Three prominent figures from the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter are collaborating to establish a new site dedicated to game financing. This innovative platform aims to unite fans and investors through both rewards-based crowdfunding and equity investment.
The website, known as Fig, officially launched with a campaign for the space exploration adventure, Outer Wilds. The advisory board features indie studio leaders who have collectively raised millions through Kickstarter, including Tim Schafer of Double Fine, Brian Fargo from inXile, and Feargus Urquhart of Obsidian Entertainment.
What distinguishes Fig is its exclusive focus on gaming, allowing campaigns to be tailored specifically to the unique needs of game developers. The platform will curate projects intensively, featuring only those that have received approval from its expert board. Additionally, Fig will limit the number of concurrent campaigns to ensure that each project receives adequate attention.
A key innovation of Fig is its blend of rewards-based crowdfunding with equity investments. Supporters of Outer Wilds can contribute to the campaign to earn various rewards, while accredited investors will be offered a portion of the revenue generated once the game launches. Fig’s CEO, Justin Bailey, previously the COO at Double Fine, envisions a future where even non-accredited investors can participate, granting fans the opportunity to invest in a game and share in its potential success.
Bailey points to the example of Oculus, the virtual reality company that began as a Kickstarter campaign and later sold to Facebook for $2 billion, highlighting how those who supported its inception did not benefit from its financial success.
The developers associated with Fig are fully committed; each studio plans to crowdsource funding for their next major project through this platform. Fargo, whose game Torment: Tides of Numenera was once the most-backed game on Kickstarter, describes how the idea for Fig emerged organically from the community of independent developers fostered by crowdfunding.
Fargo notes a shift in mindset among developers, stating that collaboration is increasingly common rather than competition. He believes that creating a dedicated gaming crowdfunding platform could lead to larger and more ambitious projects, suggesting that the equity component could allow for considerably enhanced budget capabilities and visual competition.
According to Bailey, the rewards-based aspect of Fig serves to validate market interest, reducing the risks for investors and increasing their enthusiasm. A robust support system from fans can encourage investors to contribute more significantly. Once Fig opens doors for everyday individuals to invest with the potential for financial return, it could transform the crowdfunding landscape, allowing fans to invest directly in game development beyond just receiving promotional items.
The flexibility of the platform will enable Fig to customize each campaign page, optimizing its design to showcase essential elements such as screenshots for greater impact.
Fargo emphasizes the advantages of having control over the visual presentation, which can significantly enhance user engagement on the campaign page.