One of the main ways for creative retro gaming enthusiasts to get their projects off the ground is crowdfunding. From hardware to books, games to movies, and everything in between, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and other crowdfunding platforms have been vital components of the retro gaming revival.
Today, I’m going to introduce you to some new retro crowdfunding projects, as well as revisit one or two that have reached their funding target but remain open for backing.
This is one of our longest newsletters yet, but I think every item in this list deserves its place.
Table of Contents
Former Dawn
Former Dawn is a retro game currently on Kickstarter, where the campaign describes it as an “8-bit Action RPG with 16-bit soul.”
This is an action-adventure game with RPG elements that is being developed for the NES and PC. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The player takes on the role of a lone survivor who must journey across the wasteland to find a new home.
The Kickstarter campaign for Former Dawn has been successful so far, raising over $137,513 of its $160,000 goal with 3 days left. However, the project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by November 14, 2024. So if you’re a fan of retro games, be sure to check out the Former Dawn Kickstarter and consider backing the campaign!
WELL TO HELL: A chilling new horror game on Kickstarter
Calling all horror fans! There’s a spine-tingling new game chilling its way onto Kickstarter, and it’s called WELL TO HELL.
I recently browsed the Kickstarter campaign for WELL TO HELL, and here’s a quick rundown of what it’s all about:
Genre: Brace yourself for a horror experience!
Developer: The game is being developed by Hayden Fisher, a young new developer.
Funding Goal: The developers are looking to raise £667 to bring WELL TO HELL to life.
All or Nothing: It’s an all-or-nothing campaign, so the project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by the deadline.
The Kickstarter page itself provides some additional details about Kickstarter and how it works, in case you’re new to the crowdfunding platform.
Kickstarter is a great way for creative projects to get the funding they need, and WELL TO HELL looks like it has the potential to be a truly terrifying game. If you’re a horror fan and you’re looking for a new game to get your heart racing, then be sure to check out the WELL TO HELL Kickstarter campaign and consider pledging your support!
This project is looks superb, but with 13 days to go they’ve only raised £70. Please support WELL TO HELL on Kickstarter today.
Calling All EGM Fans: The EGM Compendium Kickstarter is Live!
For those unfamiliar, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) was a legendary video game magazine that chronicled the golden age of gaming. Now, the EGM Compendium is aiming to preserve this rich history in a beautiful book and a comprehensive digital archive.
The EGM Compendium is more than just a collection of old articles. It’s a curated journey through gaming history, as seen through the lens of EGM’s insightful coverage. The book will feature:
Exclusive interviews with industry veterans
In-depth articles exploring the evolution of gaming
A dynamic layout that brings the magazine’s pages to life
Complementing the physical book is the EGM Compendium Digital Archive. This online treasure trove will provide full access to every single issue of EGM, completely indexed and searchable.
This campaign has already reached funding (£525,888 pledged of £27,095 goal!) but you can still support it.
The EGM Compendium Kickstarter campaign offers a variety of rewards for backers, allowing you to be a part of preserving this gaming legacy. Rewards include:
A copy of the gorgeous EGM Compendium book
Access to the EGM Compendium Digital Archive
Exclusive merchandise, like posters and t-shirts
There are also some exciting stretch goals that will be unlocked if the campaign surpasses its funding target. These stretch goals promise even more content for the book and the digital archive, making it an even more essential resource for EGM fans.
So, if you’re a gamer who grew up reading EGM, or simply someone who appreciates the history of video games, then the EGM Compendium Kickstarter campaign is for you. Head over to the Kickstarter page today and pledge your support to help bring this fantastic project to life!
ZX Dreams: A New Magazine for ZX Spectrum Enthusiasts
Calling all ZX Spectrum fans! A new campaign from Chris Wilkins and Fusion Retro Books is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter to bring exciting content to the ZX Spectrum community.
ZX Dreams is a 232-page publication that aims to celebrate the iconic 8-bit computer by featuring articles, reviews, interviews, and more. It’s a follow up to ZX Nightmares, and is written by Graeme Mason.
If you’re a fan of classic gaming and the ZX Spectrum in particular, this is a fantastic opportunity to support a new venture dedicated to preserving and promoting this beloved platform.
The project has already raised £17,876 in pledges, far beyond the £6,000 goal, but doesn’t close until November 20. So, there is still time to back the ZX Dreams Kickstarter and keep the spirit of the ZX Spectrum alive!
The Story of Hewson Games Returns on Kickstarter!
If you missed The Story of Hewson Games the first time around, I’ve got some good news. A new Kickstarter has launched, offering a new edition!
Attention all fans of classic video games! Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the return of a legendary developer’s story. The Kickstarter campaign for “The Story of Hewson Games – Expanded 2nd Edition” is live, offering a deeper dive into the history behind iconic titles like Uridium, Nebulus, Cybernoid, and the unforgettable Pinball Fantasies.
This Kickstarter campaign, spearheaded by Andrew Hewson and Rob Hewson, promises a more comprehensive look at the journey of Hewson Games. Here’s what you can expect:
An insider’s perspective: Written by Andrew Hewson himself, the book delves into the company’s founding, the development process of their beloved games, and the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.
Expanded content: This second edition boasts a wealth of new material, including never-before-seen concept art, interviews, and insights.
A collector’s dream: Backers can choose from various reward tiers, including signed copies of the book, exclusive art prints, and even the chance to have their name included in the special thanks section.
This Kickstarter campaign is not just about reliving the golden age of gaming; it’s about preserving a vital piece of video game history. Whether you spent countless hours battling through Uridium’s gravity-defying levels or perfecting your pinball skills in Pinball Fantasies, this expanded edition offers a deeper appreciation for the creativity and innovation behind those classic titles.
Let’s help make this expanded edition a reality and ensure the story of Hewson Games continues to inspire future generations of gamers! Head to Kickstarter to back The Story of Hewson Games – Expanded 2nd Edition.
Calling All Retro Enthusiasts: Dive Deep into a Single Game with Retro Game Zine!
Calling all retro gamers and lovers of in-depth analysis! A new Kickstarter campaign has launched for Retro Game Zine, a micro-zine dedicated to exploring a single classic video game in each issue. The first issue, titled “It Came from the Desert,” delves into the fascinating world of a specific, yet-to-be-revealed title.
This Kickstarter campaign, led by Darren Hupke, offers a unique way to experience and appreciate retro games. Here’s what makes Retro Game Zine stand out:
Deep Dives: Each issue focuses on a single game, providing a comprehensive exploration of its history, development process, gameplay mechanics, and impact on the gaming landscape.
Micro-Zine Format: Retro Game Zine is a compact, collectible publication perfect for fans who appreciate the charm of physical media and in-depth content.
For the Love of Retro Games: This zine isn’t just about reviews; it’s about reigniting the passion for classic titles by offering a fresh perspective and fostering a sense of community.
The Kickstarter campaign offers various tiers to support the project. Backers can secure a copy of the zine, snag exclusive merchandise like stickers and enamel pins, or even contribute to choosing the featured game for a future issue.
Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer looking to revisit cherished memories or a curious newcomer eager to learn about the history of video games, Retro Game Zine offers a compelling way to engage with the retro world.
Head over to the Retro Game Zine Kickstarter page and pledge your support!
Let’s help Darren Hupke bring Retro Game Zine to life and celebrate the enduring legacy of classic video games!
Game over!
That’s almost all from me today, except for this: The Gadget Show’s Jason Bradbury’s movie project Ctrl AI Delete has completed its Kickstarter campaign, with funding achieved!
783 backers pledged £59,590, almost £1000 above the £50,000 goal. Superb news, I can’t wait to see it on the big screen 😀
I’l be back with more retro gaming news, tips, merch, and reviews soon.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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