Machine Gods exclusivity
Hey guys, I didn't think I'd have to do this, but here we are. So long story short, my accountant made a mistake, and it turns out I owe the Spanish tax office 20,000€. I must pay half of it already next month, which I can do, but that leaves me in a tight spot, and the rest in December. This comes at a time when sales are the worst they've been in years; this month I'm expecting to make less than any other month in the last two years. And the worse thing is that this looks like a downward trend, so I don't think I've reached the bottom yet. I thought it would be fine cause I had some savings, but well, those saving are going to disappear, as you can see.
So in order to see if I can at least make a couple of thousands as fast as possible, I thought of Machine Gods. People really seem to be interested in the game, but they hate that they must join the Patreon to get it (even after I explain them that you can get it for 6 bucks, which is not the price I would sell it for if it goes to DTRPG). So I'm thinking of stopping with the exclusivity, and release it on DTRPG and Amazon. But before I do anything like that, I want to ask you guys for your opinion, and if you hate it, I will not do it.
I know it's disappointing and I hate asking you guys, but this is getting a bit ugly. I'm also having a bit rough time personally (my mother and my sister are both divorcing, my aunt has cancer, and that's just to mention the stuff that happened in the last 30 days...), so I'm starting to feel the weight of pressure. I hate mentioning this because it feels like I'm asking you to feel sorry for me, but really, I'll be fine. It's just a lot, all of a sudden. Once I process it I'll be fine.
Comments (80)
I just joined. I'm very sorry to hear that you have been hit with a financial hand-grenade. Never fun. I too didn't join your Patreon for exclusives, nice though they can be. I joined to support you as you are one of the best game designers out there and I love losing myself in your creations. Do what you need to do to stay afloat. I'll head over to DTRPG and pick up Machine Gods. Every little helps. I hope that you start to see the end of this tunnel soon!
I really appreciate your kind words and support, and yes, every little helps, definitely! The main issue I have now is the tariffs situation, which is why I'm going to arrange a Kickstarter for Choir of Flesh, next week!
I’m going to be honest I prefer buying pod books from Amazon. The quality is different, in a better way, than drive thru. And it takes significantly less time to get to me if I buy from Amazon.
I'm afraid I can't provide you folks with Amazon PoD codes, since they don't offer them. But yeah, Amazon is definitely very practical!
Do what you must do to survive, we understand.
Thank you!
Do what you have to do my friend, I'm a patron because I want to support and help you, not for the exclusive stuff!
I appreciate it!
Omg I would be livid with the accountant
Honestly I was in shock...
I want as many people as possible to have Blackoath products on their shelf! As others have already said, I’m just here because I want you to be able to keep making games…. So do whatever is best for you and your Brand! You are the best Alex! Good luck and I wish the best for your family too.
Thank you so much for your support!
Hell yeah, not just because you should to help you personally (100% yes on that point), but because it is a great setting and if you release it publicly, it could be a hit, which means you'll make more for it! ;)
I appreciate it, let's see how it works out!
I think you should do this with all your products. I joined here to support you. I do like the other benefits. The exclusivity was not q big deal.
I appreciate it!
Do what you need to do to be happy and safe in your work. Please...
I will, thanks!
Do what you need to do. You have a great Patreon that’s been very generous. I’m glad you’ve got something to mobilise to make money; good planning!
Thank you, let's see how it goes!
Yo ya te dije...cabezon.
Jaja, sí!
I agree with what everyone else here is saying (and how lovely reading all these incredibly supportive comments too - amazing community.) Hope things quickly improve for you… (and I also hope you quickly find a better accountant too! ;)
Yeah, already looking for a new one, haha. This guy costed me a lot of money. I should have registered as a business at least a year ago, instead of continuing as self-employed, as he insisted. Oh well...
Do what you have to do to get by! In the future, if you ever want to do exclusives again, maybe instead of 100% exclusive access, perhaps Patreon subscribers can just get a game, like, six months in advance? I guess we kind of almost get that by getting the beta copies ahead of time, though. 🤔
Generally speaking you guys get my games many months in advance already, yeah! For example, you've been having access to Riftbreakers 2e for a while now, and it will not be actually released until December!
Do what you got to do, I didn't join the patreon for digital exclusive stuff (limited special edition stuff is fine though).
Thank you!
I like Machine Gods and I prefer everyone have access to it. I hope it sells well you have more reason to work on this world in the near future too!
Thank you! I think it's a pretty cool game, let's see how it does! I'll probably announce it later this week, seeing how everyone seems to be cool with it!
No worries! I'm sure all of us have been in a tight situation, at some point. Btw I am enjoying reading Machine Gods . :)
Thank you, glad you like the game! I really want to release the Advanced Rules book, but right now I can't afford the art...
It's YOUR game. Do whatever you need or want. I'm sorry for the financial problems. Also I don't like exclusivities so...
Thank you!
Adding my voice to the chorus -- I'm here because you make *amazing* games, and I love that I get to chip in to make that happen! Content exclusivity isn't why I stick around -- I really hope this will help with what sounds like an impossible situation. I wish I had a solution -- would a bundle of games on itch or DTRPG help raise some funds, or do they end up costing more than they're worth? If there's some way I can chip in, please let me know!
You're already doing a lot by being a member of the Patreon, so thank you so much!
It's important that you stay in business so do what you need to do. Sorry to hear about that accountant. Maybe start looking for a new one?
Already on it, haha. This guy has been lost when it comes to Amazon royalties since the beginning...
I stand with you Alex 100%
Thank you!
Great way to start Monday morning: seeing that 100% of the votes so far supported you making this choice. What a great community!!!
Yeah, I'm honestly incredibly grateful!
I'm a Patreon because I like to support my favorite creators. Exclusively has nothing to do with my decision to support you! I'm here to help
Thank you so much, it means a lot!
Go for it, Alex! I'm not here tor the exclusivity, but to support you in your endeavours.
It means a lot!
Go for it! When I give money on patreon it's because I want to support that project/work, not because of what I'm getting out of it. Hell, I definitely don't take advantage of everything you put out but I think your work is amazing and I want it to exist in this world.
Thank you so much!
The game deserves a bigger audience either way ^^ I've been playing it weekly since I joined
That makes me really happy! I need to finish the Advanced Rules...
It's been said, and i'll throw in my 2 cents. But the reason I joined the Patreon was to support you and the amazing job youdo with your games. The passion needs to stay alive so if we can help out in any way that's what we're here for!!!!
Thank you so much!
Si te soy sincero la exclusividad de MG nunca fue algo que consideré cuando me uní a tu patreon. Me es indiferente si es exclusivo o no. Yo estoy aca por todos tus juegos, no solo uno. Saludos.
Muchísimas gracias!
I’ll be entirely honest, I never understood why it was an exclusive. I was and will continue to be a patron even if I got nothing out of it — your work is great. But I’ve never been the type to be enticed by exclusives either, so maybe I’m in the minority there. I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through. Life sucks sometimes. But I respect and honor you for being open about it. That’s hard, and should be applauded.
Well I do intend to keep giving you guys monthly content, so I do hope you get something out of being a member, haha. Thank you so much!
I'm sorry to hear that Alex. It's a great little game and I'm of the opinion that, the more the merrier. Also, money is good. I want you to be able to create great games for ad long as you want to, and I'm here for it. Maybe you could try and get a few youtubers to look at it or something (Man alone springs to mind)?
Thank you! A few YouTubers have been making videos about it already, actually! But yes, I need to get more eyes on my games...
Tú haz lo que tengas que hacer, lo importante es que te recuperes y puedas seguir trabajando en lo que te gusta.
Gracias, eso intentaré!
Do what you have to do. I'd rather see you go public with all the Patreon IPs than go under.
Thank you!
We are here to support you whether or not the book goes public. I don’t know if you are religious or not, but I will be praying for you and your family. Your work is a wonderful diversion for us but you take care of you and family irl.
Thank you, it means a lot!
Alex has already put in so much for us, working non-stop. If taking this next step feels right to him, I'm all for it.
Thank you! I hope it will help, I need to try everything I can think of. This is just one of the simplest things I can try to get some additional income.
Crack on, Alex. The more the merrier and all the best wishes and luck to you. 👍
Thank you!
I agree with the sentiment here wholeheartedly. We would rather you be able to continue making fantastic games then have this one product as a Patreon exclusive. Thank you again for the many wonderful games you've made and shared with the world.
Thank you so much!
Anything you need bro
Thank you!
Alex, I need you to continue making games. So if you need to sell more copies, so be it. Besides as a patreon member, we got early access which should be exclusivity enough.
I appreciate it!
Go for it, we've had our "timed exclusive", now others get the chance to see how great this game is and you can hopefully turn the financials around. Seems like a scenario where everyone wins.
I feel like this is a better model anyways. Not everyone wants to participate in the Patreon model and why not give them a chance at the game after an “embargo period”
Do whatever you need to do in order to help create security for yourself. I'm new here but I know that you have the support of many and I would wager that most of us feel the same way. Additionally, I'm going to move some money around and make sure I get some cool new games from you sooner than I originally expected. I'm sorry about these unforeseen expenses during this trying time.
I really appreciate it, your support means a lot!
Go for it Alex. I know others will love the game, hope you get the finances sorted out.
Thank you! I hope I solve this mess soon, haha