If we were to ask you what the most successful Kickstarter campaign of all time was, you’d probably say, “People still use Kickstarter?” And then we’d say, “Yes, but it’s been a while since they’ve had a serious hit on their hands.” And then you’d say, “Fair enough.” But we still wouldn’t be any closer to an answer.
Well, we’ll tell you. Before this week, the most successful Kickstarter was for the Pebble Time. Ancient history? Perhaps. But this E-Ink smartwatch precursor led directly to the Apple Watch on your arm. Not that it matters. The Pebble Time has been demoted to second place. It’s like the Frozen II of Kickstarter campaigns now.
Some words for Kickstarter
The reigning champion for the world’s most popular crowdfunded good or service? A set of novels from prolific fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. Yup. Really. It’s weird how it’s always magic that gets the public’s attention. Perhaps the anxious grannies at the church group are on to something.
Originally launched on 1 March and looking for $1 million in backing, Sanderson’s campaign, at the time of writing, has made more than $25 million. That’s R382 million, for a set of four fantasy books. Books that have already been written, mind you. At least everyone who backs the project is definitely getting their hands on some new reading material.
It’s not just a set of fantasy novels, of course. Sanderson’s project has various tiers. Spend $40 (R610) and you’ll get a new Brandon Sanderson novel each quarter over 2022. Three of these are for the author’s Cosmere series. $220 (R3,400) gets you ebooks, audiobooks, and hardcover versions of the novels.
But if you spend $360 or more on your Kickstarter pledge, you’ll also snag all four books in electronic format. Plus, eight ‘swag boxes’ themed around Sanderson’s various fictional universes. Scale that up to $480 (R7,350) and you’ll get ebooks, swag, and four hardcovers. Make it $500, and you’ll get the audiobooks as well. Not a bad deal, particularly if you’re a fan of fantasy. Or just a fan of Kickstarter.
Sanderson’s campaign still has another three weeks to run, so we’re basically just waiting to see what the platforms’ new high score is going to be. It should take some beating by the time the end of March rolls around.