better chance of us first: hitting first our funding target, and second: hitting some of our stretch goals and ultimately giving you even more cool stuff to play with.

**Cyporiean**

CptJake wrote:

From Rendra.

Are you sure? I know Renedra make plastic tents, fences and other scenery, but I though Warlord was responsible for the plastic figures. Renedra may do the tooling and injection molding but Warlord seems to have Warlord on the packaging, but keeps the Renedra name on the scenery items. I have Warlord Zulus and Brits and they are great figures. Warlord offer a ton of plastics. If Renedra is a bottleneck I don't see how Warlord can have so many new releases and stock and sell the volume they do...

**Pacific**

BobtheInquisitor wrote:

*snip*

Ah right, I initially read your post as a general 'nothing new to see here - move along'. Sorry for the that, although I'm honoured by the multiple quotes and post dissection

Regarding the models/miniatures specifically it looks like they've got some extremely talented sculptors on board for the project - in the same way that 40k initially provided a melting pot of miniature and concept design talent, perhaps there is the possibility of that happening again here?

For the War Drones in particular, only confirmation I have read over on the forums so far is that they will be multi-part and customisable plastics (which I guess was always going to be a bit of a no brainer!)

++EDIT++ Pledges are now above £25,000 and with more than 200 backers, not bad for the first day.

**agustin**

Bolognesus wrote:
Check the pledge descriptions again. the feeder box is explicitly described as containing the digital download.
All higher pledge levels contain that Feeder box.

Which high pledge levels do not contain the digital download, according to you?

EDIT: Finally found it, and yep, there's a little image of a digital rulebook in feeder.

I still think the ones between The Beginning! and Feeder! should come with the digital rulebook. It doesn't cost Warlord any extra to send out a digital file to some mroe email addresses and they are pledging more than the The Beginning! The 25, 60 and 70 pound levels don't contain the digital download, but do have printed rules.

Feeder is the sweet spot on this one, but this whole KS looks like a mess right now. Hopefully they'll get it straightened out, put up some more actual content and not just have multiple blacked out silhouettes instead of miniatures.

And the demony things with unicorn head spikes. Ugh.

**Duncan_Idaho**

@Warlord

Or you buy your own injection moulding equipment.

@Bob

You really need to read the text below the pictures and not only scan over everything quickly.

@augustin

Seems to me that the reading capabilities of quite some are more in need of organization.

Sidebar and central collumn do not contradict each other. But naturally there´s not that much space in the sidebar to list everything in detail.

**Sidstyler**

Personally Bob, I don't blame you for not being interested since they really don't have anything to show yet (I'm disappointed in the lack of actual models to show off...yes, even me, an evil gamer hell bent on killing your fun and your hobby), but seriously, did a gamer kick your fething dog or something? There are plenty of other games out there that cater to modelers/fluffers, 40k being one of them, and I don't think the world will end if one sci-fi wargame hits the market that actually has some thought put into the damn rules.

I don't even see why you're making all these assumptions anyway, nothing I've seen so far tells me that this will be any better-balanced than any other game.

**agustin**

Duncan_Idaho wrote:

@augustin

Seems to me that the reading capabilities of quite some are more in need of organization.

No, the KS page really is a mess. And it still sucks that you can pledge 70 pounds and not get a zero cost to the publisher digital download.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
And this is not sci-fi:

That's more GW style grimdark space fantasy nonsense.

**Pacific**

Agustin, I took this comment from the forum as it's not immediately obvious on the KS page (and in fact, someone needs to tell the GoA admin guys that this is causing confusion):

(Regarding Bruno Lavallee's sculpts)

Bruno is another one of our collaborators and has some amazing work to show off - Again, please note that these miniatures are NOT part of the GoA universe - though they may be at some point!

So, they are there to show the ability of the sculptors and also the design/production process, rather than necessarily the actual miniatures for use in the game (although I'm guessing at least a couple of them might be applicable!). But yet this needs to be indicated more clearly.

I'll make a comment about this on their forum page, and also your comment about the £70 pledge not getting the digital download - I completely agree with you about that point.