Indie game crowdfunding refers to independent game developers seeking financial support from the public, often through online platforms, to fund the development and production of their video games. This crowdfunding indie games approach allows developers to secure the necessary funds without relying solely on traditional publishers or personal savings.
Our unique approach can help with this, but here is a general guide that provides an overview before we talk.
Types of Independent Games
Indie game crowdfunding covers many types of games. We distinguish them as follows:
Indie Video Game Crowdfunding 
Perhaps the most common form of indie game crowdfunding involves video games. Unlike “Multi-player” games listed next, we define indie video games as those that can be played off-network. All types of crowdfunding are seen for indie video game crowdfunding, including equity, debt, rewards-based, and combination deals.
Multi-Player Video Games
Multi-player video games can also be crowdfunded in the same way traditional video games can, with the difference being that these games may have rewards related to your place in the group that plays, advantages you might have, and upgrades you can get. As with traditional video game crowdfunding, all types of deals are available.
Board Game Crowdfunding
Another popular area in indie crowdfunding is board games, which require people to be in the same place or are stationary even if played virtually. Board game crowdfunding may involve equity in the game’s sales, free game materials, or a special place in the game’s development.
AR and VR Game Crowdfunding
While VR and AR gaming are technically part of the two video game categories listed above, they are worth mentioning separately. This exciting new arena presents a range of interactive and immersive opportunities. These opportunities may be ripe for rewards-type crowdfunding since they are so cutting-edge that people may want to be the first to try them.
Crowdfunding an Indie Game Company
Sometimes, it is not a specific game being crowdfunded but rather an entire company. In this case, the equity is based on all future games or the rewards are related to all games or just some that are specified. These offerings have the advantage of investors benefiting as long as even one of the future games does well. Still, the drawback is sometimes having profits rolled into subsequent game development before it is paid back to investors.
Crowdfunding for Games Rewards-Type
Of course, the main reason developers enter the crowdfunding for games market is that they want exposure and PR around their idea. But in most cases, these game crowdfunding pitches are not an equity type of crowdsourcing – there is no offer to get a share of the revenue or profit. Instead, the pitch is that you can get certain perks with your investment, such as:
Rewards Crowdfunding for Early Releases
One of the more common ways that crowdfunding for games is used is to give fans of games like yours a chance to play the game early. Here are two examples of these types of rewards.
- Beta testing new versions of the game or new rules: In this case, you get to be one of the first to try the latest version or to give feedback about a modification or change. You genuinely feel like you have had some influence in the development of the game, and you get to enjoy the improvement first. This may be the most sought-after perk of video game crowdfunding.
- Getting free copies: A perk significantly related to the first is that you can get an early copy of the game. You can not only be helping with its design but also be one of the first to own it. And given that you are an investor, you will want to spread the word and let others try the game so they might invest, too.
Rewards Crowdfunding to Be Part of the Team
Another popular rewards category involves bringing fans of games like yours closer to the development process and generally closer to the industry. Here are two examples:
- Often, people in the game development space are quite creative and fun. You may feel great about connecting to the people making these games and being a part of the production process.
- Meeting the team in person or getting together with others with similar interests can be a reward for those who invest.
Other tangible perks and rewards can be given that have value to the investor and are in the gaming sphere, such as meet-and-greets with well-known developers or gamers or reciprocal help – when a gamer invests in another group’s project and receives free advice about their project. In many cases, crowdfunding games involve just perks, with no equity or other financial payback, yet there are some ways that you can benefit beyond just the ones listed above, which is what we go over in our next section.
Equity Crowdfunding for Games
It is possible that a company that is in the crowdfunding games market could make itself available in an equity deal. In other words, a certain amount of the company would be open to the crowd as part of an equity transaction. This could happen in two ways: The company could put its entire book of business up for equity investors, or it could put the potential equity of one game up for “sale.” Each option has some apparent pluses and minuses for both sides.
Crowdfunding Games Investors
Investors may be interested in the entire company, but this will require a much more significant investment and comes with the pitfalls that only one or two or just a small number of the games make it big. Investing in just one game might have led to almost the same payout for a much smaller amount of money. For the company, selling off a percentage of its entire inventory means giving up substantial future earnings across all products. Still, it also, of course, leads to the most significant investments.
One way or another, game crowdfunding that involves equity stakes is an excellent way for both sides to meet their financial needs, and just like any other equity investment, the risk and reward are shared, and the degree of potential risks and rewards becomes the basis for the negotiations between the two parties.
Crowdfunding Games Platforms
Here are just three examples of crowdfunding games websites. Each one is a little different and unique, so if you are starting out as an investor or someone looking for perks, you may want to look at all three of these and perhaps others before coming to a final decision:
- Gambitious website is an example of a rewards-based crowdfunding games platform, but equity opportunities exist. On the equity side, this site is called “all-or-nothing,” meaning that you may lose all of your investment if the game is unsuccessful, but the benefits will be great. Examples of “rewards” may include beta testing new games or receiving certain behind-the-scenes information and releases before others.
- Pozible site is a site that uses rewards-based crowdfunding games only. The site uses a tiered approach – not all investors get the same rewards, and instead, your rewards may depend on how much you invest in each project. Pozible is also an excellent site if you want to look beyond games but want to stay in the category of creative projects.
- Kickstarter for games must be mentioned on any list of crowdfunding games sites. Of course, this is one of the best-known crowdfunding websites in general, and they have a robust games category where designers can offer rewards based on the level of funding offered. Kickstarter for games has helped launch close to 4,000 crowdfunding games projects, with a reasonable success rate of close to one-third.
There are other sites as well, including more traditional and larger crowdfunding sites that cater more to equity crowdfunding.
How to Choose a Crowdfunding Games Platform
Once again, these are just three examples, and it is worth checking out as many as you need to determine the best fit for your project or investment. Look for sites that have attracted a good amount of funding, have a strong success rate, and where the customer service seems solid. Aside from that, you want to look for a site that matches your idea or interests.
Whether you invest in crowdfunding for games, pitch for the perks, or become a part owner, and whether you are a company deciding which type of path to choose, there is a lot of fun, excitement, and potential in the crowdfunding games space!
Indie Game Crowdfunding Initial Steps
Before considering a platform for your crowdfunding indie games pitch, you need to take steps to have a viable and compelling product. First, you need a clear game concept, including a detailed description of the game’s genre, gameplay mechanics, story, and unique features. Then it would be best if you decided on a funding goal or the money needed to develop and release the game successfully. This should cover development costs, marketing, distribution, and other associated expenses.
After these first steps, you need to consider the various tiers of rewards for backers, such as digital copies of the game, exclusive in-game content, merchandise, and more. Create a prototype or demo to showcase the gameplay mechanics and visuals if possible. Finally, you need a development timeline that estimates the different stages of development, including when backers can expect to receive rewards and when the game is projected to be released.
Once you have all of that, you are ready to look for a platform and make your pitch! Of course, that’s where we can help, but this guide may also be helpful.
Crowdfunding Indie Games Platform Strategy
Crowdfunding indie games involves a series of steps to create a successful campaign that resonates with potential backers and helps fund the development of your game. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crowdfunding your indie game:
Create for Crowdfunding Indie Games Campaign
Create a visually appealing campaign page highlighting your game’s concept, features, and uniqueness. Use high-quality images, gameplay videos, and concept art. Also, create a well-produced video introducing your team, explaining the game, and sharing your passion. Keep it concise and engaging. List the enticing reward tiers, including digital copies of the game, exclusive content, merchandise, and personalized experiences. And finally, consider adding stretch goals to incentivize backers with additional features or content if the funding surpasses the initial goal.
Once you’ve finalized your campaign, choose a launch date that avoids major holidays, industry events, or other distractions that could impact the campaign’s visibility. Make a solid first impression with your campaign video and page. Communicate your passion and the value your game offers.
Market and Promote your Indie Game Crowdfunding Pitch
Start building a solid online presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Share development updates, concept art, and behind-the-scenes content. Create a press kit with high-resolution images, videos, game descriptions, and critical features. This will help journalists and influencers cover your campaign. Finally, engage with your target audience by participating in relevant online forums, communities, and game events. Build relationships with potential backers before launching the campaign.
As time goes on, keep backers engaged by posting regular campaign updates. Share development progress, concept art, and exciting milestones. Be transparent about challenges and setbacks. Backers appreciate honesty and insight into the development process. You may want to introduce and promote stretch goals as you approach funding milestones to maintain excitement. Continue providing updates on the development process and milestones reached.
Indie Game Crowdfunding Post Campaign
Hopefully, your campaign is flourishing, and you can move on to development, but do not forget your backers! After the campaign ends, send out backer surveys immediately to collect the necessary information for reward fulfillment. Plan how you’ll deliver rewards and keep backers informed about the development progress.
After you’ve taken care of your backers, it’s time to create excitement about your game as it becomes closer to release: contact gaming media outlets and influencers with updates on your game’s development and unique features. Showcase your game at gaming events, conferences, and conventions to attract more attention and build anticipation. Send backers updates on all of this.
Conclusions and Our Work with Indie Game Crowdfunding
Remember that crowdfunding indie games is not guaranteed success. It requires thorough planning, continuous engagement, and a compelling campaign to capture the interest of potential backers. Building a supportive community and effectively communicating your passion for your indie game will significantly increase your chances of reaching your funding goal.
Crowdfunding indie games can be a great way to secure funds and build a community of supporters who are invested in the game’s success. However, it’s essential to carefully plan and execute the indie game crowdfunding campaign to increase the chances of reaching the funding goal.
If you’d like to discuss our mostly free indie game crowdfunding services, contact us any time or apply to the accelerator. We can help investors find the platform that best fits their goals and entrepreneurs succeed with indie game crowdfunding.
Dr. Alan Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA is a Certified Foresight Practitioner (TFSX) and licensed psychologist with 25+ years of experience, specializing in the psychology of high performance. He advises and invests in founders across four industries — Healthcare, Housing, Energy, and Independent Film — pairing that clinical training with hands-on board, investor, and producer experience.