It is Friday and you all know what that means: We want to hear your opinion and discuss a bit with you in the comments! Today we are dedicating ourselves to a topic that is only indirectly related to MMOs but has gained more and more importance in recent years: crowdfunding.
Everyone has probably heard the terms “Kickstarter”, “Startnext”, or “Patreon” in recent months. Crowdfunding is about the financing of a planned project being supported by the masses (=Crowd). This gives anyone who wants to realize something the opportunity to bring it into reality. Of course, only if they can find enough people who are willing to support this project financially (these are the “Backers”). Often, backers receive small “goodies” as a thank you, such as a dedication or, in the case of particularly high amounts, they can even influence the project.
Cortyn says: I also have some experience with crowdfunding. Essentially, the work on my book is also somewhat compensated by it (although it is more of a small “crowd” than a large mass). But even as a “backer” I have already participated in the financing of a project. Some of you may still remember the audio play “Allimania”, and the 20th episode was financed through donations on “Startnext”. That was two years ago, and the episode has still not been released. On the one hand, that is a bit sad, but at least the person responsible keeps their fans updated with audio samples and progress reports.
[pullquote]For me, crowdfunding is one of the few pieces of evidence that people can still realize their visions in today’s times if they manage to inspire enough other people to do so.[/pullquote]Although crowdfunding poses many dangers for backers, as there are hardly any legal regulations to adhere to the plan, such as a timeline or product quality, the advantages clearly outweigh for me. People with a dream can fulfill it, and with a chunk of money, many things can be accomplished.
As a “backer”, one must only make one thing clear: you have no ownership claims, as you are donating voluntarily because you believe in the creativity and performance of a person or group. You are not “buying” anything in advance. You only hope that the desired project will be successful and that you will like it in the end. For me, crowdfunding is one of the few pieces of evidence that people can still realize their visions in today’s times if they manage to inspire enough other people to do so.
Which crowdfunding projects is the Mein MMO community involved in?
- Michel supports, for example, the sci-fi MMO “The Repopulation” and above all Star Citizen, the most successful crowdfunding project of all time.
- Chris Utirons, after initial skepticism, has taken a liking to the sandbox MMORPG Albion Online.
- Zunjin is looking forward to the PvP successor in the spirit of Dark Age of Camelot: Camelot Unchained.
- Then it seems that several, including m-coaster, have discovered the new MMO hope Crowfall for themselves.
- Shroud of the Avatar or H1Z1 have also appeared a few times in the comments.
- …many appreciate the transparency of the developers and the feeling of being part of the project. However, skepticism also seeps through.
And now to you: Have you had experiences with crowdfunding? If yes, what have you supported and why? If you would like to share, let us know how strongly you supported something and what you hoped for from it! Were your expectations met, or did you regret it? Or do you generally reject this kind of project funding? Let us know and discuss with us!
