What is Kickstarter? We’re the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Learn more!

    1. Fb_profile_picture.thumb
      Kes Sampanthar on March 3, 2011

      Quick update. I was supposed to send an email to -- gameful@avantgame.com -- My fault for not following the instructions carefully. I wonder if KickStarter could have made an easier interface for project owners to connect with their backers.

    2. Fb_profile_picture.thumb
      Kes Sampanthar on March 3, 2011

      I never received my signed copy of the book. I am a Mega Mind Meld backer. Did anyone else get their copy of the book? I ended up buying it on Amazon... ugh!

    3. Z-profile-00.thumb
      Zeb Dropkin on January 20, 2011

      I see the book is out! Fiero \o/!! http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/01/20/picked-reality-is-broken/
      Is there any way to track if our copy is confirmed on its way if we backed Mega Brain Meld?

    4. Bb_symbol.thumb
      BuffyB on January 5, 2011

      Awww darn it, just found out about Gameful and can't see how I can donate once the project has reached it's funding goal :( I really wanted an autographed book too. Next time :)

    5. Missing_thumb
      Ray Savant (deleted) on December 29, 2010

      I just discovered your world this morning Ms. McGonigal. I thanked God in my prayers for leading me to people who will make a true difference in the world. There are many who give to charity and speak out but there are few who truly make a difference. To utilize games and the psychology around them to mobilize our citizens is master stroke that few have had the daring or imagination to undertake. Lets grab our youth by their brain stems and jack them out of the matrix and into a reality that they can relate to and that talks back to them in an affirmative empowering way. This is the beauty of games. Magician Queens like yourself are the harbingers of this movement, the Great RESET.

      I am thankful to be a part of this.

    6. Missing_thumb
      BrowserGamesFactory on November 3, 2010

      The concept is excellent I love it

    7. Seanwai_200kb.thumb
      Sean Conner on October 16, 2010

      Terrible news, I missed the pledge drive- seriously, how did I not find out about this until today!? I was so inspired by Jane's TED talk back in Feb - and those ideas cross-pollinated with the work I was doing with Ushahidi - so I pitched the idea of "playsourcing" to my business partners ... and after initial looks of sanity checking they got it and we proposed creating super simple but super fun casual game that accomplishes tiny bits of work that save lives in crises. How rewarding is that!

      Well I would love the opportunity to engage on some level with your project, please contact me if you have the bandwidth.

    8. Missing_thumb
      Bibi Jordan on October 12, 2010

      Just discovered this and am right in the middle of designing a Game... Is there some way to make a pledge and get the BAck Door Access? I can't seem to be able to do it from Kickstart?!

    9. Img_0581.thumb
      Tim Letscher on October 8, 2010

      10-10-10… can't come soon enough!

    10. Missing_thumb
      Steven Egan on October 1, 2010

      Absolutely @Actoften. Gameful is to be open to the public for any who want to get involved, so you can join the fun at Gameful.org, where there is currently a place to submit an e-mail to be notified when the festivities start. The plan is for Gameful to open at the end of October, and there is a countdown at Gameful.org to show just how long till it starts.

    11. Crazydo.thumb
      @Actoften on September 30, 2010

      Oh oh, only finding out about this now but it seems funding has now closed? Can I still get involved in Gameful even though I am not a founder :-(

    12. Mepicspeech_kickstarter.thumb
      rHornbek on September 30, 2010

      FIERO!!!

    13. Img_3909.thumb
      Jane McGonigal on September 30, 2010

      Nicole! I was just thinking of you as I refreshed the page looking at all the \ o / fiero figures, which I believe you are the inventor of ^_^ Perfect to see you here, Queen of Fiero, we are very lucky to have you in the secret HQ!

    14. Nicolewithhat2636.thumb
      Nicole Lazzaro on September 30, 2010

      \o/ Ding! Level Up! \o/

      Loving watching the Fiero spread, and thrilled at all the game-changing project ideas!! Congratulations Jane, Nathan, Matthew, and Kiyash

      Game On! \o/

    15. Hib1.thumb
      Bruno Dion on September 30, 2010

      / o / FIERO!! \ o \

    16. 3483269440_2f87b5a228_o.thumb
      Zo-ii on September 30, 2010

      FIERO!!!! \ o /

    17. Dario.thumb
      dario on September 30, 2010

      \ o / !!!!!!!!!

      ^_____^

    18. Img_3909.thumb
      Jane McGonigal on September 30, 2010

      Congrats everyone! Gameful made the Hall of Hame for Kickstarter:

      http://www.kickstarter.com/discover/hall-of-fame

      Also, a backer-only update has been posted, so be sure to check it out for next steps!

      http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1163482373/gameful-a-secret-hq-for-worldchanging-game-develop/posts/32164

    19. Missing_thumb
      Alanna Yeo on September 29, 2010

      I can't wait for the 12 days or so to 10 October. *___*
      FIERO!

    20. Epicbeard.thumb
      Luis Blondet on September 29, 2010

      The Revolution has begun.

      FIERO! :D

    21. Fb_profile_picture.thumb
      Goldie Katsu on September 29, 2010

      It was so awesome watching people joining as the last few hours ticked down. I have to admit I did run around the house shouting "fiero" a little bit. I'm looking forward to seeing how this all progresses and I'm pleased as punch to be part of it.

    22. Ipod.thumb
      Steffen Andersen on September 29, 2010

      7 minutes ago the funding succeeded, congrats =D

    23. Img_3909.thumb
      Jane McGonigal on September 29, 2010

      Only one more hour to go! Looks like we'll be undertaking a 600 piece secret mission puzzle for all the founding members... perfect!

    24. Epicbeard.thumb
      Luis Blondet on September 28, 2010

      I found about this way too late, I could only pledge $144. I'm glad to discover that i'm not the only one who thinks that games have huge untapped potential to be a force of good in this world and not as electronic time wasters. I am an amateur game designer that cannot code nor illustrate art. But I am a muggle with vision and a little money. I live a frugal life and spend all the money I make working on automobiles to pay my artists and coders. I want to create games that are design with, what I call, Seamless Education. It is a way to Trojan Horse education into the minds of the players without them noticing right away that they are learning and taking away useful information or skills from the games. The first game I am making is a social networking game called Tribal Pride that will teach players about 13 different cultures in ancient history from the year 1BC and older. It will also teach players the value of diversity and to value other people that have a much different upbringing than your own. The second game I just started making only because I found a couple of coders with the best balance of skill, communication, economy and love for their craft. The game is being called Spellcraft right now, but it will change in the future since it has already been taken by another game. Spellcraft is a collector card game that will use spectacle, competitiveness, amazing art and lots of fun to hide the fact that it will be extremely heavy in Seamless Education. Spellcraft will create smarter, more intelligent and wiser people from its pool of players.

      If you want to check out my work you can go to the FaceBook page of what I call my company (although the paperwork of incorporation hasn't been filed yet) and see how I have been doing since late May. I don't have a website for it yet because I have chosen to focus on getting the games out there rather than divert funds to these secondary details;
      http://www.facebook.com/pages/LUTOPiA-game-company/109240602452344

      I am glad we are getting organized and I am glad of being part of this Revolution in education and entertainment. I only wish I could have donated more to this cause that is so close to my Heart.

      FIERO! :D

    25. Profile-picture.thumb
      Jacob Walker on September 28, 2010

      Yes, we hope to port the game over to as many different devices as possible. Thanks Martin.

    26. Dsc_0574.thumb
      Martin A. Reiche on September 28, 2010

      @Jacob: That's awesome. Will there be an Android version of the Game?

    27. Profile-picture.thumb
      Jacob Walker on September 28, 2010

      The launch of your site actually works out perfect with the launch of my first world changing game! I've been working on a game for Apple devices called "Face the Waste" for the past few months. It teaches people all about recycling in a fun way. If any of you other developers would like to check it out go to www.runoffstudios.com to see a video with some game play. Jane's goals are so in tune with my studios that I even put a blog post up about her and the awesome TED Talk she did. I really cant wait to see the Gameful website and start sharing my experience with others. Im so excited to learn about what everyone else is doing in the gaming industry to help change the world in a positive way. This is absolutely awesome and I just need to say... FIERO!! :D

    28. Ssrdphoto_bigger_twitter.thumb
      Saheli on September 28, 2010

      I seriously cannot believe I managed to not hear about this at all until today. Whew. Disaster averted. Very excited.

    29. Img_3909.thumb
      Jane McGonigal on September 28, 2010

      Everyone gets puzzle pieces with a secret mission! I will need to optimize the puzzle(s) to the number of founding members.... currently the plan is to have two puzzles, one for the first 500 and one for the additional backers PLUS the 1300 or so "friends of founding members" who have earned puzzle pieces thanks to the Hero Pack provided to backers at $98 and up. Puzzles and secret missions for all!

    30. Nap.thumb
      Brian K. Lee on September 28, 2010

      What happens to backers 501+? Do they get an original puzzle piece?

    31. Coffee_profile.thumb
      Nathan Verrill on September 27, 2010

      Yay Andy! That rocks!

    32. Missing_thumb
      Andy Tinkham on September 27, 2010

      Woo hoo! I got the #500 slot. :) I'm excited by what I see here and looking to dig in further later tonight!

    33. Wombat_icon_bigger.thumb
      Jim White on September 27, 2010

      501! W00T! Let the secret missions commence!

    34. Missing_thumb
      Keith Thomas on September 26, 2010

      Seventeen more backers !
      I'm totally stoked for this, hurry up Halloween ..

    35. Mewithbird.thumb
      Nida Zada on September 26, 2010

      Leveled up! Excited to see this funded and going forward.

    36. Missing_thumb
      Ralph Thurm on September 26, 2010

      Dear all, at Deloitte we have developed the 'Business Simulation Game on Sustainability', just type in Deloitte Business Simulation Game in Youtube to watch a 5 minutes film. Using Serious gaming in board rooms can really make a difference. Here are the movers and shakers that can impact the world through their companies, that's what I am focusing on as Director Sustainability Strategies. I am happy to contribute, share, and game on with this exciting community!

    37. Fb_profile_picture.thumb
      Luke Walratn on September 25, 2010

      I'm an actor running a theatre company in Whitefish, MT (near Glacier Natl Park). Our industry relies on the ability to play. I'm looking forward to joining the cause! Keep play alive!

    38. _mg_5306.thumb
      Matthew Jensen on September 25, 2010

      Great ideas, Steven. Gameful.org will host plenty of opportunities to share feedback, concepts, art, code, and anything that keeps people playing and participating. Like snacks!

    39. Nap.thumb
      Brian K. Lee on September 25, 2010

      So excited to give away my money. I've been waiting for something like this.. gonna be epic.

    40. Missing_thumb
      Steven Egan on September 24, 2010

      Oops, I made a typo. I meant that those who suggest the chosen $50K Bonus(es) might get something. My enthusiasm got the better of me.

    41. Missing_thumb
      Steven Egan on September 24, 2010

      How about one of those customizable Fiero Monsters for our profiles as a $50K bonus? I could see making some kind of game for getting stuff for one's Fiero Monster, but I digress. Perhaps a "Random Founder" button or spotlight on the site leading to the founder's profile would work well as a bonus. Another idea is to have a "Founder's Choice" award(s) for some projects. That could even make for a cool kickoff event.

      Maybe the person, or people, who come up with a $50K Bonus get a Custom Fiero Monster ... I like the Fiero Monster. It speaks to the core of who I am ...

      Oh, I have it! A Fiero Monstrofication Maching! ... Alright, so I just mean a Custom Fiero Monster Maker, but the other sounds cooler. Either way I think I'll be making a custom Fiero Monster for my profile picture.

      I might be back with more ideas for the $50K Bonus, 'cause I'm like that.

    42. Fb_plaza_event_pic.thumb
      Jeb Havens on September 24, 2010

      Can't wait to see this come to life! Waiting for gameful is kinda like seeing a set of board game pieces you can't play with yet. :)

    43. Untitled_62.thumb
      Evan Balster on September 24, 2010

      This is absolutely wonderful. I dug deep enough into my pockets to make reward #2. <3

    44. Img_0581.thumb
      Tim Letscher on September 24, 2010

      4 days to go and 444 backers so far!

    45. Img_3909.thumb
      Jane McGonigal on September 24, 2010

      Now that's gameful thinking Chris. ^_^

    46. Fb_profile_picture.thumb
      Chris Horton on September 24, 2010

      I originally pledged at a low tier, but after thinking about how exciting this could be and how much it's in line with my own belief that games can improve the world, I think it's time to... LEVEL UP!

    47. 6371692119714239106.thumb
      Daniel Morris on September 23, 2010

      So impressed with this, can't wait to get involved.

    48. Img_3909.thumb
      Jane McGonigal on September 22, 2010

      Wow... the impossible is now seemingly just a LITTLE bit possible... 50K to kickstart gameful? 30 days ago that would have seemed preposterous.... we'll see...! I'll take all suggestions for last minute rewards for all if we hit 50K...

    49. Img_0581.thumb
      Tim Letscher on September 20, 2010

      \o/
      I'm looking forward to hiding a Fiero Monster on the site :-P

    50. Mepicspeech_kickstarter.thumb
      rHornbek on September 20, 2010

      Hey guys, I am still UBER excited about the website's release! I look forward to working through it, on my first project (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1685046864/kernips-plant-it-water-it-and-burn-it) and others.

593
Backers
$64,965
pledged of $2,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding Successful

This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 29, 2010.

Pledge $12 or more Pledge $12 or more

210 Backers

FOUNDER'S REWARD: You get your name on the list of Gameful Founders; PLUS a Founder icon for your Gameful profile page; PLUS a secret, hand-numbered puzzle piece that will serve as your official Gameful founder’s card. (Slip it in your wallet; Whenever you meet another founder, check to see if your puzzle pieces connect. If they do, it’s a sign from the gameful gods that you are destined to join superpowers and collaborate!)

Pledge $24 or more Pledge $24 or more

83 Backers

SECRET BACK DOOR ACCESS: All of the above, PLUS secret access to the Gameful HQ 2 weeks before it officially opens to the public. That’s plenty of time to sneak around, find out how everything works, earn some bonus points, and leave your mark before everyone else arrives.

Pledge $48 or more Pledge $48 or more

165 Backers

MEGA BRAIN MELD: All of the above, PLUS a personalized, autographed copy of Jane McGonigal’s book REALITY IS BROKEN: WHY GAME MAKE US BETTER AND HOW THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. (Outside of North America please add $10; book will ship ~ January 20, 2011.) (Jane Says: “When you choose your reward, be sure to tell me who to sign to book to!”)

Pledge $98 or more Pledge $98 or more

6 Backers

HERO'S 12-PACK: (Save $48) Be the hero and snag Founder’s Rewards (including the profile icon AND the puzzle piece) for 12 people: you and 11 friends. PLUS, since you’re the hero of the gang, YOU get secret backdoor access to the HQ two weeks before it officially opens to the public.

Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more

1 Backer SOLD OUT (0 of 1 remaining)

OMG: The first person to support Gameful with $100 gets all of the above PLUS the original (the one and only!) neon green future forecasting poster in our Kickstart video, signed and personalized by the future forecaster. Tah-dah!

Pledge $144 or more Pledge $144 or more

56 Backers

THE AWESOME CIRCLE: All of the above; PLUS you will be listed on the official public roster of the Awesome Circle as a benefactor of Gameful (with a one-sentence bio, and your name can link to anything you want); AND you will be invited to serve as a judge for the annual Gameful Awards.

Pledge $288 or more Pledge $288 or more

12 Backers

SECRET FIERO MONSTER: All of the above, PLUS we will hide a custom Secret Fiero Monster icon on the site in your honor. (The Fiero Monster is our mascot.) The monster will appear in your choice of colors, whispering via cartoon bubble your choice of any (non-obscene ^_^) mysterious mantra of up to five words. The Monster will also link to your Gameful profile, ensuring that tons of interesting people discover you and your work. This monster will appear on the site for at least one year. (We will send you the art for your monster in case you want to make t-shirts, or put it on your business card. ^_^)

Pledge $576 or more Pledge $576 or more

23 Backers

THE AWESOME BOARD: All of the above; PLUS you will be listed on the Board of Directors for Gameful on the About page (with an extended bio); PLUS you will participate in private, behind-the-scenes discussions of what to do with Gameful next; PLUS you will be invited to occasional real-world meetups of the Awesome Board with the Gameful founders whenever we have them (mostly likely to be held at major game conferences, such as GDC, Games for Change, or SXSW interactive, and in whatever major U.S. cities we happen to find ourselves in, such as San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington DC and Los Angeles.)

Pledge $1,012 or more Pledge $1,012 or more

25 Backers

THE GAMEFUL FAIRY: Absolutely all of the above, PLUS you will get to establish an official Gameful Award, Challenge, or Scholarship to bestow on the recipient(s) of your choice anytime in 2011, up to $1000 to support their ongoing efforts to make awesome games that change the world. You can choose -- do you want to honor a game developer working to improve health? to be played on public transportation? to connect kids with their grandparents? to fix education? to help people dance more? to make a game for the city you live in? Your choice, your award -- YOU get to be the Gameful fairy. You will be honored by name, or anonymously, or on behalf of any corporation or organization -- with an optional photograph or a logo -- as you wish. We hope to have many different Gameful Fairies join us over the next two years, and there are no limits to how many scholarships, challenges or awards you can fund.

Project By

Img_3909.large

Has not connected their Facebook account.

Director of Game Research & Development at the Institute for the Future. Founder of Avant Game. PhD in game theory. World Champion Pigeon Pinata Pummel 2007.

  1. avantgame.com