So why is kickstarting games a thing?

[AbbathTheGrim]

I wouldn't call people stupid for supporting kickstarter. Depending on the project and the developer who requests the support I would consider donating.

There is a positive aspect about it and that is allowing developers to take the control of the development process and getting rid of the companies that sometimes demand and dismiss some ideas from developers in exchange of financing said project. If a game is deemed too risky, or contains some aspect to it which the financing company believes won't let the game sell, they can demand that part out, they can take control of the creative process and sometimes impose themselves over what the developers want.

But with kickstarter the developers can go to the fans and tell them: "Hey, I want to make this game, it will have this and this, do you want to help me get it out?" It is a completely optional thing for consumers and I don't see how this does any harm if carried out properly. The gamers themselves can even help in the creative process.

But of course, not everyone can get away with starting a kickstarter. It will depend of the developers' reputation and how many loyal fans it has.

There is only one thing I am kind of on the fence about and that is that there is always a risk that the game won't end up being what was promised and that the people who pays may end up having a specific idea of what they want the game to become which in the end may not be fulfilled. That is why it is very important to pick what developers we want to support and be reasonable with the amount of money one is willing to give up while considering the possibility of disappointment.

Also, developers may underestimate the costs of development. A developer who does a kickstarter and then comes again with another one for the same project because the money wasn't enough may create distrust from the people who supported them to begin with.