It’s no secret that running a crowdfunding campaign is hard work. It’s a full-time job, and some project creators might need a helping hand to get it off the ground and reach the finish line with a fully funded idea. While some veterans of Kickstarter, like myself, are more than willing to help out whenever we can that’s pretty much all we are. Just super excited fans that know a few things about what you’re going through. However, some sites like Developers Republic take on the task full swing.
Just what is Developers Republic, you might be asking yourself? Frankly, I hadn’t a clue myself that they even existed let alone what they did until I came across their admittedly anemic Web site. Honestly, there’s not much there right now which was the first red flag for me. Also, they claim to have been around since 2014 yet this is the first that I’ve heard of them. Even their branding name, PR Hound, is one that I’ve only barely heard in passing a couple times.
However, just because you’ve never heard of something doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. Thankfully, I managed to get a few questions answered by Jim Philpot as to what they actually have to offer potential clients. It seems like they’re willing to do a lot to help if he’s to be believed. Beyond offering marketing, PR, and crowdfunding assistance they also have services rendered towards budget expenses and scheduling for the games that they give their “stamp of approval” to. Of the ten projects that they’ve worked with I’m only familiar with about three: WarTile, 12 Is Better Than 6, and Umbra. Perhaps the reason that I’m so unfamiliar with Developers Republic is because I didn’t back any of those on the list.
As I mentioned, one of my biggest issues with them is the very limited Web site. I had to ask specifically what they had to offer as it’s not really discussed anywhere I could find. It was also hard to find any contact information where a potential partner could have them look over their project, campaign, and anything else. At least beyond a Facebook and Twitter account. I’ve been told that they’re working on getting more in this area set up but with two years in the business you’d think they’d already have it set up.
With all that said, Developers Republic could be worth at least checking out if you want to make sure that you get that extra boost in visibility. And it sounds like they know what they’re talking about and that they have experience despite being such a young company. Their services also seem to go beyond the crowdfunding aspect and into a sort of publishing deal on top of it all. In short, they’re being paid from beginning to end. And as far as rates go, it’s on a case-by-case basis. After all, not all games and campaigns need the same amount of help.
All in all, Developers Republic could be something to keep an eye on. I know from experience that sometimes a campaign could get all the help it can get and fans and friends can only go so far in making sure that the 100% goal is reached by the end of the month. With a company dedicated to making this a reality, assuming you meet their requirements, it could go a long way to making said dream a reality. I just wish that they had more on their Web site than they do.
i’d like to run some stats and calculate a ratio product/income on this one. Aka how they were helpful and increase the awareness compare to the price of their contract and also maybe run a satisfactory quizz towards those contractors.
That would certainly be something worth investigating for sure.