Top Crowdfunding Platforms for Tabletop Roleplaying Games

The world of crowdfunding has drastically changed how creators can bring their visions to life. For Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), crowdfunding platforms are an essential tool for both independent designers and established creators alike. These platforms provide not only the necessary funding to produce a game but also a vibrant community of backers who can shape the direction of the project. In this post, we’ll explore the top crowdfunding platforms for TTRPGs and what makes each one unique.

1. Kickstarter: The Giant of Crowdfunding

Kickstarter is by far the most well-known crowdfunding platform, and for good reason. It has played a crucial role in the success of numerous TTRPG projects, from small indie games to high-profile campaigns. The platform allows creators to set a funding goal, with backers pledging to support the project in exchange for rewards like early access to the game, exclusive content, and physical merchandise.

Why Kickstarter is great for TTRPGs:

• Large Audience: Kickstarter has an extensive and active user base, which increases the potential for a successful campaign.
• Stretch Goals and Add-ons: Creators can introduce stretch goals as a campaign reaches funding milestones, offering backers additional content or bonuses, such as new rulebooks, maps, or custom dice.
• Visibility: With a robust search function and the ability to showcase trending projects, TTRPG campaigns on Kickstarter have the chance to be discovered by new fans and collectors.

Some well-known TTRPG successes on Kickstarter include Blades in the Dark, Zwei RPG, and The Witcher RPG.

2. Indiegogo: A Flexible Alternative

While Kickstarter is the most established crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo offers a more flexible alternative. Indiegogo’s model allows creators to keep the funds raised, even if they don’t meet their original goal. This “Keep What You Raise” feature offers some safety for creators, though it may come with some risks for backers.

Why Indiegogo is great for TTRPGs:

• Flexible Funding: Creators can choose between fixed or flexible funding, making it easier for them to launch a campaign without the fear of not meeting an ambitious funding goal.
• In-demand Campaigns: After a successful campaign, creators can continue offering their product through Indiegogo’s "In-demand" feature, which allows backers to pledge after the campaign ends.
• Lower Fees: Indiegogo typically charges lower fees than Kickstarter, which can be beneficial for creators on a tight budget.

While not as big as Kickstarter, Indiegogo has hosted successful campaigns like Mothership RPG and City of Mist.

3. Patreon: Subscription-Based Crowdfunding

Patreon differs from Kickstarter and Indiegogo in that it operates on a subscription model rather than one-time pledges. Creators can build a community of dedicated supporters who contribute on a monthly basis. Patreon is particularly effective for ongoing projects, such as producing content for a long-running TTRPG campaign or delivering monthly modules and adventures.

Why Patreon is great for TTRPGs:

• Ongoing Support: Creators can build sustainable income, which allows them to keep producing content continuously. This is ideal for game masters, writers, or creators looking to release regular updates and new content.
• Exclusive Content: Patrons can gain access to behind-the-scenes content, early releases, and special perks. This creates an exclusive community around a creator's work.
• Lower Pressure to Meet Goals: Since Patreon works on a subscription basis, creators don’t have the same time pressure to reach funding goals like with Kickstarter.

Patreon is often used by TTRPG creators who focus on ongoing content creation, such as The Arcana or Dungeon Craft.

4. Gamefound: Crowdfunding Tailored for Tabletop Games

Gamefound is a platform specifically designed for crowdfunding tabletop games, including board games and TTRPGs. It is a newer platform but has quickly gained traction among the tabletop community. It focuses on providing a streamlined and game-centric experience for creators and backers.

Why Gamefound is great for TTRPGs:

• Tailored for Tabletop Games: Gamefound was designed specifically for tabletop games, so it offers features like customized pledge tiers, stretch goals, and a community hub where backers can interact with creators.
• Lower Fees: Gamefound charges lower fees than Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which is especially useful for creators looking to maximize their funding.
• Community Engagement: Gamefound's strong community of gamers helps amplify campaigns and can even influence the direction of the project as it progresses.

Some of the most successful TTRPG projects on Gamefound include Cthulhu: Death May Die and Kingdoms and Warfare.

5. StartEngine: Equity Crowdfunding for TTRPG Publishers

StartEngine is an equity crowdfunding platform that allows creators to raise funds by offering shares of their company. This type of crowdfunding is ideal for larger-scale projects or companies that want to secure investment in exchange for equity. For TTRPG publishers, StartEngine offers a way to grow their brand while involving their backers in a deeper way.

Why StartEngine is great for TTRPGs:

• Equity Investment: Backers can invest in the actual company behind a TTRPG, receiving ownership in exchange for their support. This model creates a stronger bond between creators and their most loyal fans.
• Big Projects: StartEngine is ideal for large-scale TTRPG publishers or developers looking to expand their business and their product line.

StartEngine is not yet widely used for individual TTRPG projects but is a great option for established companies looking to grow.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding platforms have opened the doors for TTRPG creators, enabling them to reach a global audience and bring their games to life. Whether you’re a backer looking to support new projects or a creator trying to fund your next big idea, platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Patreon, Gamefound, and StartEngine are all valuable tools in the world of tabletop gaming.

As a backer, remember to do your research, engage with creators, and consider the level of risk involved. As a creator, don’t hesitate to explore multiple platforms to find the best fit for your TTRPG project.

In the ever-expanding world of TTRPGs, crowdfunding is more than just a funding tool—it’s a way for fans to directly support the games they love and influence the future of the hobby.

Let me know if you’d like me to move on to the next post!