I feel like I've personally been clear about my stance on crowdfunding games: I don't like it. I don't ever pay for Kickstarters or any other crowdfunded project, preferring to buy a game when it releases. However, I do know that for many, crowdfunding isn't a big deal, and it can be a way to get access to early builds, perks, and more throughout the development process.
We have seen so many MMORPGs go the crowdfunding route in the past decade, including Camelot Unchained, Crowfall, Ashes of Creation, and more. Some of the MMORPGs that have been proffered on Kickstarter have gone on to release, such as Dual Universe and Zenith: The Last Ctiy, while others have languished (Camelot Unchained) or downright failed to produce, drawing the ire of their backers in court (Chronicles of Elyria).
Other MMORPGs failed the Kickstarter route, yet still found themselves experiencing crowdfunded success through their own efforts, like we've seen with Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen. This MMO, despite its stumbles (and the loss of one of its most important creatives) stands on the precipice of Early Access this year, thanks in part to the financial support of its community.
And of course, we can't forget about the MMO that started all this crowdfunding craze: Star Citizen, which has eclipsed over $716 million USD in funds raised.
As someone who would love to see all of these games made but isn't really interested in taking on the risk of backing a project that might never be released, I'm always curious about what compels someone to do so. I believe there were only two games that I have ever backed, and that was purely to get access to a build for work: Kingdom Come Deliverance and Verdun. There wasn't anything that drew me to the games other than needing to write about them for a job at the time, and backing the project was the only surefire way of accessing the games themselves.
With MMORPGs being such a risky venture for even established game studios to make, backing an MMO on Kickstarter always seemed like too much of a risk to take on. Sure, some have been released and have done well. Others have sat in development hell, missing development benchmarks and seeing constant delays out of the initial roadmaps offered to even get funding. It feels like it's too much the latter that has dominated the MMO crowdfunding scene, which doesn't help shake my disinterest in backing any.
So, for those of you out there who have supported a crowdfunded title, whether it's released yet or not, I'm curious as to why. What exactly was the sales pitch that saw you plunk down your hard-earned money on the promise of a game in years to come? Do you feel your investment has been rewarded, or are you feeling burned by your decision? Let us know in the comments.
