Ever wondered what it takes to create iconic games like Crash Bandicoot or Jak and Daxter? How about founding your own game studio from scratch? Join us in Episode 233 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast as Andrew and Sean sit down with the legendary Bob Rafei, the creative mind behind Big Red Button Entertainment and former art director at Naughty Dog. Bob shares his fascinating journey from shaping the gaming world at Naughty Dog to launching his own studio. We dive into the creative process behind game development, the importance of a "creative north star," and the art of world-building. Bob also reveals the challenges of pitching games, the evolution of game tutorials, and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to thrive in the gaming industry. Ready to level up your understanding of game creation? Tune in for an episode packed with insights, inspiration, and the secrets behind some of the most beloved games. Links to check out! Bob Rafei's Personal Website - https://www.bobrafei.com/ Big Red Butten Entertainment - https://brbent.com/ Bloodlines Concept - https://www.bobrafei.com/bloodlines-concept/

Ever wondered what makes a board game crowdfunding campaign truly successful? In Episode 231 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Chris George from the World Series of Board Gaming and Room and Board YouTube channel to uncover the secrets! How do you attract the right backers while steering clear of those who might not enjoy your game? Chris dives into the art of evaluating campaigns, from dissecting rule books to crafting compelling campaign pages.

Discover why clear communication is key, and how understanding your audience can make or break your campaign. Chris shares invaluable tips on marketing strategies, the power of concise phrases, and the pivotal role of well-structured rule books. Plus, get a glimpse into the vibrant world of board gaming events and how they foster community engagement. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights and connect with Chris for more on the World Series of Board Gaming!

Links to check out!

Room and Board Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@RoomandBoardReviews

Part 1: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode231/

Distilled (Dave Beck) podcast interview: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode184/

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!

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.

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Can you predict the unpredictable in business? How do poker strategies apply to managing unexpected challenges? Join hosts Andrew and Sean, along with guest Ryan Williams, as they explore these intriguing questions. In this episode, we dive into the delicate dance of skill, hard work, and luck in the gaming industry, highlighted by veteran insights from Bob Raffy. Ryan shares his firsthand experience with sudden tariffs threatening his crowdfunding project, revealing how adaptability and strategic foresight saved the day. Discover how Ryan's manufacturer, Long pack, strategically positioned in Vietnam, played a crucial role in navigating these turbulent waters. We also discuss the power of preparedness, financial stability, and the art of minimizing losses. Tune in for practical advice on crowdfunding success, including offering extra value to backers to counter tariff impacts. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with strategies to thrive amidst uncertainty!

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!

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 if board gaming could be the next big spectator sport? In episode 230 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the world of competitive board gaming with Chris George, the creative mind behind the Room and Board YouTube channel and a key player in the World Series of Board Gaming (WSBG). Chris shares his fascinating journey from acting to becoming a board game aficionado, spurred by the pandemic. His YouTube channel gained fame with "Five Reasons You Shouldn't Back," offering critical insights into crowdfunding. Now, he's at the helm of media coverage for WSBG, a thrilling event in Las Vegas where board game champions vie for a $25,000 prize! We explore the challenges of making board games spectator-friendly, with Chris drawing parallels to esports and poker. Could board games hit major sports networks soon? Tune in to hear about the exciting future of board gaming and the potential for growth with events like the WSBG.

Links to check out:

WSBG: https://wsbgvegas.com/ Room and Board Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@RoomandBoardReviews

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at crowdfundingnerds.com/academy Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered how to keep your audience hooked between game releases or the secret sauce to a successful crowdfunding relaunch? In Episode 230 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean sit down with Ryan Williams, the mastermind behind Starclash, to tackle these burning questions. Ryan spills the beans on building a thriving community, sharing his journey with Starclash and the lessons learned from past campaigns. He reveals how setting realistic goals and a shorter campaign strategy led to Starclash being 150% funded! We also dive into the art of transitioning audiences between different games, with Sean sharing insights from a client meeting. Andrew reflects on hygiene factors in games, drawing from his experience with Deliverance. Join us as we explore the delicate dance between personal passion and market trends, the commitment required for successful crowdfunding, and why failing fast and growing slow might just be the key to success. Don't miss out on this treasure trove of insights! Links to check out! Starclash: www.kickstarter.com/projects/mosthighgames/starclash-the-rts-like-sci-fi-wargame-for-1-8-players Do it yourself with the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy! - crowdfundingnerds.com/academy Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered what it takes to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign for a tabletop game? In episode 229 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, Andrew and Sean dive into the secrets of Kickstarter success, inspired by Andrew's recent experience speaking at a Kickstarter webinar. Invited by Asher McClanahan, Kickstarter's Head of Games, Andrew shares the strategies that can make or break your campaign. From mastering Kickstarter's referral metrics to building a dedicated email list, we cover it all. Discover why simplicity in messaging is key, how to effectively use stretch goals, and why understanding your game's unique appeal is crucial. Plus, get the inside scoop on Kickstarter's new features like the late pledge system. Whether you're in it for business or passion, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your crowdfunding game. Tune in to learn how Kickstarter and GameFound's rivalry is shaping the future of crowdfunding! Links to check out! Kickstarter Webinar - www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5fmC5zJAR0 Kickstarter Referrals Explained - crowdfundingnerds.com/kickstarter-referrals-explained-deep-dive-into-4-tabletop-campaigns-that-funded-successfully What information can be found in the “About the creator” section? - help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/articles/7089803740059-What-information-can-be-found-in-the-About-the-creator-section Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - crowdfundingnerds.com/hive Do it yourself with the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy! - crowdfundingnerds.com/academy Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!

Are you ready to level up your board game design skills? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, join hosts Donnie and Sean as they dive into the world of board game pitching with the talented Adam Porter, a seasoned designer from Wales. Ever wondered how to catch a publisher's eye at conventions like Essen Spiel or UK Games Expo? Adam spills the secrets on leveraging these events for success. Discover why game mechanics take center stage over themes when pitching to publishers and learn the art of crafting the perfect sell sheet. Adam also shares his personal journey from hobbyist to professional, offering strategies for designing with a specific audience in mind. Plus, get the inside scoop on playtesting techniques and the supportive nature of the board game industry. Whether you're a novice or a pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the board game design landscape. Don’t miss it!

Links to check out! Adam In Wales YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@adaminwales Joe Slack Podcast - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode63/ How NOT to pitch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_1EOJwOKEk Adam's game design books - https://www.adamportergames.com/ Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Don't forget to check out our NEW course at https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/

Stay Nerdy!