Not Just Hype: Kickstarter Games That Delivered

20 April 2025

Let’s face it—crowdfunding is a bit of a gamble, isn’t it? You throw your money behind an idea, cross your fingers, and hope for the best. But when it comes to Kickstarter games, the potential for success is pretty intoxicating. Some projects dazzle us with beautiful artwork, ambitious gameplay concepts, and slick trailers, only to turn into vaporware (we’re looking at you, Star Citizen). Yet, every so often, a game comes along that not only lives up to the hype but exceeds it. These gems remind us why Kickstarter is such a magical space for gamers. So, let’s dive into the world of crowdfunded gaming and celebrate the Kickstarter games that crushed expectations.

Why Kickstarter?

Before we get into the juicy details, let’s talk about why Kickstarter has such a strong pull for gamers. Unlike traditional publishers, Kickstarter puts the power directly in the hands of developers and backers. Game creators can pitch their dream projects, transforming wild ideas into fully playable realities—assuming they get funded. And for us gamers, it feels like we’re not just buying a game; we’re actually part of the creation process.

But with great power comes great responsibility. Crowdfunding is undoubtedly risky. Delays, budget overruns, and underwhelming results are all too common. Yet, despite the potential pitfalls, some games have turned the whole industry on its head. Let’s check out a few Kickstarter campaigns that exceeded expectations.

The Heavyweights: Kickstarter Games That Delivered

1. Shovel Knight

Let’s start with a heavyweight champion. If you’re into retro-style platformers, Shovel Knight probably already has a special place in your heart. Developed by Yacht Club Games, this charming 2D side-scroller raised $311,502 on Kickstarter, way above its $75,000 goal. The concept? A knight wielding a shovel going on an epic quest. Sounds odd, right? But it works!

What made Shovel Knight shine wasn’t just the nostalgia factor. Sure, it channeled the magic of NES classics like Mega Man and Castlevania, but it also brought its own unique charm, humor, and tight gameplay mechanics. Fans were blown away by how polished the game turned out, and many argued it could stand toe-to-toe with AAA titles. With later expansions like Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, and King of Cards, backers definitely got more than their money’s worth.

2. Hollow Knight

Ever heard of Team Cherry? Probably not before Hollow Knight. This indie masterpiece was funded through Kickstarter, with over 2,300 backers helping the small Australian studio rake in $57,000 AUD (about $42,000 USD).

Fast forward a few years, and Hollow Knight became one of the most beloved Metroidvania games around. With its hand-drawn art style, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and incredibly detailed world-building, Hollow Knight set a new gold standard for indie games. And trust me, the gameplay is no joke—expect to die a lot, but in a “just one more try” kind of way. Backers and fans are still getting treated to free updates, and the hype for its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is unreal.

3. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Big RPG fan? Then you’ve probably heard of Divinity: Original Sin 2. This epic title from Larian Studios raised over $2 million on Kickstarter, smashing its modest $500,000 goal. And honestly? The game delivered on every promise and then some.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an isometric RPG that emphasizes player choice and creative problem-solving. Want to talk your way out of a battle? Go ahead. Prefer to set the entire room on fire? Be my guest. The freedom to approach each situation in your own way is staggering. Critics and fans alike praised its deep story, engaging characters, and intricate combat mechanics. Plus, it’s a game where you can play as an undead skeleton. Need I say more?

4. Darkest Dungeon

Ever wanted a game that pulls no punches? Darkest Dungeon is for you. Red Hook Studios sought $75,000 on Kickstarter for their grim dungeon crawler and ended up with over $300,000. The game didn’t just deliver; it carved its place as one of the most brutal (yet rewarding) indie titles out there.

Darkest Dungeon is all about managing stress. And no, I don’t just mean your own stress while playing—it’s literally a game mechanic. Your heroes get scared, panicked, and even outright insane as they crawl through gnarly dungeons full of horrifying monsters. The game’s gothic art style, roguelike elements, and unforgiving difficulty make it a masterpiece for masochists. And since its release, Red Hook Studios has expanded the game with DLC and is currently working on a sequel.

5. FTL: Faster Than Light

Here’s a throwback to 2012. Subset Games launched a Kickstarter campaign for FTL: Faster Than Light, a spaceship simulation roguelike that raised $200,000 against a $10,000 goal. Yep, you read that right—a whopping 2000% of its initial target.

FTL took an innovative approach to space exploration, putting you in charge of managing a spaceship crew. Every decision matters, whether it’s choosing which systems to repair during combat or deciding whether to risk helping a stranded vessel. The game’s randomness adds a layer of unpredictability, ensuring no two runs feel the same. Fans loved it, and FTL is still considered a cult classic today.

6. Exploding Kittens

Okay, let’s mix things up a bit. While most of the entries here are video games, Exploding Kittens deserves a shoutout. This quirky card game raised $8.7 million on Kickstarter, the most-funded game project at the time.

So, what’s the fuss about? Imagine Uno, but with kittens, explosions, and a little bit of Russian Roulette. The gameplay is easy to learn yet endlessly fun with friends. And because of its massive success, Exploding Kittens went beyond the physical card game, spawning mobile apps, expansions, and even party versions.

The Secret Sauce: Why Did These Games Succeed?

What separates successful Kickstarter games from those that flop? Well, it comes down to three critical factors:

1. Transparency
All the games mentioned above kept their backers in the loop. Regular updates, sneak peeks, and honest communication go a long way in building trust.

2. Clear Vision
Successful campaigns have a straightforward pitch. People knew exactly what they were funding, whether it was a retro platformer, a grim dungeon crawler, or a quirky card game.

3. Passion and Talent
Let’s not forget the teams behind these projects. Passion is contagious, and when it’s combined with raw talent, magic happens. These developers weren’t just chasing trends; they were creating games they genuinely believed in.

The Takeaway: Crowdfunding Still Matters

Sure, not every Kickstarter game turns into a raging success, and there are always risks when you back a project. But when a campaign gets it right? The results can be absolutely breathtaking. From Shovel Knight to Hollow Knight and beyond, these crowdfunded games prove that Kickstarter isn’t just about hype—it’s a platform where dreams can (and do) become reality.

So, will the next big thing come from Kickstarter? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure: the next time you see a crowdfunding campaign with potential, it might just be worth taking the leap.