Welcome to the story behind "The Bunker: A New Perspective." In the lively world of indie game development, creativity can meet... unexpected issues. Our project faced its share of highs and lows, ultimately leading to its cancellation. Here, we share why "The Bunker" had to come to an abrupt end and how unexpected events shaped its story.
We began our journey excited to create a game filled with intriguing narratives and engaging mechanics. We dreamed of a game that would not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful choices in players. When we launched, we felt the support from backers who shared our passion. However, we soon encountered challenges we did not anticipate.
The unfortunate truth is that our project was abruptly halted when a programmer, who was essential to our team, stole funds. This betrayal not only damaged our finances but also shattered the trust we had built with our backers and team.
The Rise and Fall of "The Bunker"
With high hopes, we launched our Kickstarter campaign to secure the funds needed to bring our vision to life. Our campaign garnered excitement from passionate gamers. At its peak, we had 200 backers pledging a total of $150, showing their belief in our project.
However, as we progressed, we noticed discrepancies in our financial records. One of our lead programmers for the game had been requesting funds to purchase assets and packs that would be used to further continue the development of the game. Due to not having the Kickstarter funds just yet and wanting to push a playable demo out as soon as possible - we decided to agree and handed over $200+ of funding to ensure we would have a playable demo in a few months time.The programmer would then ghost the entire team before blocking each and every member.
Impact on Our Team and Backers
The cancellation affected all aspects of our team. We had devoted hours to creating characters and enriching stories, only to see it all vanish. Many volunteers and voice actors had joined us simply out of love for gaming, and firing passionate contributors was one of the hardest decisions we had to make.
For our backers, the disappointment was significant.
A New Perspective Forward
Despite the heartbreaking fallout, we have started to envision a pathway forward. The lessons learned have highlighted the importance of financial oversight and transparency, even for small indie projects.
Moving ahead, we are committed to developing better practices to prevent similar issues. Our team has begun exploring community-based funding models, allowing players and supporters to be closely involved from the start.
Seeking Redemption
As we recover, our dedication to transparency and honesty becomes essential for our future endeavors. The gaming community is incredibly supportive, and we want to harness that energy to create trust and respect.
We are engaging with those affected by the cancellation, including backers and volunteers, to explore how we can rebuild together. While it may take time, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration. Together, we can create something special, and addressing past mistakes is crucial to moving forward. This is why we have built 'The Cooking Club' - to not only shine light on a wholesome world and collaboration but to also ensure our first project reflects not just the peaks of life but the hardships and lows we all encounter.
Moving Forward
The cancellation of "The Bunker: A New Perspective" was a difficult reality to face. It revealed how fragile the indie game development process can be and the potential fallout from misplaced trust. Through this experience, we've learned valuable lessons about integrity, communication, and financial responsibility.
Although we encountered a setback, this is not the end of our journey. Our determination remains strong as we view this situation as a chance for growth. By sharing our story, we hope to connect with others who have faced similar difficulties.
We sincerely appreciate everyone who supported "The Bunker." Your passion and belief in our vision have inspired us, even during these challenging times. As we prepare for our next adventure, we invite your support as we strive to reignite creativity and collaboration in the gaming community.
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