Why I'm Skeptical of the Upcoming Game Farm Folks (Now Autonomica)

Okay, so, I've been keeping an eye on Farm Folks for what feels like forever. Seriously, I was hyped when I first saw the trailers. It looked like the ultimate farming sim, right? But now, after years of waiting, I'm starting to wonder if it'll ever actually launch. And I'm not the only one. There are some things that just don't add up, and I'm getting a bit worried.

It's not that I don't want the game to succeed. I really do. But the constant changes and the sheer number of features they're trying to cram in... it's a lot. And the whole second Kickstarter thing? That's raising some eyebrows. I'm starting to think maybe they bit off more than they can chew.

UPDATE: The development team recently released a YouTube video that addresses many of these concerns. They clarified the situation with the original Kickstarter, explaining that it was managed by a previous team. They also announced a name change: Farm Folks is now Autonomica.

The Never-Ending Development

When you're following an indie game, you expect delays. That's just part of the process. But Farm Folks  (now Autonomica) seems to be in perpetual development. Every time I check, there's a new feature, a new system, a new something. It's like they can't decide what they want the game to be.

Feature Creep and Scope

Honestly, it feels like they're trying to include every single feature from every farming sim ever made. Sustainable farming? Check. Character customization? Check. Multiplayer? Check. It’s great to be ambitious, but at some point, you have to focus. All these features, while sounding awesome, take time to develop and integrate. I wonder if they're spreading themselves too thin.

UPDATE: In the recent video, the developers showcased significant progress on various gameplay features. They provided detailed explanations of their development process, which was reassuring. However, the sheer scope of the game remains a concern.

The Problem With Early Access

I understand why games go into early access. It allows developers to get feedback and funding. But it also means you're playing an unfinished product. With Farm Folks (Autonomica), I’m concerned that the early access period might drag on indefinitely. I’ve seen other games in early access for years, and it's not a good sign.

UPDATE: The team didn't provide a firm early access release date in the video, but they emphasized their commitment to a polished experience. They mentioned plans for more frequent updates and community engagement during early access.

Crowdfunding Concerns

Let's talk about the Kickstarter. I get it, game development is expensive. But launching a second campaign, after years of work, raises questions. Where did the initial funds go? What's changed? I'm not saying they're doing anything shady, but it's hard not to be skeptical.

UPDATE: The YouTube video directly addressed the initial Kickstarter. The current team explained that they took over the project from a previous development group. The original Kickstarter was managed by that previous team, which explains the need for additional funding.

Transparency and Communication

One thing I have to give them credit for is their social media presence. They're active, they post updates, and they engage with the community. But sometimes, it feels like they're focusing more on hype than actual progress. I’d love to see more detailed development updates and less marketing fluff.

UPDATE: The recent video provided a significant boost in transparency. The developers offered detailed explanations of their progress, challenges, and future plans. They also acknowledged past communication issues and pledged to improve.

Player Expectations and Reality

I think the biggest issue is that they've set expectations way too high. They've shown us this amazing, feature-rich game, and now we're all waiting for it. But can they deliver? That's the million-dollar question. I'm worried that the final product won't live up to the hype.

UPDATE: The video addressed this by showcasing gameplay footage and explaining their design choices. They emphasized their focus on creating a fun and engaging experience, rather than just a feature checklist.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Look, I'm still hoping Farm Folks (Autonomica) will be great. I want it to succeed. But I'm also trying to be realistic. The development has been long and bumpy, and there are some red flags that can't be ignored.

Keeping It Real

At this point, I'd rather see a smaller, more polished game than a massive, buggy mess. I think they need to focus on core gameplay and get the basics right before adding more features. It’s better to deliver a solid product than to overpromise and underdeliver.

UPDATE: The developers addressed this by outlining their roadmap and prioritizing key features. They emphasized their commitment to a stable and enjoyable game.

Learning From Other Games

There are plenty of successful farming sims out there. They've shown that focusing on gameplay mechanics, community feedback, and realistic development timelines is key. I hope the Farm Folks (Autonomica) team takes note.

UPDATE: The team mentioned that they've been studying successful games in the genre and incorporating feedback from their community (hence the new name).

My Final Thoughts

I'm not trying to be negative. I just want Farm Folks (Autonomica) to be the game we were all promised. But after years of waiting, I'm starting to lose hope. I'm hoping that the developers can streamline development and provide a more transparent view of their process. I want to be proven wrong. I hope they can pull it together and release a great game.

UPDATE: The recent video significantly improved my outlook. The developers' transparency and progress updates were encouraging. However, while I appreciate the updates, I'm finding that with each new feature added, I'm growing less interested. The original "Farm Folks" concept was more appealing to me. The new automation features, PVP, and other additions just don't align with my personal preferences. I'm still cautiously optimistic, but I'm less excited than I once was.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?

Key Takeaways

🚜 Development delays and constant feature additions are concerning. (Addressed in recent video with progress updates)

💰 Multiple crowdfunding campaigns raise questions about funding. (Explained in video: previous team's Kickstarter)

📣 Social media engagement is good, but transparency is needed. (Video provided much needed transparency)

🎮 Player expectations are high; can the developers deliver? (Gameplay footage and design explanations shown)

⏳ Time will tell if Farm Folks (Autonomica) can overcome its challenges. (Optimism increased due to recent updates, but personal interest decreased)

🎮 Farm Folks has been renamed to Autonomica.

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