Brandon Sanderson Sets New Kickstarter Record with Cosmere RPG
Author Brandon Sanderson has partnered with Brotherwise Games to develop a role-playing game inspired by his popular “Mistborn,” “Stormlight Archive,” and other works.
Brandon Sanderson has made a significant impact in the fantasy genre, establishing himself as a leading author known for his prolific output and widespread popularity.
Sanderson gained fame in 2007 when he was chosen to complete the renowned “Wheel of Time” series after the passing of its author, Robert Jordan. Since then, he has garnered a devoted fanbase through his own series, like “Mistborn” and “The Stormlight Archive.”
The popularity of his works has been immense, leading fans to contribute millions to experience those universes firsthand.
In a remarkable crowdfunding initiative, Sanderson has collaborated with Brotherwise Games to launch a role-playing game that draws from the shared universe of “Mistborn,” “Stormlight Archive,” and other novels he calls the “Cosmere.” The game has shattered records on Kickstarter, raising over $14.6 million.
“We are now the number one Kickstarter RPG of all time,” Sanderson shared on TikTok, expressing gratitude to his supporters. “You guys are amazing.”
Here’s what you should know about Sanderson and his new tabletop role-playing game:
Insights on Brandon Sanderson
At 48 years old, Sanderson has authored numerous books across fantasy, science fiction, and young adult genres.
He is particularly recognized for his acclaimed “Mistborn” and “Stormlight Archive” series.
According to Sanderson, “Mistborn” catapulted his career even more so than his first book, “Elantris,” released in 2005. The story revolves around Allomancers—individuals who use magical metals to challenge an empire—and it’s one of Sanderson’s recommended reads for new fans.
Currently, Sanderson is working on “The Stormlight Archive,” a highly ambitious series planned to consist of ten books, with only four published to date—each exceeding 1,000 pages. The fifth book, “Wind and Truth,” is set for release in December.
This series is celebrated on platforms like TikTok, where it’s regarded as one of the finest pieces of modern fantasy.
Understanding the Cosmere
Most of Sanderson’s literary works, including “Mistborn” and “The Stormlight Archive,” are set within a fictional universe known as the Cosmere.
It’s similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where characters and stories interconnect across different narratives.
Cosmere RPG Breaks New Records
A skilled marketer, Sanderson has utilized Kickstarter previously to support his creative projects.
In 2022, he raised over $41.7 million for four undisclosed books, which were intended as standalone narratives through his publishing house, Dragonsteel Entertainment.
This campaign became the largest in Kickstarter history in terms of total pledges, exceeding the previous record by more than double. It set records for the most money raised in the first 24 hours ($15.4 million), along with the highest amounts for both funding and backers in that timeframe.
Now, his tabletop RPG is making waves again, setting another Kickstarter milestone. The campaign has received the highest funding of any game project on the platform, as confirmed by Kickstarter.
The funds amassed by the Cosmere Role Playing Game far exceed the prior record held by the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” board game, which raised $9.3 million.
“We’re incredibly excited to see such overwhelming support
According to Maggie Clayton, the head of games at Kickstarter, the community’s enthusiasm and support for Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Roleplaying Game has been remarkable. She stated, “At Kickstarter, we prioritize empowering creators like Brandon and the Brotherwise Games team to forge meaningful connections with their audiences.”
What is the Cosmere RPG and how is it played?
The Cosmere Role Playing Game offers players the chance to immerse themselves in the fantastical realms described in Sanderson’s novels.
Participants can embody characters such as a Knight Radiant from “Stormlight” or a Mistborn fighter.
The game format, which involves embarking on various adventures and confrontations, will be recognizable to fans of Dungeons & Dragons. Moreover, each installment of the Cosmere RPG will incorporate illustrated guides rich with backstory from Sanderson’s works, catering to both players and those merely interested in the lore.
When will the tabletop RPG be available?
The Kickstarter campaign for the Cosmere Role Playing Game concluded on Thursday.
However, the release of the Stormlight Archives Role Playing Game is not anticipated until September 2025, with the Mistborn Role Playing Game expected to follow in 2026.
