In the last decade or so, not only has tabletop gaming evolved, but also its funding models in the form of Kickstarter. It has become easier for sole creators to fund, design and launch their own board games at a greater level because they do not need to stick to traditional publishers anymore. For many people, it is now a go to place to find and learn about new, unique board games. Read more to learn how this platform has changed the industry and helped creators turn their game ideas into reality.
How Kickstarter Changed the Game
As an independent developer, launching a board game before 2012 the year in which kick-starter launched was a challenging affair because of marketing models desktop to branch out didn’t exists or did not allow branching out on a global scale. Some of the challenges faced included high production costs, limited marketing reach, and low availability. On top of that, indie creators always relied on game publishing houses that exploited them to support ideas that promised a peak business return, leaving creativity and innovation off the table. This led to a never-ending cycle of untapped imaginative concepts.
With its introduction to the market right now, provision of funding alternatives for indie game creators through devoid of traditional publishers is no longer an issue. Share your ideas directly with your intended audience. This not only helps fund the developers community get easier access for capital for financing the projects, but during the process of developing and funding games allows early community building through franchise games.
Direct Connection Between Creators and Players
Game developers used to be isolated from their audiences until the advent of Kickstarter. Now with every update, preview, and feedback, creators involve backers and audiences in the development process helping mold the end result in ways that surpass expectations.
Backers enjoy contributing as well and feel a sense of loyalty towards the game and often come up with great ideas that improve the design.
Boosting Creativity and Innovation
Indie developers are no longer bounded to the whims of large publishers due to kickstarter and now have more creative freedom, can take risks, try new mechanics, and explore niche themes. Many unique and award-winning games emerged because of this newfound freedom.
“Gloomhaven,” “Exploding Kittens,” and “Root” all blossomed from Kickstarter and became massive successes, proving independent creators are more than capable of crafting remarkable games that compete with industry juggernauts.
Opportunities for Small Studios
For small board game studios, Kickstarter has become an invaluable resource. It allows the studio to establish a brand, build an audience, and garner funds, all without having to take out a risky loan. Many successful studios began with one campaign and went on to launch several projects through the platform.
Developers getting new feedback and the ability to adjust their campaigns also helps them improve their products before going into mass production. All this flexibility can greatly improve the end quality of the games and ensure high customer satisfaction.
Challenges Still Remain
Although Kickstarter has its benefits, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There is often a slue of production and shipping delays, as well as hidden costs. Some campaigns don’t successfully deliver on the promises they laid out, much to the dismay of their backers, But with a lack of negative shoutouts due to silence, obfuscation, and poor communication, there is also hope that striving towards these hurdles can create a far desirable outcome.
The Role of Kickstarter in Board Game Development
As a platform, Kickstarter continues to occupy an integral position in the Board Game Development. It has shaped and transformed the means of funding, creating, and sharing a game. Solo creators have previously unimagined reach and control. The platform nurtures new talent, encourages innovation, and keeps the tabletop gaming industry dynamic and interesting.
Final Thoughts
The board game industry has experienced immense change, thanks to the introduction of Kickstarter. The platform enables independent game developers to express themselves and realize their dreams. From the players’ standpoint, it broadens the spectrum of available board games and allows them to back concepts they are passionate about. With the expansion of the platform, the investments in novelty ideas in the board game industry will also escalate.
