Hey Obduction Backers,
Well this letter was finally supposed to be some very exciting news, but thats not how it turned out. We feel like weve been sucker punched. Let me explain exactly what happened and why weve been quiet for the last few months.
First, Obduction is amazing. We couldnt be happier with how its progressing.
About six months ago we realized that Obduction had evolved with enough content to be a bit larger than the Kickstarter-sized experience we had planned. With that in mind we decided to see if we could raise some small additional funding to move Obduction to that larger vision - instead of moving the scope back down.
We had serious interest from several sources including a small publisher. After several meetings and reviews the small publisher said yes, and we proceeded to negotiate a formal contract that was ready to sign two months ago. They assured us that this was a done deal, and so, with their very specific recommendation we moved forward with the larger Obduction production leaving the option to reduce behind us.
So, two months ago we were on the cusp of signing the contract and making the exciting announcement to our backers and the public. We waited a few days
then a few days more. A week passed, then another. The signing of the contract was lagging. It was a red flag, but there was always a reason vacation, holidays, travel, out of the office. They assured us that things were fine - it was just a matter of timing for the executives.
You see where this is going.
Long story short, we were expecting yesterday we would finally sign and move forward, but instead we found out that, in spite of all the good faith negotiating, early assurances (that we based some rather important production decisions on), and even gestures on our part to sweeten the terms of the contract (if that was the problem) the publisher did a 180 and reneged for what were apparently financial reasons.
Now this leaves us in an extremely tenuous position. Because this publisher tied things up for so many months, we have very little time to try to round up additional funding.
So, here is what were doing
Obduction production continues at full speed while we reassess. We will determine the adjustments required to move Obduction back to the original plan reducing the scope in an intelligent way, so we can complete it, polish it, and test it.
In the meantime were also looking for any partners who would like to be part of making the bolder Obduction for a sweetheart of a deal. Weve got plenty of the game complete to prove what Obduction is, the investment amount is relatively small at this point, and (because of our situation) the terms (and royalties) are generous. Maybe well still get a chance to build a larger Obduction experience.
Heres what that means for you
Weve used a few months of our schedule for work on the larger vision, so were a few months behind. Well be reworking our production schedule based on what we figure out in the next week. Obduction is definitely still coming, and it will amaze you, but it will be delayed by a few months.
Its always awkward to have to hang out your dirty laundry. Last week we were so excited that we would finally be able to tell you about a publishing deal that would enable a larger Obduction experience, and this week were scrambling to adjust. But our team is small, nimble, and amazingly talented.
Its ironic and sad that every time that Cyan has been pushed to the brink, it has been related to some unexpected move by a publisher. I suppose we were hoping for something better this time shame on us.
Thank you again for your support and understanding. Now that we dont have to keep mum, we look forward to once again keeping you informed of everything thats happening.
Rand
