Crowdfunding has become a powerful tool for board game creators, offering a platform to fund, promote and bring their ideas to life. With various platforms available, each catering to different needs, choosing the right one can be crucial to the success of your project. This guide delves into the most popular board game crowdfunding sites, highlighting their unique features, strengths, and potential drawbacks.

Kickstarter: The First, Biggest Crowdfunding Website for Board Games

Kickstarter is the most well-known and widely used crowdfunding platform globally. Launched in 2009, Kickstarter has become synonymous with crowdfunding itself. It’s a bustling marketplace where creatives from all walks of life can present their innovative ideas, from tech gadgets to board games.

Why Kickstarter?

Kickstarter’s massive reach is its biggest asset. With over 23 million backers worldwide. It offers unparalleled exposure for your project. The platform’s all-or-nothing funding model, where creators only receive funds if they meet their goal, encourages active promotion and realistic goal setting.

Success Stories

Kickstarter has been the launchpad for some of the most successful projects in the board gaming industry. Notable examples include Exploding Kittens, which raised over $8.7 million, and Gloomhaven, which garnered $4.4 million in support. These success stories highlight the platform’s potential for projects with broad appeal.

Fees

• Platform Fee: 5%

• Payment Processing Fee: 3% + $0.20 per pledge

• Funding Model: All-or-nothing

Pros

• Massive global audience

• Proven track record with high-profile successes

• Strong commmunity of repeat backers

Cons

• High competition due to the platform’s popularity

Gamefound: The Specialist Crowdfunding Site for Tabletop Games

Gamefound, launched by the Awaken Realms group in 2015, is a dedicated crowdfunding platform specifically for tabletop games. Initially starting as a pledge manager, Gamefound has evolved into a full-fledged crowdfunding site, gaining traction within the gaming community.

Why Gamefound?

Gamefound’s specialisation in tabletop games sets it apart from other platforms. It’s designed with the needs of game creators in mind, offering advanced tools for pledge management and campaign customisation. The community of nearly 1 million backers is smaller than Kickstarter’s but they are more focused on tabletop gaming.

Success Stories

Despite its smaller user base, Gamefound has hosted highly successful campaigns. Projects like ISS Vanguard and Etherfileds have raised millions, proving that a specialised platform can yield significant results.

Fees

• Platform Fee: 5%

• Payment Processing Fee: 3% + 0.2% transaction fee

• Funding Model: All-or-nothing

Pros

• Tailored for tabletop games

• Advanced pledge management tools

• Enthusiast-driven community

Cons

• Smaller audience compared to Kickstarter

• Less brand recognition

To see how Gamefound stacks up against Kickstarter in more detail, read our in-depth Kickstarter vs. Gamefound article.

Backerkit: The Comprehensive Campaign Manager

BackerKit is known for its robust pledge management services, but it has recently entered the crowdfunding arena. It offers creators a comprehensive suite of tools to manage campaigns, from pre-launch to post-campaign fulfilment.

Why Backerkit?

BackerKit’s strength lies in its pledge management capabilities. It allows creators to manage add-ons and pledges seamlessly without relying on third-party tools. The platform also provides customisable pre-launch pages to build excitement before your campaign starts.

Fees

• Platform Fee: 2% for the essential service

• Payment Processing Fee: 3% + $0.20 per pledge

• Funding Model: Flexible, depending on the service level

Pros

• Superior pledge management tools

• Customisable pre-launch pages

• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Limited audience compared to more established platforms

• Requires an application process for campaign approval

Indiegogo: The Flexible Funding Platform

Indiegogo, launched in 2008, is one of the oldest crowdfunding platforms. It offers a versatile approach with both fixed and flexible funding models, allowing creators to choose the best fit for their project.

Why Indiegogo?

Indiegogo’s flexible funding model is its standout feature, offering creators the option to keep the funds raised even if the campaign doesn’t reach its goal. This flexibility can be crucial for projects with more fluid financial needs.

Success Stories

Projects like the Flow Hive, a revolutionary beekeeping system, showcase Indiegogo’s potential. The campaign raised millions and continued to generate revenue through Indiegogo’s InDemand feature, which allows campaigns to remain open for contributions after the initial funding period.

Fees

• Platform Fee: 5%

• Payment Processing Fee: 3% + $0.30 per pledge

• Funding Model: Fixed or flexible

Pros

• Flexible funding options

• Global reach with a diverse audience

• InDemand feature for ongoing fundraising

Cons

• Less specialised for board games in the recent years

• Higher payment processing fees

GameOnTableTop: The Niche Crowdfunding Platform for Tabletop Creators

GameOnTabletop is a niche crowdfunding platform dedicated to tabletop game creators. It offers an all-in-one solution, including tools for eCommerce, order management, and digital fulfilment.

Why GameOnTabletop?

For creators looking for a platform that understands the intricacies of tabletop game development, GameOnTabletop is an excellent choice. It provides a tailored experience with tools that go beyond crowdfunding, supporting creators from concept to delivery.

Fees

• Platform Fee: 5%

• Payment Processing Fee: Varies

• Funding Model: All-or-nothing

Pros

• Dedicated to tabletop games

• Comprehensive project management tools

• Strong focus on creator support

Cons

• Smaller user base

• Less brand recognition compared to larger platforms

Ulule: The Ethical Crowdfunding Choice

Ulule is a European crowdfunding platform known for supporting creative and sustainable projects. It emphasises ethical and eco-responsible campaigns, making it a unique choice for creators with a focus on sustainability.

Why Ulule?

Ulule’s commitment to ethical projects sets it apart from other platforms. It’s an ideal choice for creators looking to align their board game projects with values like sustainability and social responsibility.

Fees

• Platform Fee: Varies by project

• Payment Processing Fee: Varies

• Funding Model: All-or-nothing

Pros

• Strong focus on ethical and sustainable projects

• Growing community of like-minded backers

• European-centric audience

Cons

• Smaller platform with less reach

• Limited to projects with a sustainability focus

Verkami: The Crowdfunding Platform for Creative Projects

Verkami is a Spanish crowdfunding platform that caters primarily to creative projects, including board games. It has a strong following in the Spanish-speaking world, making it a great option for creators targeting that demographic.

Why Verkami?

Verkami’s focus on creative projects makes it a good fit for board game creators with a strong artistic vision. It’s particularly popular in Spain and Latin America, offering access to a niche but passionate audience.

Fees

• Platform Fee: 5%

• Payment Processing Fee: Varies

• Funding Model: All-or-nothing

Pros

• Strong support for creative projects

• Dedicated following in Spanish-speaking countries

• Simple, user-friendly interface

Cons

• Limited reach outside of Spanish-speaking regions

• Smaller user base compared to global platforms

Conclusion

Choosing the right crowdfunding platform for your board game is a critical decision that can influence the success of your project. Kickstarter offers the largest audience and proven track record, making it ideal for projects with broad appeal. Gamefound is perfect for creators seeking a platform tailored to tabletop games, while BackerKit excels in pledge management. Indiegogo offers flexibility, GameOnTabletop provides niche support, Ulule focuses on sustainability, and Verkami caters to creative projects in the Spanish-speaking world.

Ultimately, the best platform for your project will depend on your specific needs, audience, and goals. Regardless of your choice, each of these platforms provides valuable tools and communities to help bring your board game to life.