This is a repost of a comment I left in the other topic discussing how to raise money for a new update. I wanted to create a topic dedicated specifically for this, because I feel it is a discussion that should be brought to the creators and the community.
That said, I think Subterfuge should launch a Kickstarter campaign!!
The number one issue with Subterfuge is that it doesn't have a large enough user base. There could be a number of reasons for a low user retention rate, which have been discussed at length in these forums. I believe the game needs a reset. A chance to start again.
Many games (and other products/businesses) don't succeed the first time. But that does not mean it is not a good product. I wouldn't say Subterfuge is a failure, but it is also not a success. Often the product just needs to refocus, rebrand, and relaunch. Many products on Kickstarter have experienced this.
Disclaimer - I am not trained or educated in business or development of products
Refocus
This starts by analyzing what is at the heart of the game. Why have the current users decided to stick around and play the game. The creators made the game with an idea of what the game should be, but that does not mean that is what evolved among the community once the game launched. A simple survey from survey monkey or some other site could gather this data. Yes, people have debated this on the forums. However, surveys are private and confidential so people can share what they truly feel. The data that is returned can act as the game's identity. This can include both positive and negative views of the game. Both are needed to form a complete picture.
Rebrand
With the collected information you can begin to rebrand the game. This could include anything from the description of the game to core values of the game. This will give new players a better understanding of what the game is. It can help make the game relatable to other games people have played. It will also be more representative of the game in its current state, rather than what the game hoped to be before launch.
*****personal opinion******
Board games are having a huge rebound. The board game market is booming with more and more board games coming out every month. These board games range from family fun to hardcore strategy. Board game fans know and love them.
There have been more and more board game apps appearing in the App Store. Many of with are highly rated. I believe Subterfuge has the feel of a strategic board game that maintains the social elements of a board game. However, it utilizes the power of mobile technology that allows you to always have board game night with you. This is how I believe Subterfuge should be rebranded. It would access a number of new player demographics and get the App added to more/new categories in the App Store.
******end personal opinion*******
Relaunch
This is where Kickstarter comes into play. All this new information and rebranding can be used in the description of the campaign. Describe what the game is and why is should exist and how it is different from anything else on the App Store. The creators can even admit that they game has been live for a while and that they are looking to take it to the next level with new funding.
The Kickstarter page will allow current players to support the game, and share it via social media. New players can discover the game. Plus if Kickstarter highlights the game it will bring even more publicity.
The benefit is that there is no risk. If the kickstarter is not successful then no one looses money and the creators don't have to do anything beyond what they are doing now. If it is successful, then everyone wins!
Possible Kickstarter pledges could include (prices not included)...
-early bird: discounted L2 pass (limited amount)
-discounted L2 pass
-L2 pass with Kickstarter badge
-L2 pass, kickstarter badge and poster artwork
-L2 pass, kickstarter badge, poster artwork, neptunium t-shirt
-and many more!
This method would also allow the creators to decide how much they want to put into the game. They can decide how much money they want to raise and decide what it would take to bring them back. Yes, this would cost some money to implement, however a lot of it is not overly expensive. The benefit is the game is already created. People launch successful Kickstarters with a lot less than what is already in place for Subterfuge.
It would take more effort for the creators to run and update the Kickstarter page, but help from the community could help manage pledges and other "maintenance" elements for Kickstarter. If it fails they won't have to do more that what the game is doing now, if it succeeds they can continue developing the game they love.
I truly believe that Subterfuge is one of the best strategy games in the App Store. However it is also the most misunderstood game that nobody knows about. Relaunching the game will allow Subterfuge to learn from its mistakes and successes.
I hope the developers see this post and take it into consideration. I also hope the community fights for something like this, because it is a game that deserves to continue.
What do you all think? Should the creators consider launching a kickstarter campaign??