Kickstarter now an option for UK game developers

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:30:00 EST

Indie developers looking for free money from Americans no longer have to rob tourists at knife point in the busy London Underground (not that any lovely Brits would do such a thing), as Kickstarter has now established itself in the United Kingdom.

Rather than being separated into their own website, UK-based Kickstarter projects will be interspersed alongside American fundraisers in the site's main ecosphere. Pledge levels will be listed in pounds sterling and monetary transactions will take place through a different third-party intermediary via Kickstarter itself, rather than Amazon Payments, but otherwise the donation process is identical to Yankee 'starters.

Previously, Kickstarter had been limited to projects originating from the colonies due to the limitations of the Amazon Payments system. Now though, British creatives of all type can reap the benefits inherent to the Kickstarter system, as can Americans looking to exploit the current state of our exchange rate.

Kickstarter now an option for UK game developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST

Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Leigh Marlow of The Apptivist Studio presents a game with a greater purpose -- to stop the violent whaling in Antarctic waters -- named Minke Rescue.

What's your game called and what's it about?

Minke Rescue is a new iPhone game. You play the part of a minke whale in the beautiful and harsh Antarctic Ocean. Best of all, it's only $0.99 -- and 30 percent from every game purchased goes directly to Sea Shepherd.

What inspired you to make Minke Rescue?

I wanted to raise awareness and funds for specific causes that I'm passionate about. However, I'm not noted for my cake making, t-shirt designing or car washing, nor do I have a sufficiently cashed-up network of friends to host a (successful) charity ball.

In early 2010, after acquiring my first iPhone, I soon discovered the power of apps -- how regularly I was willing to spend small amounts of money -- and how addictive the very best apps can be. An ah-ha moment occurred and my direction was set -- to create a cool little iPhone game that benefited Sea Shepherd. The key ingredients were that the game had to be fun, addictive and not too preachy.

The best part is I get to combine my passion for gaming and my passion for the environment.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue

The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Minke Rescue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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