The Secrets Of An Effective Kickstarter Campaign

Cindy Au, director of community at Kickstarter, shares some top tips with Gamasutra in the latest feature, a look at game development campaigns that succeeded or failed on the popular crowdfunding site. "Really go for it. Don't be afraid to show yourself and what you've been working on, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make a direct connection through your video," says Au. "People tend to be camera-shy, and it can be scary to get in front of the camera. But it's so important, and I think even being anxious on the camera shows that you're a real person and you're making this thing." That's just one important piece of advice from the company, which has seen over 13,000 projects funded since 2009. Unfortunately, successful video game funding projects are just a tiny piece of that big pie. Physical rewards for contributing have a "really interesting pull on people," says Au. "You want to give something to someone that feels real and that's tangible, that's more than a thank-you." In Gamasutra's latest feature, Au gives even tips on how to make sure your campaign is a successful one, while developers who have tried and succeeded -- or failed -- explain exactly why they did. The feature is live now.