Evaluating financing models for early-stage indie game development: a criteria-based analysis of publisher funding, crowdfunding and public funding

Abstract

This thesis examines how different financing models influence early-stage independent game development. Indie developers often operate under conditions of financial uncertainty, limited organisational capacity and restricted access to external capital, making funding decisions a critical factor in project feasibility and development structure. The study analyses and compares three financing models commonly used in the game industry: publisher funding, crowdfunding and public funding.