Kickstarter Success Stories: From Concept to Tabletop

The world of board games has been revolutionized by crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. Many innovative games that might have never seen the light of day have found their way into our game collections thanks to the support of passionate backers. Let's explore some of the most successful board games that started as Kickstarter campaigns and became beloved additions to game nights around the world.

1. Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven game box and components spread out on a table, showcasing its intricate miniatures, cards, and map tiles

Gloomhaven, designed by Isaac Childres, is perhaps one of the most notable Kickstarter success stories in the board game world. This massive legacy game combines dungeon crawling with deck-building mechanics, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay. Initially seeking $70,000, the campaign raised over $4 million from nearly 40,000 backers. Today, Gloomhaven is consistently ranked as one of the top board games of all time.

2. Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens card game being played, with colorful cat-themed cards spread on a table and players laughing

What started as a quirky card game idea became a cultural phenomenon. Exploding Kittens, created by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, and Shane Small, raised an astonishing $8.7 million from over 219,000 backers. This simple yet hilarious party game has since spawned multiple expansions and spin-offs, cementing its place in many game collections.

3. Kingdom Death: Monster

Kingdom Death: Monster game setup with detailed miniatures, intricate game board, and atmospheric lighting

For those who love intricate miniatures and challenging gameplay, Kingdom Death: Monster was a dream come true. This dark fantasy board game raised over $12 million in its Kickstarter campaign, making it one of the most funded board game projects ever. The game's stunning miniatures and brutal difficulty have made it a cult favorite among hardcore gamers.

4. Scythe

Scythe game in progress, showing its beautiful art, mechs, and resource management components

Jamey Stegmaier's Scythe is a testament to the power of great art and mechanics combined. Set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe, this game of area control and resource management raised $1.8 million on Kickstarter. Scythe's success led to multiple expansions and helped establish Stonemaier Games as a major player in the board game industry.

5. Root

Root game board with its charming woodland creature meeples and asymmetric faction boards

Leder Games' Root brought asymmetric warfare to a whimsical woodland setting. This game, where each player controls a different animal faction with unique abilities, raised over $600,000 on Kickstarter. Root's charming art style and deep strategy have made it a favorite among both casual and competitive players.

The Impact of Crowdfunding on Board Games

These success stories highlight how Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms have transformed the board game industry. They've allowed designers to bring innovative ideas directly to players, bypassing traditional publishing routes. This has led to a renaissance in board game design, with more diverse and creative games reaching the market than ever before.

For board game enthusiasts and collectors, keeping an eye on Kickstarter campaigns can be a great way to discover the next big hit before it hits store shelves. Who knows? The next game you back might become the centerpiece of your collection at Meepleland!

Remember, while these success stories are inspiring, not every Kickstarter project achieves such heights. Always research thoroughly before backing a project, and enjoy the excitement of being part of bringing new games to life.