Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life? In episode 253 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, we tackle the art of time management and the power of 'no' in business. Have you ever missed a crucial meeting because your schedule was bursting at the seams? Andrew and Sean share personal stories and strategies to help you avoid this pitfall. We dive into the first six months of SEO marketing and why they're crucial for building client trust. Discover how tech titans like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk master their priorities, and learn how you can, too, using tools like Google Tasks. Delegation, scope creep, and guarding your personal time—it's all on the table. Are you ready to reclaim your schedule and focus on what truly matters? Tune in and transform your approach to time management! Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered how game designers breathe life into immersive worlds? Or how family dynamics shape creative processes? Join us on this captivating episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Sean and Donnie sit down with Cody Pondsmith from R. Talsorian Games to explore these very questions. Dive into Cody's fascinating journey from his early days in game design, under the tutelage of his legendary father, Mike Pondsmith, to his groundbreaking project, Shadow Scar.

Discover the meticulous process behind adapting systems like Cyberpunk to fit The Witcher's fantasy realm, and gain insights into the unique challenges of working within a family business. Cody shares his two-decade-long passion project, Shadow Scar, emphasizing stealth over combat and the importance of cultural sensitivity in game design.

Don’t miss Cody’s invitation to explore the Shadow Scar Kickstarter and learn how you can join the Crowdfunding Nerds community to fuel your own creative ventures. Tune in and level up your game design knowledge! 🎮✨

Connect and learn more:

• Talsorian Games: https://rtalsoriangames.com/
• Shadow Scar Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/792383008/shadow-scar-ttrpg-core-rulebook?ref=bpaa53

Links to Check Out:

Fantasy Flight Games Webstore: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101

BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too!

Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive

We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV

CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day!

Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

How does a two-time world champion in Star Trek CCG transition to a senior game designer at Fantasy Flight Games? In episode 251 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Donnie sit down with Caleb Grace to explore this fascinating journey. Caleb, who once battled impostor syndrome, now crafts immersive experiences for iconic IPs like Lord of the Rings and Marvel Comics. Discover how he balances game mechanics with narrative to create unforgettable player experiences. Join us as Caleb reveals the secrets behind designing modular difficulty systems in Marvel Champions and shares invaluable advice for aspiring game designers. He emphasizes the importance of passion and innovation, especially when competing against giants like Magic: The Gathering. Links to Check Out: Fantasy Flight Games Webstore: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

Ever wondered how the art of wordsmithing can make or break a game? In episode 250 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean delve into the fascinating world of game development, unraveling the secrets behind crafting the perfect rulebook. How can you ensure your game instructions are crystal clear yet thematically rich? Why is strategic depth more crucial than complexity? Join us as we explore the power of precise language, the magic of consistent terminology, and the critical role of blind playtesting in refining your game mechanics. Discover how intuitive graphic design can elevate player experience, and learn the surprising parallels between game design and marketing. With insights from Andrew's own game, Deliverance, this episode is a treasure trove for aspiring game developers and marketers alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the nuances of creating games that captivate and campaigns that convert!

Links to Check Out: Shelfside Playtest Service - https://www.shelfside.co/consulting Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

How do you transform a fan into a true fan? What does it take to create an unforgettable gaming experience? In this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew Lowen, flying solo today, dives deep into the art of delivering exceptional value to both his team and fans. We kick things off by addressing some recent tech hiccups and our temporary switch to Zoom for recordings. Then, we take you on a journey to Strong Tower Con in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where we orchestrated the Deliverance Raid—an epic tabletop experience inspired by Andrew's MMORPG days in World of Warcraft. Discover how Andrew replicated the communal thrill of MMO raids and why unique, shared experiences are key to fostering a loyal fan base. We also share insights on team bonding, emphasizing the power of trust, flexibility, and support in management. Plus, learn how investing in relationships can lead to long-term loyalty. Tune in for a creative boost and explore the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy to elevate your own projects!

Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!

Ever bought a game just because it looked cool? In Episode 248 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean explore the concept of "game shaped objects"—games that lure us with their aesthetics but might not see much playtime. Why do we sometimes buy games that end up as shelf trophies?

Join us as we dive into the tension between art and marketability in game design. Sean shares tales of gifting games like Codenames that become more of a conversation piece than a pastime. What does this reveal about consumer psychology and the role of aesthetics in purchasing decisions?

We also discuss the critical role of playtesting and embracing feedback to refine a game’s experience. Plus, we explore how games compete not just with each other, but with all leisure activities for our attention. Tune in for insights on balancing form and substance to create games that are both captivating and commercially successful!

Crowdfunding Nerds Podcast episode 247 is here, and it's a rollercoaster of insights! Are GameFound's latest moves set to shake up the crowdfunding landscape? Can Kickstarter keep pace with its tech updates? Join Andrew and Sean as they dissect GameFound's acquisition of Indiegogo and what it means for creators and backers alike. Could this shift in the industry redefine marketing strategies? We also dive into the controversial world of AI in creative projects. Is AI-generated content diluting human creativity, or is it a tool we can harness for innovation? Does the rise of "AI slop" signal a return to valuing authentic, human-made art? Tune in as we explore these pressing topics, and don't forget to check out our resources from HeroTime Manufacturing and Bridge Distribution. For more insights, visit crowdfundingnerds.com. Let's nerd out together!

Links to check out! Gamefound Article: https://gamefound.com/en/blog/post/gamefound-acquires-indiegogo Don't Starve to Death Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/glasscannonunplugged/dont-starve-the-board-game?tab=prelaunch-updates Crowdfunding Nerds Episode 235: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode235/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!

Ready to conquer the crowdfunding world of 2025? In Episode 246 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the secrets to overcoming backer objections in an ever-evolving landscape. Are stretch goals truly a double-edged sword? Can gameplay exclusives be more gimmick than game-changer? We dive into insights from Chris George of Room and Board, tackling these questions head-on. Join us as we share golden nuggets from managing 60 projects daily, revealing how to make your initial offer irresistible—sans the pitfalls of stretch goals. Plus, discover why building trust is more crucial than ever, especially with the rise of AI-generated content and potential scams. We also tackle the persistent challenge of shipping costs and the allure of a compelling all-in offer. Whether you're a seasoned creator or a first-time innovator, this episode is packed with practical advice to elevate your crowdfunding game. Tune in and transform your campaign strategy today!

Links to check out! The DEATH of Crowdfunding - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cCfZv_5MrQ Chris George on the CFN podcast - https://crowdfundingnerds.com/episode233/ Regulus Playthrough Example - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSp1kR0Z0Q8 Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.

Stay Nerdy!