$10 DLC + Linux/Mac Backing = 2 X SCREWED

On the precipice of launch after so much time, I think there is still constructive discussion on the topics at hand, especially Mac/Linux support.

Before we get into that however, a word on the "Special Edition DLC" and backer bonuses physical or otherwise. I purchased the Special Edition of the game (for PC, Win/Mac/Linux via Steam) and I feel that the issue of content exclusivity was one thing those behind the game / campaign did exactly right. Backers were allowed to vote on what to do about the backer content, with options ranging from "Make it forever exclusive only to backers" to "give it away to everyone for free, soon", with intermediary options such as delayed release and cost there as well. The winning option was one I favored "Release it to others as paid DLC", which offers a great compromise - backers of tiers including Special Edition are granted it for free (and in fact, it should be in your FanGamer code redemption section now!), but others can purchase it, in deference to the increased cost of the pledge to acquire it originally. As a matter of principle I'm not a fan of forever-exclusive in-game content (especially in non-MMO/persistent titles) as I don't believe users who learn about a game a little later, didn't pre-order etc... should lose game content. Especially in this case given the special boss fight against Iga himself and the Swordwhip weapon it would be a pity if the vast majority of players never got to experience it "legitimately". As some suggest I agree that giving Special Edition backers benefits regarding future paid content (in the event of additional DLC. I personally would be be interested to see all sorts of content heavy DLC, expansion style or otherwise) would be appreciated, increasing backer satisfaction and approval of the developer/publisher team.

Regarding physical items, I did not pay close attention to elements involving them as my pledge is digital, but I would have no problem with a system allowing a wider range of backers to claim them. Beyond those with locked in rewards by launch, if possible I'd have no issue with allowing both backers without those items in their pledge and the general public to have access to physical goodies such as physical Special / Collector's Edition items, posters, t-shirts, etc.. if there is interest. Backers could be given preference and price benefits as well, perhaps. With luck that will satisfy most, provided any of the issues with fulfillment or other confusion that seems to have taken place is remedied.

Now, onto the core issue. Since the announcement to discontinue Mac and Linux support, I can remember the vehement disappointment of many backers. Bet it expressed here on copious, multi-paged threads such as those started by browren, to discussions on sites dedicated to Linux gaming, the disappointment and frustration were felt acutely by Linux backers ( I reference Linux due to personal experience, as I do not own a Mac much less game on one). I personally wrote a post via Kickstarter comment which can be found here -  www DOT kickstarter DOT com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/2368304?cursor=22996716#comment-22996715 -  detailing my impression of the topic (had to mod the address so it wouldn't bring in the KS graphic link module, which does not link to the comment properly) . Much of it is still relevant today and I encourage anyone still interested to read it there; I'm hesitant to copy it into the thread here due to its length, but if there is interest and/or the moderators feel it preferable I shall.

With the new information revealed since May regarding post-launch implementation of stretch goals and other content, I hope that the development and publishing team would be open to revisiting Mac/Linux support as well. Much like the other content now scheduled for post launch, users would prefer a delay to elimination. Perhaps looking into putting Mac/Linux back on the table as soon as possible will mean that the other content yet to be integrated (including things like online multiplayer, stated to be a reason for eliminating support in the first place) can be built with cross-platform utilization in mind, saving time and money. In addition, simply the announcement of returning Mac/Linux support would bolster hype/PR for the dev/publishers as well as the game itself; a benefit in this early phase. I know there's a lot of frustration with the issues of the past coloring perception, but we have to show the potential mutual benefit to taking a different path for the future, if there's hope of restoring Mac/Linux support.