Mobile crowdfunding outfit appbackr is slowly building up its presence in the app ecoystem, notably doing a deal with Paramount over its future slate of games.

Now it's highlighting some success stories, most recently pointing to the campaign run by Filipino developer Kuyi Mobile.

Aces high

It used the funding model for its Card Drop game, which was been live on the App Store since 2009.

However, with a December 2011 update due, owner Erick Garayblas decided to run a funding campaign to boost the update.

"I figured it won't hurt to get some funding so that I can prepare a huge launch," he said.

"Card Drop was in the App Store top charts when it first came out and I figured that with the huge update and proper backing, I can revive the game."

Pay now, profit later

As with all appbackr campaigns, the system works by selling future app sales to funders, in return for returns which range from 27 to 54 percent of the investment. Obviously, this depends on the app being successful and covering its funding in terms of sales.

Because Card Drop was already live on the App Store, the deal was that funders would get a return of 27 percent of their investment; 21 people put in a total of $1,620.

"Getting crowd-funding/sourcing was a new experience to me and I never realised that a lot of people are supportive with little projects like Card Drop," said Garayblas of the experience.

"While I did not get the sales I was hoping for after using the funds for ads and marketing, the experience was well worth it and knowing that a lot of people can believe in what you're doing is something I can never forget."

[source: appbackr]