11 July 2025
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and crowdfund your game. Awesome choice! Crowdfunding is an incredible way to get your idea out there, connect with your audience, and secure the funds needed to bring your dream game to life. But—and this is a big “but”—it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the trickiest ones? Handling feedback and criticism.
Let’s get real: feedback and criticism are part and parcel of the crowdfunding journey. Some of it will be helpful, some might sting like a paper cut, and others… well, let’s just say the internet can be a wild place. So how do you deal with it without losing your cool—or worse, your backers? Let’s dive in.
Think about it this way: when you’re crowdfunding, you’re not just asking for financial support; you’re building a community. And communities have conversations. Feedback—positive and negative—is the backbone of these conversations. The way you handle those opinions will set the tone for your campaign and, ultimately, your game’s future.
- Feedback: This is constructive. It’s usually given with good intentions, like helping you improve your game or pointing out something you might’ve missed. For example, “Hey, your game looks great, but have you thought about adding a co-op mode?”
- Criticism: This can go either way. Constructive criticism is insightful, but destructive criticism? Yikes. That’s the unhelpful stuff like, “This game looks trash.” No solutions, just negativity.
Knowing the difference will help you separate the gold nuggets from the dirt. Focus on the former and don’t let the latter get under your skin.
Here’s a pro tip: when you’re reading online comments or emails, imagine the person delivering the feedback in a calm, friendly voice. It’s amazing how much this reframes a potentially hurtful comment.
A simple, “Thanks for your input! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts,” can go a long way. It shows you’re approachable and respectful, even if you don’t necessarily agree with what they’ve said.
A good rule of thumb? If someone’s feedback includes specific points that could help your game, it’s worth considering. Comments like “This mechanic doesn’t feel smooth” or “The art style could use a bit more polish” are valuable. On the flip side, stuff like “This is the worst idea ever” isn’t worth losing sleep over.
- “Thanks for your comment! Could you share more about what you mean by the gameplay feeling ‘too slow’? Is it the pacing or the mechanics?”
By doing this, you not only get more targeted insights, but you also show your audience that you’re genuinely listening.
For example, let’s say you were planning on only having a single-player mode, but several backers are clamoring for multiplayer. If it’s feasible within your budget and timeline, consider adding it. Your backers will appreciate the effort and feel more connected to the project.
For instance: “I understand your point about adding voice acting, but due to budget limitations, we’ve decided to focus on developing strong text-based dialogues for now.”
Boundaries keep you sane and your project on track.
Remember: even the most successful games out there have their haters. It’s just part of the game-making process.
- Case Study: Hollow Knight
During its Kickstarter campaign, backers suggested additional content like extra bosses and areas. Team Cherry listened and incorporated those ideas, which eventually helped Hollow Knight become the indie juggernaut it is today.
- Case Study: Shovel Knight
Yacht Club Games received tons of feedback during their crowdfunding campaign, particularly about gameplay mechanics. They took the constructive criticism to heart, refining the game’s feel before release—resulting in a smash hit.
- Take Breaks: Step away from the screen if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Lean on Your Team: If you’re not flying solo, share the responsibility of sorting through feedback.
- Celebrate Wins: Don’t just focus on the negative. Take time to appreciate the backers who support you and the milestones you achieve.
Crowdfunding is as much about building relationships with your backers as it is about funding your game. By responding to feedback thoughtfully and respectfully, you’re not just creating a game—you’re building trust. And trust? That’s priceless.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
CrowdfundingAuthor:
Lana Johnson