What is a Phase One pledge?

Phase One is shorthand for a modified development model, in which work on "Phase One," a stripped-down, core version of the game, begins prior to the total game budget being assembled.  The benefit of the Phase One model is that development will be greatly sped up, as work can begin while funding is still being collected for the rest of the game.  However, if Phase One begins prior to the total game budget being ready, there is no guarantee that the rest of the game can be completed, at least by the full-time development team.  Note, however, that we are committed to making Phase One a playable, if barebones game, and providing a platform for modders to improve upon if formal development can't continue.  To read about Phase One in more detail, check out this article. 
 
If you're not sure which kind of pledge to make, we recommend making a standard pledge; if you later decide you're comfortable making a pledge to Phase One, you can always change your pledge amount in the "Contribution Status" field of your member profile.