Local Games Are Crazy for Crowdfunding

It's been a while since Austin had a blockbuster video game developed within its city limits. Star Wars: The Old Republic feels like ages ago, and the woefully under-recognized Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze didn't quite leave a lasting impact. Big things are on the horizon though, with three old-guard developers embracing new business models and finding financial success. If the quality of the games matches the dollar amounts, there will be reason to celebrate. Here's a breakdown of who's doing what and exactly how much scratch they have to work with.

Star Citizen

Star Citizen

The biggest success funding-wise comes from the man who brought the space-dogfighting series Wing Commander to PCs in the early Nineties. Chris Roberts' work-in-progress adds elements of massively multiplayer online games to his trademark game style. Early access to the game is open to contributors. After a successful Kickstarter, the money continued to roll in through contributions via the game's website. About half of the money coming in is from new purchasers. The other half comes from current backers who are upgrading by purchasing in-game items like limited-edition ships costing up to $2,500.

Kickstarter funds raised: $2.13 million (of $500,000 goal)

Total funds raised to date: $79 million

Shroud of the Avatar

If you know one local video game developer, you probably know Richard Garriott. Before he was taking working vacations in outer space, he was the creator of the Ultima series of adventure games. Ultima Online hit prehistoric modems in 1997 and was the first massively multiplayer game, with 250,000 users at the height of its popularity. Despite not having rights to use the Ultima name anymore, Shroud of the Avatar might as well be named Ultima Online II. Crowdfunding continues on the game's site with virtual property going for up to $1,050 (insert gentrification joke here). Players are already exploring the online world with occasional quality time with Lord British (Garriott's in-game alter ego).

Kickstarter funds raised: $1.9 million (of $1 million goal)

Total funds raised to date: $6.18 million

Crowfall

Crowfall

The relative new kid on the crowdfunding block, Crowfall is the product of a partnership between Gordon Walton and J Todd Coleman, who may not be household names, but have made enough games between them to make fans trust them with their money. The secret weapon behind the online game might be design consultant Raph Koster, who was the mastermind behind the innovations of Ultima Online. The game is not playable yet, so the big bucks made from selling virtual goods (should they decide to go that route) haven't rolled in just yet.

Kickstarter funds raised: $1.76 million (of $800,000 goal)

Total funds raised to date: $1.81 million