24 Hours

There are crazy days and then there are days like yesterday. Kickstarter has experienced some frantic hours but nothing like what happened in the 24-hour span between Wednesday at 6:54pm and Thursday at 6:44pm. Two million-dollar projects, a major political speech involving Kickstarter, an amazing band launching a project for a comeback 20 years in the making… the list goes on. Here’s a minute-by-minute breakdown of the day’s events.

Wednesday, 6:54pm: Elevation Dock sees its $942,579th dollar, passing the TikTok to become the largest project in Kickstarter history.

Wed, 8:52pm: Double Fine Adventure, a new game project from Tim Schafer and 2 Player Productions, launches.

Wed, 9:38pm: Everyone (us included) starts freaking out.

Thursday, 12:38am: Double Fine crosses $200,000 in pledges.

Thur, 1:51am: Beloved indie band (and office favorite) Black Tambourine launches a project for new material and reunion shows, their first appearance since 1991. Any other time this is the day’s big news.

Thur, 5:31am: Double Fine Adventure reaches its $400,000 goal in just eight hours. It’s the fastest start to any project in Kickstarter history.

Thur, 7:33am: We notice that Double Fine creator Tim Schafer stayed up all night watching it happen (us too!).

Thur, 9:41am: We announce that Kickstarter will be featured on Portlandia on Friday at 10pm on IFC, and we talk to Fred Armisen (he was very nice). One of the coolest things that’s ever happened to us but just another moment on a day like today.

Thur, 11:46am: Newly crowned Kickstarter record-holder Casey Hopkins of Elevation Dock posts an update  expressing love for his backers and giving props to TikTok creator Scott Wilson.

Thur, 12:45pm: We’re in attendance at the State of the City address at New York’s City Hall where New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announces a new effort by the city to support New York-based Kickstarter projects. The proposal gets a huge round of applause.

Thur, 1:15pm: TikTok creator and longtime record-holder Scott Wilson posts an update congratulating Double Fine on their achievement.

Thur, 2:08pm: Elevation Dock  becomes the first Kickstarter project to see $1 million in pledges! Wow!

Thur, 2:46pm: Excitement grows…

Thur, 3:20pm: Kickstarter passes $1,000,000 in pledges for the day and it’s still light out. The previous single-day record: $736,730, set the day before. The final tally for February 9th: $1,605,981 pledged.

Thur, 3:33pm: A crew from China’s CCTV comes to film at the office. Oddly they speak French.

Thur, 5:40pm: Every computer in the office is refreshing Double Fine. When will it hit a million?

Thur, 6:31pm: The team gathers to watch the project on the big screen. When will it hit???

Thur, 6:40pm: USA Today  marks  Double Fine’s impending achievement.

Thur, 6:41pm: Like everyone, we’re repeatedly hitting refresh on the project page. When will it hit????

Thur, 6:42pm: DOUBLE FINE HITS $1,000,000 IN JUST 24 HOURS!!!! After not having a single million dollar project in Kickstarter’s first two-plus years, there are suddenly two within four hours of each other.

Thanks and congratulations to everyone on an unforgettable 24 hours. YES!!!!!