Nowadays, the idea of crowdfunding is as ubiquitous as the famous websites most equated with them, like IndieGoGo, Kickstarter and GoFundMe. Despite, of course, being around for much longer–even the Statue of Liberty was supported by crowdfunding, after all. But now a publishing outfit called BrightLocker is hoping to change the way we look at game development with its concept of “crowdpublishing.”
Whereas crowdfunding allows backers to support a project and have some minimal input in stretch goals or rewards, BrightLocker wants to make a full community of gamers and game developers who work together to create a unique project. Backers help shape a project not only by throwing their money around, but by actually voting on or submitting their own ideas. Ideas supported by the crowdpublishing community get pushed forward and can have a big impact on the development of projects.
Active BrightLocker users will also be able to earn rewards, achievements, and currency that will have a variety of uses on the platform itself and in future crowdpublished games.
There are many gaming communities that have evolved thanks to the fans that support them. Fighting game fans are such an avid community that developers often listen to the criticisms of pro-gamers when refining their games for tournament play and new releases. Many MMOs–massive multiplayer online games–survive only because they can evolve and adapt to their players’ needs.
Perhaps crowdpublishing will allow for an even closer connection to the community, providing a platform for backers to invest more than just money, but time and personal effort. And in turn, perhaps more money will be invested in projects where backers feel like their input is being put to good use. Conversely, it could be a platform where players expect their thoughts to carry too much clout, thanks to the money they’ve invested, leading to conflict.
The only thing we can do is wait and see what happens when BrightLocker launches early next year, or in early December if you’d like to sign up for the BrightLocker closed beta. Check out the website or the video below for more information.