Crowdfunding Academy

Listen to the Story of Battle Systems. Colin Young, the founder and main designer of Battle Systems, shares his journey from creating  terrain for war games to launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $2.5 million across eight crowdfunding campaigns. He discusses the challenges of running a business, the importance of community and mentorship, and the future plans for Battle Systems. This podcast provides insight into the world of independent game creation and the passion behind bringing imaginative and immersive experiences to tabletop gaming enthusiasts.

Check out the video on our website and check our Battle System's website & his latest Kickstarter.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

This episode features Andrew and Jeff from R2i Games, who uncover the intricacies of Kickstarter campaigns, board game design, and the evolving dynamics of community engagement. Discover why a French cheese-themed game stirred a particular reaction and how strategic planning can be a game-changer months before a Kickstarter launch. If you've ever been intrigued by the behind-the-scenes world of board game development or the hidden nuances of crowdfunding, this conversation will offer valuable insights.

This is R2i Games's website and check out their latest Kickstarter campaign here. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

 George sits down with Kevin, the spokesperson and trade show manager from Bezier Games --  who are the brilliant minds behind the wildly entertaining game, "Colossal Cat in the Box" & "Castles of Mad King Ludwig."

Together, they unpack the secrets to hosting a successful and budget-friendly trade show experience. From cost-effective booth strategies, like using rented U-Hauls, to the magic of Amazon for last-minute supplies, Kevin highlights the art of making an impression without breaking the bank.

They also touch on the nuances of the game industry and share fascinating insights on efficient reward strategies to ensure smooth fulfillment. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the quirky world of game designing, with tales of cat trees and plushies.

Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or just someone looking for expert trade show hacks, this episode promises a delightful blend of entertainment and practical advice. Join George and Kevin as they discuss the mechanics of making a memorable mark in the industry, and remember, simplicity is key.

Find Bezier Games's latest Kickstarter here, watch the video of the podcast here.

Both George & Kevin will attend Spiel Essen this year. Find George at booth 4F119 and Kevin at booth 2D156.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

In this episode, George sits down with Rita Orlov, the creative force behind games like The Emerald Flame, The Light in the Mist, and Threads of Fate. She's also the founder of her own board game and puzzle publishing house PostCurious.

Rita recounts her journey from simply loving puzzles to becoming a game designer, sharing candid insights from her crowdfunding experiences and the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey.

They delve into the practical challenges of Facebook ads and the pros and cons of collaborating with various marketing agencies.

Rita also gives listeners a sneak peek into her next game, The Morrison Game Factory, and reflects on the growth of her business and her aspirations for the future. 

Join in for an insightful chat with a true creative chameleon. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

In this episode, George sits down for a chat with Peter, part of the marketing team behind Bird Buddy, the innovative smart bird feeder. Their two projects have raised over $11 million on Kickstarter. 

The conversation dives deep into the world of digital marketing, from the unpredictable virality of TikTok to the reliable reach of platforms like Facebook and Google. But it's not all about metrics and numbers. At its core, Bird Buddy thrives on its vibrant community, with dedicated Facebook groups and passionate members providing invaluable feedback. Peter also sheds light on the realities of crowdfunding, offering some hard-earned wisdom for anyone considering the same route.

Tune in for an engaging talk about community insights and the unexpected twists and turns of digital marketing in the world of innovative products. Watch the video here. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

Join us as gaming industry veteran Ronnie Renton shares his rich history in the world of tabletop gaming, the ins and outs of acquiring licenses, and the secrets to Kickstarter success. From Mantic Games’ origins to acquiring popular licenses like "The Walking Dead," Ronnie delves into the complex relationships between creators, licensors, and the community. In this enlightening conversation, Ronnie offers sage advice on crowdfunding, emphasizing the importance of engaging with your backers as more than just a source of funding. Plus, get a sneak peek into Mantic’s upcoming project: a thrilling board game adaptation of the classic video game "Worms." Whether you’re an aspiring game creator, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a gaming enthusiast, this podcast is a treasure trove of industry insights.

*this episode contains a discussion of Ronnie's latest Kickstarter page for Worms. Please check out our video for the accompanying visuals. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

Matthew Meeple shares his extensive approach to the preparation for his long awaited Kickstarter campaign for his board game Ascendancy. 

From organizing playtesting sessions to learning all about Facebook ads, Matthew takes you on his personal journey towards his Kickstarter launch, which had been five years in the making.

He launched his campaign on Kickstarter this week and is finally able to share all his hard work with the rest of us. At the heart of his strategy, Matthew emphasizes the sheer importance of always providing content that resonates with the audience—be it a captivating visual, an intriguing mini, or a freshly-crafted illustration. He shares his highs and lows and provides a comprehensive view of the complexities of designing and launching a board game.

Check out his Kickstarter here, his website here and his discord here.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

Žiga and Samo, the creators of the Eldfall Chronicles universe, talk about their impressive miniature gaming experience that has been taking the gaming community by storm. They discuss the meticulous attention to detail and quality they've invested into their products, carving out their unique niche in the highly competitive miniature wargaming market.

The duo talks about the business side of things, revealing how they navigated the challenges of their first campaign, eventually growing their business to a point where they could all work full time on their passion. They discuss their marketing strategies, such as the use of pledge managers, social media, and their website to increase engagement and profitability.

Žiga and Samo also explain why they started with WooCommerce for their online store, but are considering a move to Shopify for an optimized user experience.

Follow their latest developments on their Kickstarter campaign, Instagram, Facebook, Discord or check out their website. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

In this episode, George interviews Teddy Giard, the founder of Teddy Giard Studios, who shares his expertise in successful crowdfunding campaigns.

Teddy discusses his experience with launching Moon Walkers' AI-powered shoes on Kickstarter and securing a deal on Shark Tank while still a student. He reveals the strategies he used to generate organic reach and PR for the Moon Walkers campaign, including a content strategy based on SEO and key search terms. 

Teddy emphasizes the importance of building a company or marketing campaign around Google search terms and effectively communicating the problem being solved. He also highlights the value of having an audience and a communication strategy to directly speak to potential customers. Teddy's insights highlight the power of effective marketing strategies and their impact on crowdfunding campaigns.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

In this episode, George interviews Brendan McCaskell, the studio head at Open Owl Studios, who has successfully launched multiple board games through crowdfunding campaigns. Brendan shares his journey from a modest $28,000 campaign to raising over $3 million combined for his games, including Stars of Akarios, Mythwind, and Stonesaga. Brendan explains that his passion for board games and the crowdfunding model led him to venture into the space. He emphasizes his entrepreneurial mindset and the direct connection with the community that crowdfunding offers. The conversation delves into the factors that contributed to Brendan's increasingly successful campaigns. Two significant aspects stand out: partnerships and market targeting.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.