The Wagadu Chronicles, which was originally funded via a Kickstarter campaign and funding from the now-shuttered Riot Forge, is shutting down after about six months in Early Access.

Developer Twin Drums’ Allan Cudicio announced the closure on the game's Kickstarter page, citing the current tough environment for games funding for the closure and, ultimately they just don’t have the resources to keep going on the 5e MMORPG, which will shut down on May 18th.

“Over the past few months, Twin Drums has been fighting to stay financially afloat. Despite our best efforts, we've reached the end of the line” the update (h/t MOP) says. When they began their campaign, “the world looked very different—COVID-19 was unheard of, inflation wasn't making headlines, and funding for gaming was on the rise”.

The Wagadu Chronicles released in Early Access back in December. While the design goals and ideas were ambitious, with an intentionally diverse team offering a variety of customization options and inclusion of real African crops and other cultural inspiration, there was still a ways to go, and that chapter seems to be over now.

When it comes to Kickstarter backer rewards, all digital rewards have been sent,, but the team will be unable to deliver on promised printed rewards. “we are unable to provide the printed books and art to those who pledged for them”. Cudicio invites feedback over any of these decisions via the update.

Among the digital Kickstarter rewards that were delivered were a 7th Era D& compatible setting book, a Guide for Afrofantasy, an artbook, and Early Access for the MMO.

https://www.mmorpg.com/news/the-wagadu-chronicles-will-shut-down-after-six-months-in-early-access-some-kickstarter-rewards-unfulfilled-2000131461

This project really should be saved. Hopefully, they find investors and/or people decide to work on the project free.