‘Ratatan’ Development Log #10: What Was Gained through Kickstarter?

‘Ratatan’ Development Diary #10: What Was Gained through Kickstarter?

In our previous post, we looked back on the 30-day journey of our Kickstarter campaign, analysing the data along the way.

This time, we would like to talk about what we have actually obtained from this Kickstarter challenge now that it is over.

Achievements

(Data source: Kicktraq – Ratatan Kickstarter Campaign Data)

Thanks to the support of a vast number of players from all over the world, “Ratatan” has successfully concluded its Kickstarter campaign.

When we first launched the Kickstarter, we could never have imagined that we would receive such overwhelming support and response.

Once again, we would like to express our most sincere gratitude to all the backers who contributed to the campaign. Thank you all very much!

The Amount Raised on Kickstarter is not Equivalent to Actual Development Costs

On Kickstarter, figures such as ‘how much has been raised’ often tend to take centre stage.

However, this figure does not mean that 100 per cent of the funds can be invested in game development.

Firstly, the Kickstarter platform itself charges a commission and transaction fees; in addition, there are substantial expenses such as the manufacturing costs of physical rewards, international shipping costs to countries around the world, and taxes in various countries.

In the “Ratatan” project, we offered a variety of physical merchandise, including a boxed edition, an art book and a soundtrack; the production and logistics costs for these items were considerable.

Generally speaking, once the various complex costs mentioned above have been deducted from the funds raised on Kickstarter, the remaining amount is the sum that can actually be invested in game development.

Therefore, when planning a Kickstarter campaign, it is not enough to simply consider ‘how much money to raise’; ‘how to design the subsequent funding and operational plan’ is also an extremely crucial aspect.

Once the Kickstarter Campaign Ends, the Real Challenge Begins

The conclusion of the 30-day fundraising campaign does not mean that the funds will be immediately available for use.

As the sponsorship funds are settled and remitted in US dollars, the process is subject to exchange rate fluctuations; furthermore, when a Japanese legal entity is to receive a large sum from overseas, the bank will require a rigorous review of the contract and verification of the source of funds.

We held numerous discussions with the bank at the time and completed each remittance procedure step by step.

Following this, countless practical tasks lay ahead of us:

• Rewards Programme Management
• Player Address Verification and Updates
• Shipping and Logistics Preparation
• Game Serial Number Issuance
• Backer Support and Troubleshooting

The end of a Kickstarter campaign is by no means the end; the real challenge only truly begins here.

What Would We Have Done Differently?

Looking back on the entire Kickstarter campaign, if we had the chance to do things differently is: prepare another channel aside from Kickstarter.

At the time, our primary objective with Kickstarter was to raise funds, and there was nothing wrong with that approach.

However, from the perspective of ‘game development’ and long-term operations, there is another extremely important asset—the Steam Wishlist.

Had we launched the Steam store page simultaneously, we could have seamlessly directed players who’d taken an interest in “Ratatan” through Kickstarter to Steam, thereby building up an initial number of wishlist entries right from the start.

The hype surrounding a Kickstarter campaign typically subsides after about 30 days, but the Steam Wishlist is a vital asset that can sustain subsequent game sales in the long term.

Kickstarter is a platform for gathering supporters, but from a game development perspective, it is also an excellent opportunity to connect with potential future players.

This is a lesson we will certainly put into practice should we ever launch another Kickstarter campaign.

Game Development is Full of Uncertainties and Obstacles

On the other hand, the challenges of game development have far exceeded our expectations.

Overall progress has fallen significantly behind our initial schedule, and we have still not been able to deliver all the rewards to you.

We are deeply sorry to all our supporters who have waited so patiently for so long.

Failing to deliver the promised products on time to the players who have supported us so enthusiastically is an extremely heavy burden and a source of deep regret for the team.

Nevertheless, no matter how long it takes, we will take responsibility and see this through to the very end.

Whether it be the game itself or the various rewards, we will certainly fulfill each and every one of them and hand them over to you personally.

What our supporters have provided us with are priceless

As mentioned at the start of this series of development diaries, our original goal was not merely to create ‘a game’.

‘To have our own IP and nurture it over the long term with our own hands.’

This was the very original intention behind the entire project.

Through Kickstarter, and thanks to the support and kindness of so many players, we have finally achieved this goal.

What you have given us is by no means merely funding; it is ‘the opportunity to shape the future of the “Ratatan” IP with our own hands’.

We believe that our supporters have bestowed upon us a gift that is absolutely irreplaceable and priceless.

The Journey of ‘Ratatan’ Truly Begins Here

We regard your support as a deep expression of your anticipation for the long-term development of the ‘Ratatan’ IP.

‘Ratatan’ will certainly not stop at just this one work.

• Game updates
• Merchandise
• Anime adaptations
• And brand-new works

In the future, we will continue to undertake all manner of new endeavours and challenges.

As long as the ‘Ratatan’ IP endures, we have a responsibility to continually live up to your expectations.

Even if it takes a long time, continuing to respond to your support is the mission we have taken upon ourselves.

The First Half Draws to a Close; on to the Next Stage

With this post, the first half of the Ratatan development diary officially comes to an end.

So far, we have looked back on every step of the journey, from the launch of the project to the conclusion of the Kickstarter campaign.

This journey is not merely a story of ‘how to make a game’, but also a tale of ‘how to secure an environment in which we can develop the game with peace of mind’.

From the next instalment onwards, we’ll officially delve into the main event of the game’s development:

• The actual development workflow
• Strategies for building a Steam Wishlist following
• Marketing and promotion leading up to Early Access
• How a small team can drive global operations

The upcoming content will provide you with even more practical insights to serve as a reference for indie game development.

But before that, we have specially arranged a bonus episode!

Mr. Hiroyuki Kotani, who has long been at the creative heart of “Ratatan”, will be sharing a special feature.

He will dive into ‘Ratatan’ from a creator’s perspective—distinct from that of a producer.

To Conclude

Before long, “Ratatan” will officially be in your hands.

There is no doubt that we have come this far entirely thanks to the unwavering support of our fans; once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you all!

For us, the real challenge has only just begun.

We will continue to nurture the “Ratatan” IP in the future; this journey will certainly not come to an end with the release of this game.

Kickstarter has never been the end goal; our task now is to continue to respond to your support.

We hope that in the days to come, you will continue to walk side by side with us in the world of “Ratatan”!