Building the Team

 Building the Team

This is why I need artists on my team!

 

Here is view of the "Command Board". This is where the Incident Commander runs the Negotiations at the beginning of the game. As the game progresses, the Command Post, Negotiations Van, and Bomb Squad arrive to work form here. There is also a place to park the Armored Vehicle for possible deployment to the main board later as well as a place to park the equipment truck.

Since my last post a lot of things have been happening and I have several people interested in joining up to help me on this project. Once people get officially committed there will be introductions, but for now I just wanted to update you on what has happened over the weekend.

I currently have interest from a very talented young artist from here in the Denver area and I think her talent will be invaluable to getting this game a unique and stunning visual element. I am also speaking to a talented artist, graphic designer, and general internet wizard who will help me bring this project to life online. A good friend of mine is helping me setup a company and will handle accounting responsibilities. Another good friend who helped me play test my first version and even changed the way the entire game started will be helping with design. My sister-in-law has graciously volunteered to help with marketing which will be huge as that is way over my head.

Finally, I have already had a lot of friends say they are excited to play test the game to help work out the bugs. I go on vacation at the beginning of June and when I get back I will begin scheduling play test events through Facebook and other mediums as they get launched. They will eventually be open to anyone in the area so stay tuned.

I am meeting with my team members throughout this coming week and will keep you updated. One of our first decision points that I would like to include the community in, is this: What should the game be called? I gave a brief description of the game in my post "One Small Step..." near the bottom.

Comment below with suggestions for a name or join the poll on Facebook!

Until next time...

Aaron

Kickstarter needs backing!

Campaign Trail

I saw this game being promoted many months ago and was not interested due to the current state of politics in this country. Based off of the box art and title, I did not want to give this project a chance. Since then I have read the current Kickstarter campaign site and see that this is a game about how campaigning works, or is supposed to work. The creator's father came up with the idea and now they have brought it to life after development since 2012. I hesitate to call this a game and would probably call it a simulator. You advertise, campaign, travel, debate and try to get enough voters in the electoral college to be elected President; and you do it all without getting in to actual politics.

This game comes to us from Cosmic Wombat Games and is their second Kickstarter campaign. They are doing things right by listening to their audience. I remember what turned me off initially was the logo they had with a boxing elephant and donkey. Now the box features a capitol dome and invites a more educational feel than a me vs. you fight. The best part though? A viable third party option! This game can teach us a few things about current American politics and can show us how a third party candidacy can affect the game.

As of 5/21 they are 96% funded with 12 days to go. For more info on the campaign, click here.

What do you think about this game? Would you play it? Will you back it? Anyone want to play it on Tabletopia?

One small step

One Small Step...

I am designing a Board Game! Yes, several months ago I began developing a game that is unique, fun and very versatile. The photo above is my hand-drawn first version of the game. It has been play tested be several friends and family and I am currently working on version two. After several plays I believe this game has a viable chance of becoming successful. Those that see my occasional posts on the blog know that I back Kick Starter projects frequently and I am now looking to start a project to feature on Kick Starter.

This is going to be a large task, possibly one of the largest tasks I have ever attempted, but with the help of friends and family, I hope to bring this game to a professional quality of manufacturing and artwork. I am currently assembling a team of artists and other business-savvy people to help with this endeavor. A timeline has not yet been set but the first step begins today. I will keep posting about progress towards a launch day and will keep you updated about the development of the game itself so that I can provide a top-quality game that you would be proud to show on your "shelfies."

About the game: The game is a cooperative board game for 1 - 4 players set in modern time. The premise is that the players are controlling a SWAT team attempting to bring a hostage situation to a successful resolution. The game uses resource management, press-your-luck, and grid-based combat mechanics. 6 (or more) situation variables allow for the game to have a high replay value.

What can you do? Share this with your friends and help me generate hype as we take this adventure together. In the Denver area? Keep following this blog as I will need play-testers to help fine tune the mechanics.

Until next time...

Aaron