Descriptive analysis of video game production through crowdfunding in Spain

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to offer a general radiography of the use of crowdfunding platforms for the development of videogames in Spain. Through a quantitative and qualitative analysis, and using the case study of the Kickstarter and Verkami platforms, we studied a total of 171 projects published between 2013 and 2017. The data obtained reveals that 24% of the campaigns managed to reach their funding goal. On average, the development teams are made up of just four people, raising 12,210 and getting the support of 366 patrons or sponsors (almost 38 euros per user). If we compare the collection of successful campaigns with their financing objectives, it can be noted that the collection exceeded the initial goal by almost 4%. 31% of the cases analyzed are driven by just one person. Of these individual projects, only 11.32% achieved their funding goal. The success rate of campaigns started by teams made up of two or more members is 28.4%, reaching a total funding of 1,517,821. As the main conclusion, we highlight that independent projects and crowdfunding filled a gap that the industry ignored for a while. However, large companies are finally beginning to absorb many of these initiatives to cover this market segment.