From The Desk of Nerd³ - June 2025 Edition
Added 2025-06-01 17:05:53 +0000 UTCMany apologies for a lack of one of these posts last month, but I think the reason for that is pretty self-explanatory now. Last Friday, Boundless, the company that took over Fuck Yeah Video Games and The Paradox Paradox publisher Unbound, announced that it wasn’t going to pay me for five years of work. Roughly £40,000, the majority of backer money, vanished in a single email, sent at 3am.
First, I’ll answer a few questions:
No, I don’t know what happens next for backers who are waiting for books. I will keep you updated whenever I discover anything.
Yes, I’m making a YouTube video on this, detailing every fuckup that I had to deal with in the publication of Paradox.
Yes, I am meeting with lawyers first thing on Monday.
This moment, this betrayal, is yet another moment in the past few years of my trust being taken advantage of. Years ago, I would have trusted anyone and anything at the drop of a hat. Then, slowly and surely, bit by bit, people have taken all my ability to trust away, leaving me empty. I feel like Blackadder in that Christmas special, on the precipice of turning into a bitter bastard and decking the ghost of Christmas future right in his hooded mush.
However, where Blackadder only had Baldrick, I have a fantastic partner and a damn good therapist. Late last year I instead opted to rebuild from the ground up, shedding essentially everyone in my life and allowing them back in only when they met my standards, be it of personal responsibility, acceptance of who I am, or whatever else was necessary. There were a few people who made the cut by default, and the rest were told what I was doing and what they could do to help repair the relationship moving forward. As of today, nobody has taken me up on that offer. It breaks my heart, but self-care isn’t always easy.
This is why, when the Unbound news broke, it didn’t break us. Rebecca and I were ready for this. We’d planned carefully, reduced as much spending as we could and got to a point where that £40,000 wasn’t essential to our survival as a company. Don’t get me wrong, that amount of money is near lifechanging for us and seeing it vanish is devastating, but it’s not deadly. We’re going to do everything we can to get back that money, money I rightfully earned through years of work, but we’re okay without it. The house we move to will be a little smaller, sure, but we still get to make cool stuff on the internet for the foreseeable.
So, thank you all of you reading this. These past years have been hard on us, but your support has kept us going. We are literally forever grateful.
Have a fantastic month.
Remember to wear sunscreen.
Daniel xx
Comments
I'd love a Pokeball Designer game where you can decorate a pokeball and make it perfect for each species of Pokemon And a Pokemon DLC for Planet Zoo, where you can make a perfect habitat for each Pokemon
Tom Spencer
2025-06-14 19:01:16 +0000 UTCAll of this really does show that business people will always see everything as a business and nothing else. If they can see a way of making more money for themselves, they'll do it. And Dan, while I don't know you or Rebecca personally in any capacity (haven't even met you at an event etc.), I know that once you have the rights to the book back, and proper funding by a proper publisher, the physical books will get to everyone. And we're willing to wait as long as we need to for it. The important thing now is that you guys are okay after having a major part of your life ripped away from you, and you find a way to get it back. Lots of love to the both of you, and all the animals too
Christopher Bull
2025-06-06 22:47:48 +0000 UTCSame here, I was in the psych ward when I got the email and didn’t notice it. Now it’s too late, you think they’d make it accessible from the backers page.
ItsGwenActually
2025-06-05 06:54:35 +0000 UTCHi folks, I have a bit of a predicament. So, I backed the book in 2020. I was waiting to get my physical book before reading it (great idea, myself). Stupidly, I didn't download the e-book when Unbound sent me the email. I thought I'd do it later, I had the physical book coming anyway (great idea, myself). When I heard that Unbound was going under, I found the email and tried to download it, but the page just doesn't exist anymore. Boundless still has my order there, and it knows what tier I backed, but no way for me to access the e-book. It just says that it was completed in March. Does anyone have any idea how I might be able to access it?
Jack Parkin
2025-06-04 23:54:31 +0000 UTCI'm sorry that Unbound and Boundless have done this, I'm a new subscriber that wanted to show support and actually get the money that I pledged for the book to you one way or another, so here's a year's subscription, best of luck with the lawyers
Ryan Webber
2025-06-04 18:48:32 +0000 UTCI've just finished the YouTube video you posted. I have second hand anger , I don't know how you stayed so calm. I've also read the book and loved it. I assume that any purchase of the book right now only supports boundless and not yourself? Is that correct?
Adam Braybrook
2025-06-04 18:43:49 +0000 UTCThis made me realize that I never actually downloaded the ebook from backing the book. I was waiting to get the physical book before I did any reading. Now going back to my email, the ebook download links don't work and link to broken websites. Great. I hope everything works out well for Dan and Rebecca.
HowCynful
2025-06-04 18:29:02 +0000 UTCHey Dan, been a patron since 2015, and I usually skulk in the shadows, but this really got to me. I know I'm just another stranger, so I hope this isn't weird. We're about the same age and I know what you mean by feeling like you might become a bitter bastard after life was harsher than you'd thought or hoped. Don't fall into the precipice, all of us naive bleeding hearts need to keep bleeding even when it's hard. But yeah while protecting ourselves as well. I've just upped my tier and I'll stay here for as long as I can. I know many others are here too. We've got your back
Juliette Stephan
2025-06-04 17:40:52 +0000 UTCI'm sorry Dan. I hope in the end that you and Rebecca are able to get back to some enjoyable status quo. You two are amazing and have made me both a happier and better person over the years. Sending love.
AStupidID
2025-06-03 15:20:19 +0000 UTCSorry your fantastic book has such awful associations for you. It's an incredible book that all need to read. Upping my patreon pledge on payday.
Matthew Oliver
2025-06-03 14:06:57 +0000 UTCAll I can say is I appreciate your efforts.... I'm not a reader. The last book I read was fuck yeah, and I'm getting into Paradox after receiving it last week. Not sure if that makes me one of the lucky ones? Anyway, whatever happens I hope you keep doing what you do and find a way to get paid for your work. Appreciate you both!
Your Name Here
2025-06-03 13:26:59 +0000 UTCI hope your meeting with lawyers went well yesterday, and that there's steps to be taken. Let us know the second there's somewhere we can buy the book that'll actually land money in your hands, or a fund to donate to legal fees. Sending lots of love to you, Rebecca, the animals, and everyone affected by this shit storm
Lauren Clarke
2025-06-03 11:02:35 +0000 UTCI’m sorry your book basically got stolen by a bunch of uncaring suits. It’s an amazing piece of art and it deserves so much better than what it’s gotten. As a prospective writer myself, your experiences are really highlighting just how cutthroat the publishing world is. I guess I should thank you for opening my eyes before I picked this particular company to talk to
Wynter
2025-06-03 09:55:34 +0000 UTCSo many people I follow have been screwed hard by it, it's just... awful all that because of them making a stupid gamble corporations suck
Sandwich247
2025-06-02 22:07:08 +0000 UTCIf there was a way to buy it directly from you I would. Even with the extra cost and shipping just so I know it's supporting you.
Dude Oreally
2025-06-02 21:29:43 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry this has happened to you. As others have said, let us know how to buy the book for your benefit and we will. This may be wild optimism speaking, but I do believe in the power of this community - if we collectively bought in the same week, would it still be at all possible to make the best seller list?
Benfield
2025-06-02 16:04:43 +0000 UTCThe issue is that the money is still going to the publisher who is refusing to pay. In my mind pirating the book if you have people who want to read it is the answer but I'd wait for Dan to make that call
DrunkUkrainian
2025-06-02 14:48:09 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry this is happening. If we're waiting on our copy is there anywhere we can buy one from now that would guarantee you get the money from it? I'm happy to wait but if we can get you a bit more income from it then I'll 100% buy an extra copy
Cy6erWolf
2025-06-02 12:02:12 +0000 UTCIt's kinda up in the air wether a book purchase will support Dan or not right now, I'd say at the least go local then you're supporting the your local bookstore
Nathan (Mixter_Chestnut)
2025-06-02 08:34:31 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry this has happened to you. Hope you can figure it out.
Jamie
2025-06-02 06:58:15 +0000 UTCGlad i upgraded to the £5 patreon. Buy yourself some sweets with that extra 4 quid, god knows youve earned it. We'll always be here to support you dan, financially speaking. And creatively. All of the ways that aren't personally. Thats what the lovely rebecca is for. All the best, both of you.
Mr Nutman
2025-06-02 04:07:36 +0000 UTCI'm so very sorry to hear this. I found a copy of the book in a delightful shop in Paris and had to bring it home to the US with me despite not really having room for anything else in my luggage. My intention was that you'd get a small sale and get a smile that a weirdo has bought your latest book in Paris. I hope the meeting with the lawyers goes well and you come out ahead in the end.
Erstwhile Egret
2025-06-02 03:08:39 +0000 UTCI'm sorry you're having to go through this. I hope the few people in your life bring you joy and light I'm also slightly fascinated by the approach you describe to your friends and would be interested to hear about that in a podcast but that's me being very nosey and blending the artist vs art line.
Adam Bell
2025-06-02 01:28:31 +0000 UTCMy heart broke reading about this yesterday when you posted on Bluesky. I’m so sorry this has happened to you.
Thomas N Wyndham
2025-06-02 00:06:53 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry they've pulled this BS on you. Please let us know if/when the book becomes available elsewhere so that we can support you by ordering it there!
Thomas and Lydia Wodarek
2025-06-01 23:25:56 +0000 UTCThis is beyond awful, the amount of hard work and time you put into this for you to be fucked over like this is honestly shocking. We will always have your back though and support you as much as you support us. Best of luck to both of you incredible people and make sure they know they're up against an official Doctor who writer because that would scare the shit out of me!!
Jack (Chat Cast) Bantock
2025-06-01 22:40:45 +0000 UTCas a fan, as someone not directly involved in any of this or any of your personal life, this is so hard to read. You have so much kindness and love and have given so much to so many. You have my support in anything (unless you turn around and do something county like buy a Tesla or vote reform). With love and solidarity - Ben
Benedict
2025-06-01 21:43:24 +0000 UTCWTF that's awful. I'm sorry that they did that. Definitely won't be supporting them again for this. Grateful I got my physical copy though.
Malachy Hamilton
2025-06-01 21:31:49 +0000 UTCThat's a hell of a thing. I wonder if there are other authors affected by this pile of tossers that would be keen on throwing in on a group litigation.
Alden Bates
2025-06-01 21:30:03 +0000 UTCThat’s a nasty situation Dan, I truly wish you best of luck ❤️
ben seviour
2025-06-01 21:25:56 +0000 UTCWhen you do the video explaining about the issues, can you also tell us how to buy the book so that you will be paid the money for doing so?
Mike Jones
2025-06-01 21:17:14 +0000 UTCWhat an absolute bastard move on Boundless' part. Give them hell and we'll support you while you do it!
Dayna Kenyon
2025-06-01 20:50:13 +0000 UTCGood luck with the lawyer, I presume you would've signed a contract or another similar agreement with Unbound at the start of this process, and the lawyers just need to do their job. I expect they're doing this with everyone and just hoping some people don't want to/can't afford to get lawyers involved. Don't give up!
Narmatonia
2025-06-01 20:35:02 +0000 UTCWishing you the best through this tough time ❤️
xjxsephxinsanityx
2025-06-01 20:30:14 +0000 UTCSo horrifically unfair, I'm so glad you're standing strong. Once again an inspiration. I hope you achieve everything you set your heart on <3
PBKitKat
2025-06-01 20:08:02 +0000 UTCThis is absolutely abhorrent but I'm glad you are in a position both mentally and businessly to keep yourselves afloat. I just finished the Paradox Paradox on Friday and it was absolutely amazing Kez, Eureka, Iscah, Theo, Lily, and the whole crew of Lucas will stick with me for a long time. I hope to read another one of your books in the future, even if I did for a little while have existential dread from the figures in the void haha. Wishing you Rebecca, and all the pets the best 💜
The Lunatic BayBay
2025-06-01 19:42:28 +0000 UTCI'm glad you can still make jokes 😊
Some Strange Thing
2025-06-01 19:32:48 +0000 UTCI replied to your post on BlueSky but I thought I should reiterate/expand upon here. Having read the ebook version of The Paradox Paradox (possibly the only version I get to read) and listened to Rise of the Eukaryans, I think you're a really good Author and I hope that other publishers understand the mess that Unbound/Boundless have left Authors like yourself in!
Luke Rackstraw
2025-06-01 19:13:21 +0000 UTCLuckily enough I did receive my hardcopy a few weeks ago. I'll just add my vote to the request to give us a way to buy the book again to support you. I've got plenty of people who will love reading it.
PietDeVries
2025-06-01 18:57:12 +0000 UTCI am so sorry what has happened to you and Rebecca. Unbound/Boundless are disgusting for treating you (and their other authors) like this and I hope you get justice. I will continue to support you now and for the foreseeable future. Your hard work and dedication is a true inspiration.
Josh Griffiths
2025-06-01 18:45:40 +0000 UTCDan and Rebecca, you have been a massive part of my life and a massive part of my recent Journey, being diagnosed with ADHD recently and Autism maybe 10 years ago, I see so much of you both in me it’s scary!!! And I’m so grateful for you both and I will continue supporting you both however I can for the foreseeable!!!
Joshscarbi
2025-06-01 18:32:37 +0000 UTCI think when i say this is appalling behaviour from Boundless is a gross understatement. no matter who you are, Sunday times best seller: Daniel Hardcastle or Steve at the Pub, 40 grand is A LOT to just suddenly swipe away, not to mention that the 40k over 5 years of work isn’t even minimum wage, hell it isn’t even half that. I don’t know why they’ve done it, id love to know why. I hope you and Rebecca get the money + extra, for any potential stress it has given the both of you. All of that + outside of the book writing picture having to in the middle of the night, move out of what you two thought was your forever home and have to search for a new home? 40k isn’t a pebble in the road its a god damn boulder. You two are SO strong, I’m wishing the best for you both and the animals. P.S if you have any other places to buy the book, I’m more than happy to buy a second copy (i’ll frame my signed one 😂)
Gnushy
2025-06-01 18:29:50 +0000 UTCWell, since it seems Boundless stole my backer money, I'll add a +1 to the others - Let us know what the best way is we can buy the book now that will best support you? <3
COUNTERPOINT
2025-06-01 18:14:39 +0000 UTCHow can their greed and indecency be so Boundless 💔
Richard Grayson
2025-06-01 18:11:31 +0000 UTCDon't let the pricks change you, but don't let them take advantage of you. That's is indeed the right thing to do and well done for redrawing the line, Dan! You are a wonderful human being and I appreciate so so much that I could benefit from that through your work for so many years. I'll light a fire to your continued prosperity.
Szkudlarski Joris
2025-06-01 18:06:09 +0000 UTCBeen a long time fan of you and Rebecca and it is so hateful to see genuine good people, good at the core, being fucked about like that. Please know that through the hardships, you absolutely have all of our backing, love and support.
Rachael Collins
2025-06-01 17:59:29 +0000 UTCHello Daniel, I love you so much, and I am so sorry to hear that this has happened to you guys, this is absolutely awful and while yes you don't *need* the money, I absolutely hope everything goes well with the lawyers, and you can get the money that is rightfully yours. You're both very strong people who have had to go through so many hardships, it's so unfair. Hope everything goes well, thank you for absolutely everything you've done for me and everyone else for so many years <3
Uniqetz
2025-06-01 17:32:02 +0000 UTCDan, I was looking to buy your book this month but now the publisher has done this, I am glad I held off. Can you tell us what the best way to buy this book is to support you? You have both done amazing!
Adam Castle
2025-06-01 17:21:41 +0000 UTCI'm really sorry to hear this has happened to you guys, or more accurately perhaps that they have done this to you. I saw someone else ask this but I'll repeat it nonetheless: what would be the best way to buy The Paradox Paradox that would support you directly? I never got around to backing it originally, but am still keen to dive into it and don't want another penny to go to the people who have put you in this position!
Renzo Wijngaarden
2025-06-01 17:21:14 +0000 UTCDan, I love you. Fuck em up! 🤘🏻🫡
Michael J Hunter
2025-06-01 17:20:32 +0000 UTCVery thankful that I got the ebook at least, but yeah what Unbound/Boundless pulled here can't be allowed to stand. Hopefully you can club together with all the other people they fucked over and take them to court. They have to pay, literally.
Alex Everett
2025-06-01 17:20:12 +0000 UTCJeez, that is utterly disgraceful.
Scott White
2025-06-01 17:17:17 +0000 UTCIm furious on your behalf, this is disgusting, Dan, and I'm so sorry 😭 Please, can you tell us where is best to buy a copy of your book rn to support you? I was waiting for my backer version, but now, I wanna buy another copy in hopes it will benefit you more (and help me get through an extended hospital stay 😅)
Coire Halfpenny & Alex Milne ❤
2025-06-01 17:15:14 +0000 UTCYou and Rebecca are wonderful people I am truly sorry for the awful behaviour of boundless. I wish we your viewers and fans could help. We will always be here watching you scream at npcs in games. We love you Dan. You've changed the lives of so so many people, you deserve billions of pounds I wish we could get you that and help you. -Torixiant
Tor McMahon
2025-06-01 17:13:33 +0000 UTCIt's a bloody tough position to be put in, it's not fair and for all the joy you guys have been putting into the world for 10+ years you absolutely deserve better. Best of luck and I hope it all pans out the best it can for both of you <3
Keir Davies
2025-06-01 17:13:18 +0000 UTCI’m heartbroken for everything that has happened the past little while. I still believe in Paradox, Paradox. I’m upset I still haven’t received any communication from the company, even when I reached out to their contact page. But I don’t hold it against you, my anger is 100% on Boundless. Thank you for all the great content you’ve entertained me with all these years! This may be a bump, but I believe you’re still destined for upward growth. 💜
Darythe Hill
2025-06-01 17:12:51 +0000 UTCThe sheer audacity of Boundless as an “organisation”, couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery. Best of luck with the legal fight
Rowan Adams
2025-06-01 17:12:43 +0000 UTCThis is genuinely horrific news, the paradox paradox is a masterpiece and I'm so sorry that this is the way it's panned out. I'm glad you're meeting lawyers to try and sort this shit out!
Ethan Pender
2025-06-01 17:12:35 +0000 UTCI am fucking proud of you, Daniel. What you’ve done and what you’re doing. That’s a lot of work and a lot of pain to get through. We - the council of kelpie’s - are going through something similar but we’re still working through a lot of things. This also kinda proves what we’ve known all along - you are a good person, as is Rebecca, and we will proudly stand with you.
Omega McKinlay
2025-06-01 17:12:25 +0000 UTCThat is fucking appalling and I don't know how anyone involved in the day to day operations of Boundless can look themselves in the fucking eye.
Angus Noble
2025-06-01 17:10:51 +0000 UTCFor you, Mr. Nerd³, I will remember to wear my suncream. All love to you guys ❤️
Sam Ph. (SalmonSun)
2025-06-01 17:10:38 +0000 UTCHeartbroken for you and your family. I trust the lawyers shall be able to get you your money back
Ross Stewart
2025-06-01 17:09:38 +0000 UTCI am absolutely speechless. I don't know what, if anything, we as a community can do to support you guys but you know we will!
Matthew Lewis
2025-06-01 17:08:59 +0000 UTCGoood luck dan
iamjusttom
2025-06-01 17:08:21 +0000 UTC❤️❤️❤️
Harry Franklin
2025-06-01 17:08:19 +0000 UTC
