1.1 What is Kickstarter?

Founded in 2009, Kickstarter is one of the most well-known crowdfunding platforms in the world. It enables creators from various industries, including board games, to raise funds by offering rewards in exchange for backers' pledges. Kickstarter has funded over 200,000 projects, with board games representing a significant portion of the platform’s successful campaigns.

1.2 How Does Kickstarter Work for Board Games?

For board games, Kickstarter allows designers to set a funding goal, create a campaign page with images, videos, and rewards, and share the project with potential backers. Backers can pledge money at various reward tiers, which might include a copy of the game, exclusive content, or other bonuses. Once the campaign reaches its funding goal, the funds are transferred to the creator, who can then use them to produce the game and fulfill the orders.

1.3 Key Features of Kickstarter for Board Games

• Large Audience: Kickstarter has a massive user base, giving board game creators access to a vast pool of potential backers. This is especially useful for first-time creators who are looking for visibility and validation.

• Flexible Funding Model: Kickstarter uses an "all-or-nothing" model, meaning that if a project doesn’t reach its funding goal, no funds are collected. This creates a sense of urgency and motivates backers to pledge early.

• Global Reach: Kickstarter is available in multiple languages and has a large international audience, making it easy for creators to promote their board games to backers worldwide.

Chapter 2: Overview of Gamefound

2.1 What is Gamefound?

Gamefound is a relatively newer crowdfunding platform dedicated specifically to board games. Launched in 2019 by Crowd Games, Gamefound aims to address some of the unique needs of tabletop game creators. While smaller than Kickstarter, Gamefound has quickly gained traction, particularly for projects that are deeply embedded in the board game community.

2.2 How Does Gamefound Work for Board Games?

Gamefound’s process is very similar to Kickstarter, but it offers features tailored to the board game community. Creators set up a campaign page with their game’s details, set funding goals, and offer various reward tiers. Backers can pledge for a copy of the game or other special perks. Unlike Kickstarter, Gamefound also offers the option for pre-orders during or after the campaign, which can continue generating revenue even after the campaign ends.

2.3 Key Features of Gamefound for Board Games

• Specialized for Board Games: Unlike Kickstarter, Gamefound is specifically designed for board games, meaning it has more industry-specific features and a more focused audience.

• Pre-order System: One of the key differences is Gamefound's pre-order feature, which allows creators to continue accepting backer pledges even after the initial campaign ends. This can be especially useful for creators who want to continue building momentum post-launch.

• Lower Fees: Gamefound’s fees tend to be lower than Kickstarter’s, with a more transparent fee structure that’s easier to understand.

• Community Engagement: Gamefound places a strong emphasis on community building, allowing creators to engage with backers in dedicated forums and groups.

Chapter 3: Comparing Kickstarter and Gamefound

3.1 Audience and Community

• Kickstarter: Kickstarter offers a broad user base that spans many industries, from tech gadgets to art projects. While board games are a significant part of the platform, it’s not the sole focus. As a result, creators may need to work harder to reach the right audience.

• Gamefound: Gamefound's community is highly focused on board games, making it easier to connect with enthusiasts and hardcore gamers. The platform provides tools for direct engagement with backers, which helps foster a loyal fanbase.

3.2 Project Visibility

• Kickstarter: As one of the largest crowdfunding platforms, Kickstarter benefits from higher visibility in general, meaning more people are likely to stumble upon your board game project. However, competition is fierce, and standing out among the hundreds of other projects can be challenging.

• Gamefound: Gamefound is a smaller, niche platform, but it has a highly targeted audience. Since the platform is specifically for board games, creators may find that they attract backers who are more interested in tabletop games, thus improving the chances of success.

3.3 Funding Models

• Kickstarter: The all-or-nothing funding model ensures that you only receive funds if you meet your goal. This adds a level of pressure, but it also creates urgency and helps incentivize early backers.

• Gamefound: While Gamefound also offers an all-or-nothing funding model, it also has the option for pre-orders. This can be helpful if you want to continue to raise money after the initial campaign ends, which gives creators more flexibility.

3.4 Fees and Costs

• Kickstarter: Kickstarter charges a platform fee of around 5%, plus payment processing fees, which can add up to around 8-10% of the total funds raised.

• Gamefound: Gamefound charges a lower platform fee, typically around 3-5%, plus payment processing fees. This makes Gamefound an attractive option for creators looking to keep more of their raised funds.

3.5 Post-Campaign Support

• Kickstarter: Kickstarter offers post-campaign tools for project management and fulfillment, but they don’t provide specialized tools for post-launch sales.

• Gamefound: Gamefound has a strong post-campaign system, including the ability to manage pre-orders, which can help creators maintain momentum after the campaign ends. It also provides tools for creating pledge managers and offering additional content post-launch.

Chapter 4: Which Platform is Best for You?

4.1 When to Use Kickstarter

• Large Audience: If you're looking for a massive audience and more exposure, Kickstarter might be the better option. It’s a great platform for creators who are confident in their ability to generate excitement and backers.

• Experienced Creators: If you have previous experience with crowdfunding or are ready to work hard on marketing and visibility, Kickstarter can be a great choice for reaching a broad audience.

• High Risk, High Reward: The all-or-nothing model on Kickstarter means you’ll only get funds if you meet your goal. This can create urgency, but it also means you need to hit that target to get the money.

4.2 When to Use Gamefound

• Niche Focus: If you want to target board game enthusiasts specifically, Gamefound is a great option. The platform’s community is highly engaged and passionate about tabletop games.

• Post-Campaign Sales: If you want to continue accepting pre-orders or have more flexible post-campaign options, Gamefound offers these features, making it easier to maintain momentum after the campaign ends.

• Lower Fees: For creators looking to minimize platform fees and keep more of the funds raised, Gamefound’s lower fees are a major advantage.

Chapter 5: Tips for a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

5.1 Build a Strong Community Before Launch

Whether you choose Kickstarter or Gamefound, building a community around your game before launching your campaign is essential. Start engaging with potential backers on social media, forums, and blogs to generate interest.

5.2 Focus on a Clear and Engaging Campaign Page

Your campaign page should clearly explain your game’s concept, features, and why backers should support you. High-quality images, gameplay videos, and detailed descriptions are critical to attracting backers.

5.3 Set Realistic Goals

Set a reasonable funding goal that reflects the true costs of production, shipping, and rewards. Be transparent about the funds you need and how they will be used.

5.4 Offer Exclusive Rewards

Exclusive content, limited edition items, and special rewards for early backers can help drive more pledges and keep backers excited throughout the campaign.

Conclusion

Both Kickstarter and Gamefound have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific goals, your target audience, and your campaign’s needs. Kickstarter offers a broader audience and higher visibility, making it a great choice for creators who want to cast a wide net. However, Gamefound provides specialized tools for board game creators and offers lower fees, making it an ideal choice for those targeting dedicated tabletop game fans or looking for more post-campaign flexibility.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your strategy, your game’s unique qualities, and your long-term goals. By understanding the differences and aligning them with your needs, you can make the best choice and launch a successful crowdfunding campaign.

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