- 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. Money is held per milestone and released only when you prove progress, so they can give with confidence.
- 03
What you owe Backers
Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. If you cannot finish, unreleased money goes back to Backers.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: CN¥1,000 gives the Dreamer CN¥850. The fee is kept if money is returned.
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 CN¥230,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
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.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a video game dream in Chengdu, shown in CNY. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
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
- Platform fee (15%)
- −CN¥34,500
- You receive
- CN¥195,500
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
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.
Do I have to pay Backers back?
No. Money released for completed milestones is yours. Money still held for unfinished milestones can go back to Backers under the Backing Policy, minus the platform fee.
Ready when you are
Sign in or create an account to publish a dream or back the ones you believe in.
Sign in / Create account