Kickstarter Red Flags
There was an interesting thread on r/boardgames a few days ago about Kickstarter red flags. The whole thread is worth a browse.
Although, it’s worth noting that these are red flags from a specific audience – gamers who hang out on Reddit. They are the cognoscenti and serious hobbyists and, on the whole, are a little more pessimistic about the state of Kickstarter than your average gamer (in my experience).
So, take it all with a grain of salt (you don’t have to, and I don’t consider everything in the thread a red flag).
The red flags tended to fall into a couple of broad categories, which are worth thinking through.
Where’s the Gameplay?
A number of commenters pointed to underdeveloped or outright bad gameplay. Either games that over-emphasize miniatures or one cool component, games with incomplete rules, no rulebook posted, or bury the gameplay deep in the campaign.
Campaigns with an over-emphasis on components and little detail on gameplay
Incomplete or missing rule book
No preview videos / social proof
Unprofessional / Underprepared
A lot of comments revolved around the professionalism of the creator. This could mean their graphics, track record, and avoiding pitfalls that make them look amateurish.
First campaign / zero backed
Offering global free shipping
Unrealistic timelines
Unrealistic price points
Typos or bad grammar
Limited or arrogant risks section
That’s Sketch
(note: I am not going to denigrate other publishers without doing my own due diligence)
The last major category revolved around suspicious and dishonest activity. This could mean creators who had prior poorly run (or predatory campaigns), or padding the campaign with large pledges.
Companies with bad track records or founded by people from those now defunct companies
Campaigns with a large amount funded by a small amount of backers
What can we Learn?
I don’t think there’s anything novel in these red flags, but it is an important reminder to put together a professional campaign, that puts gameplay front and center, has professional graphic design, and demonstrates your competency and professionalism.
What are your Kickstarter red flags?
