"Shut up and take my money," might be the unofficial slogan for crowdfunded board games!

If you are a board gamer, I am sure you had that thrilling sensation scrolling through upcoming crowdfunding board games, looking at its beautiful art, stunning miniatures, and imagining how you will play it with your friends!

Crowdfunding is like a treasure hunt for board game enthusiasts—it's a chance to discover hidden gems, support creative projects, and be among the first to get your hands on exciting new games.

But while crowdfunding has opened the door to innovative ideas and incredible gaming experiences, it also comes with risks. From failed campaigns, to unmet expectations, to raised prices after raising all the needed funds.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to wisely choose which crowdfunded board games to back, what to look for in a campaign, how to reduce risk, and how to protect your investment. With these tips, you'll be better equipped to support projects worth your time and money.

Disclosure

1. This is not a financial advice. 
2. Although the provided tips can reduce your risk, they do not guarantee a 100% safe backing process. Any crowdfunded project comes with risks.

Saw a mistake? We are just human, and some errors can happen. If you saw a mistake in the article, let us know in the comments below or send us a message.

1. What Is Crowdfunding and Why It's Thriving in Tabletop Games

Crowdfunding is a method of raising funds through the collective support of individuals, typically via online platforms. Creators pitch their projects to the public, and anyone interested can pledge money to help bring the idea to life.

In return, backers often receive exclusive perks, a discount (relative to retail price), early access, or the final product, or some other bonuses. This model allows creators to gauge interest, secure funds, create unique concepts and narratives, and build a community around their project long before it goes to market. 

Currently the most popular crowdfunding sites for board games are Gamefound, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo. However, only Gamefound is the only platform created exclusively for board games.

How Crowdfunding Empowers Creators

For board game designers, crowdfunding has become a powerful tool. Instead of relying on traditional publishers or large upfront investments, creators can present their game ideas directly to potential players.

This democratic process means that even indie developers with limited resources can gather enough financial support to produce their games. It also allows for more creative freedom, as developers aren't restricted by the demands of big companies or market trends.

Crowdfunding also gives creators valuable insight into their audience. By watching the campaign's progress, creators can adjust their goals, improve their designs, and get feedback from enthusiastic backers. It fosters a connection between creators and players, helping to build excitement and loyalty from the ground up.

2. Benefits of Backing Crowdfunded Board Games

Backing crowdfunded board games offers a unique experience that standard retail releases simply can't match. Here are some key benefits that attract both seasoned and first-time backers:

Early Access

Crowdfunding often allows you to be among the first to experience a highly anticipated game. You're promised a copy before it hits store shelves (if it ever does), often months ahead of a general release. This means you get to play and enjoy the game while it's still fresh in the gaming community.

However, it is crucial to mention, that in rare cases, some publishers launch a crowdfunding campaign for an already published/available game. It does not happen often, but it is possible.

Stretch Goals

Arguably the most exciting aspect of crowdfunding campaigns is the stretch goals. As the project surpasses its initial funding target, creators add new content, upgrades, or features to the game.

These can range from additional game pieces and new characters to expanded rule sets and upgraded components. Backing a project that smashes through its goals often means you'll end up with a game far better than the one originally pitched.

It's important to mention that many campaigns separate stretch goals for different versions of the game. For example, it is very likely that stretch goals containing miniatures will be sent to those who backed the deluxe version. So, be sure to read this carefully when choosing which version to back.

Exclusive Content

Many crowdfunding campaigns offer backers exclusive content that will be unavailable later in retail versions - they can be in the form of stretch goals, or deluxe/special versions, or simply bonuses that will be included solely for the crowdfunding campaign.

Exclusive content can include limited-edition miniatures, alternate artwork, upgraded components, or expansion packs only accessible through the campaign. This exclusivity adds a sense of prestige to the game and can make your copy a collector's item.

It is important to mention, that while exclusive content is exciting, often they are advertised to sound much better then they are in reality. For example, the campaign might say that this campaign includes an exclusive expansion while in reality this "expansion" contains only one or two cards. So, again, be sure to read what exactly is included, so you know what you'll be getting.

Discounted Price

Overall crowdfunded projects provide a discount over their retail counterparts, so it can be a way to save money on your next board game.

However, it is worth mentioning that often the retail versions are different than the crowdfunded ones. So, while for the most part, the crowdfunded games are indeed cheaper than their retail "sisters," the comparison not always is as apples to apples. 

Community Engagement

When you back a crowdfunded project, you become part of the game's development journey. Many creators actively engage with their backers, offering updates, sneak peeks, and even taking suggestions on rules or components.

This level of interaction creates a special bond between the creator and the community, making you feel more involved in bringing the game to life. This also can positively impact the final version of the game. The more voices, the bigger the impact.

3. Risks of Backing Crowdfunded Board Games

While crowdfunding offers exciting opportunities, it also carries several risks that backers need to be aware of:

Project Delays

Delays are among the most common risks in crowdfunded board games. Whether due to manufacturing issues, shipping problems, or complications with design, many projects end up taking much longer than anticipated.

It's not uncommon for backers to wait months—or even years—beyond the initial estimated delivery date.

Unfulfilled Promises

Not every campaign lives up to its promises. Sometimes, creators overpromise and underdeliver because of budget constraints, lack of experience, or unforeseen complications.

Stretch goals might be cut, quality may not meet expectations, or certain features may be changed or eliminated altogether. There's always a risk that the final product won't match what was advertised.

Disappointing Final Products

Even if the game gets delivered, it might not be what you expected. Lesser quality components, poor gameplay mechanics, rushed instruction books with unclear rules can turn an eagerly awaited game into a letdown.

Unlike retail games, which benefit from reviews and feedback, you're essentially taking a gamble on something that might still be in its early stages of development.

Why Both Seasoned and First-Time Backers Need to Balance Excitement with Caution

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of backing a crowdfunded board game—especially if the campaign is hitting stretch goals and promising exclusive content. However, when backing a crowdfunding project - (with few exepcptions) you are paying for an unfinished product.

So, whether you're a veteran backer or a newcomer, it's essential to keep a balanced perspective.

For first-time backers, the key is not to overcommit based on flashy promises or exclusive content alone. Research the creators, examine past campaigns they've run, and check for reviews or comments from the community to ensure they have a track record of delivering quality games. Patience is also crucial; these projects' timelines can be long, and delays are expected.

On the other hand, seasoned backers might be aware of the risks but still need to watch out for "hype fatigue." After successfully backing a few campaigns, it's easy to become desensitized to risks. But staying vigilant and keeping an eye on the campaign's progress and communication can save you from backing a potential flop.

4. How to Protect Yourself and Safeguard Your Investment

When backing a crowdfunded board game, taking steps to protect your investment is essential. Start by doing thorough research. Check the creator's track record to see if they've successfully delivered previous projects. A history of positive feedback from backers can strongly indicate reliability.

It's also wise to use credit cards that offer buyer protection, which can provide an extra layer of security in case the campaign doesn't deliver as promised. If you're unsure about fully committing, consider pledging at lower tiers or choosing an option that gives you access to updates without immediately investing a large sum.

Finally, stay active in the backer community. Engage with other backers and monitor campaign updates. This will help you stay informed about potential issues and important developments.

5. What to Look for in a Campaign: Choosing Wisely

Firstly, back something you are excited and care about! Don't back something simply because it looks safe. But when it comes to risk assessment, it's essential to evaluate each campaign carefully.

Here are key factors to assess when determining if a campaign is trustworthy and worth your support:

Likely to Succeed

At a first glance, it seems logical to back those projects that will likely succeed by reaching their goal, and it is! But it is even more important to ensure you're backing a project that's not only likely to succeed, but that will keep their promises after they succeed.

This is because, until the end of the project, the crowdfunding platforms will keep the raised money. The money will be transferred to the publisher after the campaign ends successfully. And will issue refunds for backers, if the campaign does not reach its goal.

Of course, it is a hassle to deal with refunds, but purely from financial perspective, there is little risk of backing a project that might not reach its goal. 

Creator Experience

One of the most crucial things to check is the creator's track record. Have they successfully delivered previous projects? Creators with a history of fulfilling campaigns on time and maintaining good relationships with their backers are generally more reliable.

You can look at their past crowdfunding efforts to see if their earlier games were well-received, whether they kept backers informed, and if they met deadlines.

The risks are higher for newer creators. However, they could still be a worthy gamble if they're transparent about their process and have a strong team with industry experience.

Shipping Prices

Most campaigns will lay out shipping prices, estimated shipping time, and  refund policy, and you should definitely check all of those position, especially shipping prices. 

On the campaign page, you'll see the price for the game/bundle only! Meaning, that the shipping price will be added on top of that price - usually at a later date than your pledge. The better campaigns will provide a table of the shipping prices by region, so be sure to check this information, so you have a better idea of how much your game will cost in total.

Refunds, and Variable Prices

Be sure to check the campaign's policy on price increases and refunds. Some campaigns can increase the price of the game (yes, after you have backed it) without the option to get a refund, if you refuse. In that case you might end up loosing all of your money without getting anything shipped to you.

A very good option to save you from this fate, is to back the Stable Pledges found on Gamefound. These pledges guarantees you that the final price can't change more than 10%, otherwise you can freely ask for a refund (provided that you ask the refund within 14 days of the announcement of the price increase).

Clear Funding Goals

Transparency in funding is crucial. A good campaign will clearly outline how the funds will be allocated. Whether for manufacturing, shipping, game development, or stretch goals, backers should know exactly where their money is going. Beware of campaigns with vague or overly ambitious financial goals, as these can lead to delays or incomplete projects.

A transparent budget breakdown shows the creator's understanding of the costs of producing and delivering the game. This is a sign they've thoroughly thought through the logistics. A successful campaign is where the financial goals and stretch goals were clear from the start, giving backers confidence that their money was being managed responsibly.

Campaign Quality

A polished campaign page is often a sign that the creators have invested time and effort into their project. Look for detailed explanations of the game's mechanics, rules, and components. Well-presented prototypes, video demonstrations, or reviews from playtesters can give you an idea of the final product. If a campaign only offers minimal details, it might indicate that the game is underdeveloped or rushed.

For example, in the Nemesis: Retaliation campaign, the creators provided detailed gameplay videos, rulebooks, and art assets, making it clear that the game was well into development before the campaign began. This level of preparation inspires confidence and helps backers visualize what they're investing in.

6. How to Spot Red Flags in Crowdfunding Campaigns

Of course, different campaigns have different approach, and their unique parameters, so there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to red flags.

However, there are certain red flags can signal potential risks when evaluating a crowdfunding campaign regardless of their type, goals or size.

Lack of Communication

Lack of communication might be the most universal red flag. Crowdfunding thrives on transparency, and if a creator isn't providing regular updates or answering backer questions, it can indicate trouble behind the scenes.

A campaign that maintains clear and consistent communication with its backers is much more likely to succeed. At the same time, silence often is an indicator of delays or other problems.

Overly Ambitious

One major warning sign is when campaigns set extremely ambitious goals without clear evidence of how they'll be achieved. Even more so, if this is combined with a skeptically low price.

Grand promises of elaborate components and stretch goals are exciting, but if there's no roadmap or solid plan behind them, it's a reason to be cautious. Look for campaigns that provide detailed explanations and visuals of prototypes or gameplay videos to show that the project is more than just a concept.

Of course, if the publisher has a track record of delivering other games of a similar scale, then sure, go ahead and back it. Otherwise I would skip such too-good-to-be-true projects, especially if these grand promises are made by a new publisher.

Unrealistic Production/Delivery Dates

On top of grand components, be wary of campaigns that overpromise production date without a realistic delivery plan. Suppose a project offers overwhelming extra content or stretch goals, ton of miniatures, expansions, and more without actually having a finished prototype and without a strict production plan. In that case, it's likely biting off more than it can chew.

7. Crowdfunding Platforms Compared: Kickstarter, Gamefound, IndieGoGo

When it comes to crowdfunding board games, three primary platforms stand out: Kickstarter, Gamefound, and IndieGoGo. Each offers distinct advantages and limitations.

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is the most popular and well-established platform for tabletop games. With a massive, engaged community, it's the go-to for creators and backers. Kickstarter has become a hub for board game enthusiasts, offering various projects, from small indie games to massive, highly funded campaigns. Its strong reputation and built-in audience make it ideal for creators seeking visibility.

• Pros:
  • Huge built-in audience for board games.
  • Strong reputation for successful board game projects.
  • Robust tools for creators, such as stretch goals and updates.
  • The highly active community of backers.
• Cons:
  • The all-or-nothing funding model means projects must hit their goals to receive funding.
  • High competition among board games can make smaller projects harder to stand out.

Gamefound

Gamefound, by contrast, is a platform specifically designed for tabletop games. It started as a pledge manager but has evolved into a fully-fledged crowdfunding platform dedicated to board games. This focus means that creators and backers will likely find a more streamlined, game-specific experience. Gamefound also offers detailed tools for managing stretch goals, updates, and community engagement, making it a growing favorite in the board game space.

• Pros:
  • Tailored for board game campaigns, making the platform streamlined for creators and backers.
  • Stable pledges reducing risk for price increases.
  • Strong support for complex board game projects, including managing stretch goals and community engagement.
  • More niche, less competition compared to Kickstarter.
• Cons:
  • Smaller audience compared to Kickstarter.
  • Newer platform, so not as widely recognized beyond the tabletop gaming world.

IndieGoGo 

IndieGoGo offers flexible funding options, which means creators can keep funds raised even if they don't meet their goals. While this flexibility can appeal to some, it's less focused on board games than Kickstarter or Gamefound. The platform hosts fewer tabletop projects, so while it can be an option, it may not provide the same level of visibility or community engagement.

• Pros:
  • The flexible funding model allows creators to keep whatever funds are raised, regardless of meeting the goal.
  • Useful for smaller projects or creators who want to mitigate risk.
• Cons:
  • Fewer board game projects compared to Kickstarter and Gamefound.
  • Lacks the dedicated board game community that Kickstarter and Gamefound have.
  • Less visibility for board games, making it harder for campaigns to gain traction.

Lessons from Failed Campaigns That Didn't Deliver

History has taught us some valuable lessons about failed campaigns. Projects like Darkest Dungeon (which increased its price, was delayed, and had poor communication) The Doom That Came to Atlantic City and Hand of Fate: Ordeals (both were cancelled after a successful campaign) fell victim to many of these red flags—ambitious promises, poor budgeting, and a lack of updates—ultimately disappointing backers.

These campaigns failed to deliver the promised games, and backers lost money and trust. Recognizing similar warning signs in new campaigns can help avoid supporting projects that might not follow through.

8. Upcoming Crowdfunding Board Games to Keep and Eye Out

Now that you know what signs to look for when backing your next crowdfunding project, find out some great upcoming and recent crowdfunded board games!

👉 Read the article: Best Upcoming Crowdfunded Board Games 

Conclusion

I suppose, this article covered many reasons that might you make stray away from backing any crowdfunding project. If so - that was not the goal! Crowdfunding projects can be a great way of getting new exciting and fun board games. Actually, I have backed some games myself. Currently I am waiting to receive the Witcher: Old World (which is on my personal board game Wishlist)

Also, the whole crowdfunding movement has made possible to create games of such caliber that otherwise would not be possible, and it has been a fantastic influence on the board gaming industry as a whole!

However, it comes with risks, and this article provides you with some invaluable information how to safely back your favorite projects.

All in all, crowdfunding is more than just buying a game; it's about being part of the journey from idea to reality. So, approach each project with an open mind, a keen eye for detail, and, most importantly, a love for the gaming community.

Ready to explore the next big hit? Stay sharp, stay engaged, and let the fun begin! While here, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest board game releases and insider tips, and feel free to check out what joyful-games.com has in store for you!

Looking for a new card game to play with your friends?

The Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest is a new competitive fantasy card game for 2-7 Players. From stunning design to fun gameplay, this exciting game can be a fantastic addition to your family and friends' game nights!

 

FAQ Section:

1. What are the biggest risks when backing a crowdfunded board game?

Backing crowdfunded board games can be risky due to delays, unfulfilled promises, or poor-quality products. Delays are common because of unforeseen manufacturing or shipping issues. Sometimes, creators may not deliver on all their promises due to budget constraints or lack of experience, leaving you with a game that doesn't match the original pitch. In rare cases, campaigns may fail entirely, leaving backers without the game or their money.

2. How can I tell if a crowdfunding campaign is trustworthy?

A trustworthy campaign often features creators with a track record of successfully delivering past projects. Check if they've completed previous campaigns on time and how they engaged with backers. Look for clear funding goals and transparency about where the money will go. A polished campaign page with detailed descriptions, gameplay videos, and prototypes is another good sign that the project is well-planned and more likely to succeed.

3. What should I do if a campaign is delayed?

Delays are common, so patience is essential. Stay informed by reading updates from the creators. Active communication from the campaign team is a positive sign, even if delays occur. If updates stop or communication becomes infrequent, you might consider reaching out to the campaign team or engaging with other backers to stay updated.

4. Are there any protections if a campaign fails to deliver the game?

While crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Gamefound do not guarantee refunds, there are some ways to protect yourself. Using a credit card with buyer protection can offer recourse if the game isn't delivered. Additionally, researching the creator's past projects can help reduce the risk of backing a campaign that might fail.

5. What are the benefits of backing a crowdfunded board game over waiting for retail release?

Backing a crowdfunded board game allows you to be part of the game's development process. You often get exclusive content such as limited-edition miniatures, alternate artwork, or expansion packs that may not be available in retail versions. You'll also receive the game before it's available in stores, sometimes months ahead, and you'll have the chance to provide feedback during development.