Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Thanks for the help! Very much appreciated.

Out of curiosity... Do you have to "spend" all of your KS pledge during the first survey? Do funds roll over to the second? I'm thinking that my first survey is going to be LEAN probably extending no further than the one Strike-Force itself, whereas I imagine my Wave 2 order being OBSCENE.

@newtruthneomaxim,

Good question! I think you pledge for all the waves initally and when the 2nd survey comes out for the 2nd wave you can pledge again. Not sure if you can get more first wave figures in your 2nd pledge. I guess the second pledge manager will come out after the 1st wave has been delivered.

This is my first Mantic ks so not entirely sure. You could prob drop them an email through KS, they normally get back to you within an hour or so.

Found it! (I think...)

Corporation Hover Tank concept art:

 edlowe wrote:
@warboss,

They are going to put that info in the pledge manager as they are not completely sure at the moment.

Ah, thanks!

 edlowe wrote:
@ Newtruthneeomaxim

Also I emailed Mantic regarding adding on to my pledge and they said I would have two opportunities to add on.

That's good to know. Two more times I can throw money at them? Then I guess I'm getting all the robots after all. Shame the rebs didn't get something to tool around in. Even the Plague got a robot!

I hope the Orbital Dwarf Gundam character is going to be a bit larger than his Forge Guard buddies. Orbital drop armor should have some girth to it, be big and imposing- for a squat little dwarf that is. I also wonder if Mantic had something up their sleeves in case we met the plastic Enforcers goal, or if that was the last goal they were going to attempt.

My brother was talking about painting up his Asterians in Zeon colors. Does that mean I'm going to have to do my Forge Fathers up in Fed or AEUG color schemes? Hmm...

On to the inevitable wait! Maybe we'll hear something about that co-op Dwarf King's Hold in the meantime!

On the subject of sculpts -

Other people likely know better, but is the 1st gen Plague the only model Remy did for this game? It really looks like Mantic are moving more of their hand-sculpting jobs in-house. I emailed them to ask if Remy would be doing the alternate 1st gen sculpt too, the one you get for $500, and they answered probably not, it would most likely be done by the in-house sculptor.

Seems like a big shift from the old days where Remy did almost all of the Warpath figures, if now he is only doing the stand-out figures like the 1st gen that are meant to be showpieces and sell the entire line.

Also, 3-D sculpting is obviously a fast-growing element of Mantic's miniature line, and while the kickstarter mostly stuck to the things it does easiest - armor and machinery - the organic, hard plastic Zombies are also going to be 3-D sculpted.

Given that they had some problems with complaints about changes between concept art and final hand-sculpted executions, are we seeing the beginnings of a big shift from hand-sculpts towards 3-D computer rendered ones? Especially if 3-D sculpts turn out to be quicker, cheaper, and more reliable in terms of translating concept art? Add to that that the technology of 3-D sculpting is probably growing by leaps and bounds every year. I would imagine this is an industry-wide issue, and that a lot of traditional sculptors without tech savvy, especially those who aren't "top-tier", are justifiably nervous about the future of their careers.

Don't get me wrong - I'm old enough to have a nostalgia for hand-sculpted models and wise enough to appreciate the value and artistry of hand-craftsmanship. But I'm also realistic enough to think this is going to be a big issue, and find it interesting. I'm not advocating a massive shift towards 3-D sculpting, I just suspect it's coming. Am I wrong? I'm only posting this because I'm interested to know what you guys think. I'm sure you're better informed than I am.

 Vermonter wrote:


Feeling my first KS withdrawal signs this morning. Wanted to "tune in" and see the latest "stock report" of how high the pledge total was going.

Don't worry Vermonter it doesn't last long but you do spend 30 odd days following a project day after day then suddenly nothing so there is a bit of withdrawal all right, I think it actually does feed into the desire to back more projects to start the cycle all over again. Having backed 17 projects I'm past that at this stage, KS ends I close it forget about it until an update comes out read it forget it again, in fact I'm pretty much past KS now, of those 17 projects 1 was cancelled, 4 have delivered and 12 have yet to and that's a lot of funds tied up in something I don't have yet so I'm reluctant to spend much more. I have my eye on 3 more projects none of which start any time soon and I think that will be it for me. Deadzone wouldn't have been nearly as appealing to me if it wasn't for the terrain to the point I may not even have backed at all - now I went all in for Deadzone but the Terrain was the key part for me as that's the one thing I'm short of at the moment I have enough miniatures to last of life time now!

Not sure if this has been posted. Plastic Zombie 1st computer render.

Think it will be very interesting to see how these come out and if Mantic will be going down this route for all the core plastics in the warpath kis.

I agree with DaveC's assessment of KS backing. I'm about 45 projects in. I've had about 9 deliver with many more nearing completion. At this point I have to be really wowed to back something. That said I have 1 project I have a set it and forget it pledge in. Few projects get me to follow them closely anymore. Deadzone was like that

After a few projects it just becomes easier to ignore things. Dead zone got me for the same reason Dave went in as well. Terrain! I own 0 nice pieces of sci if terrain so I spent for a good bundle of the stuff. I can't wait to start using that stuff with relic knights and robotec!

DaveC, the terrain was the big part of it for me, too, although I did end up really getting into the miniatures as well. Without the terrain I could have either stayed out, or just stuck at a much lower pledge level. But I decided to go all in. For me, that means no more KS campaigns for a long, long time, and no more miniature / hobby purchases except for a large paint set, brushes, pinning kit, etc. I'm a returning gamer after having abstained for 20+ years, so I need to stock up on all the basics before I'm ready to roll.

Unless there's a "Deadzone sub-package" option I probably won't get into the Warpath KS at all. But watch me break my vows if they release a Veer-myn-driven DeadZone expansion. I'd probably infuriate my wife all over again for that. But honestly, with Mantic's plans for KSes already laid out for a while, I don't see a new Deadzone expansion coming out for at least 2 years or so, depending on how the first one sells.

You know how people say they want to do a fully painted set, and then they put it aside and get more models and end up with tons of games that are never fully painted? Well, I abstained from buying any more hobby games or miniatures for over two decades, and I want my Deadzone set fully painted. If that takes me years and years, that's perfect. I am very much looking forward to putting in the quality time necessary for a fantastic set.

 recruittons wrote:


After a few projects it just becomes easier to ignore things. Dead zone got me for the same reason Dave went in as well. Terrain! I own 0 nice pieces of sci if terrain so I spent for a good bundle of the stuff. I can't wait to start using that stuff with relic knights and robotec!

The terrain is what pulled me in. I need some terrain for Infinity and Relic Knights, when that shows up.

 DaveC wrote:

 Vermonter wrote:


Feeling my first KS withdrawal signs this morning. Wanted to "tune in" and see the latest "stock report" of how high the pledge total was going.

Don't worry Vermonter it doesn't last long but you do spend 30 odd days following a project day after day then suddenly nothing so there is a bit of withdrawal all right, I think it actually does feed into the desire to back more projects to start the cycle all over again. Having backed 17 projects I'm past that at this stage, KS ends I close it forget about it until an update comes out read it forget it again, in fact I'm pretty much past KS now, of those 17 projects 1 was cancelled, 4 have delivered and 12 have yet to and that's a lot of funds tied up in something I don't have yet so I'm reluctant to spend much more. I have my eye on 3 more projects none of which start any time soon and I think that will be it for me. Deadzone wouldn't have been nearly as appealing to me if it wasn't for the terrain to the point I may not even have backed at all - now I went all in for Deadzone but the Terrain was the key part for me as that's the one thing I'm short of at the moment I have enough miniatures to last of life time now!

Sounds about the same for me, actually!

How many of those 12 that haven't delivered yet are actually late though?

I've backed 21 projects so far with:

1 didn't fund
2 cancelled
4 delivered (2 late, with one those being a partial though, as it is Sedition Wars)
14 pending

Of the pending, three are late, IMBRIAN ARTS and RELIC KNIGHTS and the poster boy for late due to wild, unplanned mega-success: OGRE.

 Zweischneid wrote:

evancich wrote:
One of the things that I find interesting about KS is the similarity in the ranges of numbers for these projects.

It seems that mini games hover around the 5k backers range.

I've heard it claimed that after the KS, the retail version of the games have seen 2x sales number (that is around 15k total, 5k from KS and 10k from retail).

That seems like a very small market.

But a small market with deep pockets. Miniature Kickstarter often have several hundreds of USD as average pledge-level. Most Computer Games Kickstarter, to name one example, often only have 30 or 40 Dollars as average pledge level.

Kingdom Death has $379,- average pledge. Deadzone has $283,-, Even the "budget" minis from Reaper made $194,- per backer on average.

Compare that to , say, Double Fine Adventure ($38,-) or, at most, $56,- for real heavy-hitters like Torment: Tides of Numenera, and you might get an indicator why selling expensive miniatures to few people is likely a more sustainable long-term strategy in this particular business than selling cheap miniatures to a lot of people.

Yeah, I didn't mean that as "what a waste of time on such a small market".

It is interesting that there are about 5k people that are willing to fund a mini game on KS. I wonder if those are mostly the small 5k people.

So, if that number is true and games like that sell around 15k copies, how many copies of Level 7 or Space Hulk or Dread Fleet are sold?

According to the Interweb, no-one bought Deadfleet. But if you have 15,000 players, you only need to get players to spend another $100 a year to generate a revenue of $1,500,000... but that is the tricky bit!

 Alpharius wrote:


How many of those 12 that haven't delivered yet are actually late though?

Sorry yeah I should clarify that

4 Delivered - 2 on time , 2 late - 2 of these have another wave to go but the main game has been delivered.

12 to be delivered - 3 late to date, I expect 2 others to miss their delivery date and 1 is currently ahead of schedule but they haven't hit that tricky molding,production, delivery phase yet.

At this stage I add 6 months to whatever delivery date is listed and use that to judge if I'm happy with the wait and a potential delay. That said Mantic have been on time to date and are trying hard to keep this up - some might say at the expense of quality I haven't noticed that myself but they do seem to be upping their game recently. I'd rather a missed delivery date to a rushed one.

I bought Dreadfleet - It's still in the original wrapping and is sitting at the bottom of the wardrobe

 DaveC wrote:

 Alpharius wrote:


How many of those 12 that haven't delivered yet are actually late though?

Sorry yeah I should clarify that

4 Delivered - 2 on time , 2 late - 2 of these have another wave to go but the main game has been delivered.

12 to be delivered - 3 late to date, I expect 2 others to miss their delivery date and 1 is currently ahead of schedule but they haven't hit that tricky molding,production, delivery phase yet.

At this stage I add 6 months to whatever delivery date is listed and use that to judge if I'm happy with the wait and a potential delay. That said Mantic have been on time to date and are trying hard to keep this up - some might say at the expense of quality I haven't noticed that myself but they do seem to be upping their game recently. I'd rather a missed delivery date to a rushed one.

I bought Dreadfleet - It's still in the original wrapping and is sitting at the bottom of the wardrobe

I think Mantic will be OK here in terms of deliveries and hitting dates.

But as others have mentioned, the sooner Mantic goes to mostly digital design and sculpting, the happier many people will be!

Yes I think so too.. Mantic have got the KoW and DB kickstarters sorted (with a few hiccups), if anything this one should throw fewer 'surprises' in their path and hopefully deliver everything on time.

So, there will be a "second survey" with the second wave?

Them, i can get my humble strike team now with the only 165 dollars i have, and still add the Asterian and Forgefather stuff when the second survey come in? (With a EU bundle?)

When Mantic expect to release that second survey? If it comes after november, i can see myself throwing lots of money in it (apart from Strike Team, everything in want is on second wave).

 Alpharius wrote:


I think Mantic will be OK here in terms of deliveries and hitting dates.

But as others have mentioned, the sooner Mantic goes to mostly digital design and sculpting, the happier many people will be!

Digital is not a cure-all, especially since their current digital folks still have issues with organic forms (cloth, anatomy, etc.) and posing (Assault Enforcers). They are good and can get better but not if people keep cheerleading them without critiquing them.

~Eric

 Taarnak wrote:

 Alpharius wrote:


I think Mantic will be OK here in terms of deliveries and hitting dates.

But as others have mentioned, the sooner Mantic goes to mostly digital design and sculpting, the happier many people will be!

Digital is not a cure-all, especially since their current digital folks still have issues with organic forms (cloth, anatomy, etc.) and posing (Assault Enforcers). They are good and can get better but not if people keep cheerleading them without critiquing them.

~Eric

And then there is the issue of Mantic simply changing their mind on the artistic direction a previewed model should go in. Digital modelling may reduce the accidental chance of tiny T-Rex arms (or troll legs) but not the purposeful redesign to tiny T-Rex arms.

 scarletsquig wrote:
^ Yeah, 5000 backers, $300 average pledge and $1.5 mil total seems to be the most likely outcome.

Will be interesting to see what effect this has on the freebies, I'm wondering what Mantic's endgame plan for this is for the inevitable $500k or so of funding that will hit in the last 3 days.

Out of random boredom I wanted to see how Squiggy's predictions panned out.

Final tally of 4306 backers, $282 average and $1.216M and $506, 791 in the final 3 days.. That gives him a score of 86%, 94%, 81% and 100%, respectively. Combined average of 90.25% which for how early he made his prediction (8 days into a 37 day project) is reasonably accurate on the prediction front. Not perfect, but pretty darn close considering the number of things that could have derailed it totally.

^ I said 1.5 mil before this started, too.. didn't post it on dakka though.

The backer and average pledge amount guesses did come later. I'm fairly happy with how the prediction turned out, thanks for the % figures!

My initial thoughts were $2mil finish, then I heard that restic was being used and not hard plastic, so I revised downwards.

Fairly happy with the prediction overall. I think it could have hit $1.5mil with a few more exciting stretches, hard plastic enforcers are a really big deal, they haven't quite figured out to handle their final day properly... We were waiting on an update for a full 10 minutes at the end of this, if it had been posted more quickly, I'm sure that would have gotten the extra £8.5k.

Think the Robotech model of throwing all the cards on the table 3 days before the end is a great idea, too.. it shows confidence from a project creator.

I'll guess $2.25mil / 6000 backers/ $375 average for the Warpath KS, as a super-advance guess. Not a massive jump in total backers, but the spend will definitely be bigger as some people buy 8 full 5k armies or whatever. Much more room to go nuts with it.

so when are we going to find out if we got the plastic peacekeeprs?

Triszin wrote:
so when are we going to find out if we got the plastic peacekeeprs?

Probably after the survey 1 deadline. But we should easily get them. I am trying to scrounge up cash now just to throw a simple 10 bucks in for the effort.

^ Once the 1st surveys have been filled out and returned... could be a while yet, they'll be sent in 10 days once the KS payments are all processed, and I'd imagine people will have until the end of the month to fill them out.

I can't see the peacekeeps not being produced.. for starters, they've said they'll be an option in the survey... so if they don't get the $8.5k it'll be a pain for them to have to pick out and re-send every survey that has enforcers picked. :p

In earlier kickstarters they simply went ahead and unlocked the final goal based on people messaging them saying "will increase on the survey by X amount"... they took a more measured approach this time.

In fact, they have with the entire KS, it has been a very cautious one, almost as if the massive day 1 made them think "crap, this will hit $4mil for sure and we can't handle that"... only towards the end did they feel comfortable enough to get it moving again.

But, when they expect to send the second surveys? Do you know squig?

^ 10 days time for the first survey.

Second survey should go out a couple of months before the second shipment ships (sometime in 2014).

Waiting on word of what will make the first shipment.. naturally, everything in Strike Team will be there by December.

Everything else... might have to wait a while. They've said "2014" for the second shipment without holding themselves to a date. Probably a good thing for the overall quality of the product.

 Taarnak wrote:

 Alpharius wrote:


I think Mantic will be OK here in terms of deliveries and hitting dates.

But as others have mentioned, the sooner Mantic goes to mostly digital design and sculpting, the happier many people will be!

Digital is not a cure-all, especially since their current digital folks still have issues with organic forms (cloth, anatomy, etc.) and posing (Assault Enforcers). They are good and can get better but not if people keep cheerleading them without critiquing them.

~Eric

Right?

And there aren't too many blind cheerleaders around here, are there?

Anyway, the KoW stuff is starting to become an absolute train-wreck.

At least the models we've seen here have been at worst "OK" and at best, really nice.

Ok, those are great news for me...

 recruittons wrote:
I agree with DaveC's assessment of KS backing. I'm about 45 projects in. I've had about 9 deliver with many more nearing completion. At this point I have to be really wowed to back something. That said I have 1 project I have a set it and forget it pledge in. Few projects get me to follow them closely anymore. Deadzone was like that

After a few projects it just becomes easier to ignore things. Dead zone got me for the same reason Dave went in as well. Terrain! I own 0 nice pieces of sci if terrain so I spent for a good bundle of the stuff. I can't wait to start using that stuff with relic knights and robotec!

Maybe you haven't picked the right projects? I mean... I'm about 25 projects in to my backing history, and if nothing else, my Oculus Rift has provided some of the most life-altering experiences I have ever had. So far, Kickstarter has been very good to me.

Oh, and Zombicide has as well, as I have sold my $170 of pledged goods, for about $1150. :-p