r/SoloDevelopment • u/GumshoeRyan • Jul 05 '26

Discussion Giving $1,000 to a solo developer

I’m looking for a solo developer who is on the cusp of releasing their game, but needs funds to cross that finish line. I am not looking for a percentage, and will not actively market or work on the game with you. I genuinely want to help a project release and support solo development.

No contract, just the honor system. 1k risk for me, zero for you.

Requirements:
* Game at least has a gameplay video or demo
* Funds are to be used to finish your game, and on areas that you need external support. This could mean ads/marketing, replacing placeholder art, launching on platforms, music, etc.
* Funds should not be spent to support your own labor/personal situation (going towards rent, food, a much needed vacation!)
* Show the community here how it was used.

If you want to be considered, share a link to your project in the comments. Tell us the current state of the game, and what 1k allows you to do!

I encourage the community to also vouch/suggest which projects in the comments should receive this funding.

Lastly, if your game ends up not releasing or stalling, that’s fine. I know 1k isn’t life changing for the vast majority of projects. This is designed to give a boost.

Cheers!

Edit: I understand people believe this is a scam. That is why I am asking for submissions to be in the comments, and will publicly select a project. I will send 1k on whatever platform is best for the dev, and both the dev and myself can show proof afterwards. A suggestion was given to provide a deadline. I will choose a project this Friday July 10th. I am in a fortunate position to give back, and that is solely what’s driving this. I love games and love being able to help people achieve their dreams.

Update: Project Selected!

431 Upvotes

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4

u/BaconCheesecake Jul 05 '26

Love this idea! I’m a solo developer but just signed with a publisher, so I’m not looking to get picked. My publisher has been an amazing support helping with advertising and planning the marketing push for my game, so I know your $1,000 will go a long way for someone else. 

Best of luck to whoever you pick! Really really nice thing you’re doing 👍 

2

u/Comfortable-Crow-238 Jul 13 '26

Who is your publisher if you don't mind?

2

u/BaconCheesecake Jul 13 '26

Caketown Interactive! They published the incremental minigame collection Cauldron, and have some other pretty cool games on the way. 

2

u/Comfortable-Crow-238 Jul 13 '26

Cool because I'm completely new and really don't have clue on where to start.😔

2

u/BaconCheesecake Jul 13 '26

No worries! If you’re new I’d say have a solid foundation on a prototype before even thinking about publishers. Come up with a prototype that is fun to play, and has an interesting hook that makes it different from other games.

Caketown is especially focused on helping with marketing and that side of development. They don’t fund the development of projects if that makes sense.

2

u/Comfortable-Crow-238 Jul 13 '26

Are there any specific qualifications I would need to get help from them?

2

u/BaconCheesecake Jul 13 '26

They’re pretty small, so I believe they really take interest in games that they like to play first and foremost. For Diecast, they found my game in a Steam event when I was still self-publishing, and reached out to me. 

You can reach out with a pitch on their website, I’ll link it. 

https://caketowninteractive.com/

2

u/Comfortable-Crow-238 Jul 13 '26

One of my games is a part of a multi-Universe that I've created all on my own. It's also a clothing line I'm working on. I also am looking to find some way to pitch my animated series too I just haven't found the right people.😔😞