In a relatively short space of time, Kickstarter has proven to be a great tool for indie game developers seeking crowdfunding to pay for their latest masterpieces. However, if it has one flaw in this regard, it is that it is a general fundraising site; it allows all creative projects to seek funding, and therefore its rules are broad and general.
Gambitious, which launched today, has set out to become the definite crowdfunding site for gamers. As CEO Paul Hanraets explains, it was created with developers and gamers specifically in mind.
“Crowdfunding is causing a great seismic shift in how projects get funded, however, there are risks of crash-and-burn due to unfulfilled projects and unfinished games. Unlike other crowdfunding platforms, Gambitious is designed specifically for the video game industry and ups the ante of developer credibility, investor engagement and development cycle understanding.”
So how does it differ from the king of crowdfunding that is Kickstarter? The minds behind Gambitious have taken the approach that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, so many of the features will be familiar to users of other crowdfunding platforms. For example, the project must secure 100% funding in order to obtain the money, and Gambitious takes the same 5% cut as Kickstarter. However, the differences, while subtle, are what potentially make it best for game design.
Gambitious has designed their site in a similar manner to the popular TV show Shark Tank, in that developers can sell equity shares in their company or creative entity in exchange for the funds. While Kickstarter stays away from business launches, this added option could give Gambitious the edge as it will allow developers to find financial partners not only for their current project but possibly future titles as well. The equity-based crowd investing is only currently available to members of the European Union, although Gambitious hope to allow Americans to participate sometime in 2013.
