Unveiling Crowd Funded Video Games | A Success Story

In recent years, crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular method for independent video game developers to finance their projects, giving life to some truly innovative and groundbreaking ideas. Among these, zombie games have emerged as a particularly popular genre, capturing the imagination of gamers worldwide. With an ever-growing demand for fresh and enthralling experiences, the combination of crowdfunding and zombie games has birthed several successful projects, leaving a lasting mark on the gaming industry.

Table of Contents

1. Notable crowd-funded zombie games
2. The impact of crowdfunding on the zombie genre
3. Factors contributing to the success of crowd-funded zombie games
4. The future of crowd-funded zombie games

Notable crowd-funded zombie games

Throughout the years, several zombie games have successfully raised funds through crowdfunding platforms, allowing developers to bring unique visions and experiences to the gaming community. Some of these notable crowd-funded success stories include:

1. Dead State: A single-player, turn-based strategy game developed by DoubleBear Productions, Dead State transports players into the world of survivors amidst a zombie apocalypse. The game focuses on the management of resources, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making skills, making for an engaging and immersive experience. Dead State successfully achieved its funding goal on Kickstarter in 2012, raising over $332,000.
2. Project Zomboid: Developed by The Indie Stone, Project Zomboid is an open-world survival horror game that combines elements of strategy and user-driven storytelling. Launched in 2011, the game has received regular updates and has built a dedicated fan base, with a Steam Early Access release commencing in 2013. Released on Desura, the game received funding from fans before it switched to Steam, helping in the game’s continued development.
3. 7 Days to Die: This open-world, voxel-based sandbox game blends first-person shooting, survival horror, tower defense, and roleplaying elements, making for a unique experience in the zombie genre. Developed by The Fun Pimps, 7 Days to Die raised over $500,000 through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013, and has since grown to become a popular game on both PC and consoles, with regular content updates and expansions.
4. The Long Dark: While not strictly a zombie game, The Long Dark's post-apocalyptic setting puts players in the aftermath of a global disaster, making it a fitting addition to the list. Developed by Hinterland Studio, this exploration-survival game tests the player's survival skills and decision-making abilities as they navigate an unforgiving frozen wilderness. The game raised over $256,000 on Kickstarter in 2013 and has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay.

The impact of crowdfunding on the zombie genre

Crowdfunding has revolutionized the gaming industry, allowing smaller developers to bring their ideas to life while working closely with their communities. Zombie games have especially benefited from this, as it has paved the way for more creative freedom and innovation. Some of the key ways in which crowdfunding has impacted the zombie genre include:

1. Creative freedom: With crowdfunding, developers are no longer as reliant on traditional publisher-led models, allowing them the leeway to experiment with unconventional game mechanics, storytelling, and unique art styles. This has led to some truly groundbreaking and innovative zombie games.
2. Innovative gameplay mechanics: As crowd-funded zombie games are driven by independent developers, many have introduced fresh and inventive mechanics that challenge the norms of the genre. For instance, the intricate base-building and resource management systems in 7 Days to Die set it apart from other zombie games.
3. Immersive and engaging stories: Crowd-funded projects tend to have a closer connection with their audience, resulting in games that resonate with players on a deeper level. Zombie-themed games like The Long Dark have gained critical acclaim for their narrative elements and engaging player-driven stories.

Factors contributing to the success of crowd-funded zombie games

While the potent combination of crowdfunding and the allure of the zombie genre has led to the creation of memorable gaming experiences, there are several critical factors contributing to the success of these projects. Let's take a look at what fuels the success of crowd-funded zombie games:

1. A passionate and engaged fan base: The zombie genre boasts a dedicated and passionate community of gamers who are always hungry for new content, unique experiences, and innovative gameplay mechanics. This passionate fan base lends itself well to crowdfunding campaigns, as they are often eager to support exciting projects and new ideas.
2. Social media as a promotional and fundraising tool: Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit have been instrumental in spreading the word about crowdfunding campaigns and driving awareness around projects. These spaces provide excellent opportunities for independent developers to connect with potential supporters, share updates, and build momentum for their campaigns.
3. The appeal of "survival" as a gaming genre: Overall, the survival genre has seen immense popularity in recent years. With games like Minecraft, Rust, and Subnautica dominating gaming charts, it's clear that players are drawn to titles that test their resourcefulness and adaptability. Zombie games fit well within this category, adding the ever-popular undead element to the mix.

The future of crowd-funded zombie games

As the gaming landscape evolves, the trend of crowdfunding shows no signs of slowing down. The future of crowd-funded zombie games is promising, with ongoing projects and anticipated releases in the pipeline. Here's a glimpse into what we can expect from the future of this genre:

1. Ongoing projects and anticipated releases: The success of existing crowd-funded zombie games has inspired a new wave of developers to turn to crowdfunding for their projects. Upcoming titles such as Dead Matter and The Black Masses showcase the potential for continued innovation and growth in the genre.
2. The growth of virtual reality and other immersive technologies: As technology advances, new possibilities for more immersive and engaging zombie experiences emerge. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and other interactive formats present intriguing opportunities for developers to bring their zombie-themed projects to life in unprecedented ways.
3. Possibility of more unique combinations of zombie games with other genres: As crowdfunding continues to shape the gaming industry, the possibility of more genre-blending zombie games increases. From combining zombies with strategy games, puzzle-solving elements, or even MMORPG settings, there's no limit to the potential of this genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crowdfunding has played a pivotal role in the development of some truly innovative and successful zombie games. The blend of creative freedom, unique gameplay mechanics, and engaging stories has reshaped the gaming landscape and enthralled players worldwide. As we look toward the future, it's clear that the possibilities for the zombie genre, fueled by the passion and support of a dedicated community, are virtually endless. This thriving ecosystem assures developers and players alike that zombie games will continue to captivate and entertain in the years to come.