Project Update #37: Martin Wallace's Moongha Invaders
An explanation of why progress has been slow
Some of you are a understandably concerned about the slow progress of Moongha
Invaders. I thought it might be useful to explain some of the realities of the
situation facing Treefrog.
The main issue now is cash flow. Some of you might chip in that that's what the
money from KS was for. Well yes, to a certain extent. However, production costs have
been very much higher than we expected, or planned for, and the main problem now is
that 100% of the production has to be paid upfront - no credit.
So far we have spent the following:
$20,000 on tooling
£10,000 on artwork,
$12,000 on sculpting.
Each game will cost around $20 per unit, including shipping to distribution points.
We are planning on producing 4000 units, so that's another $80,000.
We then have to pay individual shipping on the KS orders, which will be about
another $25,000. There will also be further costs of around $8000 for the production
of files.
From the money gained from KS about 10% went to KS and Amazon, so we ended up with
around $80,000. That leaves a shortfall of $75,000. Now, once the game is out we
will make money back from sales, but we still need to pay out a lot before we get
anything back.
At this point in time, the Moongha project has to be funded by profits from other
games, namely Mythotopia and Onward to Venus. That is why these projects are our
main priority at the moment, as they will give us the funds to continue with
Moongha. However, we will only see these profits once these games are released,
which will be early October.
Cool Stuff, Inc have been incredibly supportive in taking on some aspects of the
management of the project. They have also agreed to pay production costs in return
for stock on future Treefrog games. This all helps to ease cash flow. However, at
this point in time CSI are focused on Gencon, so I have to wait until the show is
over before money can be sent to Panda to continue with production. What this means
is that actual printing will begin soon. Panda require 50% upfront then the rest on
completion. CSI will pay the initial amount and then Treefrog the remainder once the
games are ready.
There is absolutely no way that this project will be abandoned, one way or another
the game will come out.
I apologise for these delays. As I stated in the initial KS presentation, this is
the first time I have dealt with the production of plastic pieces, which meant a
degree of risk. As it turned out costs have been far higher than I imagined, for a
variety of reasons. However, with the help of a number of people in the business I
have been able to deal with these issues, it just has taken longer than I would have
liked.
I appreciate the amazing patience that many of you have shown. A little more and we
should be there. If all goes well then the game will be ready either late 2014 or
early 2015.
Can I suggest that if you have direct queries about the project, contacting Julia at
julia@treefroggames.com will ensure that you receive a prompt, personal response.
Best wishes
Martin Wallace
Eu am dat si de proiecte foarte bune pe KS deci nu am neeaparat un motiv sa nu mai fac pledge pe viitor mai ales daca se merita ca si oferta. Sa speram ca pana la anul in iunie avem si noi un joc pe masa ca pe tableta e clar ca nu pupam 
