How Can I Afford That Game on Kickstarter?

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Wow, I wish I could afford that game on Kickstarter”? Well, Adventurers, I find myself asking that right now! And this is my strategy for answering that question.

Now, I know I have a post on dealing with the fear of missing out on a Kickstarter campaign. But earlier this week (this was June 2019), Middara: Unintentional Malum launched, and it has sparked my interest.

So, can I afford to make a pledge for the game? The simple answer is yes! I technically have the money to back the Middara campaign. However, the minimum pledge level will cost me $115 without shipping and handling, which is $115 less to invest for the future.

Therefore, the real question is how can I afford that game and not impact my financial future?

The short answer is to make enough extra money to fund the Kickstarter pledge before the campaign ends. That way you can make the pledge without impacting your financial future! This could be done multiple ways; however, I think I’ve got the best answer for us Adventurers!

Should I back Middara on Kickstarter?

Alright, Adventurers, before we get into how I’m planning to afford Middara, let’s just check if the game meets the five criteria we covered in the FOMO article:

1. Is it in my budget?
2. Do I like the game?
3. Is the game different from others I have?
4. Do I understand how to play it?
5. Could I get it after Kickstarter?

Is it in my budget?

As I’ve said, I do have the money to pay for the base pledge. The Kickstarter budget that I mentioned in the previous article is funded enough to pay for the first backer level of Middara. However, I still ask myself how to best use all of the resources at my disposal; this includes my Kickstarter fun money.

We may set ourselves budgets, and that is definitely the first step, but we should still always maintain the mindset that our money and time are precious resources and should be used accordingly. Just because I have the money does not mean that I should throw it at the first shiny thing to cross my path! Plus, I like a challenge, so I have come up with an alternative way to try and purchase the game, which I will get into a little bit later.

Do I like the game?

Yes, I do like Middara. Given that I only found out about it a week ago and have never played it, I do find myself really drawn to the story and game mechanics. The art style can be a little too suggestive and demeaning to women, which isn’t great. As Karina puts it, “Show a little more bulge and we can call it even!” So, Succubus Publishing, wink wink nudge nudge! It can be hard to get away from the suggestive art style in games like this, and I generally enjoy the art enough to ignore the pieces that I don’t like.

Is the game different from others I have?

The closest game I can think of is Betrayal at House on the Hill, which is awesome, might I add. However, it does not have the same in-depth character development or story continuation. So, I would say it is different enough.

Do I understand how to play it?

Having watched the YouTube videos on how to play Middara, as well as several playthroughs, I believe I have an understanding of how the game works, in addition to being able to teach it to other players.

Could I get it after Kickstarter?

Currently, I cannot purchase the game from the Succubus Publishing store. From what I can tell, the game will not be available for purchase until all of the Kickstarter backers have their games, which is estimated to be December 2021.

Alternatively, I could buy the game secondhand. However, at present, it is selling for over $200 on eBay, which is not something I’m willing to pay.

Are the criteria met?

I would say yes! I do have the money, I like and understand how to play it, it is different enough from anything else I currently own, and getting it through Kickstarter is currently the only affordable option. As I said, I do have the green light to make this purchase, but I have decided to challenge myself nonetheless.

How do I plan to afford the game?

This is it, Adventurers: my secret to how I plan to afford to back Middara on Kickstarter. Well, it’s not really a secret, but I would like to think it is one, given that what I am about to suggest will make a lot of you cringe!

My plan to afford this game is to sell other games!!!

Oh, I know, the horror. The idea of parting with those beloved games is heartbreaking. However, you may recall that cupboard of games I had mentioned, or all those miniatures I collected on a purchasing spree. Well, it is time for me to cleanse my sins and make room, because Middara needs a home. LOL!!!

But seriously, I know that a big personal issue I have is feeling the need to keep everything. And I mean everything! I’ll keep a collection of shipping boxes in the basement just in case, which honestly is not a good thing. I don’t need everything, and that includes games.

Afford more with less

This revelation came to me in two parts. First was the fact that I was just feeling overwhelmed by the growing collection of stuff. Sure, I love stuff, but after reading Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver, I feel that maybe a change needs to happen.

The book focuses on how to live a simpler life with less stuff and more meaning, and I did find it to have some good insights. I did not totally agree with everything in the book, but the main takeaway for me was not needing to have so much stuff, and that either giving it away or selling it is OK.

The second part is that I don’t want to spend money when I already have games that I haven’t played. I want to keep my gaming budget (and my savings) on track, and if I’m spending money on things I don’t use, I’m working against that. Additionally, in keeping with living more simply, having a one-in, one-out mentality will benefit everything.

The challenge to afford the game

There we have it, Adventurers: you now know how I plan to afford the game. I know it isn’t really a secret, but I think we forget that it is OK to let something go. Whether we are going to sell it, give it to a fellow Adventurer, or simply donate it, it will be OK.

Now, to make it a little more exciting and a bit of a challenge, I am planning to make the money before the end of the Kickstarter campaign. At the time of writing, that leaves me with 25 days to sell over one hundred and fifteen dollars of games and models.

Alright, Adventurers, here’s to hoping I can do it! I’ve already started to list unopened miniatures on Facebook, and will take a look through my games to see what can be sold. Wish me luck!!!

I’ll add an update once the campaign is over to report on whether I succeeded or failed. And I hope this has motivated you to think of ways to make extra money so that you can afford games without impacting your financial future.

Do you sell old or unused games, or do you have other methods for affording new fun things?