Crowdfunding Campaign Raises an Incredible $6.5 Million
Games developer Chris Roberts, the brains behind the Wing Commander and Starlancer franchises raised the colossal multi-million dollar sum from fans to help finance the upcoming Star Citizen video game title. And it’s taken little more than a month to do it.
To date, the title is the most successfully crowdfunded video game ever. And financial pledges are still being made.
Roberts launched his crowdfunding campaign on October 10th on his own website Roberts Space Industries and then doubled up with a Kickstarter campaign. Through the former he has so far raised $4.42 million, and the latter $2.13 million.
His initial target for both campaigns was $2.5 million, but he vastly underestimated the interest and enthusiasm of game fans who are eagerly awaiting his next title (Roberts had taken 10 years off from the gaming industry to work on other projects).
Creative Control
Although the games developer has said that he will still be going to investors to fund part of the game, the success of the dual crowdfunding approach will give him more creative control and ownership of Star Citizen.
How He Did It
The lowest amount that an individual can pledge to receive a copy of the game is $30, but the average pledge across the two campaigns is currently $70. The success in getting fans to fund extra money is due in part to listening to the crowd, as many backers were prepared to give more if they could have game add-ons such as various ships in the Star Citizen universe.
Other factors come into play as well. Roberts’ fame in the gaming community, his team’s engagement with backers and the writing of daily updates all played their part.
The finished game is due to hit shelves in November 2014.
Add your Comment
[LOGIN FIRST] if you're already a member.fields are required.