All June Models Released - Sincere Apologies
Hi everyone,
This is Gaetano (aka onepageanon), the creator of OPR.
Today we're happy to announce that finally the High Elf Fleets Avatar has been released, and with that all of the June models have been delivered. The models have already been added to the MMF group, so you can go download them right now. Thank you for your patience. :)
I am extremely embarrassed about the whole situation, and I wanted to take a moment to explain how we got here, as well as to dispel a rumor that I have seen go around.
There have been some members of our community who were rightfully concerned about the situation, and assumed that we prioritized our Worlds Beyond campaign on Frontiers, and that the Patreon release was delayed because of that. This is not true however, because the Worlds Beyond campaign is entirely made up of previously released models (besides 2 Titans), and so all it's being fully managed by our Marketing team, and didn't involve our Concept or Sculpting teams.
Our Patreon releases are our top priority, and any additional work, such as crowdfunding campaigns, new expansions, lore books, are all being worked on in parallel by separate teams, so that they don't affect our Patreon releases. Not only that, but our priority is always to allocate work to the Patreon first, and any additional work will be delayed as a consequence (since it doesn't hang on the monthly release deadline).
Additionally, in a few days, we will be releasing our new game Age of Fantasy: Quest, which comes with some new miniatures. Please note that the June release was not affected by that, because the High Elf Avatar was made by a senior sculptor that is not involved in Quest, and the heroes were made by freelancers that were not involved in the making of the Shadow Stalkers.
Now that's out of the way, let's talk about the big June delay. How did we get here?
This months delay was essentially the consequence of a never-ending series of events that started more than a year ago. I won't go into too much detail, because a lot of these are personal matters, but I will give you a rough overview of what has been happening.
Over the last year, we have had multiple cases of very severe health issues in our team, with team members that have had to go on extended leave of 6 months to recover. On top of that, there have been many random events that have happened, which have halted our progress, from illness, to equipment breakdowns, to loss of family, to natural disasters, and much more.
As a result, we decided to hire additional members, to try and fill in the gaps that were being caused by this, but we have not been very lucky. The new people we hired ended up having personal issues which prevented them from working with us, some of them committed to a certain amount of deliverables but ended up delivering less than half, some of them had deceiving portfolios and ended up having a much lower skill level and severely underperformed, and some of them straight up disappeared without ever getting back to us again.
All of this lead to concept pre-production being delayed, which then delayed concept production, which then delayed sculpting pre-production, which ultimately delayed final sculpting production (as well as rendering and pre-supporting). The fact that both VU and HEF were pretty complex armies to produce, and that we were not satisfied with the initial look of the Shadow Stalker sculpts also didn't help with delays.
Just speaking for myself, I have been dealing with a lot of personal issues over the past 6 months, got a severe ear infection over the last month, and then my house was broken into and my computer was stolen just a week ago. This is why the May stream was cancelled, and why I wasn't able to attend UKGE (which I was really looking forward to). :(
None of these are excuses for the delays, and I understand if you are upset about them. I just wanted to clarify that a lot of this has been out of our hands, and that we've been doing everything we can to improve things, but the issues kept piling up.
Now we are doing everything we can to rectify things, we have hired new artists which luckily have been reliable so far, we have completely re-vamped all of our processes to smooth things out, and we are working on building a backlog again so that there are no delays. Right now we are already well underway with pre-production of the next 2 factions (which will be revealed soon), and we are starting pre-production on 2 additional factions for later next year.
If everything goes well, we should hopefully be back on our feet very soon. Again, thank you so much for your patience and understanding, we are doing the best we can, even if sometimes it's still not good enough.
Hopefully we shall soon be back to having zero delays, and this will all be in our past. :)
Thank you,
Gaetano Ferrara
Comments (76)
I haven't received any Patreon stuff yet myself I just joined a couple days ago tho I did buy all the dwarf guild army pack tho hehe couldn't resist
MMF Group? pardon my ignorance but whats that?
Real life always gets in the way of fun with games. They are just toy soldiers in the end, and family first. Just remember, the light at the end of the tunnel is ALWAYS a train!! Keep up the outstanding work and even better communication.
I won't say the same thing everyone else has said, but i would like to say how proud I am that this community has had such a positive response to this post. It's easy to forget that the people who make our games that we so enjoy also have personal lives that they must attend to. Thanks to the whole team for sticking it out and being here for us. Take care.
All good! But I would say maybe understand that Shit does indeed happen to us all…. and maybe reconsider saving those missions etc… that some of us have missed or delivering them in a more permanent way than simply saying “tough luck”
Thanks for looking out for us, delaying the rewards to get good quality, but also for looking out for your teams. Y'all take care of yourselves. Don't sweat it. New minis look great! So excited for quest.
I completely understand! I'll be praying for you and your team! : ) God Bless you.
Thank you for the update, and the explanation. Honestly, though, it’s not something I am overly concerned with, as you have always “made good” to date. BUT, if things do start piling up, there is no shame in shutting down production for a while, and recharging. We will still be here when you get back. Your games are just what wargaming needed, and have given the hobby a great boost, in times where Grandma Wendy wants a monopoly. Thank you for sharing your games with us, your outstanding support, and revisions, and your continued positive presence in the community. But your health, and the health of your team, is more important in the long run. Take care of yourselves, and thanks, once again.
Honestly I hardly notice delays because I'm farther behind in my printing and painting than you'll ever be in your releases.
I just subscribed because of this post.
Just joined this month and am just glad to be a part of what you are doing hang in there. Love what you guys are doing. I avoided tabletop wargaming because it always seemed too expensive and/or complicated before finding OPR. Now I’m embarking on a new gaming adventure
No worries folks, things happen; y’all are people too. Delays are a part of life, and the fact that y’all are transparent about them and still deliver the product you promise with the top quality we’ve come to know from you means you’ll have supporters and fans despite the occasional mishap! Keep up the good work, and know that your efforts are appreciated!!
Love all of you at OPR. This is absolutely no big deal. Thanks
Thanks for the update and no worries. Appreciate the quality work and awesome games!
Thanks for your honest Statement...for me....Not need to worries
You guys are awesome, don’t sweat it ♥️
life happens, if it didn't you wouldn't be here. nothing to worry about.
No worries, life gets in the way sometimes, get well soon :)
No worries mate :-)
That avatar is worth the wait. It’s on my printer now
Your work speaks for itself, it is high quality and that takes time. Even if you slowed down the releases I would still be very happy. Take care of yourselves and thank you.
That avatar model is woth the wait, it's stunning!
Thank you for being honest and transparent with us. I appreciate you guys and your hard work. Keep it up.
I can't print 1/2 of the models you make anyway, you have alwayscome through in the years I have been a patron. . Good help is hard to find these days all around. Better luck in the future!
Shoot! If I printed half the models they’ve put out over the years my pile of shame would be a mountain of shame lolol I’ve prolly printed about 10% at best and fully painted maybeee 1% lmaooo
Any delays, I always attribute to life happening and your striving to give us the best quality possible! I don't know about others, but I don't have enough time or resin/fdm to print all that you offer us on our memberships. I'll take your health, the health of your teams and your continuing efforts to offer us the best subscription out there supporting our hobby! You've always delivered - THANK YOU SO MUCH and please, continue to prioritize health and quality. It doesn't matter we didn't get ALL the models at once; you always have and I know will give them to us when it's RIGHT!
No apology needed here. Appreciate you. Stuff Happens. Love the Models! Super Excited about the new Fantasy Quest!
I am glad everything is starting to look up! You can count on my subscription for as long as you guys keep working on this amazing project!
I'll take the OPR team being in good health if it means a few minis might be a week or two late each month - the health of the people that make everything is more important than me getting a 2 inch plastic guy earlier! We appreciate the transparency, Tano <3
You guys are awesome I love all the work you do. Sorry to hear that so much personal stuff has happened to you all I hope things get better ❤️🩹 Please keep up the amazing work and don’t feel guilty or rushed I’d rather have delays then a diminished product because of timelines. You all are awesome and make so of the coolest minis out there.
Shit happens. Best of luck going forward. Those new shadow sculpts are dope.
I just got my first printer last month. June is only my second month with you guys, I didn't mind the wait at all. Those that are hating you for the delay are dumb. Thanks for getting everything out to us. I look forward to printing and painting them. My High Elf Fleets avatar is printing right now 😁
I'm so sorry to hear how things have been going, and don't mind if the models are late or a catch up month needs to happen. Thank you all for your great work, love the games/minis and am looking forward to Quest!
Come on, who the hell was complaining and talking nonsense? Someone has too much time,,,
I've noticed many creators "running behind". I understand getting high-quality minis out each month is a lot of work. I'll stay subbed no matter what so I hope you guys find time to relax and enjoy. Cheers.
You guys have done such fantastic work even with everything going on, sorry to hear about all the troubles! Please take care of yourselves, we can stand to wait a bit for more minis, but not for your health and wellbeing!
You can have 1 000 000 miniatures in your life but you have only one health ! Take care and thanks for everything.
Life happens and people have to adjust to that. Thank you for letting us know and I hope everyone is doing better. I am still new to your patreon, so I was not aware that things were late. I look forward to the next army to be released. I liked the HEF and the models are beautiful, just not sure I will print and play them (way too many models to paint right now). Thanks for everything you are doing.
Alternate Theory: GW has been sending assassin's to take out members of OPR and the OPR has been fighting them off like ninja's. Seriously though, I love the work you guys produce, and for me, it's more than I can print in a month.
That really sucks what all has been happening and I hope things get better for you all. Looking forward to Quest and the rest of what you are planning with OPR. Since High Elves are finished any chances for the next GF army to be Ratmen?
Thank you for the explanation. I wasn't worried. You always come through.
All the best to you and your team. I'm sure that like me, everyone is perfectly happy to wait a little bit!
"None of these are excuses for the delays" Yeah not really, those are pretty understandable and I can't imagine blaming you for any of those. Thanks for the transparency and new models ! ♥
Life Happens. Models look amazing tho!
Your team are doing a great job, OPR are easily the best membership I have on MMF and patreon. Keep up the good work.
So sorry about the break-in and ear infection! =/
You guys do great work and life happens. The models are such high quality! I never thought I'd love the vampires so much! Keep up the good work, and we appreciate your team's massive effort! ❤️
No apologies are needed, although reading a genuine one is refreshing.
Have only been a patron a few months, but will happily join the chorus: I appreciate the transparency, I appreciate the efforts to fix pipeline problems, but in the grand scheme of things "Between major illnesses on staff and disappointing hires, our buffer ran dry and a titan was 2 weeks late" isn't even in the same province as something worth getting upset about. Keep up the good work.
Life happens, just do your best and power on. That is all you can do! If models are a few days late, it's not the end of the world. I am very satisfied with my money spent with OPR. On a side note... we need Grimdark Ratmen Clans!!! The lore is awesome and I want models that match your art work!!!
Dont worry about 10 days delays , i mean, we all got worried more about GF/Wives being late for less than that , We love the work being done here , and you (OPR as a whole ) have delivered more over the month than any other company i could think of , Take care of yourselves, we love you
Stuff happen. In just happy to see that you guys are still. Making new and mazing.stuff dont beat youshelf up. You can only do what you can
The open communication is very appreciated, and I’ll echo everyone else: better “late” and ready than rush and sloppy — especially if people’s health is on the line!
So the short version is: life is messy, crap happens. Got it. Keep up the great work.
As a unionized worker I appreciate the benefits of covering people who are sick. Creative work is also work. Hopefully, everyone on the team is able to get better. I didn't know about OPR Quest until now. Exciting stuff!
Union strong 💪
It sounds like you and yours have been through the mill Gaetano. I know what its like and can sympathise. With OPR growing at such a huge rate I'm surprised you can keep all of your plates spinning as well as you do and continue to keep the quality so high. It sounds like you're on top of things now so take a well earned break. It's the best pick me up for mind and body, and it sounds like you need it.
The apology is appreciated but not necessary. The explanation was nice to know that you have taken steps to correct things moving forward. There is not major impact for me personally when I receive my models late (others may disagree) but it is reassuring that you are continuing to put the Patrons first. Thanks for all of your great working the the sculpts and the gaming system itself.
You guys do amazing work and have zero reason to feel guilty over some minor delays.
I back kickstarters. Delays are nothing to worry about. The work gets done and I enjoy it when it comes. One guy I follow lost almost the entire kickstarter file set when his computer died from over work! He had to redo the entire campaign plus extra and delivered models as they were finished! So never worry about delays. I think it's safe to say the real ones love you and your company. The instigators should be ashamed of themselves for starting issues.
You have been delivering high quality models for a long time. I understand why people had some concerns, but you have absolutely earned the good will of long time subscribers. Hope things get less chaotic in the future!
Hey, you got them all out by the end of the month, and that's the main thing that I care about. Have y'all thought about doing some model-light releases to help manage the workload? I know you're in the middle of the VU releases - but with the HEF releases being pretty close to wrapping up, I think some special characters for adventurers in your settings wouldn't go too far amiss. Now, I know that people would be disappointed by getting fewer models each month - but when you pile up this many issues, sometimes you just need to lighten the workload so people don't get over stressed and thus end up getting seriously ill.
Happy, Healthy People make Happy, Healthy Teams! Everyone there should be taking care of themselves, and thank you for the clear communication.
As said earlier, i personally prefer quality and delay then rushing failures. I'm glad you took the time to provide those wonderful minis, it's my second month so far and i don't regret any cents :D Thank you for your transparency, it's highly appreciated, take care ! :)
Honestly I should thank you! My printer needs a rest! Haha
No need to apologize for things beyond your control. In fact it is remarkable that you guys were able to keep the schedule after all and even more. Other people have delays of 2 weeks and more even without any problem happening to them, so I don't even consider this a proper delay, to be honest. Besides, the Avatar and Shadow Stalkers well worth the "delay". Among the best works by the design and modelling teams.
Delays are part of the game, especially if the quality is always so high!
Don't worry about the delays.
I hope you all get healthy soon. It's just hobby stuff people will survive waiting a couple of days :)
@OPR the Avatar was worth the wait. I love the model. Thank you for doing a great job, as always.
Holy crap I hope you're doing okay, don't worry about delays. Take care of yourselves first and foremost.
It’s no problem! I literally just got over Covid but I appreciate the transparency. I am excited for Age of Fantasy: Quest! Though at this moment I’m not quite sure what it is exactly, but then again, I haven’t looked through all the recent posts since my illness. I hope for brighter days for all us!
Do the Shadow Stalkers have an equivalent faction in "other" games. They feel familiar, but I can't place them.
They could fit easily as Mantic's Nightstalkers for Kings of War. In a more traditional tabletop war game I don't see a direct correlation to any faction.
Gaetano, tech project manager speaking here: "None of these are excuses for the delays", my brother in wargames, those are DEFINITELY, 100% CERTIFIED reasons for the delays to have happened, not at all excuses. As someone who's had to deal with all the hardships of planning, executing, and delivering projects to multiple clients all over the world (sometimes at the same time), I will definitely tell you: sh!t happens. People will always assume the worst and give you crap, but lowkey though, I love the work you are doing here in OPR, and I'd like to congratulate the whole team for every deliverable so far. I know we'll have a few delays moving forward until we can get the schedule back, but honestly, it doesn't matter, because I know we'll still be getting the high quality models we're used to. :)
No sweat, it sounds like you guys have been through a lot and you still put stuff out quicker than I can print it! Definitely prioritize your and your team's health, I imagine there are a lot of people like me who would rather see you guys making models well into the future instead of burning out. Thank you for the transparency and please take care of yourselves 🙏🏻