Fair Play Collective

Why We Exist

The games industry, in its current form, is not sustainable.

You've all heard the stories of mass layoffs at your favorite studios - both when a project is going poorly, AND when it goes incredibly well. The crunch at the end of every project. Uprooting your family every few years to chase the next job. Colleagues who burn out and go to write dental software instead.

We believe a better system is possible. With stable, transparent funding, community support, and creative freedom, we can make the industry better for all the people that love it. We believe games are an art form, players can and should be invested partners, and people are the games industry's greatest resource.

What We're Building

We want to provide:

• Stable multi-year funding so studios can make the games they want to make, without crunching or cutting corners

• Livable wages, with transparency and predictability

• Creative freedom, with less pressure to demo to execs or launch early access before it's ready

• A community for indie devs to support and learn from one another

We're not a publisher, or a crowdfunder. We want to build a mutual aid system for indie developers - funded by people who are excited to try new things and find those hidden gem games.

What We Stand For

Creative Sovereignty:

Devs are empowered to make the games they're passionate about. We don't aim to accept only the games we think will be successful commercially, but games that push the boundaries, tell meaningful stories, or make us think.

Worker-First Ethics:

Studios we work with commit to no crunch and no layoffs, as well as sharing their compensation plans and timelines to ensure that game devs have safe, sane conditions to work in.

Trust, Not Access:

Teams can choose what they share early - whether that's the tiniest teaser image, a full demo, or nothing at all. Backers fund projects because they want to help and want to play cool games (when they're done!).

Transparency Everywhere:

Studios share timelines and project status publicly, as well as salary information. Devs aren't forced to sign NDAs that keep their work behind a curtain.

Community Without Control:

Studios can share what they want with the community, and can take feedback if they wish, but aren't forced to change course if they don't believe it's the right choice.

How it Works (Right Now)

Monthly Backers Fund the Pool:

Supporters choose a tier and pay a monthly subscription fee. Updated information about where the money is going is available every month.

Studios Apply for Funding:

Studios put together a plan for the creative direction and production of their game, including timelines, staffing, and salaries. They must also agree to the no-layoff / no-crunch pledge. These are reviewed by a developer-led board.

Selected Studios Receive Monthly Support:

Studios that are selected can receive up to 24 months of funding. Studios need to maintain accountability with monthly progress reports.

Games Are Released When They're Ready:

Teams can decide the timelines that work for them, without the pressure of external deadlines or early access releases (unless they want to!).

Backers Get Benefits:

Backers get a free game every month, discounts on new games, and updates and transparency reports from studios we're working with. Most of all, they get the knowledge that they're creating a space for developers to make great games.

Backer Benefits

One free rotating game/month once our library begins
Discounts for all games supported by the Fair Play Collective while subscribed
Regular dev diaries and behind-the-scenes studio updates from teams we're working with including exclusive AMAs and interviews
Asset packs of wallpapers, icons, themes, and more from studios
Steeply discounted Fair Play Collective merch that directly benefits the studios you're funding
Be part of the games - Founding Member credit in every funded game!
More to be announced here as the program matures!

Accountability & Zero Tolerance

Part of building a better games industry is ensuring its people are protected from exploitation and abuse. We have zero tolerance for:

Misuse of funds
Sexual harassment or misconduct
Bullying, threats, or verbal abuse
Discrimination or hate speech
Physical violence or intimidation
Forced/coerced crunch

To set clear, enforceable expectations, we will take the following steps for any violation:

A confidential investigation will be started.
If allegations are substantiated, funding will be suspended and a public accountability report will be issued.
Studios may be permanently removed from the program.

We do not shield abusers - we will take action.

Join Us

Together, we can build a better games industry. One built on trust and respect while working towards transparency, mutual support, and true creative freedom: what we hold should be the standard, instead of the ideal.

The FPC Manifesto