Universe Sandbox Legacy > Universe Sandbox Legacy | Discussion
Upgrades & Updates: The Future of Universe Sandbox
Dan Dixon:
Short Version | tl;dr
I had promised everyone who owned a copy of the current version would get a free upgrade to the major new version of Universe Sandbox, but that was in late 2011 and many things have changed. The new version has become more complex and costly than originally conceived and the project now employs seven people. I think the promise has handicapped the long term future of the software and so I’ve decided that the new version will no longer be a free upgrade for existing users.
Long Version
Earlier this year I stated, on more than one occasion, that anyone who has ever purchased Universe Sandbox would get the upcoming new version for free. Since that time, many things have changed, and I think this promise has handicapped the long term future of the software.
Let me try to take you through my thinking...
In November 2012 I shared a weekend with an amazing group of people devoted to social justice and leveraging their privilege for lasting, positive change in the world. My take away from the experience was: How do I use my opportunity to make the most positive change in the world?
I want to continue to develop Universe Sandbox for years to come and use it to inspire learning about our amazing universe. I feel that this is, and will be, my life’s work, and I’m so lucky to be in the position to work full time on something I love and care about so much.
I feel conflicted that I have to charge for Universe Sandbox at all; I think knowledge should be free. I’d give it away to everyone if I was independently wealthy, but I’m not. And no longer is this project all about me. There are six other people who work on this project, whose income is paid from the sales of the original version. So I think it is fair to ask those who can support Universe Sandbox to do so, in order for us to provide it to those who can’t.
When I promised upgrading everyone for free, this is what I was thinking:
* Some people were having startup issues (the software won’t run at all), and a free upgrade would compensate for this.
* We’d be ready to release the update by the end of 2012 (yet we’re nowhere near release).
* The feature set of the new version, would be equivalent to original version.
* I want everyone to have the new version, because it’s going to be awesome.
* I saw that Train Simulator had given a free upgrade to all of their users, and I liked that (however I wasn’t considering that they probably make most of their money via expensive add-on packs).
* I didn’t want to add a number or anything to the name of the product. I like calling it “Universe Sandbox” and not “Universe Sandbox 2” or “Universe Sandbox Ultimate” for example.
* We will be releasing on new platforms and this will open up new markets (although how successful this will be is unknown).
* Monthly revenue was still covering all development expenses.
What’s happened since:
* The scope and complexity of the project has dramatically increased, and we’we've been adding complex new features that aren’t in the original. It’s becoming more awesome than I ever thought would be possible.
* Development is taking longer than I expected (as we’re making it more awesome) and so I hope we will release v3 sometime in 2013.
* I’ve agreed to give the current version away to every school in the world for free (that signs up for the Steam for Schools program).
* I released an update to that reduced the software prerequisites and fixed two of the major startup issues.
* We've moved toward procedural generation of everything in the new version, so selling expansion packs (like what Train Simulator does) doesn't make as much sense.
* I’ve added three more developers and an operations assistant to the team, which has increased the cost of development and thus the monthly burn rate.
* There’s still quite a few part time people to hire to work on music, sound effects, 3D modeling, graphic design, and localization.
* Monthly expenses are now more than the typical monthly income from sales of the original.
Reasons to charge for the new version:
* More than half of all purchasers bought Universe Sandbox for 50%-80% off (or via an indie bundle) and many have said they would be happy to pay for the next version (but understandably wouldn't if handed a copy for free).
* There currently is no planned successor the the new version and we’re rewriting all the code to be a solid foundation for updates and development for years to come.
* I don’t have a good idea for how to move to a free to play model that doesn't involve having to buy planets or tools, and I feel that gets in the way of the unlimited freedom of the sandbox concept.
* I don’t want to release a feature reduced version of the new version that asks you to buy an expansion of the new stuff. Besides, doing two different versions (limited and full) is more work to maintain.
* I have one good idea for an expansion pack that I’m really excited about (and think you will be too), but it’s still a long way out from being developed, released, and beginning to generate revenue.
* It costs a lot of money to support the livelihood of 7 people, and make something awesome; I’d love to pay them all more.
* I want to work on Universe Sandbox indefinitely, and I’m not sure how to generate the revenue to support this endeavor outside of selling individual copies.
I’ve been debating what to do about this for months and have discussed it with friends, family, colleagues in the video game industry, and the development team. I’m very sensitive to making people feel slighted in reversing course and not updating everyone for free, so If you feel wronged, please let us know and I’ll make it right.
I hope that you’ll understand the decision to not upgrade current users to the new version for free. Please let me know what you think in the comments below.
Duplicate thread on the Steam Forums
Moved beta related questions and replies to the beta thread
Originally posted November 2012... some details updated in December 2013.
smjjames:
As long as its a reasonable price like 15 or 20$ or something, then yeah.
If it were 70 bucks, I'd still buy it, but that's pretty expensive, especially so for the international Ubox fans. Might want to get input from them due to the differences in currency.
Wait, the beta will still be free though, right?
Unreal2004:
Ditto what smjjames said, I am ok with buying the next US as long as I know how much I have to save up, it will take me some time to do that but it will be worth it. I completely agree with you Dan on all your points, you have to pay your people and you cant do that when the new users are paying 75% of the normal price for the game, it would be unfair to the ones who paid in full when they (the 75% off users) get the upgrade for free as well and didnt invest as much into the project. I can also understand the complaints that will follow, it is natural to feel what they will be feeling when something is taken away from them, especially the people (like me) that do not make anywhere near a normal income it will be difficult and you may lose the support of these people. In the end I think this will be a better way forward and will reduce friction in your company since it is money that moves this product now, it takes more than just you (Dan) to get this going now in a reasonable time frame and that costs money.
My .02
tuto99:
This is understandable and reasonable Dan. I don't mind paying again for the new version of the program, because at least I know I'm funding the developers the money they need to make this new update awesome. Good luck on the new update! ;)
Dan Dixon:
No worries... it's safe to assume the price of v3 will be reasonable and not $70.
Beta comments moved to this thread
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