Australian Gaming Magazine CONTINUE Raises $70,000 on Kickstarter

Why It Matters

The success proves a viable market for premium, reader‑funded gaming journalism in Australia, potentially reshaping niche media financing. It also gives Australian game developers a dedicated platform to reach wider audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Continue raised ~AU$70k ($46k) in one Kickstarter week.
• Goal of AU$25k ($16.5k) was more than doubled.
• 60% backers are Australian, supporting local game coverage.
• First issue targets October launch before Melbourne Games Week.
• Funding covers production, but advertising remains excluded for now.

Pulse Analysis

The recent surge in Kickstarter‑backed print titles reflects a broader nostalgia‑driven revival of physical media, and Australia’s gaming community is no exception. CONTINUE’s rapid fundraising—over AU$70,000 in just seven days—signals that gamers are willing to pay for curated, long‑form content that digital outlets often overlook. By positioning itself as a premium, ad‑free publication, the magazine taps into a growing segment of readers who prefer subscription‑style support over banner ads, echoing trends seen with podcasts and niche newsletters.

For gaming journalism, CONTINUE challenges the prevailing ad‑reliant model that has struggled to sustain independent voices. The decision to forgo advertising in its debut issue underscores a commitment to editorial independence, while the reliance on volunteer contributors and pro‑bono studio features highlights both the community’s enthusiasm and the financial tightrope of print production. As shipping costs rise and platform fees eat into capital, the venture must balance quality with cost‑efficiency, a dilemma common to many reader‑supported media startups.

Looking ahead, CONTINUE could become a catalyst for Australia’s indie game ecosystem. By offering dedicated slots for local studios and promising a digital archive alongside the physical issue, the magazine creates a dual‑channel presence that amplifies developer visibility at events like Melbourne International Games Week. If the second‑issue funding goal is met, the model may prove scalable, encouraging similar niche publications worldwide and reinforcing the notion that high‑quality, community‑backed journalism can thrive beyond the digital noise.

Deal Summary

Australian gaming magazine CONTINUE, founded by former Kotaku Australia editor Mark Serrels and journalist Jackson Ryan, launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $70,000 in a week, surpassing its $25,000 goal. The funds will support the production of the first print issue and a new website, with the majority of backers based in Australia.