Zero Point raises $125,000 through fan-funding

Zero Point Software, maker of Interstellar Marines, has so far raised $125,000 for development of the game through contributions from its fans.

The Danish developer is raising the cash through its fanbase rather than working with a publisher on a more traditional level, and is one of many independents working with games players who fund the project for a more personal gaming experience.

The project, which Zero Point labels 'AAA Indie', began in 2006 and the team had previously been in discussions with publishing partners.

"The negotiations stopped when it became clear to us that we needed to hand over all of our IP and make a lousy revenue share deal [on top of that]," Kenneth Andersen, producer and lead sound designer at Zero Point, told GamesIndustry.biz in a feature published today.

"So it was time to make a new strategy. We came up with this crazy idea that our community should be able to pre-order the game years before it was finished and we haven't regretted this decision since."

The Interstellar Marines community has over 103,000 registered members, with more than 2100 of those paying for the $39 Spearhead pre-order of three future games as well as other special privileges. Users can also buy the Frontliners pre-order for $25 and buy Support Medals for $5 which unlock content on the community website.

The full feature looking at the phenomenon of crowd sourcing, featuring contributions from Achron developer Hazard Games and Grim Dawn team Crate Entertainment, can be read here.