Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Addictive Gameplay Loops With Chris Cantero

How do you craft a video game that hooks players and keeps them coming back for more? Dive into Episode 256 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where Andrew along with special guest Chris Cantero, unravel the magic behind addictive gameplay loops and reward systems. Chris, who has worked on iconic titles like Doom Eternal, shares insights from his latest roguelite creation, High Fructose. Imagine a thrilling mix of Fruit Ninja, Brotato, and Ghost Runner, where battling fruit-themed foes is just the beginning!We explore how meaningful choices and innovative mechanics, like High Fructose's card-based system, keep players engaged. Plus, discover the secrets of indie game marketing with stories of viral successes like Mega Bonk. Whether you're a budding developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with tips on creating captivating games and standing out in a crowded market. Tune in for a masterclass in game design and marketing!
 
Links to Check Out:AsmonGold talks Megabonk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaet9XyFMOUConnect with Chris:X: https://x.com/canterochris/Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/canterochris.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/playchazakgames/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscantero889YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChazakGames/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscanteroThank 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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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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Highly Rewarding Game Loops

Ever wondered what makes a game truly addictive? Join us on this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean, along with Deliverance playtester Evan Gilcrest, unravel the secret sauce behind captivating gameplay loops. From the indie darling Megabonk to the colossal World of Warcraft, we explore how balancing complexity and simplicity can make or break a game's success.Discover how Megabonk achieved indie fame with a shoestring budget and learn how these principles can transform tabletop gaming. We dive deep into the art of scaling challenges to match player skill, ensuring that newcomers aren't overwhelmed while seasoned players stay engaged.Plus, we tackle the "gear treadmill" dilemma in lifestyle games and share how to keep your players coming back for more. Whether you're a developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to level up your understanding of game design. Tune in now!
 
Links to Check Out:Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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!

Facts: Your Brain Works Better Than Meta AI

Ever wondered why your Facebook ads aren't hitting the mark? In episode 254 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the mysteries of Meta advertising and share how to avoid costly pitfalls. Are you targeting the "lowest hanging fruit" in your marketing, or is Meta's AI leading you astray? We dive into the importance of manual control over ad settings to maximize effectiveness and prevent wasted spend. But that's not all! We also explore the critical role of playtesting and physical prototypes in game design. Discover how engaging directly with your audience can refine your game and marketing strategy. Plus, we chat about AI in content creation—how much control should you really give it? Tune in for practical advice and insights, and don't forget to check out the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy for more strategies to supercharge your crowdfunding campaigns.
 
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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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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When to Say No!

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life? In episode 253 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, we tackle the art of time management and the power of 'no' in business. Have you ever missed a crucial meeting because your schedule was bursting at the seams? Andrew and Sean share personal stories and strategies to help you avoid this pitfall.We dive into the first six months of SEO marketing and why they're crucial for building client trust. Discover how tech titans like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk master their priorities, and learn how you can, too, using tools like Google Tasks.Delegation, scope creep, and guarding your personal time—it's all on the table. Are you ready to reclaim your schedule and focus on what truly matters? Tune in and transform your approach to time management!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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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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TTRPG Discussion w/ Cody Pondsmith, Game Designer At R. Talsorian Games

Ever wondered how game designers breathe life into immersive worlds? Or how family dynamics shape creative processes? Join us on this captivating episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Sean and Donnie sit down with Cody Pondsmith from R. Talsorian Games to explore these very questions. Dive into Cody's fascinating journey from his early days in game design, under the tutelage of his legendary father, Mike Pondsmith, to his groundbreaking project, Shadow Scar.
Discover the meticulous process behind adapting systems like Cyberpunk to fit The Witcher's fantasy realm, and gain insights into the unique challenges of working within a family business. Cody shares his two-decade-long passion project, Shadow Scar, emphasizing stealth over combat and the importance of cultural sensitivity in game design.
Don’t miss Cody’s invitation to explore the Shadow Scar Kickstarter and learn how you can join the Crowdfunding Nerds community to fuel your own creative ventures. Tune in and level up your game design knowledge! 🎮✨
 
Connect and learn more:
Talsorian Games: https://rtalsoriangames.com/
Shadow Scar Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/792383008/shadow-scar-ttrpg-core-rulebook?ref=bpaa53
 
Links to Check Out:
Fantasy Flight Games Webstore: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com
 
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!
 
Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive
 
We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV
 
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!

Game Design Discussion w/ Caleb Grace, Senior Game Designer of Fantasy Flight Games

How does a two-time world champion in Star Trek CCG transition to a senior game designer at Fantasy Flight Games? In episode 251 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Donnie sit down with Caleb Grace to explore this fascinating journey. Caleb, who once battled impostor syndrome, now crafts immersive experiences for iconic IPs like Lord of the Rings and Marvel Comics. Discover how he balances game mechanics with narrative to create unforgettable player experiences.Join us as Caleb reveals the secrets behind designing modular difficulty systems in Marvel Champions and shares invaluable advice for aspiring game designers. He emphasizes the importance of passion and innovation, especially when competing against giants like Magic: The Gathering.Links to Check Out:Fantasy Flight Games Webstore: https://www.fantasyflightgames.comThank 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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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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How Game Dev Impacts Business Longevity

Ever wondered how the art of wordsmithing can make or break a game? In episode 250 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean delve into the fascinating world of game development, unravelling the secrets behind crafting the perfect rulebook. How can you ensure your game instructions are crystal clear yet thematically rich? Why is strategic depth more crucial than complexity?Join us as we explore the power of precise language, the magic of consistent terminology, and the critical role of blind playtesting in refining your game mechanics. Discover how intuitive graphic design can elevate player experience, and learn the surprising parallels between game design and marketing. With insights from Andrew's own game, Deliverance, this episode is a treasure trove for aspiring game developers and marketers alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the nuances of creating games that captivate and campaigns that convert!
 
Links to Check Out:Shelfside Playtest Service - https://www.shelfside.co/consultingThank 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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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!

Creating Memorable Experiences: My Solo Case Study

How do you transform a fan into a true fan? What does it take to create an unforgettable gaming experience? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew Lowen, flying solo today, dives deep into the art of delivering exceptional value to both his team and fans. We kick things off by addressing some recent tech hiccups and our temporary switch to Zoom for recordings. Then, we take you on a journey to Strong Tower Con in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where we orchestrated the Deliverance Raid—an epic tabletop experience inspired by Andrew's MMORPG days in World of Warcraft.Discover how Andrew replicated the communal thrill of MMO raids and why unique, shared experiences are key to fostering a loyal fan base. We also share insights on team bonding, emphasizing the power of trust, flexibility, and support in management. Plus, learn how investing in relationships can lead to long-term loyalty. Tune in for a creative boost and explore the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy to elevate your own projects!
 
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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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!

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Are we all selling Game-Shaped Objects?!

Ever bought a game just because it looked cool? In Episode 248 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the concept of "game shaped objects"—games that lure us with their aesthetics but might not see much playtime. Why do we sometimes buy games that end up as shelf trophies? 
 
Join us as we dive into the tension between art and marketability in game design. Sean shares tales of gifting games like Codenames that become more of a conversation piece than a pastime. What does this reveal about consumer psychology and the role of aesthetics in purchasing decisions?
 
We also discuss the critical role of playtesting and embracing feedback to refine a game’s experience. Plus, we explore how games compete not just with each other, but with all leisure activities for our attention. Tune in for insights on balancing form and substance to create games that are both captivating and commercially successful! 
 
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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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!

News & How AI Can Ruin Your Project

Crowdfunding Nerds Podcast episode 247 is here, and it's a rollercoaster of insights! Are GameFound's latest moves set to shake up the crowdfunding landscape? Can Kickstarter keep pace with its tech updates? Join Andrew and Sean as they dissect GameFound's acquisition of Indiegogo and what it means for creators and backers alike. Could this shift in the industry redefine marketing strategies?We also dive into the controversial world of AI in creative projects. Is AI-generated content diluting human creativity, or is it a tool we can harness for innovation? Does the rise of "AI slop" signal a return to valuing authentic, human-made art?Tune in as we explore these pressing topics, and don't forget to check out our resources from HeroTime Manufacturing and Bridge Distribution. For more insights, visit crowdfundingnerds.com. Let's nerd out together!
Links to check out!Gamefound Article: https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-acquires-indiegogoDon't Starve to Death Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/glasscannonunplugged/dont-starve-the-board-game?tab=prelaunch-updatesCrowdfunding Nerds Episode 235: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode235/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!Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hiveWe recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMVCrowdfundingNerds.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!