Demo and Kickstarter (When to Release?)

[dmasterxd]

So I’ve heard that usually it’s best for the demo and Kickstarter to be released at the same time. Thing is, my demo is fairly long so I’m afraid that by the time most people finish it, the Kickstarter will have already ended.

Should I wait a while after releasing the demo before starting the Kickstarter? And if so how long would you say? Or would it still be fine to release them at the same time?

[Zelan]

Personally, I would think that it would be better to release the demo before the Kickstarter regardless of how long your demo is. Having the demo out for longer gives people more time to play the demo and spread the word about it before they think about committing to a Kickstarter.

[nerupuff]

I'm agreeing with Zelan on this. If you haven't done any prior marketing, your Kickstarter might flop, and releasing the demo at the same time as your KS might not help get the boost it needs to get fully funded.

It's always a good idea to have your demo out first. Why? Well, people need to be able to see the game first. Since you've said that your demo is fairly long, you should give your audience a chance to try it out and see how they feel about the game itself. If you get a positive response, that's great. It is likely that they will let other people know about your game, thus giving you the traction you need to start crowdfunding the production of your full game. Once you get a grasp on how your intended audience feels about the game, you can probably start teasing the release of a KS. It's best to let the demo stick around for a while. I'm not too sure about any specifics when it comes to the in-between time of a demo release and KS release, but let the demo be out there first.

I've added some links here about other Kickstarter threads that have occurred in the forum. Might help to also check them out. :--) (since they have some helpful advice in between)

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53393&p=503922&hili ... er#p503922
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=54012&p=505919&hil ... er#p505919
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53513&p=504491&hili ... er#p504491
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53565&p=504489&hili ... er#p504489

[Godline]

I've seen people have their demos available a year or more before a Kickstarter and it doesn't make them any less successful than someone who releases a demo simultaneously with a Kickstarter. More time to perfect things is usually better.

[dmasterxd]

Ah, I see. Thanks to each of you for your help, I greatly appreciate it. Based on all this, I think that I am going to release the demo a ways before the Kickstarter then. Thanks again guys.