A/B Testing Your Way To $3 Million On Kickstarter w/ Brendan McCaskell

In this podcast episode, George interviews AJ Porfirio, the founder of Van Ryder Games, who shares his journey from starting with a Kickstarter campaign in 2011 that raised $10,000 to building a multi-million dollar gaming business.

AJ talks about the lessons learned from bootstrapping his way to success, generating over $6.5 million from crowdfunding, and now mentoring others through his Power Publishing Program.

AJ delves into the importance of critical thinking in game pricing, strategic financial planning, and the significance of creating unique, standout products. The discussion also covers AJ's venture into publishing graphic novel adventures, the financial intricacies of Kickstarter campaigns, and the approach to creating evergreen game titles.

AJ emphasizes the necessity of innovation and the potential pitfalls of mismanagement in the board game industry, providing insights for aspiring game creators and entrepreneurs.

Check out his website here, his latest Kickstarter here, and more about his Power Publishing Program here. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

Jack Neville, the founder of Split Stone Games and creator of the board game 'Mycelia,' shares how he went from a graphic designer to a revered game publisher, raising over $550,000 on Kickstarter.

He discusses his tried-and-true strategies, including building a responsive mailing list, utilising resources like Reddit for feedback, convention appearances for awareness, cost-effective solutions (thank you Chip & Kitty), and why you should always create a premium version of your product. Jack also reveals his plans for potential expansion of 'Mycelia' and the development of a new game with a nature theme (spoiler alert: not Rocks).

Check out Jack's website here, his Kickstarter page here and late pledge here. Check out our YouTube channel for the accompanying video. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

This episode is a conversation with Viktor Peter, the founder of Mindclash Games. He discusses his journey in the crowdfunding industry, starting from his first campaign to the current one, Perseverance Castaway Chronicles. He touches upon topics such as the decision to quit his job, the importance of having the right product and target audience, and the switch from Kickstarter to Gamefound.

Viktor also talks about the game design process, the significance of theme and visual appeal, and the challenges of running a business in the crowdfunding and retail spaces.

Check out his website here and his latest Gamefound campaign here. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

This is the story of how Tiny Epic turned Michael Coe’s fortune around. While waiting tables, Michael Coe and his wife took out a loan against their car to go all-in on their tabletop venture and ended up creating one of the most successful franchises in crowdfunding history.

He discusses crowdfunding strategies, the evolution of his business model, the impact of creative elements like a 'spinner' in games, and the importance of pre-launch marketing for Kickstarter projects.

Michael also stresses the significance of delivering on promises, maintaining a small but tight-knit team, and continually pushing the envelope in small box gaming.

Check out Gamelyn's website here and his most recent Kickstarter here.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

Listen to the Story of Battle Systems. Colin Young, the founder and main designer of Battle Systems, shares his journey from creating  terrain for war games to launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $2.5 million across eight crowdfunding campaigns. He discusses the challenges of running a business, the importance of community and mentorship, and the future plans for Battle Systems. This podcast provides insight into the world of independent game creation and the passion behind bringing imaginative and immersive experiences to tabletop gaming enthusiasts.

Check out the video on our website and check our Battle System's website & his latest Kickstarter.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

This episode features Andrew and Jeff from R2i Games, who uncover the intricacies of Kickstarter campaigns, board game design, and the evolving dynamics of community engagement. Discover why a French cheese-themed game stirred a particular reaction and how strategic planning can be a game-changer months before a Kickstarter launch. If you've ever been intrigued by the behind-the-scenes world of board game development or the hidden nuances of crowdfunding, this conversation will offer valuable insights.

This is R2i Games's website and check out their latest Kickstarter campaign here. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

 George sits down with Kevin, the spokesperson and trade show manager from Bezier Games --  who are the brilliant minds behind the wildly entertaining game, "Colossal Cat in the Box" & "Castles of Mad King Ludwig."

Together, they unpack the secrets to hosting a successful and budget-friendly trade show experience. From cost-effective booth strategies, like using rented U-Hauls, to the magic of Amazon for last-minute supplies, Kevin highlights the art of making an impression without breaking the bank.

They also touch on the nuances of the game industry and share fascinating insights on efficient reward strategies to ensure smooth fulfillment. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the quirky world of game designing, with tales of cat trees and plushies.

Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or just someone looking for expert trade show hacks, this episode promises a delightful blend of entertainment and practical advice. Join George and Kevin as they discuss the mechanics of making a memorable mark in the industry, and remember, simplicity is key.

Find Bezier Games's latest Kickstarter here, watch the video of the podcast here.

Both George & Kevin will attend Spiel Essen this year. Find George at booth 4F119 and Kevin at booth 2D156.

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

In this episode, George sits down with Rita Orlov, the creative force behind games like The Emerald Flame, The Light in the Mist, and Threads of Fate. She's also the founder of her own board game and puzzle publishing house PostCurious.

Rita recounts her journey from simply loving puzzles to becoming a game designer, sharing candid insights from her crowdfunding experiences and the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey.

They delve into the practical challenges of Facebook ads and the pros and cons of collaborating with various marketing agencies.

Rita also gives listeners a sneak peek into her next game, The Morrison Game Factory, and reflects on the growth of her business and her aspirations for the future. 

Join in for an insightful chat with a true creative chameleon. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

In this episode, George sits down for a chat with Peter, part of the marketing team behind Bird Buddy, the innovative smart bird feeder. Their two projects have raised over $11 million on Kickstarter. 

The conversation dives deep into the world of digital marketing, from the unpredictable virality of TikTok to the reliable reach of platforms like Facebook and Google. But it's not all about metrics and numbers. At its core, Bird Buddy thrives on its vibrant community, with dedicated Facebook groups and passionate members providing invaluable feedback. Peter also sheds light on the realities of crowdfunding, offering some hard-earned wisdom for anyone considering the same route.

Tune in for an engaging talk about community insights and the unexpected twists and turns of digital marketing in the world of innovative products. Watch the video here. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.

Join us as gaming industry veteran Ronnie Renton shares his rich history in the world of tabletop gaming, the ins and outs of acquiring licenses, and the secrets to Kickstarter success. From Mantic Games’ origins to acquiring popular licenses like "The Walking Dead," Ronnie delves into the complex relationships between creators, licensors, and the community. In this enlightening conversation, Ronnie offers sage advice on crowdfunding, emphasizing the importance of engaging with your backers as more than just a source of funding. Plus, get a sneak peek into Mantic’s upcoming project: a thrilling board game adaptation of the classic video game "Worms." Whether you’re an aspiring game creator, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a gaming enthusiast, this podcast is a treasure trove of industry insights.

*this episode contains a discussion of Ronnie's latest Kickstarter page for Worms. Please check out our video for the accompanying visuals. 

This episode was brought to you by George from YG Crowdfunding.