Nifflas' Support Forum

General => About Nifflas' Website and Forum => Topic started by: Nifflas on September 22, 2009, 15:48:55

Title: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on September 22, 2009, 15:48:55
Basically, since I have the feeling that Bird Game will be done before MMF2 supports it in a CPU friendly way (HWA SDK isn't out), I have a strong feeling that I'll need to hire an extension developer to help me out fixing those things. One idea is to re-open the donations feature, but now I'm thinking that perhaps I should in the spirit of qc (http://questionablecontent.net/), xkcd (http://www.xkcd.com) and dr mcninja (http://www.drmcninja.com/) (the webcomics I read) sell some random stuff at the website. I'm not thinking game sprites or screen shots printed on t-shirts now, but more like if I can get my ex Sara Sandberg (who designed a lot of the WaDF creatures) to illustrate motives from the games in a more artsy and beautiful way. She's really skilled and I think her illustrations will stand out as nice design regardless of whenever it's viewed from the perspective of "It's from a Nifflas game" or not.

So apart the fact that I'm becomming a capitalist swine who have no future in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, is this yay or nay?
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Razzorman on September 22, 2009, 15:58:45
This is yay. I'd probably buy something if I could. :)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: LimeLemon on September 22, 2009, 16:09:41
Absolutely. Also, you are not a capitalist swine just because you want to earn money.
You deserve to at last earn something from what you have been giving us for free for way too long. But I didn't like the merch idea at first... however, you need that money to make your wonderful games that so many will enjoy.
But I don't think I would buy any merchandise. Sorry. But I will buy every single game you release! 8)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Dataflashsabot on September 22, 2009, 16:22:11
Very much yay :)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Miss Paula on September 22, 2009, 16:34:59
sorta yay. Standard merchandise is t-shirts and coffee mugs, right? 'cause if it turns out to be just that, "no buy for me"
...I could imagine to pay for some print/poster/picture stuff sort of thing though. :)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on September 22, 2009, 16:37:03
Interesting answer! I like that you say what would interest you most!
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: StaticRomantic on September 22, 2009, 16:39:56
yay. i'd buy a tee if it fit well. just make sure they're good quality clothes  :O
button pins would be fun too
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on September 22, 2009, 16:43:44
I'd probably buy a poster or t-shirt.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: BloxMaster on September 22, 2009, 17:03:03
Yay for this. Posters mugs and mouse pads (what? XD ) would be interesting, and I'd more than likely try to get something if I have that chance.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on September 22, 2009, 18:06:01
I will buy merchandise of the theme "Union of Soviet Socialist Republics" simply for the irony of it.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: PONTO on September 22, 2009, 19:05:10
I say yes, too. :)
EXCEPT for DLC. DLC is totally evil. x)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: minmay on September 22, 2009, 19:10:47
I voted fo' Option Three.  While I think merchandise is a good idea, I doubt I'd actually buy any of it, and I think a lot of people feel the same way.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: youffle214 on September 22, 2009, 21:09:36
Yay. :cat:
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: LPChip on September 22, 2009, 21:30:35
I'd say, do both. ;)

And do merchandise (you have tons of fans who'd like artwork for in their rooms based on the games you make) and for those that just want to give money but don't need/want the artwork, do donations.

That way, you have the benefits of both.

Also, don't feel bad about turning the commercial way. As long as you do it with the right spirit, and you do that, its the only way to keep doing what you love to do in this monetary society.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: wako-kun on September 22, 2009, 21:55:33
I'd certainly buy a knytt mug if I saw one. :D


We've all got a little capitalist inside us.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: googoogjoob on September 22, 2009, 22:01:12
I agree basically with what minmay said. Merchandise might be neat but I can't see myself actually buying any.

Quote from: wako-kun on September 22, 2009, 21:55:33
We've all got a little capitalist inside us.

Lies.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Gorfinhofin on September 22, 2009, 22:49:35
Sounds good to me. I've always wanted a T-shirt with a clever joke about the evils of the glass ball or something.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Mathexpert on September 23, 2009, 00:01:51
I really want merchandise. I would buy a knytt t-shirt anytime. (Im not kidding) :D
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pick Yer Poison on September 23, 2009, 00:18:02
I think this is a great idea. I would probably buy a poster, mousepad, etc. with art from your games.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: PONTO on September 23, 2009, 00:50:20
Quote from: Pick Yer Poison on September 23, 2009, 00:18:02
I think this is a great idea. I would probably buy a poster, mousepad, etc. with art from your games.
Hm... I'm actually needing a mousepad... *hint* x)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: smeagle on September 23, 2009, 06:59:55
Quote from: Mathexpert on September 23, 2009, 00:01:51
I really want merchandise. I would buy a knytt t-shirt anytime. (Im not kidding) :D

me to!  :D
 I agree with lpchip
Quote from: LPChip on September 22, 2009, 21:30:35
I'd say, do both. ;)

And do merchandise (you have tons of fans who'd like artwork for in their rooms based on the games you make) and for those that just want to give money but don't need/want the artwork, do donations.

That way, you have the benefits of both.

Also, don't feel bad about turning the commercial way. As long as you do it with the right spirit, and you do that, its the only way to keep doing what you love to do in this monetary society.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: AClockworkLemon on September 23, 2009, 08:44:49
Big-time yes!
Try not to fall into the MOR (middle of the road) Merch trap, like t-shirts and coffee mugs (/\ mentioned above) try to do some intriguing stuff that'll catch peoples attention. Posters are also a good idea! :P2


slightly offtopic, niff, I recon you should get some wallpapers from your games and add them to your website (not the forum). Good-looking wallpapers are a really good way of advertising games if you can get them spreading around a bit! C)p
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: smeagle on September 23, 2009, 12:11:31
also a plush toy within a deep forest ball or juni would be AWESOME  :O
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Salmoneous on September 23, 2009, 13:06:25
Quote from: googoogjoob on September 22, 2009, 22:01:12
Quote from: wako-kun on September 22, 2009, 21:55:33
We've all got a little capitalist inside us.

Lies.

Damn lies indeed. I'm no capitalist!
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: mato on September 23, 2009, 17:12:46
I am not dead-set on buying anything before I see, it will depend on the quality really. But trying to make something out of your art is not a bad thing as long as it does not somehow change you. I sure am glad you updated your site though and I do wish we knew how to hear more from you and see more of what you are up to artistically, you are just so coy sometimes Nifflas.

To me you are this person who lives in a igloo up in the north pole, sleeping below a star filled sky, interconected with the universe with some kind of an intergalactic internet connection and who makes ethereal, exquisite, unique, beautiful art pieces. Now don't spoil the image for me please, don't demystify it.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: LightningEagle on September 23, 2009, 20:32:29
I'd say yay, but you shouldn't do it for people saying "yay, I'm not buying" since I can see you ending up with stuff you don't need and can't sell... maybe..

That being said I would definitely consider buying a t-shirt with KS related art. As a fan of the game in an area where I feel kinda lonely about it, it would be cool with a t-shirt so some people might actually spot you and say "Hey! I like KS too!".

Happened to me with a megatokyo sweatshirt once, and several times with xkcd t-shirts. That was simply awesome! XD

So, t-shirt would be a blast for me.  And a smaller KS-related poster wouldn't hurt either. Anything big wouldn't fit in my room. :P2

Though, as mato said: quality. If the print wears off quickly I wouldn't buy twice.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on September 23, 2009, 22:57:54
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm really taking them into consideration! I'll do my best to make sure it's quality stuff.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Mathexpert on September 23, 2009, 23:56:19
Quote from: Well on September 23, 2009, 23:17:43
Like Paula, I'd really want to buy something more along the lines of actual art. I'd buy a poster for sure.
I, on the other hand would buy the exact opposite.

Quote from: LightningEagle on September 23, 2009, 20:32:29
kinda lonely about it, it would be cool with a t-shirt so some people might actually spot you and say "Hey! I like KS too!".

Omg, it would be so cool if you were a McDonalds or something, and we saw a forum member  there...
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: gorrillateef on September 24, 2009, 03:26:53
I think plushies would be awesome. Also, I would buy a t-shirt, because it is a great way of saying "Hey guys! I like nifflas games!" And then other fans will know they an talk to me about it, and it really just works out great for everyone involved. I was walking down the street a few days ago wearing my Avenue Q shirt, and I got into conversations with about five random strangers. Also, free advertising for you!
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Purple Pineapple on September 24, 2009, 03:45:10
Quote from: gorrillateef on September 24, 2009, 03:26:53
I think plushies would be awesome.
Totally.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pick Yer Poison on September 24, 2009, 04:05:49
Quote from: gorrillateef on September 24, 2009, 03:26:53
I think plushies would be awesome.
:D
WANT.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: D Fast on September 24, 2009, 09:05:21
I'd buy any bigass poster, if the poster is very atmospheric, has a bit dark'ish colouring and features anything nifflasy.

(Oh and Nifflas, you know how much I love your "funk.jpg" image with the round clouds and funky trees, turn that into a poster and I'd buy several pieces.)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: lilmanjs16 on September 24, 2009, 22:42:09
could you say bumper sticker? I need bumper stickers for my truck. XD
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Mathexpert on September 25, 2009, 00:03:36
Quote from: gorrillateef on September 24, 2009, 03:26:53
I And then other fans will know they an talk to me about it,
However, the problem with that is that it will not happen. How many people you know (in real life) do you know that plays nifflas games? For me, at least, I bet No one in my city knows who nifflas is.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Gorfinhofin on September 25, 2009, 04:29:47
Quote from: Mathexpert on September 25, 2009, 00:03:36
For me, at least, I bet No one in my city knows who nifflas is.
You just can't tell they do because they aren't wearing a cool Nifflas-related T-shirt, see?
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: TheoX on September 25, 2009, 04:51:57
I would love a NiffShirt! :)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: dvit on September 27, 2009, 00:43:23
Quote from: minmay on September 22, 2009, 19:10:47
I voted fo' Option Three.  While I think merchandise is a good idea, I doubt I'd actually buy any of it, and I think a lot of people feel the same way.
I'm sort of like that, but I think I might buy a t-shirt if it looked cool enough.

I...will...not...click...option...4...
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pumpkinbot on September 27, 2009, 00:54:58
I say yes, but no T-shirts or mugs or crap like that. Plushies only! D:
Edit: As long as Nifflas doesn't get the EA virus and become greedy. Imagine having to spend money to play Knytt Stories! Monthly subscriptions for playing Night Game? ONOEZ

Edit 2: I choose "Neutral". My philosophy is "the more money you get, the more money you want".
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Razzorman on September 27, 2009, 01:07:47
Can everyone stop making demands about not selling stuff?
Its like walking into a supermarket and telling them to stop selling cereal, because you like to eat toast for breakfast.
(if that metaphor makes any sense at all...)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Purple Pineapple on September 27, 2009, 01:26:47
Quote from: Razzorman on September 27, 2009, 01:07:47
(if that metaphor makes any sense at all...)
Totally. ..excepting that it's a simile.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pumpkinbot on September 27, 2009, 07:35:16
Quote from: Razzorman on September 27, 2009, 01:07:47
Can everyone stop making demands about not selling stuff?
Its like walking into a supermarket and telling them to stop selling cereal, because you like to eat toast for breakfast.
(if that metaphor makes any sense at all...)
[offtopic]I love toast! :awsum:[/offtopic]
Yeah, I agree. Unless the suggested negative result of selling merchandise affects everyone, like me saying he may start to get greedy (though I doubt that would happen).
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: LimeLemon on September 27, 2009, 12:53:16
Nifflas won't get greedy by selling a couple of t-shirts. Seriously.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pumpkinbot on September 27, 2009, 23:36:54
Quote from: LimeLemon on September 27, 2009, 12:53:16
Nifflas won't get greedy by selling a couple of t-shirts. Seriously.
Quote from: Pumpkinbot on September 27, 2009, 07:35:16
(though I doubt that would happen).
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on September 28, 2009, 18:39:49
As a grown up I need money to survive. It's not about any illusions about taking over the world or getting rich, I'm happy as long as I can afford a home, food, and in the future perhaps even enough money to buy a house or support children. Either I get a full time work and spend 8 hours per day getting the money I need for that - which means I'll have no time to work on game development - or I try to make money out of the game development so I don't have to spend all those 8 hours on something else.

I can't see a "the more money you get, the more money you want" aspect in this. I mean, how is this exclusive to people who are into creative stuff, you could say that about anyone having a normal work too, right? We all need money, but because I'm a game developer who want to sell stuff there's suddenly a major risk that I'll turn greedy and evil?
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: deathtotheweird on September 29, 2009, 12:18:40
I voted Yay (it couldn't hurt at least) but I'm not interested in any items. Unless they are super awesome, which they may be...

But even so, I would much much prefer to just donate my money. That way I know you get most-if not all-of my money rather than the relatively small percentage you would receive from Merch alone.

The amount of enjoyment I received from your games, especially as a late-bloomer compared to most around here, I say you should open up your donation system again (perhaps give a small discount to Saira to those who donated?). As soon as I saw your site for the first time you had already closed the donations so I never had the chance.

I'm a college student, so money is tight but I would have no problems donating any reasonable amount.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: dvit on September 30, 2009, 19:39:14
You could make Knytt Stories style umbrellas, but I'm not sure that their inherent coolness would translate into sales.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Salmoneous on September 30, 2009, 20:48:09
The ks umbrella look like a basic black/dark grey umbrella.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Shawnachu on September 30, 2009, 23:41:15
I voted Yay!

I probably won't buy anything expensive though. A mouse pad or maybe a poster would be nice.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: JC Grim the 'crete reaper on October 03, 2009, 05:28:12
Definitely yes.

I've been interested in the thought for awhile now, roughly around the time I created your golden statue for Christmas :P

I think it would be pretty cool to see the thought materialized.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pumpkinbot on October 03, 2009, 18:56:56
Quote from: Nifflas on September 28, 2009, 18:39:49
As a grown up I need money to survive. It's not about any illusions about taking over the world or getting rich, I'm happy as long as I can afford a home, food, and in the future perhaps even enough money to buy a house or support children. Either I get a full time work and spend 8 hours per day getting the money I need for that - which means I'll have no time to work on game development - or I try to make money out of the game development so I don't have to spend all those 8 hours on something else.

I can't see a "the more money you get, the more money you want" aspect in this. I mean, how is this exclusive to people who are into creative stuff, you could say that about anyone having a normal work too, right? We all need money, but because I'm a game developer who want to sell stuff there's suddenly a major risk that I'll turn greedy and evil?
You have a point. *changes answer*
Edit: 42nd "Yay" vote for the win.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on October 03, 2009, 23:25:33
Ah, answer to ultimate question 'bout life universe everyhing blah blah ;) I read the books too, even enjoyed the radio shows!
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Pumpkinbot on October 04, 2009, 00:19:59
Quote from: Nifflas on October 03, 2009, 23:25:33
Ah, answer to ultimate question 'bout life universe everyhing blah blah ;) I read the books too, even enjoyed the radio shows!
:awsum:
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: StaticRomantic on October 04, 2009, 00:34:51
Quote from: Nifflas on September 28, 2009, 18:39:49
As a grown up I need money to survive. It's not about any illusions about taking over the world or getting rich, I'm happy as long as I can afford a home, food, and in the future perhaps even enough money to buy a house or support children. Either I get a full time work and spend 8 hours per day getting the money I need for that - which means I'll have no time to work on game development - or I try to make money out of the game development so I don't have to spend all those 8 hours on something else.

I can't see a "the more money you get, the more money you want" aspect in this. I mean, how is this exclusive to people who are into creative stuff, you could say that about anyone having a normal work too, right? We all need money, but because I'm a game developer who want to sell stuff there's suddenly a major risk that I'll turn greedy and evil?

well put.
people who constantly accuse others of "selling out" need to step back and shut up. there's a lot of factors that go into things like KS that fans don't see. just because you don't want to dish out a few bucks to support game makers and artists doesn't give you the right to complain about the fact that they need to make a living as well (issues like L4D2 come to mind).
the way i see it, it's alright to have making a living a focus of your products, as long as it doesn't become the focus.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: tomssuli on October 22, 2009, 10:05:15
I'd buy a Juni plushie for X-mas or B-day present for my girlfriend as she is a big fan of KS. I think She would be very happily surprised.   C)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: The stickman on October 24, 2009, 22:29:42
I would buy a plushie version of the blue WaDF ball. Or a rubber version. Or maybe a tennis version. Or soccer version...
 Some kind of ball that I can throw... :]
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: smeagle on October 25, 2009, 02:29:02
....or a stress ball!
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Purple Pineapple on October 25, 2009, 04:15:08
Quote from: The stickman on October 24, 2009, 22:29:42
Some kind of ball that I can throw... :]
Quote from: smeagle on October 25, 2009, 02:29:02
....or a stress ball!
Definitely.
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on October 25, 2009, 15:14:32
Good news! Sara Sandberg has illustrated some really nice artwork for shirts! I really like what she came up with and hope you will too :)
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: TheoX on October 25, 2009, 18:54:17
yaaay!  I'm sure it's pretty.  I'm looking forward to such merch. :nuts:
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Comhon on October 27, 2009, 14:00:28
I vote YAY
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Dynamite on November 03, 2009, 11:21:31
How much to buy Nifflas?
Title: Re: Merch? Yay or nay?
Post by: Nifflas on November 03, 2009, 11:47:54
Don't know yet, I'm looking into printing now...