Example milestone plan
An example plan for a video game dream with a goal of CN¥230,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
CN¥34,500 · 15%
Prototype the core loop
Post gameplay footage from a small playable prototype, control notes and a scoped list of mechanics for the first version.
Milestone 2
CN¥92,000 · 40%
Build the playable slice
Share a continuous playthrough of the main level, an asset progress sheet and evidence of completed gameplay systems.
Milestone 3
CN¥57,500 · 25%
Expand and test content
Upload new level footage, anonymised playtest notes and a bug summary showing fixes to progression and performance.
Milestone 4
CN¥46,000 · 20%
Package the game build
Post a release candidate walkthrough, settings and save tests, and setup instructions for the intended play platform.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each proven milestone proves you deliver and encourages Backers to fund the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Content outgrows the team
More levels and characters can multiply art and coding work. Fix the playable slice scope first and price additional content only after its production effort is visible.
- R2
Core play feels unclear
A working mechanic may still confuse new players. Schedule outside playtests before expanding levels and budget time to revise controls, feedback and the opening tutorial.
- R3
Performance falls late
New assets can make later levels run worse than the prototype. Set test targets early and check representative scenes before spending the final stage on packaging.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a video game dream in Nanjing, shown in CNY. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
CN¥230,000
- Programming and game systemsCN¥126,500 · 55%
- Art animation and audioCN¥46,000 · 20%
- Playtesting and compatibility checksCN¥23,000 · 10%
- Distribution and support reserveCN¥34,500 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- CN¥230,000
- 0% platform commission
- −CN¥34,500
- You receive
- CN¥195,500
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
Should my first milestone be a trailer or a playable prototype?
A prototype is stronger evidence of the core mechanics than an edited trailer alone. Share direct gameplay footage and explain what is playable, what is temporary and which systems the next milestone will add.
Does backing a game mean receiving a copy at launch?
A cohero backing is a gift rather than a game purchase. Keep funding milestones focused on development proof, and do not present access keys, sales success or a launch date as something the backing guarantees.
How many milestones should a video game dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
Ready when you are
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