Elestrals Awakened, a Pokémon-inspired RPG by content creator aDrive, has become the most crowdfunded video game of 2025, surpassing $1.3 million from over 9,000 backers on Kickstarter. The project, expanding from a 2022 trading card game, features creature collection and battles in a mythic world. It is slated for release on Steam and Nintendo Switch in December 2027.
Campaign Success
Elestrals Awakened achieved record-breaking status on Kickstarter, raising more than $1.3 million. The campaign, launched by YouTuber and Twitch streamer aDrive, drew support from a dedicated fan base built around the original Elestrals trading card game from 2022. On November 4, the official Elestrals X account announced the milestone, stating: “Be part of history and the MOST FUNDED Video Game of 2025!” This success highlights the appeal of community-driven projects in the gaming industry.
Game Details
Described as a 2.5D pixel-art RPG, Elestrals Awakened combines role-playing, strategy, and monster collection elements inspired by Pokémon. Players explore an elemental world filled with mythic lore, capturing, training, and battling over 100 spirits drawn from Greek mythology. The game marks the franchise's first venture into digital video games, aiming to broaden its audience beyond cards.
Release and Rewards
The title is projected for a December 2027 launch on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Backers can access rewards such as digital copies, closed beta testing, physical merchandise, and collector’s edition items tied to the trading card series. Multiple stretch goals have been met, promising expanded storylines, more spirits, and improved visuals and audio design.
This crowdfunding triumph underscores the enduring popularity of nostalgic creature-collection RPGs and the influence of independent creators like aDrive.