You can now pre-order AoD, should you choose to do so. Here’s the link:
https://secure.bmtmicro.com/servlets/Orders.ShoppingCart?CID=7483&PRODUCTID=74830000We’re using BMT Micro, a payment processor which is fast and safe. I used it myself when I bought Eschalon (Thomas’ game) and it’s used by several indie companies.
Why now? We were asked quite often to start taking pre-orders. We didn't want to do it until everyone had a chance to play the full demo and experience the game. Now, after two demos, you know exactly what we're offering.
You know what we delivered, you know what we’re fixing, you know what to expect. You like what you see and feel it's worth 25 bucks? Show us your support. You don't like what you see? Have doubts? Buy yourself a pizza instead. It's cool.
Why are you asking us to pre-order?First, to show your support. Second, to help us. For example, Nick’s (our programmer) computer just died. He’s using an old box for now, but we’ll have to get him a new one. It would be nice to be able to do so without dipping into personal savings. Also, Nick has to make a living by teaching (yeah, he’s a bright guy) in a computer academy. It would really help us if he didn’t have to teach and could focus on AoD full time. Same goes for Oscar and Ivan. Third, it would be nice to recover past expenses (like Torque’s license - $1,000) and help with the current one. Our bandwidth went from 70-120GB to 220-250GB in the last two months. Etc.
Specifics:PRE-ORDER: pay $25, you’ll be sent a download link. The download file is a placeholder. When the game is released, it will be enclosed in a zip file of the same name and you will be able to retrieve the updated file using the same download link sent with your original order.
If you lose the email, contact us and we’ll sort it out.
DONATE: you can select a higher amount and pay more, if you want to. The ONLY reason we set it up this way is because we were repeatedly asked to do so in the past. We’re not asking anyone to pay more, but if you want to, the option is there. To show our gratitude, the very least we can do is offer you some “rewards”, for the lack of a better word:
- $25 (pre-order) – will be listed and thanked in the credits
- $30 (pre-order plus $5 extra) – will receive a nice, golden forum tag – Patron of the Motherfucking Arts
(PM Nick your real name or order ID to receive it)- $40 (pre-order plus $15 extra) – you can create a filler character* for the game
- Any more than that – we will be very, very grateful. We don’t want to copy the Kickstarter approach and offer tiered rewards. Donate if you feel like it. The tag and the filler character aren’t to entice you to give you more money, but to thank you if you choose to do so.
FILLER CHARACTER – if you like the setting and want to create a filler (non-essential, not involved in any quests) character, you can submit a background story (who your character is and how he/she fits into the world) and suggested dialogue with the player character. Then we’ll work with you, developing this character further and modifying the dialogues as necessary.
The main goal here is to provide different and believable personal stories and points of view (how your character sees the world, etc) that are consistent with what’s been presented in the demo. In other words, no wacky shit. The world is rich and has room for plenty of different characters if you feel creative – traders, prospectors, farmers, religious fanatics and true believers, veteran soldiers, beggars, raiders, loremasters, minor nobility, refugees fleeing failed settlements, people who did time in the mines, assassins, thieves, etc.
Kind of like talking to the raiders in Fallout. More involved if you feel like it. You’re limited to one conversation (the player character with your character), but you can make it as involved and deep as you please. Feel free to use skill, stat, reputation checks.
To ease some concerns. We aren’t planning to turn the gameworld into a zoo. I will check all submissions myself, veto everything that doesn’t fit, AND work with people to guide and shape their ideas and make them a good fit. These submissions won’t affect the setting, story, quests, but if done right, will enrich the gameworld. Needless to say, we reserve the right to insist on any changes that might be necessary, reject characters, and even refund your donation in some cases.
BOXED VERSION: We aren’t offering a box version at this stage. It will be offered when the game is ready and when we place an order and will have something to show. You will be able to order it separately (i.e. you can pre-order the digital version now for $25 and upgrade it to a box for another $25 at any time)
DRM: None. If you feel that the game is worth paying for and, most importantly, you want to help us stay in business and make more games, support us. If not…