Monaco, basically Ocean’s Eleven in indie video game form in case the name is unfamiliar, has already recouped the $100,000 investment which allowed it to exist in the first place. Investors Indie Fund, including the likes of Braid creator Jonathan Blow, have a history of backing games that make their money back quickly after launch, having helped bring Antichamber, Dear Esther, and more to the market. A Humble Store pre-order promotion helped Monaco make it even faster.
Innovative Funding Models
“For me, the most significant thing about the early success with regards to Indie Fund is that it shows that there are many ways of approaching funding, from crowdfunding to investment models like Indie Fund, to personal loans – I know a number of devs that have taken loans from other devs – to the traditional publisher model,” Monaco dev Andy Schatz said. “More options mean the studios can customize their relationships to fit their personalities and their projects.”
The success of Monaco highlights the flexibility and creativity that indie developers can leverage when it comes to funding their projects. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have become popular avenues for developers to raise funds directly from their future players. This method not only provides the necessary capital but also creates a built-in community of supporters who are invested in the game’s success from the outset.
Impact on the Indie Game Industry
The Indie Fund’s investment model is another innovative approach that has proven successful. By providing financial support to promising indie games, the Indie Fund helps developers maintain creative control and avoid the often restrictive terms imposed by traditional publishers. This model has been instrumental in bringing unique and critically acclaimed games like Antichamber and Dear Esther to the market.
Personal loans between developers are another interesting funding method that has emerged within the indie game community. This approach relies on the trust and camaraderie that often exists among indie developers. By borrowing from fellow developers, game creators can secure the funds they need without the pressure of meeting the demands of external investors or publishers.
The traditional publisher model, while still prevalent, is no longer the only viable option for indie developers. The success of Monaco and other indie games funded through alternative methods demonstrates that there are multiple paths to bringing a game to market. This diversity in funding options allows developers to choose the approach that best suits their needs and creative vision.
The early success of Monaco also underscores the importance of pre-launch promotions and marketing strategies. The Humble Store pre-order promotion played a crucial role in helping Monaco recoup its investment quickly. By offering the game at a discounted price before its official release, the developers were able to generate buzz and secure a significant number of sales early on. This strategy not only provided immediate financial returns but also helped build anticipation and excitement for the game’s launch.
The success of Monaco serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of indie game development. With a variety of funding options available, from crowdfunding and investment models to personal loans and traditional publishing, indie developers have more opportunities than ever to bring their creative visions to life. The flexibility and innovation demonstrated by the developers of Monaco and other successful indie games highlight the potential for continued growth and success within the indie game industry.
Source Twitter, Joystiq
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