Kickstarter has played a massive role in shaping the indie gaming scene, giving developers the opportunity to bring their passion projects to life with direct support from fans.
Over the years, some games have stood out by breaking funding records and capturing the imagination of gamers worldwide. Here are five of the most successful indie games that found their start on Kickstarter.
1. Shenmue 3 – A Record-Breaking Revival
Few games have built a cult following as dedicated as Shenmue. After years of anticipation, the franchise returned with Shenmue 3, which became the highest-funded video game on Kickstarter. Raising over $6.3 million from nearly 70,000 backers, this action-adventure RPG brought protagonist Ryo Hazuki back for another journey, blending martial arts combat with deep storytelling.
2. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night – A Spiritual Successor That Delivered
Who doesn't love a side-scroller, especially one from the mind of Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was a love letter to Metroidvania fans.
There's something about the game that throws you back to the late PS1 and early PS2 era with its gothic aesthetic, RPG mechanics, and fluid exploration-based gameplay, the game resonated with backers, ultimately raising nearly $5.5 million—far beyond its initial goal. Its success proved that there was still a strong demand for classic side-scrolling action with a modern twist.
3. Broken Age – The Game That Changed Crowdfunding
Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions set the standard for Kickstarter game funding with Broken Age. Originally seeking just $400,000, the campaign amassed over $3.3 million, showing the industry that crowdfunding could be a viable way to support niche genres. The game, a beautifully crafted point-and-click adventure, reinvigorated interest in narrative-driven gaming and paved the way for future Kickstarter successes.
4. Torment: Tides of Numenera – A New Take on a Cult Classic
Inspired by the legendary Planescape: Torment, this story-rich RPG quickly became a fan-favorite on Kickstarter, securing more than $4 million in funding. Torment: Tides of Numenera appealed to players who craved an intellectual and immersive role-playing experience with its philosophical themes, deep decision-making mechanics, and intricate world-building.
5. Subverse – A Bold and Unconventional Hit
Proving that Kickstarter can support even the most unconventional projects, Subverse combined tactical RPG mechanics with shoot ‘em up gameplay and adult themes, drawing a dedicated audience. Raising over $2 million, it showcased the power of crowdfunding in bringing niche and experimental ideas to life, even outside traditional publishing routes.
These five games highlight Kickstarter's incredible potential in the indie gaming space. From reviving long-lost franchises to reimagining classic genres, crowdfunding has allowed passionate developers to connect with their audience and create games that may have never been possible through traditional means. As Kickstarter continues to evolve, it’s exciting to imagine what future indie gems will emerge through the support of gaming communities worldwide.