Fig (company)

Fig was a crowdfunding platform specifically tailored for video game development. Launched in 2015, Fig allowed unaccredited investors to invest in video game projects and potentially share in the game's revenue, unlike traditional crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter which primarily offered rewards-based backing. Fig aimed to bridge the gap between developers and their communities, offering a novel approach to funding video game development.

Fig operated using a system where investors could purchase "Shares" in a specific game project. If the game became profitable, investors would receive a return on their investment, proportionate to their share holdings. This approach differed significantly from reward-based crowdfunding, which offers perks like early access or in-game items in exchange for monetary contributions.

The platform was co-founded by Justin Bailey and initially focused on indie and AA game developers. Notable games funded on Fig include Psychonauts 2, Wasteland 3, and Outer Wilds.

In 2019, Fig was acquired by Republic, a platform focused on providing investment opportunities to a broader range of individuals, including startups and real estate. Following the acquisition, Fig was integrated into the Republic platform, effectively ending its run as a standalone crowdfunding platform for video games. The existing Fig investments were managed by Republic, and no new projects were launched under the Fig brand.

The platform's significance lies in its innovative approach to video game funding, allowing smaller investors to participate in the potential financial success of games they were passionate about. It offered an alternative to traditional publishing models and venture capital, giving developers greater control over their projects and fostering a stronger connection with their fanbase. While the Fig platform itself no longer exists, its impact on the video game industry and the evolution of crowdfunding remains noteworthy.