How to Navigate the Risks of Backing Kickstarter Games

21 August 2025

Kickstarter has become a showcase for indie developers, passionate creators, and industry veterans to pitch their wildest gaming ideas. A promising new game campaign pops up, you watch the trailer, and your dopamine spikes when you imagine yourself playing that magical new title. But here’s the thing—backing a Kickstarter project can be a double-edged sword. While it’s tempting to get in on the ground floor of a dream game, there are risks lurking beneath the shiny promises.

Backing a Kickstarter game can feel like placing a bet on hope. Sometimes, you hit the jackpot and support a gem that blows your expectations out of the water. Other times, you're left clutching your wallet, regretting a broken promise or an undelivered game. So, how can you support your favorite developers without falling into a pit of disappointment? Let’s break it down step by step.

What Makes Kickstarter Games So Enticing?

First things first—why are we even drawn to Kickstarter games in the first place? It’s simple: the platform thrives on ambition. Game creators can pitch innovative ideas without needing the green light from big publishers. That means you often see concepts that push boundaries or scratch that ultra-specific itch you didn’t know you had.

For backers, it’s like being part of an exclusive club. You get to say, "I helped make that game happen!" That sense of involvement is undeniably cool. Plus, who doesn’t love some shiny rewards, whether it’s early access, a shout-out in the credits, or a special edition artbook?

But here’s the catch—Kickstarter isn’t a pre-order service. It’s crowdfunding, and that means there’s inherent risk involved.

The Risks of Backing Kickstarter Games

Backing a Kickstarter game is more like planting seeds in a garden than shopping on Amazon. Sometimes your plants flourish; other times, they don’t sprout at all. Projects can run into delays, budget issues, or scope creep (when developers keep adding features and never meet deadlines). Worst case? The game might never release.

Here are some common pitfalls:

1. Over-Promising and Under-Delivering

Some projects seem too good to be true—and often, they are. Developers might overestimate what they can realistically achieve, promising groundbreaking mechanics or a 100-hour storyline. But in reality? They may not have the budget, experience, or time to pull it off.

2. Delays, Delays, and More Delays

Game development is unpredictable. Even seasoned teams experience hiccups. But when it comes to crowdfunded games, delays can spiral into years. Backers are left frustrated, wondering if they'll ever see the final product.

3. Disappearing Developers

Let’s talk about the horror story: creators vanish into thin air. Whether it's due to burnout, financial struggles, or sketchy intentions, some projects go dark. Backers are left with nothing but an empty promise.

4. Mediocre Results

Ever backed a game that finally launched but felt like a half-baked mess? Yeah, it happens. Sometimes, limited resources or poor decisions lead to a finished product that’s nowhere near what was advertised.

Smart Strategies to Minimize Risks

So, how can you still support exciting projects without ending up disappointed? Spoiler alert: it’s all about doing your homework. Let’s dive into some practical tips.

1. Research the Developers

Before you throw money at a project, dig into the people behind it. Have they worked on games before? Do they have a portfolio showing off their skills? If a developer has a proven track record, that’s a good sign they know what they’re doing.

If it’s a new team, check out their transparency level. Are they actively engaging with their backers, sharing updates, and communicating clearly? Shady vibes? Walk away.

2. Watch Out for Red Flags

Not all campaigns are created equal. Look for warning signs like:
- Unrealistic goals (e.g., promising a AAA-quality game on a shoestring budget).
- Vague information about the gameplay mechanics or story.
- A lack of regular updates during the crowdfunding phase.

If something feels off, trust your gut. You’re better off skipping a risky project than losing your hard-earned cash.

3. Read the Comments Section

Backers are vocal. Scroll through the comments of the campaign page. Have previous backers expressed concerns? Are people asking unanswered questions? That feedback can tell you a lot about a project’s legitimacy and how well the developers are handling it.

4. Don’t Go All-In on Rewards

Limited-edition art books, custom in-game items, or a collector’s figurine sound amazing, right? But don’t let flashy backer rewards cloud your judgment. Focus on the actual game and whether you trust the project itself. Rewards are just icing on the cake—they shouldn’t be your main reason for backing.

5. Start Small

If you’re new to backing Kickstarter games, don’t pledge your life savings right out the gate. Start with small pledges for projects you genuinely believe in. Once you’re more confident in spotting promising campaigns, you can consider bumping up your contributions.

The Power of Patience

Here’s an underrated tip: don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) pressure you into backing. Just because a campaign looks promising doesn’t mean you have to pledge right now. Some games that succeed on Kickstarter eventually get picked up by publishers or released on platforms like Steam. Waiting for the finished product can save you the heartbreak of a failed project.

And hey, if you still want to be part of the process, you can always pledge a minimum amount to show your support without breaking the bank.

What to Do If a Project Fails

Sometimes, even when you do everything right, a Kickstarter game might still flop. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s part of the crowdfunding landscape. Here’s what you can do:

- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the campaign updates. Developers may still offer refunds or alternate rewards.
- Learn from Experience: Take it as a lesson for future backings. Think about what went wrong—did you miss a red flag or overlook a bad track record?
- Engage with the Community: Other backers might have insights or tips on what to do next.

A Success Story to Keep Your Spirits Up

Not all Kickstarter ventures end in tears. Let’s talk about a win: Shovel Knight. This indie gem asked for $75,000 and raised over $300,000. The developers delivered on their promises, creating a critically acclaimed game that fans adore to this day. It’s proof that when handled right, Kickstarter can be a gateway to greatness.

Wrapping Up

Backing Kickstarter games can be both thrilling and intimidating. It’s an opportunity to support creative minds and unique ideas, but it’s also a roll of the dice. The best thing you can do is approach it with your eyes wide open. Do your research, stay skeptical of too-good-to-be-true promises, and remember that it’s better to miss out on a project than to regret funding a flop.

At the end of the day, Kickstarter is about trust—between creators and their backers. And while not every project will succeed, those that do remind us why we fell in love with gaming in the first place.