The video explores the challenges and failures of Kickstarter-funded MMORPGs, highlighting how many projects underestimated the costs and complexities of development, leading to a high rate of incomplete or failed games despite passionate developers. SaltEMike reacts by appreciating the ambition behind these projects, particularly Star Citizen’s unique scale, while expressing a preference for traditional subscription-based MMOs that prioritize steady development and player experience.
The video, presented by Lazy Peon and reacted to by SaltEMike, delves into the troubled history of Kickstarter-funded MMORPGs, highlighting the phenomenon dubbed the “Kickstarter curse.” In the early 2010s, Kickstarter was seen as a promising platform for revitalizing the MMO genre, enabling passionate developers to bypass traditional publishers and directly engage with fans. Star Citizen, led by Chris Roberts, was the flagship project that raised millions and ignited a wave of similar crowdfunding attempts. However, most projects grossly underestimated the immense costs and complexities of MMO development, with many raising only a fraction of the funds needed to deliver their ambitious visions.
Throughout the mid-2010s, numerous Kickstarter MMOs emerged, promising to recapture the essence of classic MMOs and innovate the genre. Despite the initial enthusiasm, many of these projects struggled with limited budgets, small teams, and unrealistic timelines. The video emphasizes that while some games managed to reach early playable states or niche communities, a large majority either failed to launch, shut down, or became dormant. Notable disappointments like Chronicles of Valyria and Shroud of the Avatar exemplify the pitfalls of overpromising and underdelivering, often leaving backers disillusioned.
The analysis reveals that only about 12% of the surveyed Kickstarter MMOs can be considered outright successes, with nearly half ending in complete failure. Many developers were driven by passion but lacked business acumen and realistic planning, leading to mismanagement and financial shortfalls rather than intentional scams. The video also discusses how some projects, including Star Citizen, sustained funding through ongoing sales and investor interest, though often at the cost of endless development cycles and shifting priorities. This continuous funding paradoxically both prolonged development and fueled further ambitious promises, complicating completion.
Despite the disappointments, the Kickstarter MMO era has had a positive impact on the industry by pushing larger studios toward greater transparency and community engagement. Regular updates, developer blogs, and open communication have become more standard expectations, partly driven by the lessons learned from crowdfunded projects. However, skepticism remains high among gamers, who now approach Kickstarter MMO campaigns with caution, often suspecting overhyped promises and potential failure. The video concludes that while the indie MMO revolution hasn’t fully materialized, the landscape has evolved with clearer expectations and more cautious optimism.
SaltEMike reflects on the video with a nuanced perspective, acknowledging Star Citizen’s unique position due to its unmatched funding but recognizing its ongoing struggle with scope and delivery. He expresses a preference for traditional subscription-based MMOs, valuing steady development and player experience over endless crowdfunding and microtransactions. Ultimately, the video serves as both a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of crowdfunding ambitious MMOs and a tribute to the passionate developers who dared to dream big, even if many fell short.