No Backer Exclusive Content

[McSpermie]

In the most recent update (that being update #14), it says the following:
"...we will open a backer-only store with some great exclusive items that won’t be available to the general public."

I request that this does not take place. This is content that will be made during the development cycle, and should be included to everyone who buys the game at launch. As the powers that be here may or may not know, the developers of the new Shadowrun game attempted to do something similar. However, it was met with resistance of the backers and should follow suit here. A formal criticism can be found for the first half of this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mx0wgX3IgQ
There are plenty of reasons for consumers to be wary of kickstarter until something is actually produced, and should not be punished for being cautious consumers. I know this is meant to be a reward, but it comes off as a punishment to those who did not participate for an infinite number of reasons. Thanks for reading.

[TΛPETRVE]

As long as it doesn't involve game-changing content, I see no problem there. It's a simple matter of risk and reward.

[CmdrJudas]

Can we get some official guidance on the sorts of "items" you're thinking of putting the Backer-Only store?

When I saw the update, I was thinking about physical things like, say, t-shirts and stuff. Nothing actually in-game. IF that turns out to be the case, it could radically change the original poster's concerns.

[McSpermie]

Can we get some official guidance on the sorts of "items" you're thinking of putting the Backer-Only store?

When I saw the update, I was thinking about physical things like, say, t-shirts and stuff. Nothing actually in-game. IF that turns out to be the case, it could radically change the original poster's concerns.

If that were the case, it would drastically diminish my concerns. I guess I shouldn't be so quick to jump the gun and assume it's going to be in-game content.

[simplycorrect]

I just assumed it was physical goods and not game content. I'd like to know this as well

[cah]

I know this is meant to be a reward, but it comes off as a punishment to those who did not participate for an infinite number of reasons.

Nope, it is still a reward. If you buy the game only when it's released you'll still be getting your money's worth, so there is no punishment here whatsoever.

[BlackGauntlet]

All backers are already guaranteed a special non-gamebreaking skill/perk already. So...

Anyway, I do believe that making the store backer-exclusive is kinda counter-productive. Perhaps open up the store for everyone but provide backers with a certain percentage of discounts instead. This will lower the initial costs of production for all product lines and, at the same time, garner a larger market for a future fan following.

Helps to promote the brand if they're wearing it too.

[CaptainPatch]

It's no different than any others of the rewards given in the pledge packages. Those that kicked in got stuff that others who did NOT contribute don't get. This is just one last perk given to ALL contributors because the pledge drive did so well. People that pledged have the right to feel special, and this is just one more thing to make them feel that way.

If others that didn't pledge feel left out, well, they had an opportunity and _they_ chose not to take it. The BIG STORE Sale has come and gone. Life goes on.

[Drool]

It's entirely possible that the items that will go in the store are all physical things, like t-shirts. And if not, I'm sure some enterprising people will rent out their access to the store for people who really, really, need a red boots pack.

[cah]

The t-shirts and other exclusive physical items should stay backer-only. And even then it's probably a bad idea, since the $150 contributors will feel betrayed, and rightfully so.

[Klimy]

As a backer I agree that all ingame content should be released to everyone. But as mentioned before me, physical items are different thing. I think a t-shirt that has "backer" mentioned anywhere should be backer exclusive, and plus maybe some lithograph with exclusive picture will do no harm to anyone (or maybe signed by a crew as a backer-thank-you-thing).

[Mandemon]

If they release in-game content, why not make so that backers get it first/on discount, say 2 months before everyone else gets its or they get 25% off the price. Then later release it to the public who has to pay full-price.

This way you reward those who backed the project yet allow non-backers to gain access to stuff.

[ET3D]

I don't think there's need for further discounts or exclusives to backers, but if they're selling shirts that say "I survived the apocalypse by backing Wasteland 2" or that kind of stuff I understand why it would be backer exclusive and that would be cool.

[Tanglebones]

As long as it doesn't involve game-changing content, I see no problem there. It's a simple matter of risk and reward.

I agree. Backers have already demonstrated that we're willing to shell out for WL2... stuff... why wouldn't InXile continue to cultivate our excitement (while making money for them)? As others have pointed out, there isn't even anything in Update 14 to suggest that the backers-only store will be in-game items, but even if there are, so what? Are people who didn't back the Kickstarter going to care if they don't get a Red Boots DLC, or a can of genuine, Wasteland Brand Land-Shark repellant?

[TΛPETRVE]

...or a can of genuine, Wasteland Brand Land-Shark repellant?

...which is actually extremely potent stuff, as it is based on the pre-war formula of Shark-Repellant Bat Spray.

[DeathQuaker]

Speaking as a backer, I definitely do NOT want an "exclusive store" neither for in-game content nor for external, physical merchandise like t-shirts, etc. I've got goodies enough from the tier I paid for, plus the pride of helping in whatever small part in helping the project get started.

Besides, I am not sure why inXile would keep itself from an opportunity to earn more money. Limiting a store to backers only means that you're basically keeping a whole bunch of people from giving you money who might otherwise want to. If someone wanted to give me money now, I wouldn't say "No, don't give me your money!" just because they didn't give me money earlier on.

[BlackGauntlet]

It's no different than any others of the rewards given in the pledge packages. Those that kicked in got stuff that others who did NOT contribute don't get. This is just one last perk given to ALL contributors because the pledge drive did so well. People that pledged have the right to feel special, and this is just one more thing to make them feel that way.

If others that didn't pledge feel left out, well, they had an opportunity and _they_ chose not to take it. The BIG STORE Sale has come and gone. Life goes on.

Sorry, I'm a Backer but I do NOT need to feel special. Having WL2 get the chance to resurrect from the dead is special enough for me.

A lot of people who did not pledge did not CHOOSE not to pledge. They might have more pressing monetary issues to solve but was there to support this project in spirit and I can totally respect that. What you have stated is both arrogant and snobbish. Very "big-hearted" of you.

[Talshere]

As a backer I support the idea of no in-game backer exclusive content. Physical items, however, I'm fine with.

[BentSea]

Yeah, this is not the same thing as shadowrun was talking about... I don't know why they'd want to sell stuff just to backers at this point, though. The backing is over at this point, that chance is gone, and if they make something cool enough, I just.. I guess I don't feel any need to be exclusive?

I guess I'm not bothered by it, but I wonder if there is really a strong enough desire for that sort of exclusive merch to limit your sales to the people who backed the game. If there's no desire for that in the community, then why not give new people a chance to buy merch and in that way contribute?

But for real.. I got(will get) my reward... I get to play Wasteland 2! I'm part of this happening. That's pretty special to me.

[Aldereth]

I wouldn't mind getting some extra ammo. God forbid, we know the damn scorpitron are in and if I remember correctly, clips of ammo were wasted on those thing that does little or no damage.