Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Bob Rafei On Crafting Memorable Worlds

Ever wondered what it takes to create iconic games like Crash Bandicoot or Jak and Daxter? How about founding your own game studio from scratch? Join us in Episode 233 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as Andrew and Sean sit down with the legendary Bob Rafei, the creative mind behind Big Red Button Entertainment and former art director at Naughty Dog.Bob shares his fascinating journey from shaping the gaming world at Naughty Dog to launching his own studio. We dive into the creative process behind game development, the importance of a "creative north star," and the art of world-building. Bob also reveals the challenges of pitching games, the evolution of game tutorials, and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to thrive in the gaming industry.Ready to level up your understanding of game creation? Tune in for an episode packed with insights, inspiration, and the secrets behind some of the most beloved games. Links to check out!Bob Rafei's Personal Website - https://www.bobrafei.com/Big Red Butten Entertainment - https://brbent.com/Bloodlines Concept - https://www.bobrafei.com/bloodlines-concept/
Thank you to our sponsors!HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. 
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Rulebooks: The Real MVP

Ever wondered what makes a board game crowdfunding campaign truly successful? In Episode 231 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Chris George from the World Series of Board Gaming and Room and Board YouTube channel to uncover the secrets! How do you attract the right backers while steering clear of those who might not enjoy your game? Chris dives into the art of evaluating campaigns, from dissecting rule books to crafting compelling campaign pages.
 
Discover why clear communication is key, and how understanding your audience can make or break your campaign. Chris shares invaluable tips on marketing strategies, the power of concise phrases, and the pivotal role of well-structured rule books. Plus, get a glimpse into the vibrant world of board gaming events and how they foster community engagement. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights and connect with Chris for more on the World Series of Board Gaming!
 
Links to check out!
Room and Board Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@RoomandBoardReviews
 
Part 1: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode231/
 
Distilled (Dave Beck) podcast interview: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode184/
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101
BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!
CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

Luck, Preparedness, Opportunity, & Tariffs

 Can you predict the unpredictable in business? How do poker strategies apply to managing unexpected challenges? Join hosts Andrew and Sean, along with guest Ryan Williams, as they explore these intriguing questions. In this episode, we dive into the delicate dance of skill, hard work, and luck in the gaming industry, highlighted by veteran insights from Bob Raffy. Ryan shares his firsthand experience with sudden tariffs threatening his crowdfunding project, revealing how adaptability and strategic foresight saved the day. Discover how Ryan's manufacturer, Long pack, strategically positioned in Vietnam, played a crucial role in navigating these turbulent waters. We also discuss the power of preparedness, financial stability, and the art of minimizing losses. Tune in for practical advice on crowdfunding success, including offering extra value to backers to counter tariff impacts. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with strategies to thrive amidst uncertainty!
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101
BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!
CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.
 
Stay Nerdy!

Can Board Games Go Pro?

Ever wondered if board gaming could be the next big spectator sport? In episode 230 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the world of competitive board gaming with Chris George, the creative mind behind the Room and Board YouTube channel and a key player in the World Series of Board Gaming (WSBG).Chris shares his fascinating journey from acting to becoming a board game aficionado, spurred by the pandemic. His YouTube channel gained fame with "Five Reasons You Shouldn't Back," offering critical insights into crowdfunding. Now, he's at the helm of media coverage for WSBG, a thrilling event in Las Vegas where board game champions vie for a $25,000 prize!We explore the challenges of making board games spectator-friendly, with Chris drawing parallels to esports and poker. Could board games hit major sports networks soon? Tune in to hear about the exciting future of board gaming and the potential for growth with events like the WSBG.
 
Links to check out:
WSBG: https://wsbgvegas.com/Room and Board Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@RoomandBoardReviews
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at crowdfundingnerds.com/academyStay Nerdy!

Game Over, Start Again? with Ryan Williams

Ever wondered how to keep your audience hooked between game releases or the secret sauce to a successful crowdfunding relaunch? In Episode 230 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Ryan Williams, the mastermind behind Starclash, to tackle these burning questions.Ryan spills the beans on building a thriving community, sharing his journey with Starclash and the lessons learned from past campaigns. He reveals how setting realistic goals and a shorter campaign strategy led to Starclash being 150% funded!We also dive into the art of transitioning audiences between different games, with Sean sharing insights from a client meeting. Andrew reflects on hygiene factors in games, drawing from his experience with Deliverance.Join us as we explore the delicate dance between personal passion and market trends, the commitment required for successful crowdfunding, and why failing fast and growing slow might just be the key to success. Don't miss out on this treasure trove of insights!Links to check out!Starclash: www.kickstarter.com/projects/mosthighgames/starclash-the-rts-like-sci-fi-wargame-for-1-8-playersDo it yourself with the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy! - crowdfundingnerds.com/academyCheck out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.Stay Nerdy!

Kickstarter Asked Me To Do A Webinar

Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign for a tabletop game? In episode 229 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the secrets of Kickstarter success, inspired by Andrew's recent experience speaking at a Kickstarter webinar. Invited by Asher McClanahan, Kickstarter's Head of Games, Andrew shares the strategies that can make or break your campaign. From mastering Kickstarter's referral metrics to building a dedicated email list, we cover it all.Discover why simplicity in messaging is key, how to effectively use stretch goals, and why understanding your game's unique appeal is crucial. Plus, get the inside scoop on Kickstarter's new features like the late pledge system. Whether you're in it for business or passion, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your crowdfunding game. Tune in to learn how Kickstarter and GameFound's rivalry is shaping the future of crowdfunding!Links to check out!Kickstarter Webinar - www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5fmC5zJAR0Kickstarter Referrals Explained - crowdfundingnerds.com/kickstarter-referrals-explained-deep-dive-into-4-tabletop-campaigns-that-funded-successfullyWhat information can be found in the “About the creator” section? - help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/articles/7089803740059-What-information-can-be-found-in-the-About-the-creator-sectionHive Interactive Pledge Manager - crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveDo it yourself with the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy! - crowdfundingnerds.com/academyCheck out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.Stay Nerdy!

Mastering Board Game Pitches with Adam Porter

Are you ready to level up your board game design skills? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, join hosts Donnie and Sean as they dive into the world of board game pitching with the talented Adam Porter, a seasoned designer from Wales. Ever wondered how to catch a publisher's eye at conventions like Essen Spiel or UK Games Expo? Adam spills the secrets on leveraging these events for success. Discover why game mechanics take center stage over themes when pitching to publishers and learn the art of crafting the perfect sell sheet.Adam also shares his personal journey from hobbyist to professional, offering strategies for designing with a specific audience in mind. Plus, get the inside scoop on playtesting techniques and the supportive nature of the board game industry. Whether you're a novice or a pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the board game design landscape. Don’t miss it!
 
Links to check out!Adam In Wales YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@adaminwalesJoe Slack Podcast - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode63/How NOT to pitch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_1EOJwOKEkAdam's game design books - https://www.adamportergames.com/Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/
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Chinese Manufacturer Talks Tariffs

Ever wondered how tariffs shape the world of manufacturing and international trade? In Episode 227 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean dive deep with Hersh Glueck, a supply chain expert with boots on the ground in China. How do tariffs impact Chinese manufacturers, and what ripple effects do they have on global trade? Join us as Hersh sheds light on the ever-evolving tariff landscape, likening its volatility to Bitcoin! From the historical tensions under Trump's presidency to the current geopolitical chess game involving Russia and the Middle East, we explore it all. Discover why Chinese manufacturers see Trump as a straightforward negotiator compared to Biden, and hear Hersh’s take on Xi Jinping's strategic global maneuvers. Plus, get insights into how publishers can tackle tariff challenges, and Hersh’s exciting plans for a US manufacturing hub. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on navigating the stormy seas of international trade!
Links to check out!Our past episodes with Hersh:Episode 118: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode118/Episode 119: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode119/Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at crowdfundingnerds.com/academy
Stay Nerdy!

Tariff Advice & Tips You Need To Hear!

How do skyrocketing tariffs impact your crowdfunding project? Can you turn these challenges into opportunities? Join us, Andrew and Sean, as we dive deep into these pressing questions with our guest, Ryan Williams. In this episode, we dissect the recent tariff hike from 20% to 54% on Chinese goods and its profound impact on the board game industry. Discover how tariffs are calculated and why they matter, especially when you're manufacturing overseas.
 
Ryan shares his pandemic-era wisdom, highlighting the resilience needed in today's crowdfunding landscape. We explore strategies to mitigate financial impacts, like building a buffer and considering alternative production methods. Plus, learn how to leverage crowdfunding's direct-to-consumer model and why it's crucial to maintain clear communication with your backers.
 
Don't miss this insightful discussion as we navigate the turbulent trade waters and prepare for the future of crowdfunding. Tune in now!
 
Links to Check Out:
The Darkest Timeline - https://stonemaiergames.com/the-darkest-timeline/
 
Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/

Thriving Amidst Giants

Ever wondered how to keep your cool when your crowdfunding campaign is overshadowed by a big name like Blizzard Entertainment? In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, hosts Andrew and Sean dive deep into the emotional and strategic hurdles that creators face on their crowdfunding journey. We discuss the mindset needed to tackle demoralization and the unpredictability of success.Andrew shares his personal experience with his Deliverance campaign, coinciding with the launch of a major Witcher project on Kickstarter. How do you focus on your path when others seem to outshine you? From humility to resilience, we explore how disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and poker can teach us valuable lessons in crowdfunding.Join us as we unpack the keys to long-term success and introduce you to the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy, your go-to resource for mastering the art of crowdfunding.Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at crowdfundingnerds.com/academyStay Nerdy!