Kickstarting a board game involves launching a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like Kickstarter to raise funds for the production and distribution of your game. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to kickstart a board game:
- Game Development and Prototyping:
- First, create and playtest your board game thoroughly to ensure it’s well-balanced, fun, and ready for production. Develop a prototype that you can use to showcase the game’s mechanics, components, and artwork.
- Market Research and Planning:
- Research the board game market to understand your target audience and competition. Identify what makes your game unique and appealing to potential backers. Create a detailed project plan, including budgeting and a timeline.
- Create a Kickstarter Account:
- If you don’t have one already, create an account on Kickstarter (https:www.kickstarter.com) as the project creator. Kickstarter is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms for board games.
- Prepare Campaign Assets:
- Develop a compelling campaign page that includes high-quality images, videos, and written content to showcase your game. Key elements include:
- Game Overview: Explain the game’s concept, gameplay, and unique features.
- Gameplay Video: Create a video that demonstrates how the game is played.
- Reward Tiers: Decide on the pledge levels and rewards backers will receive.
- Stretch Goals: Plan stretch goals that offer additional content or improvements as funding milestones are reached.
- Estimated Delivery Date: Provide a realistic timeline for delivering rewards.
- Shipping Information: Determine shipping costs and delivery destinations for backers.
- Develop a compelling campaign page that includes high-quality images, videos, and written content to showcase your game. Key elements include:
- Set Funding Goal:
- Determine the minimum amount of funding required to produce your game. This is your funding goal. Ensure it covers manufacturing, shipping, and other campaign expenses.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Start building a community of potential backers before launching your campaign. Use social media, board game forums, and email lists to create anticipation for your game. Consider reaching out to board game reviewers or influencers for previews or reviews.
- Launch Your Kickstarter Campaign:
- When you’re ready, launch your Kickstarter campaign. Craft a compelling project description and make sure your campaign page is visually appealing. Set a campaign duration (usually 30 days) and a funding goal.
- Engage with Backers:
- Actively engage with backers by responding to comments and providing updates. Keep them informed about the campaign’s progress and any stretch goals reached.
- Stretch Goals:
- If you include stretch goals, announce and unlock them as funding milestones are reached. This can encourage more backers to pledge.
- Fulfillment and Production:
- Once your campaign is successfully funded, begin the production process. Work with manufacturers to produce the board game components. Arrange for shipping and distribution to backers.
- Regular Updates:
- Keep backers updated on the production timeline, any delays, and the status of their rewards. Transparency is crucial to maintaining trust.
- Deliver Rewards:
- Ship rewards to backers as they become available. Make sure to meet the estimated delivery dates you provided during the campaign.
- Post-Campaign Marketing:
- Continue promoting your board game even after the campaign ends. Attend gaming conventions, reach out to retailers, and consider selling the game through online marketplaces.
Remember that running a successful Kickstarter campaign involves careful planning, marketing, and communication. It’s also essential to deliver on your promises to backers and provide them with a quality product. Building a loyal community around your board game can help ensure future success for your game and potential future projects.
