Crowdfund your awesome board game!
Updated: Oct 8, 2022
If you're the creative type who has designed and created your very own board game, crowdfunding may be a great option for you to explore!
It's a safe way to gauge interest in your game, and it also allows you time to make any necessary changes before going into full production. crowdfunding can also help you raise enough money to actually produce your game - something that would otherwise be difficult without sufficient financial backing. You may just find that crowdfunding is the perfect solution for getting your board game out into the world.
Why are people worried about crowdfunding?
You might be wondering why anyone would distrust crowdfunding. After all, it's a great way to raise money for your project, and it gives people the opportunity to invest in something they believe in. However, there are a few reasons why people might be hesitant to crowdfund their board game.
The first reason is that there is always the risk that the project will never see the light of day. There have been cases where projects have raised thousands of dollars, only for the creators to disappear with the money. This is a huge risk for potential backers, and it's one of the main reasons why people are wary of crowdfunding board games.
Another reason is that even if the project does get funded, there's no guarantee that the final product will be any good. There have been plenty of cases where backers have ended up with a subpar product, or even no product at all. This is another huge risk for potential backers.

The solution is easy
The answer to these concerns is really quite easy. The first part of the answer is to always be aware of these concerns and to address them head-on.
If potential backers see a lot of online proof of your existence and dedication to your board game then they know it's not just a scam. They want to know the creators behind the game and understand why / how you came about this product you're trying to raise funds for.
Many people only show the finished product on their crowdfunding page, but this isn't always very convincing. It helps if you show your very first demo version and tried it out with other people (even if only with your friends and family). Document these moments, which might seem very insignificant for you, but which are actually extremely valuable to backers. Show potential backers your cardboard demo with handmade drawings. Show them your computer rendered game. Then, finally, show the eventual product.
People want to see the evolution of your game and connect to it personally. Realize that many backers also have their own idea for a board game so we find that especially within the gaming community people really enjoy seeing other people succeed and feel inspired by it.
By showing so much of the process you can also ensure people know what they're signing up for and avoid disappointments from backers.
Some final tips:
- Don't overpromise: it's important to be realistic about what you can deliver. If you're not sure you can meet a certain goal, it's better to adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Keep your campaign page updated: backers want to know how things are going! If you hit a snag, let them know what's going on and how you're working to solve the problem.
- Be responsive: if someone has a question or concern, address it as quickly as you can. Backers appreciate communication, and it will go a long way in building trust.