Godot Engine is stepping into the subscription world to hire more people and improve their game-making tool, Godot Engine. They’ve officially introduced the Godot Development Fund (GDF) to support their ongoing development.
In their announcement blog, Godot mentioned that this fund is a straightforward way for anyone to contribute money and ensure the project’s stability and future. The GDF is designed to make sure Godot Engine can continue to grow and thrive on its own.
Over time, companies like Epic Games have tried different ways to attract developers to their game engines. Godot is now making it crystal clear that their new strategy will directly benefit their engine, which will, in turn, be a great advantage for those who are unsure about which engine to use for their games.
In addition to reducing the fees for using their platform, Godot’s new fund will enable them to hire more developers, cover costs for hosting and technical support, and make the Godot Engine even better. The more funds they gather, the more they can give back to you and the entire game development community.
Pricing of Godot Engine Development Fund
Regarding the pricing, there are different levels of membership. The first one is Bronze, which costs around €5 per month (a bit over $5). The highest level is Diamond, priced at €250 per month. There’s also a Sponsor membership, but if you’re interested, you need to reach out to the developer directly for details on its cost.
If you’ve been supporting Godot through Patreon, they recommend switching to the GDF because it will make your donations more impactful.
The goal with the GDF is to keep getting better, and it helps Godot rely less on big one-time donations from companies. This financial independence allows them to focus more on what the community and open-source values want.
If developers want to contribute to the Godot Development Fund, they can do that by visiting this link.
what do Godot Engine think about their funding initiative?
Godot Engine is enthusiastic about the launch of its new funding initiative, the Godot Development Fund. The primary objective behind this initiative is to establish a direct and sustainable method for people from all walks of life to contribute to the project’s financial stability and ensure its long-term viability.
Since its soft launch in July, the Development Fund has garnered support from both new and long-time sponsors. However, Godot Engine recognizes the need to further elevate this initiative to maintain the current pace of development and enhance it through the addition of new team members.
One of the key benefits of the Development Fund is its capacity to bolster the self-sustainability and independence of the Godot Project. By leveraging this platform, the project can substantially reduce platform fees, and as a non-profit organization, it does not impose VAT on donations, unlike certain other platforms like Patreon. This means that every contribution goes directly into advancing and enhancing the Godot Engine itself.
For those already supporting Godot through Patreon, the Development Fund is encouraged as a more effective avenue for donations, ensuring that your support has a more significant impact.
Godot Engine is deeply committed to giving back to the community that sustains and inspires its progress. Regardless of the donation size, every contribution plays a crucial role. With the community’s assistance, the project can expand its developer team, create top-notch demos, cover hosting expenses and infrastructure costs, and continually refine the Godot Engine. The more funds amassed, the more Godot Engine can invest in and benefit the entire game development community.
Looking ahead, the Development Fund will undergo continuous improvements. Future enhancements will include automated rewards such as special Discord roles, as well as the ability for donors to proudly display their contribution level on key platforms.
By embracing recurring user-funded contributions and company sponsorships, Godot Engine is striving to reduce its reliance on substantial one-time grants from corporations. This newfound financial independence empowers the project to prioritize the needs and interests of its community and uphold the core principles of open source projects. The support received ensures that Godot Engine can chart its unique path, uphold its fundamental values, and continue evolving in ways that truly serve its users.
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Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Godot Development Fund (GDF)?
The Godot Development Fund is a funding initiative introduced by Godot Engine to support the ongoing development and sustainability of the Godot Engine, an open-source game development tool. It allows individuals and companies to contribute financially to the project.
2. Why should I switch from Patreon to the Godot Development Fund?
Switching from Patreon to the Godot Development Fund can make your donations more effective. The GDF offers lower platform fees, ensuring that a higher portion of your contribution directly supports the development of the Godot Engine.
3. How will my donations to the GDF benefit the community?
Your donations, regardless of their size, will have a significant impact. They will enable Godot Engine to hire more developers, create high-quality demos, cover hosting and infrastructure costs, and continually improve the Godot Engine. The more funds received, the more the project can give back to the entire game development community.
4. What are the future enhancements planned for the Development Fund?
In the future, the Development Fund will offer automated rewards such as special Discord roles, and donors will have the option to showcase their contribution level on major platforms.
