Exploding Kittens, a card game that sold over 12 million units in just under two months after its launch in 2015, has become one of the most successful crowdfunded games of all time. But how did the creators, who had no experience in game design or manufacturing, manage to finance the development of this wildly popular card game?
The answer lies in a combination of personal passion, creativity, and clever business acumen. The team behind Exploding Kittens, Elan Mastai, Brian Selden, and Max Cleary, had been working together on other projects before they decided to create a game that would combine elements of strategy, luck, and absurd humor.
One of the key ways they managed to finance the development of Exploding Kittens was by using Kickstarter, a popular crowdfunding platform that allows creators to raise money from backers who are interested in supporting their projects. The team set a goal of $10,000 and launched their campaign in February 2015, offering rewards for backers who pledged different amounts of money.
To make their Kickstarter campaign successful, the team leveraged their existing network of contacts, including fellow game designers and online communities. They also used social media to spread the word about their project and generate buzz. In addition, they offered a range of stretch goals that provided backers with additional rewards for contributing more money.
One of the most successful stretch goals was the creation of an Exploding Kittens-themed calendar, which sold out within a few days of being added to the campaign. The team also offered personalized thank-you notes from the creators and even created a special edition of the game for backers who pledged $10,000 or more.
Another way the team financed the development of Exploding Kittens was by taking out a loan. They used the money from the Kickstarter campaign to pay off the loan and continue developing the game. In addition, they also sold advance copies of the game to retailers, which helped generate additional revenue and buzz for the game before its official launch.
Overall, the success of Exploding Kittens can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong concept, effective marketing, and strategic financing. The team behind the game was able to leverage their personal networks, social media, and crowdfunding platforms to bring their vision to life, and their success has inspired many other game developers to explore new ways of funding their projects.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to finance your game development project, here are some tips:
- Start with a strong concept: Before you start thinking about financing, it’s important to have a clear idea of what your game is all about. What makes it unique? Who is your target audience? Answering these questions will help you create a compelling pitch and attract potential investors.
- Leverage your network: Whether it’s through social media or in-person networking events, building relationships with people who share your passion for games can be a powerful way to generate support for your project. Consider reaching out to fellow game designers, online communities, or even investors who have shown an interest in games before.
- Explore crowdfunding platforms: Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo can be great ways to raise money for your game development project. Just be sure to create a compelling campaign that showcases your game’s unique features and provides backers with rewards that will make them want to support your project.
- Consider taking out a loan: If you have a solid concept and a plan for how to bring your game to market, taking out a loan can be a great way to finance your development process. Just be sure to carefully consider the terms of the loan and how it will impact your cash flow and profitability.
