Hannah Flynn
Administrator
Posts: 491
2/7/2018
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Hello gang. Please see the latest Kickstarter update for some news about FBG, Fallen London and Sunless Skies.
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Wields the news canon, aboard the hype train.
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FailbetterFuzz
Administrator
Posts: 232
2/13/2018
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Hey everyone,
I just want to express something that the entire studio is feeling right now. Huge gratitude for your support, faith and patience!
We've been overwhelmed at the response and outpouring of love for us and our games. We've always known we've got an amazing community, but it's times like these where you're reminded just how phenomenal and supportive that community is. Much love to you all!
One thing that's really struck me is how distressed some of you have been over the news. And while it's understandable and very touching, I'm here to (hopefully) alleviate that distress. I won't lie, what we've just gone through was very tough on all of us. Failbetter is a very small company, it's more a family and we're all very close. We've just lost four of our Crew and that's really upsetting.
As our blog post said, it was a very hard decision for us to have to make, however it was done to ensure the future of the company. And that's the thing I'd like you, our community, not to worry about. Sunless Skies is delayed, but there is no danger of us failing to deliver the project to our backers and there never was. We've made this decision so that when we launch Skies we're not in a financial state that would put the studio in danger of closing before we can make another game. So please don't worry about us being trouble. We've been proactive about our situation in order that we won't get into trouble. What's happened has naturally cast a negative shadow, but there's every reason for us to be thinking and moving forward with a positive outlook. And that's what we are doing. Strangely this has made us closer as a team and your support has bolstered us.
@Teaspoon (amazing name btw), the update has been implemented across all operating systems. Please could you send me a quick email on skies@failbettergames.com so we can chat and get you sorted.
@Addis Rook - with regard to the controls, we are going to be adding in difficulty settings at some point in the future which should allow players to find their ideal level of 'floatiness' 
@Six Handed Merchant, thank you to you and your wife for your support. It's entirely up to you when purchase Skies, however if you decide to wait until launch it'd be really awesome if you could wishlist it if you haven't already. Wishlisting is good!
Thanks everyone, you rock!
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Hannah Flynn
Administrator
Posts: 491
2/8/2018
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I'll reply on the YouTuber and key thing because it's my job: being liberal with free keys has a different effect these days. We have already given 11,000 Steam keys to our backers, and none of the reviews from those players (our most dedicated) will count to our Steam review average. We will give keys to YouTubers when the game is almost ready to launch; having someone big cover it this early wouldn't help as much. We did this for Sunless Sea and secured some really huge YouTubers which made a big difference for us; we hope with some hard work from me and Haley that we'll get similar results this time. 
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Wields the news canon, aboard the hype train.
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Daedalus_Falk
Posts: 234
2/9/2018
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Harry P. wrote:
Very sorry to hear about the problems FBG has been having. It's especially saddening to hear about the loss of team members. I may not have played Fallen London for long, but I have always enjoyed playing it. No matter what happens, Fallen London has and will always be a source of joy and comfort for me. I hope that 2018 will bring better news to bear. I am grateful for all that FBG has done for its community and for the amazing games they continue to put out.
On a side note, while this may not be the most appropriate place to mention it, I want to mention that the redesign of the website makes me feel uncomfortable. I prefer our current 'parchment'y styled website a bit more. However, I will still continue to play Fallen London regardless of site design. It's just my opinion.
I'd like to second this post. I, for one, intend to retain my subscription - this is the only game I've ever even considered paying for microtransactions in, and I think that's a testament to its strength. It deserves my money, for the entertainment it provides.
Regarding the second point, I'm also wary about the current look of the mobile redesign. I feel like there must be a better balance between making the game more mobile-friendly, and retaining little touches like the visual of the candles going down with your actions (the absence of which make the mockup look a little naked).
edited by Daedalus_Falk on 2/9/2018
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https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Daedalus_Falk
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For I was hungry, and you gave me rats. I was thirsty, and you gave me rats. I was naked, and you gave me rats. The rodents were gathered together, the cats slept in the Sun’s blindness, and the rats rose like the Moon, in the light at the edge of the cheese.
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a Nice Friend
Posts: 127
2/7/2018
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Oof, this news hurts.
Failbetter is a strange, unique and very special little studio and I really do wish you the best.
Hopefully the full release will make a much bigger splash. Sunless Sea was highly regarded by reviewers and I feel like Skies will be very attractive and enticing to newcomers.
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Definitely a nice friend - http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/a%20nice%20friend
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Passionario
Posts: 777
2/7/2018
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Oh dear. Best of luck to you all.
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Passionario: Profile, Story, Ending
Passion: Profile, Appearance
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Kylestien
Posts: 749
2/7/2018
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I am sorry to hear this, especially about the 4 losses to the crew. I wish them my best and I'm sure I'm not alone.
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I will accept all actions, though I hold the right to refuse for my own reasons. However, if you explain WHY you send me a harmful action like Loitering or Dantes,And I feel the reason good, I will consider it more. http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Kylestien
Persuasive patron. You want a lesson, send me a message asking for one.
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genesis
Posts: 924
2/7/2018
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This is unexpected and very sad. Very best, FBG. I'll be here, buying Fate!
edited by genesis on 2/7/2018
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/mikey_thinkin
Keeping track of incomplete content and loose ends in Fallen London
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Nanako
Posts: 536
2/7/2018
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A crosspost, I like this forum better
A lot could be said about what went wrong, but it's not worth dwelling on, look to the future.
My advice for your next steps:
1. The Albion update is your second chance for a first impression. A big explosion of content. Use it wisely, make sure everything's polished and ready for primetime. Hold a private beta to work out bugs if that'd help, i'll be happy to volunteer
2. Once that's out, work on a more frequent update schedule. An ideal would be a small content update every week.
It doesn't need to be much, one random storylet about something random happening in the skies, a new random result added to floating crates, etc. Just a little improvement helps to cultivate the feeling that the world is constantly growing, it creates a hopeful tone.
The biggest effect of regular updates though, is that it keeps the game fresh in everyone's minds. Constantly popping up in feeds and the downloads page, it cultivates discussion
3. Don't be afraid of hotfixes. I did make a post about this in the past and you guys did it, great work. Keep that up. Do major content patches on a monday morning - not near the weekend , so you have people on hand to quickly fix any bugs that crop up. Keep things in a polished, presentable, advertiseable and streamable state.
4. Be more liberal with keys. It's a basic principle of viral marketing. Anyone playing your game is free advertising. Their friends see them playing it, they ask about it, they buy it. Giving out one free key can result in multiple secondary sales. Think of it as stimulus for a stagnant market.
At all costs, get people playing your game, and keep them playing. The sales will follow naturally
A bad start isn't the end of the world. With diligence you can turn this around
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Sunless Skies needs engine and speed control mechanics. Have a look at my design proposal for implementing it
http://community.failbettergames.com/topic25687-a-design-for-engines.aspx
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Six Handed Merchant
Posts: 141
2/9/2018
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My wife and I are so sorry to hear about the financial trouble that FBG is going though. Fallen London is one of our favorite games, and we spend more time here than watching TV or movies. We also love Sunless Sea, but we've recently held off on playing it until we reach the end-game content in Fallen London. (There are so many references to the Fallen London universe in Sunless Sea, and we want to be able to understand them by familiarizing ourselves with the stories of Fallen London first.)
We do have a question for FBG regarding the purchase of Sunless Skies: What is financially better for for the studio? To buy the game now while it is in Early Access? Or wait and pay full price on launch day?
We're going to purchase the Sunless Skies one way or the other, but would like to do what is most useful for the studio.
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The Six Handed Merchant: If it's the truth you seek, The Six Handed Merchant is the gentlemen-, er, lady-, er, detective you need! Just pay no heed to that Eradication Officer tailing Six: that poor fellow is simply out of his mind!
Six's Mantlepiece (I am available for roleplaying and SAs. My schedule is pretty full, so please PM me first to work out the details.)
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Bitty
Posts: 234
2/8/2018
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Sorry to hear about this, I may have only been playing for a short amount of time but these games have bought me so much joy
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Skinnyman
Posts: 2133
2/8/2018
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Sorry to hear about your difficulties, but I do hope everything will get back on track!
To be honest, Fallen London itself made me spend more money than any other video
game/franchise and I regret nothing!
Even if it'll be mechanically better for me, I intend to throw some Fate down the well (meh, live with my decisions!) and even visit the Surface and hopefully get a weird consort. Some may argue, but you deserve it!
Keep up the good work!
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ESs items and quality requirements sheet. Please check if there are errors or if something is missing
Achievement list if you're feeling bored!
I am accepting Plant battles, Neath's Mysteries card, Starveling Cats and boxed cats.
No suppers, no second chances gain and no need to cure my menaces!
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Passionario
Posts: 777
2/7/2018
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Is there anything we can do to help?
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Passionario: Profile, Story, Ending
Passion: Profile, Appearance
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Her Ladyship The Ydell Sovereign
Posts: 76
2/7/2018
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Hi. Why not do a kickstarter for funds & offer up old rewards? Some of us were not hear for the rewards for Fallen London or Sunless Seas. Or maybe we'd like to add to our Sunless Skies experience. I know I would donate.
Or add new little things. Don't go crazy trying to make giant offers or rewards, I don't think any of us need anything crazy, but like Hipstamatic offers "vintage packs" every so often with old, limit items, is maybe something you guys could do?
Or like World of Warcraft, you can buy certain mounts or pets for real world dollars in their shop. Some of us have run out of fate stories & I am sure we'd love to buy some weird hats or companions or better clothes (the clothes are a bit lacking in game).
Just some ideas. I am broke as hell & I'd buy some stuff like that. Plus, we like our games, we like you. I imagine I'm not the only one who would love to have a way to help your studio. Would have liked to before people were let go.
You could also do one of those stupid hashtags events. Like "Post a screnshot or a favourite bit of story or something with hashtag #failbetter #fallenlondon #sunlessskies #sunlesssea & we'll randomly select one winner to get a devil spouse!" Or I dunno... I dunno how those kinds of things work, I just know, people will spam the heck out of friends for something they want in a beloved game.
I'm very much a FL person (I play all day long), so any perks for that, I'd jump on. I loved seas & skies, but my computer has a hard time running them for a long time & i can't do background projects at the same time. So, I adore FL.
Just some thoughts as I do not want to see your company struggle & I know we were all enjoying new artwork & new places to explore.
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-House of Ydell-
It's only when you cannot hear the bats, that is when the bats are coming. This is the only advice I have to give.
{Feel free to request my presence for any Correspondent needs, plant battles, duels, chess, whatever. It might take me a moment to a day to respond, but I will.)
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Barse
Posts: 706
2/7/2018
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I'd just like to add my voice to the many who are sad to hear that things have not been going quite as hoped! <3
Best wishes to everyone affected and all at FBG. Skies is going from strength to strength and Fallen London has been steadily improving for a long while now, and I'm pretty upset to see that all this work hasn't been rewarded as it deserves. We're a relatively small community, but a fierce one, so if ever there's anything we can do I hope you'll ask!
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 The Scorched Sailor, up for most social actions and RP. Not as scary as he looks.
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Harry P.
Posts: 116
2/8/2018
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Very sorry to hear about the problems FBG has been having. It's especially saddening to hear about the loss of team members. I may not have played Fallen London for long, but I have always enjoyed playing it. No matter what happens, Fallen London has and will always be a source of joy and comfort for me. I hope that 2018 will bring better news to bear. I am grateful for all that FBG has done for its community and for the amazing games they continue to put out.
On a side note, while this may not be the most appropriate place to mention it, I want to mention that the redesign of the website makes me feel uncomfortable. I prefer our current 'parchment'y styled website a bit more. However, I will still continue to play Fallen London regardless of site design. It's just my opinion.
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Harry P.: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/HarryP22h
A Magnanimous Gentleman Author with a tendency for melancholic monologues.
Elizabeth K. Broker: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Elizabeth%20K%20Broker
A Socially-Awkward Dueling Trickster with a thirst for vengeance and a soft spot for urchins.
If you are ever in need of any assistance, do not hesitate to ask either of them. The second one is still finicky, though.
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Yehochanan
Posts: 18
2/8/2018
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I am also very saddened by these news. Failbetter is probably my most favourite game developer and has positively influenced my life in many ways. I really hope that all of the staff that had to go already found some new place where they enjoy work or will find one soon.
I was also contemplating some ideas, of what could be done to improve the situation.
One thing that came to mind was this.
(I hope I got this lorewise right. Otherwise I will feel pretty silly.)
What if You made an update to Sunless Sea with some minor questline that would allow one to send a character through the gates and that would create some kind of safe file that Sunless Skies could read in and have some minor questline with that character. Maybe this would reach some of the players of Sunless Sea and encourage them to try out Sunless Skies.
(I seriously hope something like this has not yet been announced and I just missed it or I will feel even more silly )
I can however see, that this is rather unleikely, as it might bring a lot of design problems and a ___ ton of programming work, which might make it completetly unfeasible. Also I have no experience with marketing and don't know if something like that would work in any way.
Another thing is however what we as community can do.
I for one took this as a reason to actually write a steam review for once. An honest one. But a positive one, as I really enjoy Sunless Skies already in its current state. I don't know how much steam reviews actually do for sales, but I guess it can't hurt.
Maybe some visibility could be achieved if we as viewers of some streamers or let's players could recommend the games to be played.
Sorry for the rambling, but this post has really shaken me up somehow.
Here is to hoping for a better future. All shall be well and all manner of beings shall be well.
Btw. I really appreciate how open you are abput the problems. That is one of the reasons I have so much respect for you folks.
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https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Yochanan/Yochanan - a magnanimous seeker of knowledge, experiences and pleasures.
Open to most social actions except loitering.
Owns a majestic plant ready to weed out some competition.
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Malcolm Harris
Posts: 35
2/8/2018
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Nanako wrote:
4. Be more liberal with keys. It's a basic principle of viral marketing. Anyone playing your game is free advertising. Their friends see them playing it, they ask about it, they buy it. Giving out one free key can result in multiple secondary sales. Think of it as stimulus for a stagnant market.
At all costs, get people playing your game, and keep them playing. The sales will follow naturally
I've thought for a while that YouTubers like NerdCubed giving these games a showcase would be a godsend. I think Failbetter is leaning a bit too hard on word of mouth.
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Mr Sables
Posts: 597
2/8/2018
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I am curious how it was picked which people would leave, but - regardless of the how/whys, as well as personal feeling - four people appear to have lost their jobs and that is a terrible loss for them. I wish them well and hope they don't suffer too much for the redundancies.
FBG has always been an amazing company; I do love how you listen to player feedback, while some of the EF I've played have been amazing and my favourites stories, and you've crafted a real and immersive world. Thank you to all your hard work. I hope the game continues to run for years to come.
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Absalom Agenbite
Posts: 13
2/7/2018
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This motivated me to finally put down the money for Sunless Skies. I agree that its rollout was odd compared to how Sunless Sea was handled but, as your post noted, that's been (unfortunately) magnified by the changed nature of the game market right now. I'm sad to see Cash DeCuir was one of the people to go. He wrote some of my favorite Exceptional Stories.
I understand the need to keep the site fresh and up-to-date but that screenshot looks too clean and similar to nearly every other recent site overhaul on the web. I hope that in the push to streamline the HUD doesn't lose too much of its character and Fallen Londonish charm.
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Absalom Agenbite: The Melancholy Midnighter With The Alliterative Appellation. Available for Orphanages, Extraordinary Mind Patronage, and Enigma Hints, in-character or not.
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