UlasanAnime.com – The Kickstarter project for Masaaki Yuasa’s Kick-Heart has successfully reached its funding goal. This outcome was largely anticipated, with predictions from Kicktracker and other metrics indicating a successful campaign even a few days into its run. The question now is, what comes next for this project and for similar crowdfunding initiatives in the anime industry?
It’s reasonable to assume that this success will inspire others to follow a similar path. For some, the motivation behind backing such projects is the idea of “saving anime.” However, the notion of anime needing to be “saved” can be seen as a bit of an overstatement. While there’s always room for improvement, particularly in addressing studio crunch and budget constraints, Production I.G. is generally considered a strong player in the industry.
Production I.G. is recognized for its quality work and its commitment to developing talent, exemplified by their collaborations with directors like Yuasa. The Kick-Heart project, in its fan-driven support, draws parallels to other “labor of love” projects. This model, where fans fund what they want to see and creators are compensated for producing it, is a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, the dynamics at play with Kick-Heart might differ significantly from those of a project like Redline.
The pricing structure for Kick-Heart’s rewards, particularly the $60 tier for a 15-minute short, raises questions about perceived value. Without the seven-year development history and personal investment from creators like Koike and Maruyama that characterized Redline, the justification for such a price point can be difficult for some to grasp. While lower pledge tiers like $1 or $5 are easily justifiable, and even $15 might be acceptable, the value proposition for higher tiers becomes more complex.
The $10,000 tier, which includes a trip to Japan for a dinner with Oshii, highlights the appeal of exclusive experiences for dedicated fans. For those who have admired Oshii’s work since 1995, this offers a unique opportunity. Ultimately, the perceived value of Kickstarter projects is subjective and not always easily quantifiable. The decision for many to pledge for a Blu-ray, a tangible and easily understood reward, suggests a desire for clear value.
This also brings up the discussion of how many people purchased Redline’s Blu-ray. The question itself highlights the varying levels of success and engagement that different projects can achieve.
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Furthermore, the idea that not pledging for Kick-Heart equates to not “saving anime” or a similar inverse sentiment is a point worth addressing. This often mirrors the feeling people get when urged to “support the industry” by purchasing merchandise or DVDs they don’t genuinely want. It’s a sentiment that many have to get used to. The author personally finds this notion somewhat disingenuous, preferring to directly support creators they admire rather than participate in what they perceive as exploitative schemes, though they acknowledge the difficulty of the former. The $10,000 tier, in this context, comes closer to their ideal form of support.
Without tangible recognition, such as badges or plaques, for supporting the industry, the distinction often feels like self-gratification rather than a concrete contribution. The empirical basis for these claims is frequently lacking.
In conclusion, congratulations are in order for the Kick-Heart team on their successful Kickstarter campaign. The effort invested in the campaign is appreciated, and there is anticipation for the final product and the shared journey with the backers. The author also humorously warns the team not to startle any more elderly ladies. For the wider audience, the message is to capitalize on this Kickstarter for what it’s worth, encouraging those with the means to support worthy causes.
PS. In a brief update on gameplay, the kill count has increased by one: Rk. Yuko Gotoh. On her first mission, she successfully eliminated a floater and a thin man before her demise. Her career was cut short when a plaster wall melted in front of her, exposing her to stray plasma bolts. The last enemy on the same turn then ended her brief stint. Prior to this, she had survived poison and several close encounters, demonstrating initiative by closing in on enemies and stunning at least one, while pinning another. Her actions were clearly heroic.
