- 01
Gifts, not investments
A backing is a voluntary gift towards a goal. Nothing is sold, no ownership changes hands and no return is promised. Backers support a person; you keep control.
- 02
Why milestones still matter
Without contracts, Backers rely on transparency. You post proof for each milestone so they can review your progress and choose to support your dream directly with confidence.
- 03
What you owe Backers
Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. Because Backers can pay milestone by milestone, they only send further support as you prove progress.
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.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a video game dream with a goal of €31,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
€4,650 · 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
€12,400 · 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
€7,750 · 25%
Expand and test content
Upload new level footage, anonymised playtest notes and a bug summary showing fixes to progression and performance.
Milestone 4
€6,200 · 20%
Package the game build
Post a release candidate walkthrough, settings and save tests, and setup instructions for the intended play platform.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a video game dream in Athens, shown in EUR. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
€31,000
- Programming and game systems€17,050 · 55%
- Art animation and audio€6,200 · 20%
- Playtesting and compatibility checks€3,100 · 10%
- Distribution and support reserve€4,650 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €31,000
- 0% platform commission
- −€4,650
- You receive
- €26,350
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.
Questions and answers
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.
Do I have to pay Backers back?
No. Backers send gifts directly to your own payment account. cohero never holds funds or reverses payments; any dispute or refund request is handled between you and the Backer through your payment provider.
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.
Ready when you are
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