List of Video Game Crowdfunding Projects and Their Success Stories

Crowdfunding has revolutionized the way video game developers fund their projects, allowing them to connect directly with their target audience and raise the funds needed to bring their vision to life.

One notable example is the game "Shovel Knight", which raised over $311,000 on Kickstarter in 2013. This was a significant amount for a game that was essentially a throwback to the 8-bit era.

The success of "Shovel Knight" can be attributed to its unique blend of old-school charm and modern gameplay. Its developers, Yacht Club Games, were able to tap into the nostalgia of retro game enthusiasts and create a loyal following.

The game's success also paved the way for other retro-style games to be crowdfunded, such as "Axiom Verge" which raised over $650,000 on Kickstarter in 2015.

Kickstarter has become a powerful platform for innovative developers to bring their dreams to life.

Many incredible games have gone from concept to reality through the passion and financial support of gamers worldwide.

Some of the most creative and beloved games of recent years have been crowdfunded on the platform.

These titles showcase the incredible potential of community-backed game development.

Games like these have disrupted traditional publishing models and delivered something truly unique.

Notable Projects have successfully received their funds, and we're going to take a look at some of them.

The Ouya console raised $8,596,139, a significant amount for a crowdfunding project.

Some notable video game projects include the Ouya console, which received its funds and went on to be a successful gaming platform.

The project's success can be attributed to its innovative approach to gaming and its ability to engage with a large community of backers.

The Ouya console was just one of the many projects that have successfully raised funds through crowdfunding campaigns.

On a similar theme: Capital Project Funds

Gamesplanet Lab offers a framework for crowdfunding, but becomes more involved in the pre-selection of projects that qualify for its site.

This approach helps assure the quality of successful projects as delivered, providing a more curated experience for backers.

Gambitious is an equity crowdfunding mechanism, where those that invest in an offered project can receive dividends for the project successfully meeting its publication goals.

The Banner Saga successfully launched on Kickstarter, raising $720,000 from an initial $100,000 goal.

This impressive campaign not only funded the project but also helped to build a strong, engaged community in the process too.

The studio behind The Banner Saga, Stoic, opted against adding The Banner Saga 2 to its roster of crowdfunded games, taking a more traditional approach the second time around.

Unfortunately, this led to sales challenges despite increased marketing efforts behind the sequel.

The studio learned from this experience and returned to Kickstarter for The Banner Saga 3, recognizing the value it brings to community engagement and awareness building.

This is an interesting lesson for indie game developers, demonstrating how crowdfunding can play a much bigger role in development beyond its obvious monetary contribution.

Expansion is a crucial aspect of crowdfunding campaigns, and it's where the magic happens.

Many successful campaigns have expanded their reach through social media, with some raising over $1 million in just a few days.

By leveraging platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, creators can tap into a vast network of potential backers.

For example, the Pebble Watch raised over $10 million on Kickstarter, demonstrating the power of a well-executed crowdfunding campaign.

Expanding your campaign's visibility requires a strategic approach, including targeted advertising and engaging content.

As seen in the case of the Coolest Cooler, which raised over $13 million on Kickstarter, a strong brand identity and compelling story can go a long way in attracting backers.

By expanding your reach and creating a buzz around your campaign, you can increase your chances of success and turn your idea into a reality.

The Ouya console was a game-changer in the world of crowdfunding, raising $4 million in just a week on Kickstarter.

It was launched by a company of video game hardware experts who had a clear vision for a low-cost, Android-based console with an open development structure.

Their Kickstarter campaign began on July 10, 2012, and within 8 hours they had already reached their initial funding goal of $950,000.

The Ouya console was designed to take advantage of the existing games in the mobile space, making it an attractive option for gamers.

This project is a great example of how crowdfunding can be used to bring innovative ideas to life.

Video game-specific crowdfunding has become a popular way for developers to fund their projects. With numerous successful video game projects arising from Kickstarter, other crowdfunding sites have emerged with a specific focus on video games.

Gamesplanet Lab offers a framework for crowdfunding, but becomes more involved in the pre-selection of projects that qualify for its site, and provides services to help assure the quality of successful projects as delivered. This level of involvement can be beneficial for developers who want more guidance throughout the crowdfunding process.

Hybrid crowd funding is a more recent trend, where developers combine crowdfunding with traditional investment. This approach was used by developers of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which successfully sought at least $500,000 in crowd funding to secure 90% of the development funds from investors.

Fig is a video game-centric crowdfunding platform founded by notable developers like Brian Fargo, Feargus Urquhart, and Tim Schafer. This platform enables development investment, allowing backers to earn part of the game's profit on release.

Kickstarter has been a powerful platform for innovative developers to bring their dreams to life. By harnessing the passion and financial support of gamers worldwide, many incredible projects have gone from concept to reality.

Games like Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and Shenmue III have used Kickstarter to demonstrate the potential demand for their games, securing significant investment from investors in the process.

A unique perspective: Angel Investors List

Backers are primarily consumers who want to support game developers without external constraints, according to a study by the University of Cologne. They're not just looking to buy a game, but to help a developer create something they believe in.

The study grouped backers into three categories: "Supporters", "Buyers", and "Influencers". Supporters make up the largest group and are driven by a desire to help a developer produce games without external constraints.

Buyers, on the other hand, are mainly interested in receiving finished games. Influencers see crowdfunding as a way to affect change within the industry as a whole.

Supporters tend to pledge smaller amounts of money to fewer projects than Buyers and Influencers. This is because they're more invested in the developer's vision and want to see it succeed.

A survey by the University of Cologne identified three factors that influence a backer's decision to pledge more or less money to a project:

By understanding these motivations, developers can better connect with their backers and create a more successful crowdfunding campaign.