Navigating the Board Game Boom: Crowdfunding Pitfalls and Red Flags to Watch Out For

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There’s no denying that we’re in a golden age of board games. Old classics like Monopoly and Scrabble now share shelf space with gems like Gloomhaven and Terraforming Mars. And with the rise of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Gamefound, there’s a veritable flood of fresh, innovative board games from indie and traditional creators alike.

However, while the thrill of backing a unique, never-before-seen game can be incredibly exciting, not all campaigns end up in triumphant victory. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and backers find themselves feeling cheated out of their hard-earned money.

But why does this happen? What are the red flags you should be on the lookout for? And how can you avoid falling into these traps? Let’s dive in!

Some campaigns are severely delayed but still provide a great game.

The Problem with Crowdfunding Board Games

Crowdfunding, at its core, is about belief in a dream. A designer has a fantastic idea for a game but lacks the resources to make it a reality. So, they turn to the public, offering enticing rewards in exchange for backing their project.

However, creating a board game is a complex process. It involves design, playtesting, artwork, manufacturing, and shipping, to name just a few aspects. An issue in any one of these areas can cause major delays or even sink the project entirely.

Let’s take the infamous example of “The Doom That Came To Atlantic City”. This Lovecraftian board game raised $122,000 on Kickstarter but was abruptly canceled after the creator ran out of funds, leaving backers high and dry. The creator had miscalculated production costs and, despite the impressive funding, couldn’t deliver. The most recent examples of Mythic Games disaster after disaster on both Kickstarter and Gamefound serve as another sore reminder. And let’s not forget what’s going on with Chai Tea for 2.

Some fulfill fast, but have tons of errors and errata.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

So how can you avoid such disappointments? Here are some red flags to keep an eye on:

1. Inexperienced Creators: If the creator has never made a board game before, be cautious. Check if they have a history of successful projects or if they are collaborating with someone who does.
2. Lack of Prototype: The creators should have a prototype ready to show. This is an important proof of concept. If all they have are ideas and artwork, it might be best to steer clear.
3. Unrealistic Goals and Deadlines: If a project promises a high-quality game with lots of components at a low price, or promises to deliver within an incredibly short time, it’s a warning sign. Manufacturing a board game takes time and money.
4. Poor Communication: Look at how the creators interact with their backers. Are they transparent about their progress and setbacks? Do they respond to questions and comments? Good communication is key to a successful campaign.
5. Vague Budget Breakdown: A serious creator should provide a clear budget breakdown, showing how they intend to use the funds. If this isn’t available, it’s cause for concern.

Some are borderline fraud.

Why Crowdfunding Should Be Considered Carefully

Backing a crowdfunding campaign is not the same as making a pre-order at a store. When you back a project, you’re supporting an idea, not buying a product. There’s always a risk the project might fail, and you may not get your money back.

Therefore, it’s important to evaluate the project and its creators critically. Look at their previous experience, their level of professionalism, and their transparency. Consider the risks and rewards carefully before deciding to back a project.

But don’t let this discourage you! There are plenty of fantastic board games that have been successfully crowdfunded. With careful consideration and a keen eye for red flags, you can help bring a great new game to life and eventually receive something worth your trouble.

That’s all I have for today! Follow for more content like this, and let me know what kind of articles you’d like to see in the future. Why not read a similar article? Click here for “Why it’s hard to let go of our board games”.