Crowdfunding has changed the gaming landscape, enabling developers to bring unique game ideas to life with direct support from future players. Here are ten top examples of successful crowdfunding campaigns in gaming, each of which exceeded expectations and went on to make a significant impact.
1. Torment: Tides of Numenera
Inspired by the classic Planescape: Torment, inXile Entertainment’s Torment: Tides of Numenera became one of Kickstarter’s top-funded RPGs, raising over $4 million. With promises of a deep, choice-driven narrative, the game focused on personal exploration and ethics. Released in 2017, it brought together players looking for an immersive story with choices that carried lasting consequences, proving that classic, story-rich RPGs still held massive appeal.
2. RimWorld
Ludeon Studios’ RimWorld is a colony simulation game where players manage colonists on an alien world, each with their own unique skills, personalities, and challenges. Originally seeking $20,000, the game raised over $260,000 on Kickstarter due to its engaging mechanics and the creative freedom it gave players to shape their colony. Its innovative AI-driven storytelling has continued to draw players, with each playthrough offering a different narrative outcome. RimWorld’s success shows how crowdfunding can fuel complex simulations that reward long-term engagement.
3. Prison Architect
Prison Architect by Introversion Software allows players to design, build, and manage a high-security prison. The campaign raised over $270,000, creating a robust framework for this strategic management simulator. The game’s success was due in part to the developer’s transparency and active involvement with backers, incorporating community feedback into the game’s design. Released in 2015, Prison Architect has since gained millions of players and continues to be updated with new features.
4. The Wonderful 101: Remastered
Initially a Wii U exclusive, PlatinumGames launched a Kickstarter campaign to remaster The Wonderful 101 for modern consoles, raising over $2 million. The campaign resonated with fans who wanted to see this unique action game reach a wider audience. The remastered version offered improved graphics, new features, and released on Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC, demonstrating how crowdfunding can revitalize and expand an already-loved title.
5. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
Based on the Pathfinder tabletop RPG, Wrath of the Righteous by Owlcat Games delivered an expansive, story-rich experience for RPG fans. The campaign raised over $2 million, allowing the developers to create a game faithful to the complex world of Pathfinder. Released in 2021, the game won over players with its deep mechanics, character customization, and intricate narrative. Wrath of the Righteous illustrates the potential of crowdfunding to bring intricate, tabletop-inspired RPGs to life on a large scale.
6. Hyper Light Drifter
Heart Machine’s Hyper Light Drifter captivated backers with its retro-inspired art style, challenging gameplay, and an emotional story reflecting the developer’s personal battle with illness. The campaign aimed for $27,000 but raised over $645,000. Released in 2016, it became known for its vibrant visuals, challenging combat, and immersive world. This game demonstrates how personal storytelling, combined with artistic ambition, can attract a supportive community.
7. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
From Castlevania veteran Koji Igarashi, Bloodstained is a spiritual successor to the iconic series. The campaign raised over $5.5 million, setting a record for video games on Kickstarter at the time. Released in 2019, Bloodstained provided fans with the Metroidvania gameplay they craved, winning acclaim for its modern take on the genre. Bloodstained showcases how legacy developers can successfully engage their fanbases through crowdfunding, delivering titles rooted in classic gameplay with modern polish.
8. Undertale
Developed by Toby Fox, Undertale raised over $50,000 on Kickstarter, with its quirky concept of allowing players to spare enemies rather than fight them. The game’s memorable characters, innovative mechanics, and humor resonated with backers and made it a breakout indie success upon its release in 2015. With its cult following and continued popularity, Undertale is a testament to how a unique and unconventional game concept can thrive through crowdfunding.
9. FTL: Faster Than Light
Subset Games’ FTL is a space simulation game where players manage a spaceship crew trying to survive in a hostile galaxy. Initially seeking just $10,000, the campaign raised over $200,000 due to its intriguing premise and challenging gameplay. Released in 2012, FTL was celebrated for its high replay value and the depth of its tactical choices. FTL’s crowdfunding success highlights the potential for small-scale projects to capture widespread interest.
10. Shenmue III
One of the most famous crowdfunding campaigns, Shenmue III raised over $6 million from fans who had waited nearly two decades for a continuation of the series. Led by original creator Yu Suzuki, the campaign struck a nostalgic chord with fans of the Dreamcast-era classic. Released in 2019, Shenmue III delivered on many fans’ expectations, showing how crowdfunding can revive beloved franchises and bring long-awaited sequels to life.
Key Lessons from Crowdfunding Success in Gaming
Each of these crowdfunding successes reveals common elements crucial for a winning campaign:
Clear Concept and Compelling Story: Each campaign presented a clear, engaging concept, often with a strong narrative hook or nostalgic appeal that resonated with fans.
Community Engagement: Developers kept backers involved with regular updates, sneak peeks, and opportunities to influence the development process, fostering a loyal and invested community.
Realistic Goals and Transparent Plans: Setting attainable goals and providing detailed roadmaps helped backers trust that their funds were well-managed, enhancing the campaign’s credibility.
Unique or Niche Appeal: Games like Undertale and Hyper Light Drifter attracted backers by focusing on unique themes or underserved genres, making their projects stand out from mainstream offerings.
Crowdfunding has empowered gaming developers to explore creative ideas, build supportive communities, and bypass traditional funding challenges. From reviving classic franchises like Shenmue to delivering innovative concepts like Undertale and RimWorld, these success stories underscore the transformative potential of crowdfunding in the gaming industry. For developers and fans alike, these campaigns demonstrate the power of community-backed support in shaping the future of gaming.
