u/Impossible-Gur-3491

I made the tough decision to cancel my very first Kickstarter campaign for my yandere visual novel. Right now, this is a solo project, so I'll be responsible for making changes.

Momentum had been slow at the beginning and there was a gradual rise throughout. We reached 77% funding. I waited for the last 48 hours, but was preparing to close the campaign. When I felt a last-minute surge in the final 6 hours was unlikely, I posted an update and messaged all backers before cancelling the campaign. I'm planning to use this as an opportunity for a stronger relaunch.

My current self-assessment is that I launched the campaign too early. It was an attempt to capitalise on a spike in game demo downloads, but I don't think there was enough content to hook and reassure backers.

I posted a feedback survey in my last update, a mailing list signup with incentive and a reward poll for returning backers. I think there is enough interest to relaunch successfully.

Feedback I've received so far from backers:

• Needs a longer/updated demo.
• Need a much stronger marketing push and social media traction.
• Add higher-tier pledges, physical rewards, add-on options, and give all rewards image previews.
• Better art and making demo available on Steam/GOG.

I'm looking for any constructive feedback on what I can improve!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkedvision/cherry-topper-a-short-yandere-bl-visual-novel

I have a Kickstarter project which I may cancel if the last 36 hours don't bring in additional pledges.

If that happens, I want to prepare a short Typeform survey and post it in the campaign updates to gather feedback for a potential relaunch. My main concern is asking the right questions without overwhelming people with a long survey that discourages responses.

Right now, most of the survey uses simple 1–5 opinion scales and multiple choice questions because they seem quick and approachable, but the survey still feels a bit overloaded.

What questions are absolutely essential for a post-mortem survey?

This is my first Kickstarter campaign for a short visual novel.

I'm unsure if the funding will fail and if I should be planning to cancel it. There are 7 days left to go and the project is currently 46% funded on a goal of $2,400 AUD. There are 113 followers with a 10% conversion rate. Throughout the campaign the rise has been gradual and I've currently hit a plateau.

I've heard there might be a spike in the final 48 hours, but should I be preparing for funding failure? And is it better to cancel or let it fail?