Shadowrun Returns is a game with a lot of expectations. First, it has to meet the expectations of fans and Kickstarter backers donated money to the project with no promise of a return on investment. Second, they have to meet the expectations of the greater gaming community who sits wondering just how this Kickstarter development process will work out. Third, they have to meet Kickstarter's expectations, because if Shadowrun Returns fails it's Kickstarter who may face the biggest backlash. It's tough being one of the first big Kickstarter projects to approach launch.
It shouldn't come as any sort of surprise then that the project is being delayed an extra month for polish and bugfixes. Instead of June 26 like previously confirmed, expect Shadowrun Returns on July 25. Here's a portion of the statement released via the game's Kickstarter this morning:
"We know we’ve been saying June for some time, but now that we’ve reached this final stage of development, and although our Kickstarter funding was spent some time ago, we've decided to invest additional time in bugfixing and polishing the game. That means a longer crunch period for a tired team, but everyone agrees that it’s worth it."
Harebrained Schemes further elaborates stating that all they've heard from their backers is an insistence that they take the time to make the game they truly want to make. Well, it's one thing to agree with that and another to be able to pay for an extra month of development, but everyone's heart seems to be in the right place.
I don't think anyone is expecting anything other than a great game from Harebrained Schemes. Everything they've shown of Shadowrun Returns has looked outstanding up to this point. However, and I take this stance with all Kickstarter projects, a healthy amount of skepticism is always required. The moment we stop being skeptic is the moment Kickstarter's worth becomes less than its weight.
Shadowrun Returns will launch July 25 for PC and Mac.
Also I agree completely with your last paragraph.