The Music Machine
An update on refunds
(Not sure why the rate for The Music Machine is higher, since I consider that the better game overall. It might have to do with the price point)
A big thanks to everyone that's bought my games, as usual.
One thing I wanted to mention: if you do refund one of my games because you didn't enjoy it, please take the time to note WHY. Steam allows you to comment on why you ask for a refund, and as a dev I'm able to read those comments. Simply saying "this game sucks, it's not fun" isn't very helpful, but going into detail about why you didn't like the game in question can be very useful to me. It doesn't even have to be very long, just be specific about what you didn't like, please.
I've gone to the dark side.
https://www.patreon.com/jefequeso?ty=h
For those that don't know, Patreon is a site that allows people to make monthly donations to content creators they like.
Indie game development tends to earn money in bursts rather than steadily, which can make things like monthly bills/expenses and quarterly taxes a little difficult to manage sometimes. I already do some other odd jobs to help with this, but a stream of monthly donations will help that much more. And, will allow me to continue devoting my full attention to my various pursuits, and thus provide better and more frequent content for you.
Please keep in mind that I'm thinking of this as a "tip jar," and nobody should feel obligated to donate. This is simply if you really like what I'm doing (my games, my reviews, my music, or my videos), and want to throw in a few extra dollars.
I Screwed Up: An Apology
Today, the weekly Indie Gala bundle went live, and it features The Music Machine and four other games for $2. Yes, that is quite soon after release. Yes, this was my decision. And yes, I really am dumb enough to just realize how much of a slap in the face this is to people who purchased the game for full price--the last people I should be slapping.
Allow me to explain. Not "excuse," you understand... explain. The Music Machine had a very disappointing launch when compared with The Moon Sliver (despite being better in just about every way, if I do say so myself). And this was obvious from pretty much day 1. So the moment I realized it wasn't selling (or getting as much publicity) as well as I'd hoped, I went into "damage control" mode. Why isn't it selling as well, and more importantly, what can I do to fix the problem. One of the first things was to schedule bundles. With some added publicity from bundle sales and giveaways, I figured, I might be able to stir up some more interest, and maybe even get the attention of bigger Let's Players.
Now the problem here is basically that I have a very obsessive one-track mind. This is good when it comes to focusing on my work, but bad when it comes to looking at a course of action from every angle. I tend to jump first and think later. And in this case, stupid as it sounds, the proximity of this particular bundle with the game's release didn't ever strike me as problematic.
So basically, I'm apologizing. I screwed up, some of you may feel cheated. In your situation I'd probably feel cheated too. You're free to refund the game and purchase the bundle instead, if you're able to (the bundle is here by the way https://www.indiegala.com/weekly). If you aren't able to, well... I'm afraid apologizes are all I can offer, and the promise that I won't make the same mistake again.
Wallpaper Pack 1 added to The Music Machine
You'll probably be seeing more wallpapers added in the future, too.
Trading Cards have been added to The Music Machine
Regarding Refunds
Now, this puts developers like me in an interesting situation. Both my games (and probably many of my future titles) can be easily completed in under 2 hours. Indeed, they were designed to be completed in a single sitting. Which means players now could purchase them, play them, and return them. For the unscrupulous, both The Moon Sliver and The Music Machine have now become free to play.
So here's what I have to say about that:
If you've purchased either of my games, completed them, and genuinely feel that they were not worth your money, feel free to ask for a refund with my blessing. I'm not in this business to cheat or mislead anyone.
If, however, you purchase either of my games, complete them, and feel they were worth your money, I ask that you don't refund them. I count on my development income. It's what I live on, and it's what enables me to continue making games.
At the time of this post, with the information all of us have--consumers and developers--it seems that narrative-focused games under 2 hours are going to be sold on the honor system. You could treat the new refund policy as a free rental service. But in my time as a developer, I've been open and honest about what my games are, I've tried to price them fairly, I've taken criticism to heart, and I haven't tried to censor negative feedback or reviews. I've treated you all with respect. I hope as this thing goes forward, you will treat me with respect as well.
The Music Machine is now on Steam! A few things...
If you enjoy The Music Machine, the best thing you can do is spread the word. Suggest it to your friends or your favorite Let's Players. I'm only one person, so there's very little I can do to publicize my game short of sending unsolicited emails. It's up to you guys to recommend it if you think it deserves recommending.
Also, don't be afraid to voice your questions or concerns in the forums. I check them regularly, and love chatting with people.
Finally, check out my previous game, The Moon Sliver if you want more narrative-focused horror, or want to delve further into the world and backstroy of The Music Machine.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/329830/