Effective Rewards for Your Kickstarter Campaign: Tips for Game Developers

Introduction

Running a successful Kickstarter campaign for your game requires more than just a compelling pitch. One of the critical elements that can significantly impact your campaign's success is the rewards you offer to supporters. Choosing the right rewards can make your campaign more attractive and engaging, leading to higher funding and a more passionate community. In this article, we will explore various types of rewards that have proven to work well for game developers on Kickstarter.

Types of Rewards for Your Game Kickstarter

When considering rewards for your Kickstarter campaign, it's important to think beyond just the game itself. Here are some ideas and strategies to create a compelling reward system that will excite your backers:

Design Involvement

Let the Backer Design an Item in the Game: Involve your backers in the creative process by allowing them to design an item within the game. This can range from customizing a character's outfit or weapons to creating a level design. It not only makes backers feel valued but also enriches the game with unique content.

Let the Backer Influence Game Lore: Backers can help shape the story and lore of the game. They could suggest backgrounds for non-playable characters (NPCs), add new quests, or even contribute to the game’s mythology.

Use Backer’s Name in Game: Personalize the game by including backers' names in secret places within the game, such as secret pamphlets, non-playable characters, or as part of a quest reward.

Physical and Digital Goods

Exclusive Collectibles: Consider offering unique, physical items that backers won't find anywhere else. This could be signed artwork, collectible figurines, or limited edition game boxes. Physical rewards add a tangible, memorable aspect to your campaign.

Digital Exclusives: Provide digital rewards that can be added to the game, such as in-game items, skins, vehicles, or accessories. These don't cost much to produce and are easily added after the campaign.

Early Access: Allow some backers to gain early access to the game, giving them a chance to beta test the game and provide feedback. This can lead to a more polished final product and creates a sense of exclusivity.

Exclusive Experiences

Developers Playing Games Together: Offer a unique experience by letting backers play the game with the developers or core team members. This not only builds a community but also shows the level of effort and commitment behind the game.

Voting Privileges: Let backers vote on certain aspects of the game, such as character names, game features, or story arcs. This can make the designing process more interactive and engaging.

Backer-Exclusive Content: Create a backer-exclusive shop where they can buy digital goods, art prints, and other related items. This can generate additional revenue and provide ongoing engagement.

Strategies for Effective Rewards

To make your rewards as effective as possible, consider the following strategies:

Listen to Your Audience: Tailor your rewards to your backers' interests and needs. Conduct surveys or engage in community discussions to gather feedback and ideas.

Simplicity and Reusability: Use assets you are already planning to create, such as art and music, to reduce costs. This allows you to allocate more resources towards game development.

Limit Physical Rewards: While physical rewards are exciting, they can be costly and time-consuming to produce and distribute. Prioritize digital rewards that are easier and faster to fulfill.

Conclusion

Your Kickstarter rewards are not just a way to thank your backers; they are a tool for building a strong, dedicated community around your game. By offering thoughtful and engaging rewards, you can increase your campaign's chances of success and foster a long-term relationship with your supporters.