... They ran into production delays but that seems very common with these projects. They end up being 10 times bigger than the original goal, add a ton of new figures/features, and it's going to take longer to produce. If it looks to be a big project, expect delays.
I know I've invested more in kickstarters than I should have, but if I see a project I really like then I want to support them. That's especially true if they really are a start up and not an already well established company. But I rarely back on concept art alone. I want to see some actual sculpts and have some idea that they can produce the figures/game and will do so at a reasonable level of quality. I think kickstarter and similar sites have done some great things for the miniatures community by helping small companies produce new lines of figures and games that they may not have been able to do any other way. Still, it's good advice to think before you back a project, look for warning signs that there may be trouble ahead, and decide whether or not it's worth the risk. As Andy said, you can often just wait for retail.
Seeing the actual Minis is a great criteria to have. I would even wager Rulebook art, if it's a stand-up minis game. I was a Relic Knight pledger (got everything I pledged for very early on...well, once it went to delivery anyway, and I am still not entirely sure all my pieces are account for...only because I do not open a box until I am ready to paint it..guess how many that is) But the concept art for my chosen faction was relatively tasteful (especially for RK)...the figures went too far into Cheesecake and had I known what they would be, I probably would have made a different choice. Some of the other figures (SDE characters come to mind) underwent numerous changes AFTER KS closure and ended up being, ...well, good...in
most cases, but went in an entirely other direction.
I also pledged for 'Sack Puppets,' go look it up for a complete hose job...barely any of us got the puppets and the quality was that of a 6th grade Home Ec. class project. . .
Anyway, back to minis- Often times, though, the minis have been up to par, of high quality, and great to paint, from great people with good intentions and the wait can be worth it. I am also waiting on a small (admittedly) pledge for Dwarf Gladiators from Mike Leach of Eastern Front Studios. Yes, the figures are WAY beyond expected delivery date, but they are high quality and he has bent over backwards to not only keep backers in the know, but is willing to work with them in any way possible, both in comments/updates and in PMs, so I am happy to wait.
Impact miniatures were also a welcomed backing. Never really knew I liked Chibi.
Kickstarter/Indiegogo/etc. really is 'consumers grab bag' on what you'll end up with, but rather than 'expected delivery date,' I really do feel it should be 'overly optimistic date we are trying to believe we can make.'
Overall, I would go with companies I trust, rather than ideas I like AND NEVER make plans about how/when you recieve the minis from these startup techniques (other industries can also be spotty, but I have minimal experience outside of mini pledges). I've been burned in this way multiple times.
