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.
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:
Choosing an Indie Games Crowdfunding Platform
Look into crowdfunding platforms that fund indie games and notice their differences. Look for past raises for games like yours that have been successful. Choose the platform that aligns best with your game and your goals. Ensure you understand the platform’s rules, guidelines, fees, and funding models (all-or-nothing or flexible funding). Once again, we can help.
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.
