Explore every episode of the podcast Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Can a successful Kickstarter still lead to a failed business? And how do you know when to listen to your audience versus trusting your own creative vision?

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the challenges of innovation, profitability, and long-term growth in the crowdfunding industry. Through real-world examples and lessons from the creation of Deliverance, they discuss why some projects struggle despite getting funded, the importance of understanding what excites backers, and how to recognize when your marketing or product needs to change.

From avoiding costly fulfillment mistakes to building an engaged community and taking calculated creative risks, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for creators who want to build something that lasts.

Resources:

• Crowdfunding Essentials: https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/l/pdp/marketing-your-kickstarter

• Crowdfunding Nerds Pledge Manager: https://pledgemanager.crowdfundingnerds.com/pledgemanager
• Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment: https://bridgedist.com/

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

What if your board game could make money long after your Kickstarter campaign ends?

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore how tabletop game creators can diversify their revenue streams, increase average pledge values, and turn a single game into a growing business. From premium add-ons and strategic bundles to merchandise, music, and expanding your game's universe, they break down what actually adds value for backers—and what might just be wasting your time and money.

Andrew shares real-world examples from Deliverance, including a bundling strategy that helped sell through hundreds of play mats, while the guys examine how one Kickstarter campaign generated approximately $47,000 in additional pledges through a premium bundle. They also discuss why launching too many products too early can backfire, how to validate new ideas with real customer data, and why listening to your community is essential for long-term success. If you're looking to build a profitable tabletop gaming brand without losing focus on what makes your game great, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Deliverance: https://playdeliverance.com/
• Excursions / Galactic Cruise: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kinsonkeygames/excursions-a-galactic-cruise-game
• Genius Games: https://www.geniusgames.org/?srsltid=AU7gw4VSNnhVRz7GT0CW7UA-Qj7ndTaESt-Eoo9nrGMiHJ0OBlUtLAv6
• TableTone: https://www.tabletone.app/
• Crowdfunding Nerds Pledge Manager: https://pledgemanager.crowdfundingnerds.com/pledgemanager

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Your Kickstarter has thousands of followers, but what’s keeping them from backing?

Scott Pease returns for Part Two of our Snap Ships Tactics Kickstarter case study, joining Andrew and Sean to unpack the marketing decisions, backer conversations, and unexpected complications behind the campaign. Scott shares how a simple follower poll revealed what potential backers needed to hear, and how an update focused on reviews generated several thousand dollars in pledges.

We also dig into prelaunch versus live advertising, tracking results with referral links, and why a cheaper pledge didn’t deliver the backer boost Scott expected. Plus, we explore payment plans, pledge managers, and how offering a seemingly simple color choice created a fulfillment headache.

Thinking about your next campaign? Grab your notebook, Nerds. These are lessons worth learning before launch.

 

Guest Bio:

Scott Pease is a game creator with a background in video games and a creator behind Snap Ships Tactics, a tabletop spaceship combat game featuring customizable ships. Drawing on experience from two Kickstarter campaigns for the game, Scott shares practical lessons in audience building, advertising, backer communication, and managing complex pledge offerings. His candid approach explores both the decisions that helped his campaigns succeed and the mistakes he would avoid next time.

 

Resources:

- Snap Ships Tactics website and Kickstarter campaign: snapshipstactics.com

 

Chapters For YouTube: 

00:00 Snap Ships Tactics Case Study: Part Two

00:36 Prelaunch Marketing: Was the Budget Big Enough?

04:50 Balancing Advertising Risk and Backer Value

06:28 Why a Cheaper Pledge Didn’t Attract More Backers

10:51 Simplifying Pledges for New and Returning Players

13:49 Preparing Your Kickstarter Page Before Launch

16:31 Tracking Your Marketing With Referral Links

18:00 Advertising Across Multiple Platforms

21:37 Scott’s Performance Marketing Experience

29:25 Using Your Own Customer Data to Improve Ads

32:08 Engaging Your Community During the Campaign

34:45 Creating Updates for Different Audiences

36:30 Asking Followers Why They Haven’t Backed

38:08 Turning Backer Objections Into Pledges

41:24 Pledge Over Time: Benefits and Complications

48:27 What Scott Would Do Differently Next Time

50:00 How Color Choices Complicated Fulfillment

54:13 Prepacking Bundles to Simplify Shipping

55:50 Keeping Your Email List Engaged Between Campaigns

57:48 Choosing a Pledge Manager and Planning Late Pledges

 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

What does it take to come back to Kickstarter and nearly double your first campaign’s funding? Bigger spaceships help, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes!

Scott Pease returns to Crowdfunding Nerds to unpack the Snap Ships Tactics expansion and reprint campaign, which raised over $550,000 in just 24 days. Andrew and Sean dig into the six-month pre-launch, the switch from collecting email leads to driving Kickstarter followers, and why a messy Gen Con photo outperformed polished advertising.

We also explore how a $349 all-in pledge became the campaign’s most popular option, why Scott sometimes encouraged backers to buy less, and how scheduled unlocks kept people coming back without the scramble of traditional stretch goals. From Kickstarter promotion to responding to tough comments, this case study is packed with practical lessons for your next launch.

And we’re not done yet! Part two will dig deeper into campaign numbers, referrals, payment options, and communicating with different audiences. 

Guest Bio:

Scott Pease is the co-inventor of Snap Ships and a driving force behind Snap Ships Tactics, a tabletop miniatures game that lets players build and battle their own modular spacecraft. A veteran game developer, Scott spent 15 years at Neversoft as Studio Development Director, helping shape titles in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Guitar Hero, and Call of Duty franchises. He brings that experience in product development and audience engagement to tabletop gaming, including the Snap Ships Tactics expansion and reprint Kickstarter campaign that raised over $550,000.

 

Resources:

Snap Ships Tactics: https://www.snapshipstactics.com/

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/

Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/

Gen Con: https://www.gencon.com/

Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/

More pledges don’t always mean more money in your pocket. Andrew is back, and between welcoming baby number eight and catching up with Sean, he’s got a few things to say about crowdfunding marketing fees.

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, we unpack Andrew’s experience with commission-based marketing, why a bigger campaign total isn’t the same as a healthier bottom line, and when it makes sense to spread your ad budget beyond Meta. Sean shares a recent Reddit ads success, his “delegate or die” approach to a busy season, and why copying your pitch into every Facebook group is a terrible marketing strategy.

We also introduce the Crowdfunding Essentials course, discuss why the holidays can be an opportunity for prelaunch marketing, and explore a social platform that rewards useful contributions.

Over 300 episodes in, we’re still talking marketing, making games, and occasionally getting interrupted by a reminder to take out the trash.

 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

 

What happens when AI can create artwork that’s almost impossible to distinguish from something made by a human?

Sean, Donnie, and Jacob dive into the increasingly complicated relationship between AI-generated art and the board game industry. They discuss why publishers are tempted by AI’s speed and lower costs, why portions of the tabletop community remain strongly opposed to it, and whether human-made artwork could actually become more valuable as AI-generated content becomes commonplace.

Ultimately, this episode isn't about handing publishers a simple yes-or-no answer on AI. It’s about asking better questions: What role should AI have in your workflow? What do you want your art to communicate? And what kind of creative process do you want behind the product you're asking people to support? 

 

Resources:

• Exit Through the Gift Shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VmHFp6AkWo
• Wendell Berry: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/wendell-berry
• Marshall McLuhan / Hot and Cold Media: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understanding_Media

Chapters For YouTube: 

00:00 – AI Art and the Board Game Industry 

00:53 – Why This AI Conversation Matters 

03:22 – Jacob’s Background as an Artist 

05:56 – How Fast Is AI Art Improving? 

08:31 – Will Human-Made Art Become More Valuable? 

12:12 – The Return to Physical Experiences 

17:04 – Why Handmade Art Feels Different 

17:58 – The Risk of Mixing AI and Human Art 

20:24 – Why the Creative Struggle Matters 

20:51 – AI Art in Board Game Design 

23:47 – The Problem With “AI Slop” 

24:42 – What Actually Makes Something Art? 

28:41 – Art, Craft, and Creative Value 

33:25 – Are We Losing Ownership? 

37:26 – Convenience vs. the Creative Process 

40:18 – AI, Creativity, and Human Identity 

44:32 – Why Your Game’s Art Matters 

46:26 – Hot vs. Cold Media 

49:18 – Creativity Is a Muscle 

52:19 – What’s Your Policy on AI?

 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Performance-based marketing sounds like an easy win: no big agency fee upfront, someone else handles the ads, and they only get paid when they generate results. But is the deal actually as aligned with publishers as it sounds?

In this episode, Sean and Donnie break down the realities of performance-based marketing for crowdfunding campaigns. They discuss the challenges of accurately attributing sales, how commission-based incentives can encourage aggressive ad spending, and why publishers need to understand exactly who owns their pixel, ad account, targeting data, and audience information.

They also explore one of the biggest long-term considerations: data ownership. Your crowdfunding campaign shouldn't just generate pledges; it should help build an audience you can reach for your next campaign, your e-commerce store, and future releases. 

Guest Bio:

Donnie is part of the Crowdfunding Nerds team, where he works alongside publishers and creators navigating the marketing side of crowdfunding. Through his work with Crowdfunding Nerds, he has developed firsthand insight into advertising strategy, audience development, data ownership, and the challenges creators face when turning a great game into a sustainable business.

Resources:

• Crowdfunding Nerds Community:  https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/
• Board Game Design Lab: https://boardgamedesignlab.com/
• Hive Interactive / Hive Pledge Manager: https://www.hiveinteractive.net/pledgemanager
• Meta Ads Library: https://transparency.meta.com/researchtools/ad-library-tools/
• Meta Ads: https://www.facebookblueprint.com/student/path/219703-ads-manager-basics
• Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/
• Gamefound: https://gamefound.com/en
• Reddit / Subreddits & Facebook Groups
• BoardGameGeek: https://boardgamegeek.com/ 
• Google Ads: https://business.google.com/us/google-ads/ 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

What assets do you actually need to create a bangarang crowdfunding landing page—and ads that convert?

Sean is joined by Crowdfunding Nerds team members Jacob Cecil and Donnie to break down the creative assets every board game and RPG creator should have ready before launching a marketing campaign. They explain why a 3D box render is practically non-negotiable, what types of artwork and component shots make landing pages more compelling, and why some of the simplest ad creatives can outperform highly polished productions.

They also dig into what they've learned from running and testing crowdfunding ads: thematic artwork, lifestyle photos, quick unboxing videos, GIFs, simple product shots, and even images taken straight from Tabletop Simulator can all have a place in your campaign. They discuss how to design assets for mobile scrolling, why vertical, square, and horizontal formats matter, and how layered Photoshop files can give marketers much more flexibility when creating ads and landing pages.

Guest Bios:

Jacob Cecil is a member of the Crowdfunding Nerds team who specializes in developing crowdfunding landing pages and turning a game's creative assets into compelling marketing experiences. His work focuses on communicating what a game is, immersing potential backers in its world, and structuring landing pages that turn ad traffic into interested leads. In this episode, Jacob shares practical guidance on box renders, component photography, layered artwork, thematic storytelling, image formats, and even using Tabletop Simulator when a physical prototype isn't available.

Donnie Chase is part of the Crowdfunding Nerds team with hands-on experience developing and testing advertising creatives for tabletop crowdfunding campaigns. Through working across board game and RPG campaigns, he's seen firsthand which creative formats consistently attract attention—from box renders and thematic artwork to GIFs, lifestyle photography and simple unboxing videos. In this episode, Donnie breaks down why authentic creative can sometimes outperform polished advertising and how creators can develop assets that better match what board gamers and RPG players naturally respond to.

Resources:

• https://kaganproductions.com/tutorials/
• https://stonemaiergames.com/a-new-twist-on-showcasing-our-games-on-facebook/

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

What actually makes a tabletop game successful? According to Roll for Combat publisher Stephen Glicker, creating a great game is only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Sean sits down with Stephen to unpack nearly five decades of gaming experience and the lessons he’s learned building Roll for Combat and Battlezoo into major third-party publishers for Pathfinder, D&D, Shadowdark, and now Deathbringer. Stephen shares how his background in publishing, advertising, video games, and even studying casino psychology shaped the way he approaches game design and marketing.

They also dig into the realities of running a tabletop publishing business—from printers, fulfillment, NDAs, and structured playtesting to the growing challenge of proving artwork wasn't AI-generated. Stephen explains why understanding the mechanics behind a game matters more than simply playing hundreds of games, and why designers need to learn how to deconstruct what makes games work.

Guest Bio:

Stephen Glicker is the publisher of Roll for Combat and the creator behind the Battlezoo line of tabletop roleplaying products. Roll for Combat publishes material across multiple systems, including Pathfinder, D&D 5E, Shadowdark, and Deathbringer.

Stephen has been playing tabletop RPGs since 1977 and brings decades of experience across gaming, publishing, design, and marketing. Before working full-time in tabletop publishing, he ran Skyscraper Studios, producing websites and interactive projects for Fortune 500 companies, and studied print publication and design at Carnegie Mellon.

Roll for Combat originally began as an actual-play podcast before Stephen experimented with publishing his first Battlezoo Bestiary. When COVID disrupted his original plans to sell the book at conventions, he took it to Kickstarter instead—where the first campaign raised more than $300,000.

Today, Stephen works alongside game designers and creators on products including Battlezoo Bestiary, Eldamon, Battlezoo ancestries, adventures, dragon-focused products, and Deathbringer with Professor Dungeon Master. He also co-hosts Roll for Combat's weekly show, discussing tabletop game design, publishing, crowdfunding, fulfillment, and the business behind the industry.

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

SEO is changing. AI is changing search. But does that mean everything you knew about getting discovered online is suddenly useless?

Not exactly.

Crowdfunding Nerds SEO wizard and original co-host Richard is back to talk about what tabletop creators need to know about SEO, AI search, branding, and getting their games discovered online.

Richard and Sean dig into why brand presence matters more than ever, how AI tools find and recommend products, and why being mentioned across places like BoardGameGeek, Reddit, social media, review sites, and other authoritative platforms can make a major difference.

They also discuss one of the biggest mistakes crowdfunding creators continue to make: waiting until launch to start building awareness.

From choosing a searchable game name to creating public conversations around your project, the goal isn't simply to spam your Kickstarter everywhere. It's to give search engines, AI systems, and—most importantly—real people enough evidence to understand who you are and why your game matters.

And Richard's biggest SEO tip might be the simplest: be unique. Share stories, experiences, insights, statistics, and ideas that nobody else can copy.

Guest Bio:

Richard Phillips is the SEO expert at Crowdfunding Nerds and one of the podcast’s original co-hosts. Working largely behind the scenes, Richard specializes in search engine optimization, online visibility, and helping brands build a stronger digital presence. He was also instrumental in launching the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as a way to share practical marketing knowledge with creators and expand the company’s reach. Richard shares his perspective on the rapidly changing world of SEO and AI search, including how tabletop creators can build brand authority, improve discoverability, and give both search engines and potential backers more reasons to find—and trust—their games.

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Why do some players crave big, memorable moments while others obsess over clever combinations or competitive wins? Understanding those motivations can help you design a stronger game—and market it more effectively.

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the psychographic profiles behind different types of gamers. They unpack the classic Timmy, Johnny, and Spike archetypes, explain how Vorthos and Melvin players experience games differently, and connect these profiles to the core motivations that drive purchasing decisions.

In this episode:

• Why understanding player motivation matters
• What crowdfunding reveals about your market
• Designing from theme versus mechanics
• Why thematic messaging performs well in advertising
• Common traps in lore-heavy and mechanics-heavy marketing

Resources:

The Three Magic Psychographics — Mark Rosewater’s updated explanation of Timmy/Tammy, Johnny/Jenny, and Spike.

Timmy, Johnny, and Spike Revisited — A deeper look at the three original player psychographics.

Vorthos and Melvin — How players derive enjoyment through flavor and theme versus mechanics and systems.

Vorthos and Mel — Mark Rosewater’s updated article on the two player aesthetics.

The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman — The business book referenced during the discussion of core human motivations.

Richard Bartle’s Player Taxonomy — The MMO player categories of Achievers, Explorers, Socializers, and Killers.

Paul Lawrence’s Core Human Drives — Acquire, bond, learn, defend, and feel.

TableTone — An adaptive soundboard featuring music, ambience, and sound effects for tabletop games.

 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Most creators know they need marketing, but very few understand what actually creates demand versus what simply captures it.

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew Lowen and Sean dive deep into one of the most important marketing concepts for crowdfunding creators: Drivers vs. Catchers.

They explain why many campaigns mistakenly attribute sales to the wrong marketing channels, how platforms like Meta, Google, Amazon, YouTube, conventions, and now ChatGPT all serve different purposes, and why understanding the customer journey can dramatically improve your marketing ROI.

Andrew also shares his first-hand experience testing the brand-new ChatGPT Ads platform, including real campaign data, click costs, impressions, targeting options, and early lessons learned after spending over $150 on the platform.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Use Our Pledge Manager Powered By Hive Interactive - 2% Late Pledge Fee + 0% Setup Fee / 0% Campaign Fee: https://pledgemanager.crowdfundingnerds.com/services

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

 

Fulfillment can make or break your crowdfunding campaign, and most creators don't realize how much can go wrong until it's too late. In this episode, Andrew sits down with Konstantinos Matos of Hive Interactive and Vesuvius Media to unpack the realities of international fulfillment, freight logistics, and why even experienced publishers still encounter unexpected disasters.

With over 21 successful Kickstarter campaigns under his belt, Konstantinos shares real-world horror stories, from missing pallets and incorrect shipments to insurance headaches and customs complications. More importantly, he explains how creators can reduce risk, set proper expectations with backers, and build fulfillment plans that survive the unexpected.

What You'll Learn

• Why fulfillment is far more complicated than most first-time creators expect.
• The biggest misconceptions creators have about international shipping.
• Why you should never rely on a single fulfillment or logistics provider.
• How fulfillment mistakes happen long before products ever leave the factory.
• What insurance actually covers, and what it doesn't.

Resources:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Use Our Pledge Manager Powered By Hive Interactive - 2% Late Pledge Fee + 0% Setup Fee / 0% Campaign Fee: https://pledgemanager.crowdfundingnerds.com/services

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

This week on Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean open the curtain on the realities of crowdfunding, publishing, and marketing by sharing the things that truly “grind their gears.” From low-effort projects and unrealistic expectations to anonymous criticism and poor communication, this episode is a candid look at the mistakes creators make that can derail campaigns and business relationships.

The conversation explores how creators can avoid common pitfalls, why honest feedback is often difficult to hear, and what separates successful crowdfunding projects from those that struggle. 

Resources:

Crowdfunding Nerds: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Nimble RPG: https://nimblerpg.com/

Magic: The Gathering: https://magic.wizards.com/

ISS Vanguard: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/awaken-realms/iss-vanguard

GameFound: https://gamefound.com/en

Zatu Games: https://zatu.com/

Tabletone App: https://www.tabletone.app/

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Most creators dream about launching a successful Kickstarter, but what happens after your first campaign?

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean wrap up their marketing series by exploring the bigger picture: how to build a publishing company that lasts. They discuss why your first campaign should be viewed as the foundation, not the finish line, and why cultivating a passionate audience is far more valuable than chasing a viral launch.

The conversation also dives into creative productivity, protecting your focus in a world full of distractions, using AI responsibly, and why your next game should serve the audience you've already built rather than forcing them to follow you into an entirely different direction.

 Resources:

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

 

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

What makes a story unforgettable?

In this episode, Andrew shares what he learned after writing more than 80,000 words for the upcoming Deliverance: Council of the Fallen campaign. From surveying players to rewriting an entire campaign narrative, this conversation dives into the craft of storytelling, worldbuilding, and creating narratives that genuinely engage an audience.

Whether you're designing a board game, writing fiction, building a Kickstarter campaign, or simply trying to tell better stories through your marketing, these lessons apply far beyond games.

Resources:

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

 

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

 

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

 

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

 

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

 

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

 

Stay Nerdy!

 

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Episode 291 - What happens when a professionally produced crowdfunding campaign still falls short of expectations?

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean take a deep dive into the recent Bloodstone campaign on Gamefound—a campaign that raised over $180,000 but still left many wondering why it didn't meet expectations.

The discussion isn't about criticizing a creator. Instead, it's an honest case study exploring why even experienced publishers with beautiful campaign pages, premium components, and established audiences can struggle to capture enough backers. 

Andrew breaks down Bloodstone's original Kickstarter cancellation, its eventual Gamefound launch, and the difficult decisions that may have cost the campaign momentum. Together, he and Sean discuss the importance of understanding your audience, identifying a truly unique selling proposition, balancing competitive versus cooperative gameplay, and why listening to your community before launch can make all the difference.

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

What happens when a toy company walks away from your invention?

For Scott Pease, it became the opportunity to finally build the game he'd dreamed about from the very beginning.

In this episode of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with former Neversoft director and Snapships co-creator Scott Pease to explore the incredible journey from video game development to toy invention to crowdfunding success.

Scott shares lessons learned from working on franchises like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, why scope creep can destroy projects, and how years of iteration eventually led to Snapships Tactics, a customizable space combat game built around creativity and strategic play.

 Thank you to our sponsors!

• https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!
• http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -
• https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!
• Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: /crowdfundingnerds  

Stay Nerdy!

Resources:

Snapships: https://www.snapshipstactics.com/

Connect with Crowdfunding Nerds:

Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowdfundingnerdspodcast

Episode 285 - Andrew and Sean help you think about the goals of your table top business and how to develop products that markets actually want.  

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 278 - Andrew and Sean interview Marcel Köhler, the designer of the historic board game Dutch Resistance: Orange Shall Overcome

Order the Dutch Resistance board game here - https://www.hiveinteractive.net/projects/dutch-resistance-orange-shall-overcome-late-pledge-store-402?ref=9mhoa730

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://tabletone.app - TableTone App

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 277 - The Crowdfunding Nerds sit down with Galen McCown of Galen Games to discuss making tiny, pocked-sized Mint Tin Games.

Mint Tin Series on Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/galensgames/galens-games-mint-tin-series-2?ref=dbleeb

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://tabletone.app - Tabletop Soundboard App

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 276 - Andrew and Sean discuss the 3 outcomes of every crowdfunding campaign that you need to consider and plan for.

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://tabletone.app - TTRPG Soundscapes

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 275 - Andrew & Sean discuss the layout of your Kickstarter page how your thesis statement impacts the perception of your product offer. 

How to improve your Kickstarter page https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nimblerpg/monsters-and-more-a-nimble-ttrpg-reprint-and-expansion

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://store.tabletone.app/ - TableTone Music and Soundscapes

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 274 - Discord has postponed an update to require ID verification through biometric face-scanning which raises privacy concerns for gamers and publishers of games.  

On this episode you will learn about how to create robust passwords, protect your online identity and future proof your business by adopting a privacy focused community space. 

Simplified Privacy: https://simplifiedprivacy.com/

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

TableTone (TTRPG Soundboard) - https://store.tabletone.app

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 273 - Evan Diaz joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss the success of the Nimble RPG.

Nimble on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nimblerpg/monsters-and-more-a-nimble-ttrpg-reprint-and-expansion

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community 

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 272 - Jacob & Jonathan Fryxelius of FryxGames join the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss the making of Terraforming Mars.

FryxGames https://fryxgames.se/

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community 

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 271 - Jay Cormier of Off The Page Games joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss the making of Corps of Discovery and the origins of Mind MGMT.

Corps of Discovery on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mindmgmt/corps-of-discovery-2nd-ed-duo?ref=2e98qa

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

This episode is brought to you by TableTone: https://store.tabletone.app/

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 270 - Andrew and Sean discuss how the SAS "hearts and minds" psychological warfare technique applies to business and crowdfunding.

Cypherpunk Board Game: https://cypherpunkboardgame.com

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 269 - Andrew & Sean discuss the implications on crowdfunding that the newly announced ChatGPT ads could have on publishers. 

ChatGPT Ad Announcement - https://openai.com/index/our-approach-to-advertising-and-expanding-access/

Nostr Crash Course - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heJ5Iw_UpD8 

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 268 - Marco Pecota of Raybox Games discusses the making of the narrative immersive board game, The Cats of Mont Saint Michel.

The Cats of Mont Saint Michel - https://gamefound.com/en/projects/rayboxgames/the-cats-of-mont-saint-michel

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 267 - Ashton Wu joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss how game designers can avoid common board game design cons and mistakes.  Shelfside YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shelfside

Shelfside services: https://www.shelfside.co/consulting

-----------------------

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 266 - Andrew Lowen, Chazz Young & Dan Maynard of the Deliverance Board Game team discuss the process and challenges of creating lifestyle board games. 

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 265 - Andrew & Sean reflect on their 2025 tabletop industry predictions and discuss their thoughts on where the market will go in 2026. 

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 264 - Filmmaker Adam William Cahill joins the Crowdfunding Nerds on episode 264 to discuss the challenges of marketing films in a streaming world. 

Follow the Dead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yugez8f6O0k

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 263 - Andrew & Sean sit down to discuss essential e-commerce and Shopify strategy that you need to know about if you are starting from ground 0. 

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 262 - Andrew, Sean and Donnie discuss how your crowdfunding business should build community from lessons learned from the 1948 film classic 'It's A Wonderful Life'.

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 261 - Andrew sits down with Cody Miller & Ira Fay to discuss the development of the massive open world board game Arydia.

Must Watch Episodes 👀 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUl_AIQk_sIXD4K7-44maiK3hfFMg7Gl

Thank you to our sponsors!

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager -

https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate]

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Episode 260 of the Crowdfunding Nerds Podcast. Marketing advice you have heard before and need to hear again!

Thank you to our sponsors.

https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

https://store.tabletone.app/ - TableTone is your ultimate tabletop audio gaming tool that uses studio recorded soundscapes from real musicians and sound engineers. 

Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive 

We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV

https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Check out our website at https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/

Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered how to elevate your podcast game and marketing strategy? In Episode 259 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, your hosts Andrew and Sean take you behind the scenes as they embark on a journey to upgrade both the audio and video quality of their show. Why is authenticity the secret sauce in marketing, and how can a simple AI-generated ad go hilariously wrong? We dive into these questions and more! Discover the importance of having a guiding principle, or "lonely mountain," to navigate through the ever-evolving marketing landscape. Learn why building an email list is more reliable than solely depending on Kickstarter followers, and explore the potential pitfalls of the $1 VIP pledge strategy. Join us as we chat about the power of diverse guest perspectives and the continuous learning needed to thrive in the crowdfunding world. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights to boost your marketing game.

 

Links to Check Out: Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

Are you ready to level up your post-campaign sales game? In episode 258 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean and Andrew, dive deep into the art of manufacturing, bundling, and distribution. Ever wondered how to maximize your returns after a successful Kickstarter? We've got you covered! Sponsored by HeroTime Manufacturing, we explore how to strategically plan your manufacturing orders, using my own game, Deliverance, as a case study. Discover how accessories and add-ons can boost your average order value and why a web store is essential for offering exclusive bundles. We also unravel the complexities of Amazon distribution and how to keep your profits intact. Plus, Sean reveals how ClickFunnels can transform your checkout process with upselling magic! Tune in for insights on controlling product flow, avoiding deep discounters, and innovative marketing strategies that could revolutionize your game sales. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable tips for long-term success! Links to Check Out: Table Tone App: www.tabletone.app Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!    

Ready to level up your game design and marketing strategies? In episode 255 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, hosts Andrew and Sean dive deep into the art of strategy, tactics, and operations. Ever wondered how military doctrines could inspire game design? Or how a clear strategic vision can revolutionize your marketing efforts? Join us as Sean shares his intriguing research into military operations and how these concepts can transform both game development and marketing. From defining strategy as the "why" to tactics as the "way," we explore how these elements play out in chess, game design, and crowdfunding. Andrew talks about optimizing player engagement from the first move, while Sean outlines how strategic clarity can prevent marketing missteps. Whether you're a game designer or marketer, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your projects. Don't miss out on creating a well-designed product and executing a thoughtful marketing strategy!

 

Links to Check Out: UK Defense Doctrine 6th Edition: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63776f4de90e0728553b568b/UK_Defence_Doctrine_Ed6.pdf Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

How do you craft a video game that hooks players and keeps them coming back for more? Dive into Episode 256 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where Andrew along with special guest Chris Cantero, unravel the magic behind addictive gameplay loops and reward systems. Chris, who has worked on iconic titles like Doom Eternal, shares insights from his latest roguelite creation, High Fructose. Imagine a thrilling mix of Fruit Ninja, Brotato, and Ghost Runner, where battling fruit-themed foes is just the beginning! We explore how meaningful choices and innovative mechanics, like High Fructose's card-based system, keep players engaged. Plus, discover the secrets of indie game marketing with stories of viral successes like Mega Bonk. Whether you're a budding developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with tips on creating captivating games and standing out in a crowded market. Tune in for a masterclass in game design and marketing!

 

Links to Check Out: AsmonGold talks Megabonk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaet9XyFMOU Connect with Chris: X: https://x.com/canterochris/ Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/canterochris.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playchazakgames/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscantero889 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChazakGames/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscantero Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered what makes a game truly addictive? Join us on this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean, along with Deliverance playtester Evan Gilcrest, unravel the secret sauce behind captivating gameplay loops. From the indie darling Megabonk to the colossal World of Warcraft, we explore how balancing complexity and simplicity can make or break a game's success. Discover how Megabonk achieved indie fame with a shoestring budget and learn how these principles can transform tabletop gaming. We dive deep into the art of scaling challenges to match player skill, ensuring that newcomers aren't overwhelmed while seasoned players stay engaged. Plus, we tackle the "gear treadmill" dilemma in lifestyle games and share how to keep your players coming back for more. Whether you're a developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to level up your understanding of game design. Tune in now!

 

Links to Check Out: Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered why your Facebook ads aren't hitting the mark? In episode 254 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the mysteries of Meta advertising and share how to avoid costly pitfalls. Are you targeting the "lowest hanging fruit" in your marketing, or is Meta's AI leading you astray? We dive into the importance of manual control over ad settings to maximize effectiveness and prevent wasted spend. But that's not all! We also explore the critical role of playtesting and physical prototypes in game design. Discover how engaging directly with your audience can refine your game and marketing strategy. Plus, we chat about AI in content creation—how much control should you really give it? Tune in for practical advice and insights, and don't forget to check out the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy for more strategies to supercharge your crowdfunding campaigns.   Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.  Stay Nerdy!

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life? In episode 253 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, we tackle the art of time management and the power of 'no' in business. Have you ever missed a crucial meeting because your schedule was bursting at the seams? Andrew and Sean share personal stories and strategies to help you avoid this pitfall. We dive into the first six months of SEO marketing and why they're crucial for building client trust. Discover how tech titans like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk master their priorities, and learn how you can, too, using tools like Google Tasks. Delegation, scope creep, and guarding your personal time—it's all on the table. Are you ready to reclaim your schedule and focus on what truly matters? Tune in and transform your approach to time management! Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered how game designers breathe life into immersive worlds? Or how family dynamics shape creative processes? Join us on this captivating episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Sean and Donnie sit down with Cody Pondsmith from R. Talsorian Games to explore these very questions. Dive into Cody's fascinating journey from his early days in game design, under the tutelage of his legendary father, Mike Pondsmith, to his groundbreaking project, Shadow Scar.

Discover the meticulous process behind adapting systems like Cyberpunk to fit The Witcher's fantasy realm, and gain insights into the unique challenges of working within a family business. Cody shares his two-decade-long passion project, Shadow Scar, emphasizing stealth over combat and the importance of cultural sensitivity in game design.

Don’t miss Cody’s invitation to explore the Shadow Scar Kickstarter and learn how you can join the Crowdfunding Nerds community to fuel your own creative ventures. Tune in and level up your game design knowledge! 🎮✨

 

Connect and learn more:

• Talsorian Games: https://rtalsoriangames.com/
• Shadow Scar Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/792383008/shadow-scar-ttrpg-core-rulebook?ref=bpaa53

 

Links to Check Out:

Fantasy Flight Games Webstore: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com

 

Thank you to our sponsors!

 

HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

 

BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

 

Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive

 

We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV

 

CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

 

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

How does a two-time world champion in Star Trek CCG transition to a senior game designer at Fantasy Flight Games? In episode 251 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Donnie sit down with Caleb Grace to explore this fascinating journey. Caleb, who once battled impostor syndrome, now crafts immersive experiences for iconic IPs like Lord of the Rings and Marvel Comics. Discover how he balances game mechanics with narrative to create unforgettable player experiences. Join us as Caleb reveals the secrets behind designing modular difficulty systems in Marvel Champions and shares invaluable advice for aspiring game designers. He emphasizes the importance of passion and innovation, especially when competing against giants like Magic: The Gathering. Links to Check Out: Fantasy Flight Games Webstore: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.  

Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered how the art of wordsmithing can make or break a game? In episode 250 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean delve into the fascinating world of game development, unravelling the secrets behind crafting the perfect rulebook. How can you ensure your game instructions are crystal clear yet thematically rich? Why is strategic depth more crucial than complexity? Join us as we explore the power of precise language, the magic of consistent terminology, and the critical role of blind playtesting in refining your game mechanics. Discover how intuitive graphic design can elevate player experience, and learn the surprising parallels between game design and marketing. With insights from Andrew's own game, Deliverance, this episode is a treasure trove for aspiring game developers and marketers alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the nuances of creating games that captivate and campaigns that convert!

 

Links to Check Out: Shelfside Playtest Service - https://www.shelfside.co/consulting Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

How do you transform a fan into a true fan? What does it take to create an unforgettable gaming experience? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew Lowen, flying solo today, dives deep into the art of delivering exceptional value to both his team and fans. We kick things off by addressing some recent tech hiccups and our temporary switch to Zoom for recordings. Then, we take you on a journey to Strong Tower Con in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where we orchestrated the Deliverance Raid—an epic tabletop experience inspired by Andrew's MMORPG days in World of Warcraft. Discover how Andrew replicated the communal thrill of MMO raids and why unique, shared experiences are key to fostering a loyal fan base. We also share insights on team bonding, emphasizing the power of trust, flexibility, and support in management. Plus, learn how investing in relationships can lead to long-term loyalty. Tune in for a creative boost and explore the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy to elevate your own projects!

 

Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!

Ever bought a game just because it looked cool? In Episode 248 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the concept of "game shaped objects"—games that lure us with their aesthetics but might not see much playtime. Why do we sometimes buy games that end up as shelf trophies? 

 

Join us as we dive into the tension between art and marketability in game design. Sean shares tales of gifting games like Codenames that become more of a conversation piece than a pastime. What does this reveal about consumer psychology and the role of aesthetics in purchasing decisions?

 

We also discuss the critical role of playtesting and embracing feedback to refine a game’s experience. Plus, we explore how games compete not just with each other, but with all leisure activities for our attention. Tune in for insights on balancing form and substance to create games that are both captivating and commercially successful! 

  Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.  Stay Nerdy!