I think backing a game is more compelling than buying one at a store because if you get it right away, you need to deal with the guilt of getting yet another game and having it take up even more space on your already cramped shelves when you already have plenty of other games that are being underplayed. Whereas if you back a game, you get to delay that feeling of guilt.
The >75% of MSRP rule often doesn't work, because of promos/exclusives and sometimes other reasons (shipping to certain countries, English version not easily available in certain countries, ...). But more importantly people should consider the total of price+shipping+VAT to decide if they want to back a game. Looking only at the price without shipping cost and VAT is short-sighted and wrong. The total money you have to pay to get the game is the actual price! Don't fool yourself!
11. After you've done all your research, if a game seems to be a less good version of another game you already have, it probably is and you should be very hesitant to back. Like all forms of art, there are painfully derivative versions of games and if you already have the experience, you should be hesitant to back the clone.
6.5 Determine if you want to Own It, or just Play It. If you just want to Play it, and your friends don't want to Own It, that doesn't mean you should Own It just to get that Play in.
I wish people wouldn't back games that are consistently six months late. I truly believe companies would adjust their estimates or actions if held accountable. It wouldn't even take much; if backers stopped making excuses for these companies, things would improve. As for me, I've supported far fewer projects in the last 18 months. Many others I know have done the same. Companies will either adjust, fold, or continue as they are amidst the status quo.
I need the opposite of Rule 4, Just because the art is amazing, it does not mean the game will be good! I get sucked in by art way to often. Great Video!
Having it all down in this list is super helpful! I only started my board game collecting/choosing/backing journey in Dec of last year and I've learned some of these lessons the hard way and some just in time to prevent unnecessary spending! 👾
i love point 5 so much, it's definitely a thing probably most of us experience or have experienced, but yet it's completely illogical and makes no sense that it is a thing and noone knows why
"If You Didn't Get It Until Now, Don't Get It Now", I have a counter on this one: I normally don't back unknown games specially from unknown publishers (with exceptions such as CTG games). I wait for reviews and if they were good whenever there's a reprint or new expansion campaign I will back that.
The dopamine hits harder when you get your game from crowdfunding compared to getting it at the store because of that added risk. Why do people enjoy riding motorcycles, sky diving, Bungie jumping etc even though it's dangerous? Because of that extra dopamine hit that comes with the risk. That's why it's easier for us to drop hundreds of dollars on crowdfunded games but have a double take on retail games.
I think one of the reasons it's easier to drop money on a crowdfunding project is that it plays on your assumption that in the future (when the game actually arrives) you'll have more time to play that game type. Pretty sure that's what it is for me at least.
I feel the one where would you buy it now if it was in front of you at a store, had something kind of similar but not quite the same happen to me. I had a chance at a convention to go all in for literally everything Frosthaven at the time, was between the original campaign and the one that had the miniatures. I had the money, knew I would play it and have fun, but held off because had other games I would play and figured could get it again in the reprint campaign. Side note, didn't end up getting it during the next campaign either, still had other games I preferred to play at the time that would last me a while before I would get to it.
I think the rule of a game being available in the future if it’s good enough is the one I use the most. I love deluxe components, but it’s worth the risk of missing out to wait and see if a game has lasting power. I like having a greater understanding of a game and usually will back a reprint if it seems to hold up and I get a better read on what the final product looks like.
Overall fantastic list and I think I agree on all of your points expect #7. As you mentioned it’s more of a principle but I think this one is one I’m more willing to do sssuming in still following the other rules. Castles of Burgundy is my perfect example as it quickly became my favorite game after it arrived. Without the KS I’m not sure I would have really given it a fair shot. Maybe that’s a me problem, but the Awaken Realms edition is the version the hobby deserved.
Great video, especially for someone like myself who is new to Crowdfunding, having only backed 2 projects so far (Bugsnax TCG & Cyberpunk 2077). The All In rule is one I stuck with for Cyberpunk, the stretch goals more than cover what I’d need, so the add-ons just didn’t feel necessary. Still contemplating the Edgerunners one though 😅
Here's my rule: If you already have another game that you already love in the same genre and at the same complexity level, don't back it. Even if the theme is different, if you already have a game (or there is a game that already exists) that does a mechanism just as good or better, there's no need to get the same game with a different coat of paint. They'll just fight for your attention and eventually, the one you prefer will get played more and the other one will gather dust.
Rule #4 I am seriously looking at this for CMON projects if its not a kickstarter / gamefound exclusive extra, retail mabe the way to go there a big saving on shipping to start with....
If there is no at least somewhat enthusiastic review by a content creator I trust (and whose preferences are not orthogonal to mine), the game must have something extraordinary (or be by an established designer/publisher) for me to consider it. Otherwise, I'm likely not the target audience, the creator doesn't know how the market works, is not well-organized, lacks confidence in their game, or no reviewer found it appealing enough in the first place.
I agree with Art. I only have so much time to game. There are plenty of 5 out of 5s out there. Why invest in an ugly game if I can enjoy a pretty game instead. There are quite a few games that I have passed on just because of the aesthetic.
Hmmm..... I get it now. You talk super fast during videos where you have to get through a ton of content (to back or not), but when you're instructional or like this, I can follow. Good, good, good! I value what you're doing, and agree with your perspective and opinion, I was just having trouble keeping up!
Isn't rule #2 contrary to the #7? I mean, first you say "don't get something now if you didn't get it before", and then "don't get something now 'cause it will be available in the future". Following that logic, you shouldn't back anything because at first you postpone it to the future, and then in that future you still shouldn't back because you didn't get it the first time around... Doesn't make much sense :)
If it’s a good enough game it will get reprinted… I don’t know… if everyone were to take this stance a project won’t be considered popular enough for another run.
Rule #10 Remember that behind every game, are people. Matthew Aslin, is one of the designers that unfortunately just raised enough during crowdfunding but due to unfortunate events, ran out of money. He his the designer & artist behind “Drop Bears” but more known for “Ratcatcher” Some western countries were able to recieve their Kickstarters, while most of Europe is still waiting. I have a lot of time & respect for the man as I chatted with him on discord, reading as he answered people’s questions/concerns and providing regular fright updates. And some of their comments can be hurtful and after meeting him at PAX, I feel for the designers and the crowdfunding developers as a whole lot more. There are genuine people behind these games that want to deliver on their product and have put a lot of heart and souls into bringing into fruition and getting games they backed into their hands. Thank you for bringing, what I believe to be the most fundamental rule in Crowdfunding.
What he is saying is that while crowdfunding is often treated like its a pre-order through a web-store it actually isn't. Crowdfunding is actually more like a financial investment with the potential of some gain in the future, like the stock market. With the stock market you would invest with the hope that the stock will go up in value so if you sell your stock you would make a profit. In a crowdfunding you would invest with the hope that you'll eventually get a copy of the physical item you invested in creating in return once it is finally brought to life. Because it is an investment though crowdfunding isn't a 100% guarantee. Sometimes things go south. Somebody involved runs off with the money, a global pandemic causes unforeseen expenses, etc. Sometimes stocks in the stock market tank and the investor loses money. Sometimes the crowdfunded item never becomes reality and the investor doesn't get said item. So what he is saying in the video is if you can't be comfortable with the notion that a crowdfund could go south and you could lose your financial investment with nothing in return to show for it then you probably shouldn't back. You shouldn't gamble your money if you aren't prepared for the possibility of losing your money.
If you can't afford for it to never arrive. For example, you might back a game that costs $250 and plan to play it and then sell it for either a little loss or even a profit. If you can't afford for it to never arrive and you never get a chance to resell... you're taking a risk.
@@StoneTempleGlyph ...which is his rule, essentially. If it isn't disposable income you can afford to lose, do not spend it on something so risky as crowdfunding.
Wanted to comment the same. If you can't afford it, do not buy it, period. Not because there is an additional risk of you are not even getting what you could not afford in the first place.
Actualol (potentially paraphrased): There is no such thing as objectively bad games. Just games that are subjectively bad for everyone.
Exactly this :)
I think backing a game is more compelling than buying one at a store because if you get it right away, you need to deal with the guilt of getting yet another game and having it take up even more space on your already cramped shelves when you already have plenty of other games that are being underplayed. Whereas if you back a game, you get to delay that feeling of guilt.
and hopefully play a part in bringing a boardgame to life... but then guilt of being responsible later twice maybe? LOL
Agreed to an extent...but definitely illogical
The >75% of MSRP rule often doesn't work, because of promos/exclusives and sometimes other reasons (shipping to certain countries, English version not easily available in certain countries, ...).
But more importantly people should consider the total of price+shipping+VAT to decide if they want to back a game. Looking only at the price without shipping cost and VAT is short-sighted and wrong. The total money you have to pay to get the game is the actual price! Don't fool yourself!
11. After you've done all your research, if a game seems to be a less good version of another game you already have, it probably is and you should be very hesitant to back. Like all forms of art, there are painfully derivative versions of games and if you already have the experience, you should be hesitant to back the clone.
#1 Rule of Crowdfunding...
Listen to Alex.
In all seriousness, this video is full of wisdom and can carry over to many forms of consumerism.
Thanks!!
6.5 Determine if you want to Own It, or just Play It. If you just want to Play it, and your friends don't want to Own It, that doesn't mean you should Own It just to get that Play in.
I wish people wouldn't back games that are consistently six months late. I truly believe companies would adjust their estimates or actions if held accountable. It wouldn't even take much; if backers stopped making excuses for these companies, things would improve.
As for me, I've supported far fewer projects in the last 18 months. Many others I know have done the same. Companies will either adjust, fold, or continue as they are amidst the status quo.
I need the opposite of Rule 4, Just because the art is amazing, it does not mean the game will be good! I get sucked in by art way to often. Great Video!
watching at 0.75% speed makes this sound like a normal video, so much much more comfortable to listen too
Having it all down in this list is super helpful! I only started my board game collecting/choosing/backing journey in Dec of last year and I've learned some of these lessons the hard way and some just in time to prevent unnecessary spending! 👾
i love point 5 so much, it's definitely a thing probably most of us experience or have experienced, but yet it's completely illogical and makes no sense that it is a thing and noone knows why
"If You Didn't Get It Until Now, Don't Get It Now", I have a counter on this one: I normally don't back unknown games specially from unknown publishers (with exceptions such as CTG games). I wait for reviews and if they were good whenever there's a reprint or new expansion campaign I will back that.
Thanks for this reminder. I'll watch this again when I can't stop myself from wanting to back a lot of games. 😂
Excellent message. World need a printable version/static webpage of this rules )
The dopamine hits harder when you get your game from crowdfunding compared to getting it at the store because of that added risk.
Why do people enjoy riding motorcycles, sky diving, Bungie jumping etc even though it's dangerous? Because of that extra dopamine hit that comes with the risk.
That's why it's easier for us to drop hundreds of dollars on crowdfunded games but have a double take on retail games.
I think one of the reasons it's easier to drop money on a crowdfunding project is that it plays on your assumption that in the future (when the game actually arrives) you'll have more time to play that game type. Pretty sure that's what it is for me at least.
I feel the one where would you buy it now if it was in front of you at a store, had something kind of similar but not quite the same happen to me. I had a chance at a convention to go all in for literally everything Frosthaven at the time, was between the original campaign and the one that had the miniatures. I had the money, knew I would play it and have fun, but held off because had other games I would play and figured could get it again in the reprint campaign.
Side note, didn't end up getting it during the next campaign either, still had other games I preferred to play at the time that would last me a while before I would get to it.
Rule 11: back pride of ninja launching Tuesday!!
I think the rule of a game being available in the future if it’s good enough is the one I use the most.
I love deluxe components, but it’s worth the risk of missing out to wait and see if a game has lasting power. I like having a greater understanding of a game and usually will back a reprint if it seems to hold up and I get a better read on what the final product looks like.
Absolutely awesome video🎉
Thanks :)
Overall fantastic list and I think I agree on all of your points expect #7. As you mentioned it’s more of a principle but I think this one is one I’m more willing to do sssuming in still following the other rules. Castles of Burgundy is my perfect example as it quickly became my favorite game after it arrived. Without the KS I’m not sure I would have really given it a fair shot. Maybe that’s a me problem, but the Awaken Realms edition is the version the hobby deserved.
Can you, please, do this for game developers too? When and if you need to share your game idea to crowdfunding?
2nd this, crowdfunding platforms too. There are many now.
@@zerocool3742 yes.
Great video, especially for someone like myself who is new to Crowdfunding, having only backed 2 projects so far (Bugsnax TCG & Cyberpunk 2077). The All In rule is one I stuck with for Cyberpunk, the stretch goals more than cover what I’d need, so the add-ons just didn’t feel necessary. Still contemplating the Edgerunners one though 😅
Here's my rule: If you already have another game that you already love in the same genre and at the same complexity level, don't back it.
Even if the theme is different, if you already have a game (or there is a game that already exists) that does a mechanism just as good or better, there's no need to get the same game with a different coat of paint. They'll just fight for your attention and eventually, the one you prefer will get played more and the other one will gather dust.
Rule #1 - Amen!
Rule #4 I am seriously looking at this for CMON projects if its not a kickstarter / gamefound exclusive extra, retail mabe the way to go there a big saving on shipping to start with....
You bankrupted gamefound in 25 minutes. 😂
its bittersweet that this video exist, common knowledge is not that common anymore
If there is no at least somewhat enthusiastic review by a content creator I trust (and whose preferences are not orthogonal to mine), the game must have something extraordinary (or be by an established designer/publisher) for me to consider it. Otherwise, I'm likely not the target audience, the creator doesn't know how the market works, is not well-organized, lacks confidence in their game, or no reviewer found it appealing enough in the first place.
Agreed completely
I agree with Art. I only have so much time to game. There are plenty of 5 out of 5s out there. Why invest in an ugly game if I can enjoy a pretty game instead. There are quite a few games that I have passed on just because of the aesthetic.
Hmmm..... I get it now. You talk super fast during videos where you have to get through a ton of content (to back or not), but when you're instructional or like this, I can follow. Good, good, good! I value what you're doing, and agree with your perspective and opinion, I was just having trouble keeping up!
Ya, to back is almost always my fastest...there's just so much to go over
oh you wouldn't like watching videos in the same room as me then xD i usually watch everything at 2x-3x speed, yes even his to back or not videos
Isn't rule #2 contrary to the #7? I mean, first you say "don't get something now if you didn't get it before", and then "don't get something now 'cause it will be available in the future". Following that logic, you shouldn't back anything because at first you postpone it to the future, and then in that future you still shouldn't back because you didn't get it the first time around... Doesn't make much sense :)
Lol, a totally fair point. I would clarify that "Don't get it now if you weren't interested until now".
If it’s a good enough game it will get reprinted… I don’t know… if everyone were to take this stance a project won’t be considered popular enough for another run.
Rule #10 Remember that behind every game, are people.
Matthew Aslin, is one of the designers that unfortunately just raised enough during crowdfunding but due to unfortunate events, ran out of money. He his the designer & artist behind “Drop Bears” but more known for “Ratcatcher”
Some western countries were able to recieve their Kickstarters, while most of Europe is still waiting. I have a lot of time & respect for the man as I chatted with him on discord, reading as he answered people’s questions/concerns and providing regular fright updates. And some of their comments can be hurtful and after meeting him at PAX, I feel for the designers and the crowdfunding developers as a whole lot more. There are genuine people behind these games that want to deliver on their product and have put a lot of heart and souls into bringing into fruition and getting games they backed into their hands.
Thank you for bringing, what I believe to be the most fundamental rule in Crowdfunding.
Can't afford not to get it?
What he is saying is that while crowdfunding is often treated like its a pre-order through a web-store it actually isn't. Crowdfunding is actually more like a financial investment with the potential of some gain in the future, like the stock market. With the stock market you would invest with the hope that the stock will go up in value so if you sell your stock you would make a profit. In a crowdfunding you would invest with the hope that you'll eventually get a copy of the physical item you invested in creating in return once it is finally brought to life. Because it is an investment though crowdfunding isn't a 100% guarantee. Sometimes things go south. Somebody involved runs off with the money, a global pandemic causes unforeseen expenses, etc. Sometimes stocks in the stock market tank and the investor loses money. Sometimes the crowdfunded item never becomes reality and the investor doesn't get said item. So what he is saying in the video is if you can't be comfortable with the notion that a crowdfund could go south and you could lose your financial investment with nothing in return to show for it then you probably shouldn't back. You shouldn't gamble your money if you aren't prepared for the possibility of losing your money.
If you can't afford for it to never arrive. For example, you might back a game that costs $250 and plan to play it and then sell it for either a little loss or even a profit. If you can't afford for it to never arrive and you never get a chance to resell... you're taking a risk.
I get it now, but any money spent on board games should be disposable income in the first place.
@@StoneTempleGlyph ...which is his rule, essentially. If it isn't disposable income you can afford to lose, do not spend it on something so risky as crowdfunding.
Wanted to comment the same. If you can't afford it, do not buy it, period. Not because there is an additional risk of you are not even getting what you could not afford in the first place.
we need 10 rules for creators and platforms :) btw art isnt good, you have are in place of art