Treasure Hunters FanClub wants to make 'indie-friendly' funding a reality

Australian indie label Surprise Attack Games has launched a new funding initiative called The Treasure Hunters FanClub (THFC). 

Established with the help of indies including Hyper Light Drifter creator Alex Preston and Fantastic Contraption dev Andy Moore, the program will "help independent creators bring unique and surprising games into the world."

Surprise Attack founder Chris Wright, who's leading the FanClub, will work with the other members to find interesting projects in need of a cash injection. 

The club will then decide which projects to back, with the chosen few being handed a package that combines indie-friendly funding terms, mentorship from experiences members of the industry, and marketing support via a publishing deal with Surprise Attack Games. 

"As someone that boot-strapped a publishing label into success, I have an intimate understanding of how hard and intimidating finding funding can be and how that process is often at odds with remaining independent," offered Wright. 

"I wanted to create a funding option that suits the modern indie, letting them keep their creative independence and focus on the development rather than finding or managing investors whilst also partnering with them on bringing the game to the market and supporting them at every step along the way."

Wright says Surprise Attack and THFC will take on all admin and management responsibilities, making the creative process as "frictionless and easy as possible" for investors and devs. 

As for what THFC gets out of the deal, Surprise Attack will share publishing royalties with club members, providing an "uncapped upside" to investors. Meanwhile, funding terms will cap the amount developers pay back to club members at double the funding amount.

You can find out more about the new initative over on the FanClub website.