Written in collaboration with the University Of Applied Sciences in Arnhem & Nijmegen
By the Meeples Group and the University Of Applied Sciences in Arnhem & Nijmegen
What is crowdfunding / board game kickstarter?
Crowdfunding is a popular method of raising money online by allowing individuals and companies to offer their projects or products to a large audience. Crowdfunding involves raising money from a group of people, usually via the internet, in exchange for rewards, shares or donations. There are several popular crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Gamefound, Indiegogo and GoFundMe, where creators can showcase their ideas and attract backers. Keep reading this blog to find out if crowdfunding is the right financing for your board game project! At the end of the blog there is a button for our self-assessment form to see where you stand with your board game project!
Why is crowdfunding for board games important?
Crowdfunding is particularly important for the board game industry. Traditional game publishers often avoid funding niche or innovative board games because they view them as too risky. However, crowdfunding allows game designers to present their ideas directly to their audience, who are often passionate about the game genre and willing to support a new and unique game. Using crowdfunding platforms, board game makers can conduct market research, raise funding, and gain feedback and support from a wide range of prospective customers before their game hits shelves, goes into production, or even makes it into final versions.
Why should you use crowdfunding to finance your board game?
Crowdfunding can be an excellent way for game designers to finance their board games because it has several advantages:
- Money – Crowdfunding allows designers to raise money from a large group of people who are willing to pay for their game in advance. This eliminates the need for creators to borrow money from banks or investors, which can be difficult for new game designers.
- Community – Crowdfunding allows game designers to build a community of passionate supporters who support the success of their game. This community can provide valuable feedback and ideas throughout the game design and beyond.
- Exposure – Crowdfunding platforms are often used by media, bloggers and reviewers to discover new and interesting games. By using crowdfunding, game designers can generate buzz around their game and gain the attention of the broader gaming community.
- Marketing research – Crowdfunding allows you to combine your market research with funds to realize your project. There is no better audience to pitch your game to than those who support your games on crowdfunding platforms.
What are the benefits of crowdfunding for board games?
There are several benefits of crowdfunding for board games, including:
- Preorders – Crowdfunding allows game designers to secure pre-orders for their game before it is released. This provides creators with a guaranteed customer base and a predictable revenue stream for their first printing.
- Feedback – Crowdfunding platforms allow game designers to collect feedback from their potential customers before their game is released. This feedback can be used to improve the game and increase the chance of success.
- Marketing – Crowdfunding provides game designers with a platform to market their game and generate buzz around it. By creating a strong marketing campaign, game designers can attract more backers and increase the visibility of their game.
What are the risks of crowdfunding?
While there are several benefits of crowdfunding for board games, there are also risks to consider, such as:
- Do not deliver – Game designers may encounter unforeseen challenges during game design that could delay or prevent the game's release. This can result in a loss of trust from backers and damage to the creator's reputation.
- Underestimation of the pre-campaign – One of the biggest mistakes in crowdfunding projects is the belief that the crowdfunding project will replace marketing. It is merely facilitating the link between your product, finances and a group interest. Therefore, the moment before the start of crowdfunding is of the utmost importance.
- Unforeseen expenses – Game designers sometimes underestimate the costs of game design, production, and shipping, leading to unexpected costs that can eat into profits or delay the game.
- Oversaturation – Crowdfunding platforms are often flooded with new game projects, making it difficult for game designers to stand out and attract backers. This can lead to a lack of funding and difficulties in bringing the game to market.
Finally
Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for game designers looking to finance their board games. It provides creators with a platform to build a community, generate buzz and secure pre-orders for their game. However, it is important to consider the risks of crowdfunding and plan accordingly to ensure a successful project.
In short, you're ready for a board game crowdfunding campaign when you've thoroughly tested and developed your game, created a marketing plan, set a realistic funding goal, researched crowdfunding platforms, and considered the risks. By taking these steps you can increase your chances of a successful campaign and bring your game to life.
If you are interested in further screening your board game project to determine if you are ready for crowdfunding, consider using our board game crowdfunding self-scan below. In this form you can answer a number of questions that will give you an overview of where you stand with your board game. Find the board game crowdfunding self-scan here: https://form.jotform.com/231103219229042
After the board game crowdfunding self-scan, you will receive a personalized timeline for your project that tells you what you need to think about and when for successful crowdfunding of your board game.
