1. What is indie game crowdfunding?
Indie game crowdfunding is the practice of raising money from the general public, typically through a crowd-funding site such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo, for the development of an independent video game. In return, the developers offer some form of rewards or early access to attract their backers.
2. Why crowdfund an indie game?
Crowdfunding offers financial support to indie game developers, builds a community of early adopters, provides feedback during development, and validates market interest in the game before it is fully developed or released.
3. Which crowdfunding platforms are best for indie games?
The most popular crowdfunding platforms for indie games are Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Fig, and Gamefound. Each has its advantages, such as Kickstarter’s broad reach or Fig’s focus on game-specific campaigns.
4. How much money do I need to raise through crowdfunding?
The amount you need to raise depends on the scale of your game, the development phase, and your budget. Set a realistic funding goal that covers development, marketing, and platform fees while also taking into account rewards fulfillment.
5. How do I set a crowdfunding goal for my game?
Your raise target should account for development costs, marketing expenses, and platform fees right at the start. Keep a very detailed budget plan. Have thought of any of those unforeseen expenses. It is better to set realistic than expect an overstretch.
6. What are stretch goals, and how do they work?
Stretch goals are also funding milestones over the initial set goal. At these higher targets, additional rewards or features could be added on if met. These encourage continuing support of a campaign through greater content or upgrades as funds collected increase.
7. How can I promote my crowdfunding campaign successfully?
Promote your campaign through social media, game forums, press releases, and influencers in the gaming community. Keep the potential backers engaged with updates, behind-the-scenes content, and storytelling about your development journey. Before launch, you need to build an email list.
8. What should I reward my backers with?
Rewards should be attractive and pertinent to your audience. Popular rewards include early access, digital art, exclusive in-game content, physical merchandise (like t-shirts or posters), and credits in the game. Be sure that rewards are attainable and cost-effective.
9. How do I determine my game’s backer tiers?
You’d expect backer tiers to offer incremental value so that larger contributions are rewarded. You’d want to have tiers starting from small donations-for example, digital wallpapers-through greater contributions, like physical items or a full game bundle. The rewards have to be worthy of the pledge but not so costly to produce.
10. How long should a crowdfunding campaign last?
A typical crowdfunding campaign lasts between 30 to 60 days. A shorter campaign can create urgency, but too short might limit exposure. Longer campaigns allow more time to build momentum but may lead to backer fatigue. Choose a duration that aligns with your marketing strategy.
11. How do I build a community around my crowdfunding campaign?
Building a community involves engaging with potential backers early, sharing progress, answering questions, and actively participating in gaming communities. Create a dedicated space, like a Discord server or a subreddit, for backers to interact with each other and with you.
12. How do I handle setbacks or delays during crowdfunding?
Transparency is the key. If delays or setbacks occur, communicate with your backers regularly and keep them updated on progress. Show that you’re committed to delivering the game, and if possible, offer compensation, like additional in-game content or special rewards.
13. Should I have a demo or prototype before crowdfunding?
Yes, a playable demo or prototype would significantly increase the chances of success for the campaign. This allows the potential backers to experience firsthand what you are envisioning, thus getting a better understanding of the game’s potential, increasing the likelihood of their contribution.
14. How do I handle refunds if the campaign is unsuccessful?
Platforms like Kickstarter do not charge backers unless the campaign reaches its funding goal, so refunds are rarely necessary. However, if the campaign is successful but you need to cancel, be transparent about the situation and offer alternatives such as credits or partial refunds to maintain trust.
15. What is the role of press coverage in crowdfunding?
Getting exposure through the press is really important. Try to get gaming blogs, influencers, and YouTube channels to talk about you and your project. A great press kit and an angle on the story for journalists can help spread the word so much.
16. Do I need to spend money on advertising my crowdfunding campaign?
Paid ads can help, but they should supplement organic marketing efforts. Look to advertise on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube as a means of targeting gamers. Make sure your ads are snazzy, so they align with the unique reason why people back your game.
17. How do I keep backers engaged throughout the campaign?
Keep them updated by making regular updates, announcing new rewards, creating behind-the-scenes content, and publishing interactive posts. Milestones and achievements can be highlighted; Q&A live sessions or even live gameplay streams to interact with the community could also be an idea.
18. How can I make my campaign a success?
Create a powerful pitch with clear goals, show your passion, exciting rewards, and have a strong online presence. Engage your backers early, and before launching the campaign create enthusiasm.
19. Can I continue crowdfund with the same campaign?
Yes, for example, some platforms like Indiegogo InDemand allow you to continue accepting funds after the campaign ends. You can also promote pre-orders or release subsequent funding rounds, although the momentum from an initial campaign might not carry over in the same way.
20. How do I handle intellectual property (IP) and legal concerns?
Be certain you have rights to the IP of the game. You could be required to trademark the name of the game, the logo, or the characters. Consultation with a lawyer experienced in the game development industry and crowdfunding may assist you with avoiding legal troubles and protecting your assets.
21. What are common mistakes people make when crowdfounding an indie game?
Common mistakes include an unrealistic funding goal, failure to engage with backers, underestimating the cost of rewards, lack of transparency, and no clear post-campaign plan. Ensure your campaign is well-prepared and your expectations are aligned with your resources.
22. How can I ensure the game reaches its potential after crowdfunding?
Once you have secured funding, continue to keep in touch with your backers, stay on schedule with development, and follow through on your promises. Consider beta access, user feedback, and openness to changing the game before its final release.
23. How do I handle negative feedback during the campaign?
Address negative feedback in a calm, professional manner. Show empathy toward the concerns of the backers and provide clear answers. Do not argue with anyone but rather describe how you would improve based on their input.
24. How do I get people excited for the game before launching the campaign?
Promote the game concept on social media, share concept art, snippets of gameplay, or story information, and connect with your target audience early. Pre-launch events or exclusive behind-the-scenes content can also build anticipation.
25. Can I use crowdfunding to finance the entire development of my game?
Crowdfunding is, however a powerful tool to secure substantial funds; however, there are few crowdfunding campaigns that will actually raise enough funds to cover all the development cost. In addition to crowdfunding, you might still have to cover the rest from personal savings or investors, etc. Crowdfunding is often done for partial budgeting, which includes initial development or marketing.
These FAQs cover key aspects of running a successful indie game crowdfunding campaign, from planning and rewards to marketing and managing feedback.