In 2024, Kickstarter reaffirmed its position as the leading crowdfunding platform for game creators. From tabletop titles to video game projects, the platform saw another year of growth, driven by a large and engaged backer community. Over the past 15 years, Kickstarter has hosted more than 93,756 game projects and facilitated $2.63 billion in pledges. Its unique creative ecosystem and diverse range of supported categories continue to attract both new and established creators, with 2024 serving as a clear indication of its ongoing relevance and impact.

Kickstarter Ecosystem

The total amount pledged to game projects on Kickstarter in 2024 reached $270 million, reinforcing the platform’s central role in crowdfunding for games. A distinctive element of Kickstarter’s ecosystem is the high level of cross-category engagement. In 2024, 70 percent of pledges to games came from backers who also supported projects in categories such as Design & Technology, Comics, and Publishing. This interconnected community structure gives creators increased visibility and access to a wide range of potential supporters.

Kickstarter Reports $2+ Billion Pledged Since 2009

Tabletop Games Maintain Strong Momentum

Tabletop games continued to lead the way on Kickstarter in 2024, accounting for 83 percent of all game-related pledges. A total of 6,646 tabletop projects were launched during the year, with 5,314 of those successfully funded. The success rate for tabletop campaigns reached 80 percent, the highest in Kickstarter’s 15-year history. In total, $220 million was pledged to successful tabletop game projects, demonstrating both the popularity of the genre and the effectiveness of Kickstarter as a platform for reaching audiences.

Several tabletop campaigns stood out in 2024. Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere® RPG by Brotherwise Games became the highest-funded games project of all time, raising over $15.1 million from more than 55,000 backers. Altered TCG by Equinox also made history as the most successful trading card game on Kickstarter, collecting more than $6.7 million in pledges. Other notable campaigns included Trench Crusade by Factory Fortress INC, Twisted Cryptids by Ramy Badie, and Terry Pratchett's Discworld RPG by Modiphius Entertainment, all of which attracted strong support and demonstrated the ongoing interest in tabletop role-playing and strategy games.

Kickstarter Reports $2+ Billion Pledged Since 2009

Video Games Reach a New High Point

While tabletop games remained dominant, video games also experienced a significant year of growth. In 2024, $26 million was pledged to successful video game campaigns, representing a 28 percent increase from the previous year. The number of successfully funded video game projects also rose to 441, a 9 percent increase and the highest ever recorded on Kickstarter. This growth reflects an increasing reliance on crowdfunding by independent developers and smaller studios, who continue to see Kickstarter as a viable and effective tool for launching their projects.

Expanding Support for Creators

In addition to strong funding numbers, 2024 was notable for the introduction and expansion of tools designed to support creators. The Late Pledges feature enabled creators to continue raising funds after their campaigns ended, offering extended access to backers. Kickstarter Performance, a new set of tools focused on campaign marketing, helped creators reach more people before, during, and after their campaigns. These features reflect Kickstarter’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the needs of its community and enhance the overall crowdfunding experience.

Kickstarter Reports $2+ Billion Pledged Since 2009

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the crowdfunding landscape evolves, Kickstarter remains a key platform for game creators across genres. In 2024, 78 percent of games projects that raised $100,000 or more across all crowdfunding platforms were launched on Kickstarter. These high-value campaigns not only fund individual projects but also help attract new backers to the platform, increasing exposure and potential support for a wider range of campaigns.

Looking ahead to 2025, Kickstarter plans to roll out additional features requested by the community, aimed at making the crowdfunding process more accessible and rewarding. With a focus on continuous improvement and user support, Kickstarter is positioned to maintain its leadership in the gaming category, supporting both traditional creators and those exploring emerging areas such as blockchain gaming.

Kickstarter’s sustained growth and innovation demonstrate its ongoing relevance as a platform where creators and communities come together to bring new ideas to life. Whether launching a new tabletop experience or an original video game, game makers continue to find a valuable and responsive audience on Kickstarter.