RedSpringStudio Updates (Personal Opinion)
For a while I have noticed a lot of the fandom backers or non-backers are concerned about the lack of updates from the devs. Which I believe is understandable for anyone in ANY fandom to feel however they feel (not put between a rock and a hard place) instead of being stuck in a moment waiting for something to change. I do want to point out that others have pointed out before there is a major gap in communication. Although there are two sides to consider the fandom and the devs perspective which I’ll break down from my perspective:
Sorry if the post is outlined weird (the indented numbers are supposed to be bulleted list)
I like to mention (as a backer myself) the devs are busy developing their first game on their own with the fandoms help since Kickstarter.
Developers own jobs to earn income besides working on the game
This year some members were replaced or left (temporarily) due to personal life stuff being priorities firsthand that is fair
Patron, Discord, Website, Kickstarter, Gmail, and other social media platforms do inform the public in its own format
And some do provide ways to reach out to devs to ask questions about the game which is helpful
Being respectful to backers that help fund the game at the beginning
On YouTube there was an Interview with the devs and comic con that informed players of the game’s potential plot and purpose
Expansion of the game took longer due to pushing the (TBD) full release in 2026.
Merch has been finished being delivered to backers that paid which I appreciate. Including the devs dealing with tariffs
Shipping to certain areas or outside the states
Probably making sure all orders were correct
Out of stock (completed step in game process) so backers didn’t have to wait for personal orders besides the game itself. Which I don’t know if it solely the funds used from (Kickstarter) to get the merch ordered to sent out to backers
Or if they had to also work with certain delivery systems and whoever created the merch itself with packaging to get enough stock for only backers that didn’t go over the budget to consider
Manager and discord servers watching over community and social platforms
Backtracking due to new systems in developing game
Other behind the scenes group members dealing with working on certain parts of the game that is taking a lot of time
Budgeting the Kickstarter money wisely while not rushing the expansion of the game to where it is fast paced and glitchy
Plus those early access (backers) that have beta gamers are able to give feedback to developers to consider next steps to fixing any bugs, writing, or so forth.
Backers are able to get more information than non-backers that we paid for at the time available on Kickstarter in 2022. Seems fair for backers a bit more. But updates have been made to give non-backers more info on the game as well.
However, the devs have focused on only posting updates for backers to show the process of the game with recently the beta chapter one preview.
Is a tiring process for devs
Loss of Interest or Expectations
Not everyone’s cup of tea. What I mean by this is when the game is fully released, whenever that will be next year most people will have their own outlook of the game regardless the devs will be satisfied with completing their own project.
Theories are already downplayed or were assumed by the public before the game was released (despite little to no spoilers) which gives the game a bit of mystery but not a lot.
Life goes on and there are other fandoms to join to pass the time.
Being secluded from information (non-backers) is miserable and backers (like myself) wish I could share more to you.
I do not know if I overlooked anything else on this matter. Despite the things I listed, some of you probably already know about the matter. I do think there can be a couple of solutions to this if it is possible to fix a bit of communication. While respecting devs and fandoms terms of revealing info on the games process without spoiling.
Like on twitch or YouTube (even patron or steam) can have a live stream for devs or someone on the team interact with fandom about the game
Sharing fandom art which could be fun through discord or using the game “gartic phone” I believe to actively interact with fandom even more. (custom words from game to draw) so charades on the topic of touchstarved game.
Q and A about each chapter without spoiling like for example “this chapter will make the players hopefully consider reflecting on the LI’s validation tactics or inspiration for character development.”
More personal interviews with devs on a live stream to interact with community
Not necessarily has to be a q and a about game but interacting with fandom like doing something random like playing mario kart with entire RedSpringStudio members (that are available) to be open to having a good time to get to know them better.
Even talk to other game developers to bring light to both fandoms and developers that are not as well known to many people.
Other factors that could help:
Or working on more merch for non-backers which is their choice since it probably is a lot of work to put into on their part.
Comic con or events to showcase the game more to expand the fandom
Manager for social media platform could post puzzles or riddles that the fandom could piece together every week or month that is based on a LI, background art, slang word, or pinnacle moment the devs might reveal that leaves the fandom questioning and theorizing about potential plots or endings that have yet to be written completely. Even throwing us off track will still be fun to theorize as we wait patiently for the game.
These were just some suggestions I thought about. But we still need to consider timing, funding, and man power (since the team is small). But just wanted to mention what came to mind a bit. I hope this was kind of helpful for others to consider ideas as well that the devs could at least consider even if they couldn’t do these things.
