Best Kickstarter Tabletop Games

The crowdfunding giant Kickstarter has been the launchpad for countless groundbreaking tabletop games.

As of May 2023, there was a total of 40,183 projects. And while Kickstarter’s revenue from tabletop projects faced an unexpected dip in 2022. The revenue was down $33 million in 2022, and the platform is still, by far, the best place to launch a game. In fact, Kickstarter has been home to the most successful games in crowdfunding.

In this article, we’ll explore the best Kickstarter tabletop games and give some tips on how crowdfunding for tabletop games works on Kickstarter.

Key Takeaways

• Kickstarter has been a launchpad for groundbreaking tabletop games, with thousands of projects and a passionate community.
• Kickstarter’s revenue from tabletop projects experienced a $33 million decline in 2022, marking the end of a decade-long growth trend.
• Unique and captivating games like “Frosthaven,” “Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5,” “The Witcher Old World,” and “Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game” have emerged from successful Kickstarter campaigns.
• Crowdfunding a tabletop game on Kickstarter requires careful planning, engaging with the community, and utilizing marketing strategies.
• Running campaigns on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo can have advantages, and transitioning from Kickstarter to Indiegogo InDemand after the initial campaign is common.

What Makes Games Perfect for Crowdfunding on Kickstarter?

Games offer fresh and innovative gameplay mechanics, unique themes, or creative twists on existing genres. Here are more reasons why games have a combined funding of $2.20 billion on Kickstarter (as of May 2023).

Games Are Often Experiential Products

Gamers can’t know what they’re getting until they play the game.

This can make it more difficult to sell games through traditional channels.

However, this is a big advantage on Kickstarter, where backers are more likely to be willing to take a risk on a new game because they are getting in on the game as it’s being developed.

Games Are Often Niche Products

There is a smaller pool of potential customers, but those customers are also more passionate about games.

This makes it easier to reach your target audience and generate excitement for your campaign.

Unconventional Game Formats

Kickstarter is a hub for games that push the boundaries of traditional formats.

From experimental storytelling experiences to innovative gameplay concepts, creators can explore unconventional game formats that might not fit within the constraints of traditional publishing models.

Kickstarter offers a platform for these avant-garde projects to find their audience.

How Crowdfunding a Tabletop Game Works on Kickstarter

Crowdfunding a tabletop game on Kickstarter involves a multi-step process. Here’s how it generally works:

Pre-Launch

This is the stage where you build the foundation of your game through product positioning.

What is product positioning?

This is a strategic process of creating an identity and perception for a product or brand in the minds of target customers relative to competing products or brands in the market.

During this stage, do the following:

• Test your tabletop game in the market – At LaunchBoom, we call this system TestBoom.
• Build a pre-launch email list using a Reservation Funnel – VIPs are 30x more likely to purchase when we launch than Non-VIPs.
• Build your community – To build a thriving community, use Facebook/Instagram advertising.
• Advertise your campaign on Facebook/Instagram and measure metrics like ad-click-through rate, impressions, CPM, and cost per lead. These metrics give you insights into what to work on before the main launch.
• Nurture your community – Engage your email list and constantly post on your Facebook group.
• Design your campaign page
• Create your campaign video
• Set funding goals and campaign duration

Launch Stage

Finally, the time has come to press that long-awaited launch button and breathe life into your project. With a solid pre-launch strategy, your goal should be to secure funding within the first 24-48 hours.

Before you hit that launch button, double-check a few elements that can’t be altered once you go live. Verify the campaign duration and funding goal, ensuring they are accurate.

At LaunchBoom, we recommend launching your campaign an hour before you initiate marketing efforts. This allows you to share it with friends and family, secure initial funding, and test everything to ensure a smooth experience before reaching out to your wider community.

Email your community. On average, only about 2% of email subscribers will convert into customers. This means that if you have a list of 10,000 people, you can expect around 200 customers based on a 2% conversion rate.

The majority of conversions typically occur within the first week of a campaign. So have an aggressive email strategy in place during this period.

Post-Campaign

This is where you will deliver on your promises to your backers and build a strong community around your project.

Here are a few tips for a successful post-campaign:

• Communicate regularly with your backers – Keep them updated on your progress and tell them what to expect.
• Deliver your rewards promptly – Backers have invested their time and money in your project, so ensure you deliver on your promises as soon as possible.
• Be responsive to feedback – Backers are your most valuable resource. Listen to their feedback and make improvements to your project as needed.
• Build a community around your project – Encourage your backers to connect with each other and share their experiences with your project.

Best Kickstarter Tabletop Games: Our Picks

Frosthaven – Most Funded Tabletop Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 83186

Average Pledge Per Backer: $156

Funded: $12,969,061 of $500,000

Dates: Mar 31st to May 1st (32 days)

Frosthaven, the sequel to the popular game Gloomhaven, offers a unique blend of cooperative dungeon crawling and strategic decision-making.

Developed by Isaac Childres, Frosthaven takes you on an immersive journey to a frozen world filled with peril, treasure, and adventure.

What sets Frosthaven apart is its rich narrative and engaging gameplay mechanics.

It uses an innovative card-driven combat system. Instead of relying on traditional dice rolls, players use a deck of cards specific to their character. These cards represent the actions and abilities available to the characters.

Players must strategically choose and play these cards during their turns to unleash attacks, perform special abilities, and defend against enemy assaults.

Kingdom Death – Best Horror-Themed Table Top Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 19264

Average Pledge Per Backer: $643

Funded: $12,393,140 of $100,000

Dates: Nov 25th to Jan 7th (44 days)

At its core, Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 is a game of survival set in a grim and unforgiving universe.

Players take on the roles of survivors in a beleaguered settlement, constantly under the threat of terrifying creatures that lurk in the shadows. As you navigate through a challenging campaign, every decision you make, every resource you manage, and every battle you engage in will shape the fate of your settlement and its inhabitants.

The Witcher: Old World – Best Fantasy Tabletop Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 45150

Average Pledge Per Backer: €151

Funded: €6,839,001 of €250,000

Dates: May 25th to Jun 11th (18 days)

In The Witcher: Old World, you embody the role of a witcher, a professional monster slayer, and fully immerse yourself in the legendary universe of The Witcher franchise.

Set in the Old World, an era preceding Geralt of Rivia’s saga, this game presents a realm rife with tough choices and lurking danger at every turn.

Prepare to embark on a treacherous journey through a monster-infested land brimming with arcane magic, hidden secrets, and perilous locations waiting to be discovered.

The emergence of bloodthirsty creatures following the Conjunction of the Spheres serves as a stern warning, cautioning you against venturing into this hazardous undertaking.

Avatar Legends – Best Ttrpg on Kickstarter

Backers: 81564

Average Pledge Per Backer: $117

Funded: $9,535,022 of $50,000

Dates: Aug 3rd to Sep 2nd (31 days)

In Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game, you and your friends can create your own stories within the expansive world of the Four Nations.

Whether you dream of being a waterbender, earthbender, firebender, or airbender, this game allows you to step into the shoes of these iconic characters and forge your path.

The game mechanics capture the essence of bending and combat in the Avatar world.

Whether engaging in intense battles or utilizing bending abilities to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, the game has a balanced and engaging system that allows you to truly feel the power of being a bender.

Awaken Realms — Nemesis Lockdown – Best Standalone Expansion Table Top Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 41903

Average Pledge Per Backer: £123

Funded: £5,173,473 of £40,000

Dates: May 28th to Jun 18th (21 days)

With a modest funding goal of £40,000, Nemesis Lockdown got a total of £5,173,473 in only three weeks.

Nemesis Lockdown is a cooperative survival horror board game where players are trapped aboard a space station facing imminent danger. The gameplay revolves around exploration, resource management, combat, and hidden objectives.

Each player takes on the role of a unique character with their abilities and secrets. The objective is to work together to survive and ultimately escape the station.

However, there’s a twist—each player has a personal goal that may conflict with the group’s objectives, adding a layer of suspense and mistrust.

Exploration is a key element of the game. As players move through the modular game board, they reveal new rooms, encounter events, and gather resources. However, every room may hold a potential threat, such as hostile creatures or hidden traps.

Awaken Realms — Tainted Grail – Best Survival Tabletop Game of Kickstarter

Backers: 41935

Average Pledge Per Backer: £118

Funded: £4,939,360 of £40,000

Dates: Dec 5th to Dec 28th (23 days)

In Tainted Grail, players step into the shoes of unique heroes tasked with unraveling the mysteries surrounding the mythical land of Avalon.

The once glorious realm has fallen into darkness and despair, overrun by twisted creatures and cursed beings. As a hero, your goal is to navigate the treacherous landscape, confront daunting challenges, and ultimately discover the truth behind the fall of Avalon.

Tainted Grail sets itself apart with its deep and branching narrative, where your choices and actions have real consequences.

The game is driven by an innovative storybook system that presents players with immersive passages, engaging quests, and moral dilemmas to navigate.

The Binding of Isaac – Best Upcoming Tabletop Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 47854

Average Pledge Per Backer: $140

Funded: $6,720,472 of $100,000

Dates: Jun 1st to Jul 2nd (31 days)

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable dark adventure with The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Requiem. This Kickstarter project introduces a card game that immerses players in the twisted and haunting world of The Binding of Isaac.

In this strategic and intense card game, you step into the shoes of familiar characters from the video game and navigate a treacherous path filled with challenges, surprises, and macabre encounters.

You aim to collect the souls needed to seal away evil and emerge victorious. But beware—the path is fraught with danger and unexpected twists that will test your cunning and resourcefulness.

The artwork in Four Souls Requiem captures the eerie and grotesque atmosphere of The Binding of Isaac. The cards are intricately illustrated, showcasing the haunting characters and hauntingly beautiful yet disturbing imagery from the game.

Dungeon Alchemist – Best AI-Powered Map-Making Software for Kickstarter TTRPG’s

Backers: 57199

Average Pledge Per Backer: €43

Funded: €2,462,441 of €45,000

Dates: Feb 9th to Mar 11th (30 days)

This campaign was fully funded in just 3 hours.

With Dungeon Alchemist™, you become the master architect of your own virtual dungeons and fantastical realms.

This powerful AI-powered mapmaking tool empowers you to effortlessly design intricate maps and immersive environments with just a few clicks. Dungeon Alchemist™ provides the tools to unleash your imagination and craft stunning visuals for your RPG campaigns.

Alchemy RPG – Best Virtual Tabletop Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 4516

Average Pledge Per Backer: $164

Funded: $740,544 of $10,000

Dates: Apr 25th to May 25th (30 days)

Alchemy RPG takes virtual tabletop gaming to new heights, combining innovative technology and immersive features to create an unparalleled gaming experience.

Alchemy RPG has a stunning visual interface. The platform boasts a sleek and intuitive design that seamlessly integrates gameplay elements, character sheets, maps, and other essential tools.

The immersive graphics and detailed artwork transport you to a world of fantasy and adventure, enhancing your engagement and bringing your RPG campaigns to life.

“Alchemy is the world’s first virtual tabletop (VTT) built specifically for cinematic immersion and theater of the mind gameplay.”

Marvel Zombies – Best Zombie Tabletop Game on Kickstarter

Backers: 28973

Average Pledge Per Backer: $312

Funded: $9,032,343 of $500,000

Dates: Jan 18th to Feb 3rd (17 days)

“When the zombie plague strikes, not even Earth’s mightiest heroes are safe.”

This Kickstarter project combines the undead horror of the Marvel Zombies franchise with the intense survival gameplay of Zombicide.

In this twisted and apocalyptic crossover, the Marvel Universe has fallen victim to a horrifying virus, turning beloved superheroes and villains into ravenous flesh-eating zombies. As a group of survivors, you must navigate through infested locations, scavenge for resources, and fight off hordes of Marvel Zombies to stay alive.

Where Can You Buy Kickstarted Tabletop Games?

There are several ways to buy tabletop games that were funded through Kickstarter.

Check the Kickstarter Page

One way is to check the Kickstarter page of the game you’re interested in to see if they have a pledge manager or late pledge option available. This will allow you to pre-order the game and receive it once it’s produced.

Late pledge on Nemesis Lockdown tabletop game

Check Online Retailers

Popular online retailers like Amazon, BoardGameGeek, Miniature Market, and CoolStuffInc may carry Kickstarted tabletop games.

These platforms provide a wide selection of games, including those successfully funded on Kickstarter.

Miniature market

Check the Publisher’s Website

Let’s say you’re interested in the game The 7th Continent, successfully funded on Kickstarter. The game’s publisher, Serious Poulp, has its website (www.seriouspoulp.com), where you can buy their games.

What Do These Successful Tabletop Game Campaigns Have in Common?

These successful tabletop game campaigns often share several factors contributing to their success.

Engaging and Unique Gameplay

Successful tabletop games offer a distinct and compelling gameplay experience that stands out in the market.

They introduce innovative mechanics, clever twists on existing genres, or unique themes that resonate with players.

For example, games like Frosthaven by Isaac Childres gained significant attention and funding due to their fresh gameplay concepts. Or Dungeon Alchemist with its AI-powered mapmaking tool.

High-Quality Components and Artwork

“It’s the same story with cards — they’ve got solid quality and great artwork, and the same can really be said for all the other components.”

—Frosthaven Review by Luka Kusic

Presentation plays a crucial role in attracting backers. Campaigns showcasing high-quality components, such as well-designed game boards, detailed miniatures, or beautifully illustrated cards, garner more attention and support.

Strong Theme and Storytelling

Many tabletop games excel in creating immersive worlds and captivating narratives.

Engaging themes, rich lore, and well-developed storylines ignite players’ imaginations and create a strong emotional connection.

Can You Run a Game Campaign on Indiegogo as well as a Kickstarter?

Yes, you can run a game campaign on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

However, Kickstarter is by far the best option out there if you’re looking to launch a game.

Something to consider is the possibility of transitioning from Kickstarter to Indiegogo InDemand after completing your campaign on Kickstarter. This approach is quite common among creators.

If you need help launching your campaign consult us at LaunchBoom to know the best way to use both platforms.

Wrapping Up

Kickstarter tabletop games bring visions to life and connect a vibrant community of players.

And what sets these Kickstarter tabletop games apart is their ability to engage players on multiple levels.

So, if you’re a tabletop gaming enthusiast, try these and let us know what you think.

Also, if you want to launch one, talk to our LaunchBoom experts. Tell us about your product to see how we can help you have a successful campaign.

Interested in starting your own game but don’t know where to begin? Check out this how-to video from our own Victor Shiu: