Introduction
Kickstarter, a prominent crowdfunding platform, has revolutionized various industries, with the board game sector being one of the most significantly impacted. The rise of Kickstarter has empowered independent designers, fostered innovation, and reshaped how board games are developed and brought to market. This article explores the profound impact Kickstarter has had on the board game industry, tracing its evolution, democratizing effect, and the wave of creativity it has unleashed.
1. The Evolution of Board Games Through Kickstarter
The landscape of board game development has dramatically transformed since Kickstarter’s inception. In the early days, board games were predominantly funded and published through traditional channels, requiring significant investment and facing high risks. However, with Kickstarter, the model shifted towards a more inclusive and accessible platform. Early successes on Kickstarter demonstrated the viability of this new approach, leading to a surge in campaigns and the funding of innovative projects that might never have seen the light of day through traditional means.
2. Democratizing Game Development
Kickstarter has played a pivotal role in lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring game designers and developers. By providing a platform where anyone with a compelling idea can pitch their project to a global audience, Kickstarter has enabled countless independent creators to bring their visions to life. This democratization has led to a diverse array of games that cater to various interests and niches. Many independent designers who lacked the resources or industry connections to navigate the traditional publishing route have found success and recognition through Kickstarter.
Case Studies:
- Gloomhaven by Isaac Childres: An independent project that became one of the highest-funded board games, showcasing how a solo designer can achieve tremendous success.
- Exploding Kittens by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, and Shane Small: A viral sensation that highlighted the potential for quirky, niche games to achieve mainstream popularity.
3. Fostering Innovation and Creativity
Kickstarter has become a breeding ground for innovation and creativity in the board game industry. The platform encourages designers to take risks and experiment with unique game mechanics, themes, and components. This environment has led to the funding of projects that push the boundaries of traditional board gaming. While backing innovative projects comes with risks, the rewards can be substantial, both for creators and backers.
Examples of Innovative Games Funded on Kickstarter:
- Kingdom Death: Monster: Known for its intricate miniatures and deep, narrative-driven gameplay, this game exemplifies how Kickstarter can support highly ambitious projects.
- Root by Cole Wehrle: A game that combines asymmetric gameplay with a unique theme, showcasing how creative ideas can find a supportive audience on Kickstarter.
- Frosthaven: A sequel to Gloomhaven that built on its predecessor’s success, demonstrating the potential for iterative innovation and expanding on established mechanics.
4. Building Communities and Engaging Fans
One of the most significant impacts of Kickstarter on the board game industry is its ability to foster strong communities and engage fans throughout the development process. By offering a platform for direct communication between creators and backers, Kickstarter allows fans to feel invested in the success of a project. This engagement often leads to a loyal and enthusiastic fan base.
Engaging Backers Through Updates and Stretch Goals:
- Regular project updates keep backers informed and excited about the development process.
- Stretch goals incentivize additional funding by offering extra content or enhanced components, creating a sense of collective achievement among backers.
Examples:
- Zombicide by CMON: Known for its consistent communication and engaging stretch goals, Zombicide has built a strong community of backers who eagerly support new installments.
- Nemesis by Awaken Realms: This sci-fi horror game utilized regular updates and community feedback to refine and improve the game during its campaign.
5. Financial Implications for the Industry
Kickstarter has significantly altered the financial landscape for board game development. It provides a viable funding alternative to traditional publishing, reducing financial risks for creators and allowing them to retain more creative control over their projects. This model has also allowed for more ambitious projects that might not have been possible through conventional funding channels.
Funding Statistics and Trends:
- Analysis of the growing number of successfully funded board game projects on Kickstarter.
- Examination of the average funding amounts and backer contributions over the years.
Economic Benefits and Risks:
- Small publishers and independent creators benefit from reduced financial barriers and increased exposure.
- Potential risks include underestimating production costs and logistical challenges, leading to delays or unfulfilled promises.
Examples:
- Rising Sun by CMON: Raised over $4 million, demonstrating the potential for significant financial success on Kickstarter.
- 7th Continent by Serious Poulp: Garnered over $7 million across multiple campaigns, highlighting the platform’s ability to support large-scale projects.
6. Quality Control and Consumer Trust
Quality control and consumer trust are critical issues in the Kickstarter board game ecosystem. While the platform has enabled numerous successes, it has also seen projects fail to deliver on their promises, leading to backer dissatisfaction. Ensuring quality and maintaining trust are essential for long-term success.
Strategies for Building and Maintaining Trust:
- Transparent communication: Keeping backers informed about challenges and progress.
- Realistic timelines: Setting achievable goals to avoid delays and unmet expectations.
- Prototypes and reviews: Providing early samples to reviewers to build credibility and excitement.
Notable Controversies and Lessons Learned:
- The Doom That Came to Atlantic City: A high-profile failure where backers did not receive their games, emphasizing the importance of reliable project management.
- Myth by Megacon Games: Faced significant production and fulfillment issues, but the company’s efforts to address these problems and communicate with backers helped restore some trust.
7. Popular Board Games That Started on Kickstarter
Kickstarter has been the launchpad for numerous successful and popular board games. These games have not only achieved financial success but also garnered critical acclaim and built dedicated fan bases.
Popular Examples:
- Gloomhaven by Isaac Childres: A massive hit known for its deep, strategic gameplay and replayability, Gloomhaven has become a staple in the board game community.
- Exploding Kittens by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, and Shane Small: This quirky, fast-paced card game broke Kickstarter records and brought a new audience to board gaming.
- Kingdom Death: Monster: Known for its intricate miniatures and deep gameplay, it remains one of the most funded board games on Kickstarter.
- Zombicide by CMON: A cooperative zombie survival game that has spawned multiple expansions and versions.
- Scythe by Jamey Stegmaier: Praised for its production quality, strategic depth, and beautiful art, Scythe has become a modern classic.
- Root by Cole Wehrle: Its unique asymmetric gameplay and charming art have made Root a beloved game among enthusiasts.
- Frosthaven: The sequel to Gloomhaven, it continues the legacy with new adventures and challenges, becoming one of the highest-funded games on Kickstarter.
8. The Future of Board Games on Kickstarter
The future of board games on Kickstarter looks promising, with ongoing trends indicating continued growth and innovation. As the platform evolves, so too will the strategies and expectations of both creators and backers.
Trends to Watch:
- Increased use of digital tools and virtual playtesting.
- More emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly production practices.
- The rise of hybrid campaigns combining crowdfunding with traditional retail models.
Predictions for the Future:
- Greater diversity in game themes and mechanics as creators continue to push the boundaries of traditional board gaming.
- Enhanced community engagement and collaboration through social media and other online platforms.
- Continued success for well-established creators and publishers leveraging Kickstarter for new projects and expansions.
Ongoing Relationship Between Creators, Backers, and the Platform:
- The importance of trust and transparency in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Potential for new features and tools on Kickstarter to support creators and backers.
- The evolving role of Kickstarter as both a launchpad for new ideas and a marketplace for innovative board games.
Conclusion
Kickstarter has profoundly impacted the board game industry, democratizing game development, fostering innovation, and building vibrant communities. While challenges remain, the platform continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for creators and backers alike. As we look to the future, Kickstarter’s role in shaping the board game landscape is set to grow even further, promising exciting developments and countless new games for enthusiasts to enjoy.
