At Hero Time, we’ve had the privilege of working with countless game creators who have turned their ideas into reality through Kickstarter. Having seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t, we understand that launching a board game on Kickstarter is both an art and a science. It’s not just about having a great game—it’s about crafting a compelling campaign, building an engaged community, and executing the process flawlessly. Here’s how we approach it, and how you can, too.

 

Start with a Strong Foundation

Before even thinking about Kickstarter, the most crucial step is ensuring that your board game is well-designed, thoroughly playtested, and has a unique appeal. We’ve seen too many campaigns fail because the creator rushed into crowdfunding without a polished game. You want to be 100% confident in your game’s mechanics, balance, and overall fun factor before bringing it to the world.

Prototyping is essential. We offer prototyping services that allow you to create a high-quality prototype to test with different groups. Gathering feedback will refine your game and highlight any areas that need improvement. Plus, when you proceed with mass production through Hero Time, we provide a 50% money-back offer on the prototype cost. Once you’re satisfied, getting professional artwork and graphic design done early will make your campaign page visually appealing and marketable. Contact us today to learn more about our prototyping services and get started!

 

Build an Audience Before You Launch

One of the biggest misconceptions about Kickstarter is that you can simply launch a campaign and expect people to find it. The reality is that successful campaigns have an audience before they go live. We always tell game creators: marketing starts months in advance.

Start by engaging with board game communities on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and BoardGameGeek. Create an email list and update subscribers with sneak peeks, development progress, and exclusive insights. A dedicated website or landing page can also help capture interest early. Social media engagement, teaser videos, and behind-the-scenes content will keep people excited leading up to the launch.

 

Set Realistic Goals and Budget Smartly

We’ve seen campaigns fall apart because the funding goal was set too high or underestimated production costs. Setting the right funding goal requires a deep understanding of manufacturing, shipping, and Kickstarter fees. Since we handle manufacturing ourselves, we always advise creators to get quotes early and factor in every cost—materials, labor, packaging, freight, customs, and fulfillment.

Not only this, but in Crowdfunding campaigns, many game creators offer stretch goals, addons, and different pledge tiers. We work with game creators to build the best plan and optional components to ensure they stay within budget while maximizing value for backers. Contact a consultant today to strategize your campaign effectively!

Transparency is key. Backers appreciate knowing where their money is going, so breaking down costs on your campaign page builds trust. A well-planned budget also includes a buffer for unexpected expenses—because they always happen.

 

Create a Compelling Campaign Page

Your Kickstarter page is your storefront. It needs to be visually appealing, informative, and persuasive. We always emphasize the importance of high-quality visuals—professional photography of your prototype, detailed illustrations, and clear graphics explaining the game’s mechanics. A well-produced video that introduces the game, its theme, and why backers should support it is crucial.

Don’t overload your page with too much technical detail. Instead, tell a story. Why did you create this game? What makes it special? Why should people be excited? The best campaigns make backers feel like they’re part of something exciting and exclusive.

We have a crowdfunding page structure guide that can help you optimize your campaign for success. Download it now to ensure your page meets industry standards!

 

Engage with Your Community

Kickstarter is not a “set it and forget it” platform. Once your campaign goes live, constant engagement is critical. We always advise game creators to respond quickly to comments, answer questions thoroughly, and keep backers updated with stretch goals, production updates, and milestones.

Running a successful campaign is like managing a mini-business. It involves staying active on social media, creating engaging updates, and even hosting live Q&A sessions. Backers appreciate transparency, so if there are delays or changes, communicate them openly. Honesty builds long-term trust, which is essential if you plan to launch more games in the future.

 

Plan for Fulfillment and Production Early

We’ve seen game creators struggle after their Kickstarter succeeds because they weren’t prepared for the logistics of mass production. That’s why we always stress the importance of working with a reliable manufacturer (like us!) from the start. Understanding production timelines, quality control, and international shipping logistics will save you from headaches later.

We also encourage game creators to use fulfillment services that specialize in board games. Coordinating shipping, customs, and backer rewards can be a nightmare without professional assistance. Planning for these logistics before your campaign ends ensures a smooth transition from funding to delivery.

 

Post-Campaign Strategy

Many game creators think the hard part is over once the campaign ends, but in reality, the real work is just beginning. Managing pledge fulfillment, handling customer inquiries, and keeping backers updated requires dedication.

Additionally, a Kickstarter campaign can be the foundation for your game’s long-term success. We often see creators move from Kickstarter to retail, conventions, and online sales. If that’s your goal, continue marketing your game after the campaign and build relationships with distributors and retailers.

 

Final Thoughts

Launching a board game on Kickstarter is an exciting and challenging journey. It requires preparation, dedication, and a clear strategy. At Hero Time, we’ve helped countless game creators bring their ideas to life, and we understand the process inside and out. If you’re planning a Kickstarter campaign, let’s talk! We’re here to make manufacturing easy, reliable, and stress-free, so you can focus on bringing your game to the world.

Ready to get started? Contact us today, and let’s turn your dream game into a reality!