Why Some Kickstarter Games Build Fandoms Before They Even Release

12 May 2025

Have you ever come across a Kickstarter game and thought, “Wow, this looks cool—I can’t wait to play it!” only to realize it’s months (or even years) from being released? You’re not alone. Some Kickstarter games have this magical ability to build hype and dedicated fan followings long before they hit the shelves (or your Steam library). But why does this happen? What turns a pitch into a phenomenon? Let’s dive into the juicy details.

The Power of an Irresistible Concept

At the heart of every successful Kickstarter campaign is an idea that captures the imagination. Some games come out swinging with a unique concept or premise that instantly strikes a chord with potential backers. It’s like hearing the opening notes of your favorite song—you’re hooked before you even know why.

Take a moment to think about it: gamers are a passionate bunch. We love innovation. We crave unique mechanics, genres that push boundaries, or even nostalgic throwbacks that remind us of the good old days. When a Kickstarter game manages to tap into these emotions, it’s like striking gold.

For example, imagine a game promised to be “Dark Souls meets Stardew Valley.” Immediately, your mind starts racing, piecing together the possibilities. If the concept is clear, compelling, and sparks curiosity, it becomes impossible to ignore. And that’s how fandoms start forming. The idea itself becomes the seed for community excitement.

The Role of Nostalgia and Familiarity

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you hear an old theme song from your childhood? Nostalgia works like a time machine, transporting you back to a simpler, happier moment. Skilled Kickstarter creators know this and often sprinkle their projects with nostalgic elements that tug at our heartstrings.

Whether it’s the pixel-perfect graphics reminiscent of SNES classics, soundtracks inspired by retro favorites, or references to beloved genres, nostalgia creates an instant connection between game developers and backers.

Look at some of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns, like Shovel Knight or Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. These games didn’t just lean on nostalgia; they embraced it unapologetically while offering fresh twists. Gamers who grew up playing 8-bit and 16-bit classics couldn’t resist the allure. It’s like hearing your mom’s cooking is coming back to the menu—but with a gourmet twist.

The Storytelling Behind the Campaign

Let’s face it: storytelling sells. And when it comes to Kickstarter, the way a game is pitched can make or break its success. Great campaigns focus not just on what the game is but why it matters. They weave a narrative around the development process, the inspiration behind the game, and the vision for its future.

Take Hidetaka Suehiro's The Good Life. The game didn’t just promise quirky mechanics or unique gameplay—it centered its campaign around a mysterious small-town vibe with adorable sheep photos and an intriguing murder mystery. The storytelling was so engaging that fans didn’t just want to play the game—they needed to be part of its journey.

This is where developers truly connect with backers. By showing the human side of game creation—sharing their dreams, struggles, and ambitions—they cultivate a sense of trust. Backers stop feeling like customers and start feeling like partners. And let’s be honest: everyone wants to root for the underdog.

Engaging Visuals and Trailers

People are visual creatures. Think about the last time you were scrolling through social media and stopped because of a jaw-dropping image or video. Kickstarter developers know this, which is why they pour their hearts into creating captivating visuals and trailers.

The right artwork or trailer can make a game feel real, even if it’s just an idea at that point. Stunning concept art helps backers imagine themselves in the fantasy world of the game. Creative trailers, meanwhile, can give just enough of a taste of the gameplay to leave people clamoring for more.

Have you seen the trailers for Kickstarter successes like Hollow Knight or Pillars of Eternity? These campaigns didn’t just show you what the game looked like—they invited you to feel its atmosphere. The visuals told a story all their own. It’s like getting a movie teaser that leaves you frantically searching for the release date.

The Promise of Community Involvement

Here’s the thing: backers don’t just want to throw money at a project—they want to feel like they’re part of it. Successful Kickstarter campaigns invite players to be more than just passive consumers. They open the doors for collaboration.

Developers often incorporate stretch goals, polls, and exclusive backer rewards to keep people invested. Maybe you get to vote on a new character design, or maybe your backing unlocks additional content. Stuff like this makes you feel like you’re shaping the game’s future. And honestly, who doesn’t love the idea of being part of a creative process?

It’s like those “choose your own adventure” books you read as a kid—except now you’re helping decide what a game will look like, play like, and feel like. This sense of ownership fuels fandoms like nothing else.

Social Proof and Word-of-Mouth Hype

Once a Kickstarter game starts building momentum, it’s like a snowball rolling downhill—it just gets bigger and bigger. Social proof plays a massive role here. When people see that a game has hundreds or thousands of backers, they start wondering, “What’s all the fuss about?”

Think about it: aren’t you more likely to try a new restaurant when your friends rave about it? Kickstarter works the same way. Backers who are excited about a project will spread the word on social media, Reddit, forums—you name it. This creates a domino effect, as more people join the bandwagon just to see what all the excitement is about.

Additionally, when influential creators, streamers, or journalists start backing or talking about a game, the hype can skyrocket overnight. It’s like having your favorite band shout out a new artist—you’re immediately intrigued.

Trust in Proven Developers or Teams

Trust is everything, isn’t it? Some Kickstarter games build fandoms simply because the people behind them have a proven track record. If a beloved developer starts a new project, fans naturally flock to it.

For example, when Obsidian Entertainment launched the campaign for Pillars of Eternity, they already had a stellar reputation from their work on games like Fallout: New Vegas. That goodwill carried over and reassured backers that the project would be in good hands.

Even indie developers with smaller followings can cultivate trust by being transparent and authentic. Regular updates, candid communication, and genuine enthusiasm go a long way toward earning supporters’ hearts.

The Allure of Exclusivity

People love feeling like they’re in on something special. Kickstarter campaigns often sweeten the deal with exclusive perks that you can’t get anywhere else. Early access, limited-edition merchandise, behind-the-scenes content—it’s all designed to make you feel like part of an elite club.

Think about Kickstarter rewards like collector’s editions or in-game items only available to backers. They make fans feel like they’re part of the game’s core history. Who doesn’t want to brag, “I was there before it was cool”?

This sense of exclusivity creates a bond between developers and their backers. It’s like being part of a secret society where everyone shares a common passion for the project.

Wrapping It All Up

So, why do some Kickstarter games build fandoms before they even release? It’s a mix of emotional connection, brilliant storytelling, clever marketing, and genuine community building. These campaigns tap into our nostalgia, curiosity, and desire to belong. They make us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

And honestly? That’s the magic of Kickstarter. It’s not just about funding a game; it’s about creating a shared experience that brings people together. When done right, a Kickstarter campaign isn’t just a launchpad for a game—it’s the birth of a movement.