Updates: PnP, Manufacturing.
7 months ago – Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 11:04:43 AM

Happy October everyone!

I'll keep this one short.  

PnP Files:

Several of you messaged to ask about the PnP files.  I sincerely apologize that I let that deadline pass without an update.  I have just sent all of the remaining assetts to Patrick, who will be assembling the PnP for distribution.  He relays that he should have it ready by Monday, October 16th and I will plan on distributing it on Tuesday, October 16th.  I will update if we need additional time, but that is the current plan.

Manufacturing Updates:

Gameland (our manufacturer) was on holiday last week, but we've been in regular communication this week.  The vast majority of files are in and approved but we still need a couple more things before the production sample can be made.  Specifically, there are some minor updates needed to the box to cover all the legal responsibilities, the design for the draw bags (done, just needs to be submitted), and the files arranged for the rulebook.  It shouldn't be much longer.  

That's it for now.  I apreciate your patience and look forward to sharing more substantive news soon!

Super Snipers Rulebook! Manufacturing to start! Lock-down date set.
8 months ago – Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 12:13:04 PM

I'll keep this one short.

Rulebook:

The Super Snipers rulebook is done!  Please take a look and let us know if you catch any issues.  Note that the QR codes have links that aren't complete just yet.  We will be sending the rulebook and cards to our French, Spanish, and German translators soon!

Super Snipers Rulebook

Manufacturing:

Manufacturing deposit is paid, files are nearly all prepped, and I should be able to share pics of a production sample later this month or early next!  

Locking Orders October 1st.

Because I will need the Backerkit Funds to pay for manufacturing, freight, and shipping, I will be Locking Orders and charging Credit Cards on October 1st.  You will get additional reminders, but please, please finalize your pledges and double check your addresses in Backerkit before then.  Pre-orders will remain available after this date.  

Conventions:

I will have a table at CuseCon, that runs 9/22-9/24.   I also plan on attending Pax Unplugged.  I won't have a table there but plan on having my Super Snipers manufacturing sample there to show off.  

Take a look at that rulebook, double check your pledges, and thank you for supporting my dream!

Galen

Shipping Costs Added
9 months ago – Tue, Aug 29, 2023 at 01:30:44 PM

Whew!  While I anticipate that I may have made some mistakes and may possibly still need to make an adjustment or two before locking down the orders, I believe I have added all the relevant shipping rates into Backerkit!

The good news is that, with only a couple of exceptions, I was able to meet or beat my shipping estimates I provided during the campaign!  I'll give you the run-down shortly, but first a couple of important facts:

1. Super Snipers ways slightly over 4 pounds!  I had not anticipated just how much stuff and weight I was adding to the game with the stretch goals, but the end result is beefy!  Weight-based shipping is mostly broken up into 3 tiers:

48-96 ounces - covers 1 game and all add-ons without adding any additional costs

96-160 ounces - covers 2 games and 2 sets of add-ons.  This is deeply discounted or no extra charge for most regions.  I encourage you to take a look if you were interested in adding another copy.

160 ounces and above - Covers anything more than that.

2. My choice to work with Spiral Galaxy (a UK-based fulfillment center) has resulted in better costs for the UK and most of Europe.  

Everything around getting a VAT and EORI number was very complicated, and splitting up freight comes at a cost, but I'm investing in my continuing ability to serve backers and new customers in these regions.  

Note that Europe is not split up exactly as it was in the initial estimates.

Shipping Prices:

USA:  Estimate was $15.

1 Game and all Add-ons: $15

2 Games and Add-ons: $15

Anything more than that: $25

Canada:  Estimate was $20.  Actual costs were significantly higher and I am raising it, but eating some of the costs.

1 Game and all Add-ons: $25

2 Games and Add-ons: $30

Anything more than that: $40

UK:  Estimate was $15

1 Game and all Add-ons: $12

2 Games and Add-ons: $12

Anything more than that: $20

Europe Zone 1:  Estimate was $18

1 Game and all Add-ons: $18

2 Games and Add-ons: $25

Anything more than that: $45

Rest of Europe:  Estimate was $35

1 Game and all Add-ons: $35

2 Games and Add-ons: $40

Anything more than that: $45

Australia: Estimate was $16 - I had to raise this one a bit but am eating a lot of the shipping costs to keep it close

1 Game and all Add-ons: $18

2 Games and Add-ons: $25

Anything more than that: $45

Middle East: Estimate was $45

1 Game and all Add-ons: $35

2 Games and Add-ons: $45

Anything more than that: $45

Asia: Estimate was $25

1 Game and all Add-ons: $25

2 Games and Add-ons: $35

Anything more than that: $45

Local Pick-Up:  Estimate was $5

It will be free no matter what amount you order.  Stay tuned for more information as to where and when these will be available.

That's all for now.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I will probably be charging cards near the end of next month, but you will get plenty of notice.

Galen

Gen Con and Updated Timelines.
9 months ago – Sun, Aug 20, 2023 at 08:36:54 AM

Let's start with Progress:

Rulebook:  The final edit of the rulebook has been received from our editor and passed along to Hwa, who is in the process of making the final adjustments.

Shipping and Fulfillment:  I have paid a deposit to Bridge Distribution (US and Canada fulfillment) in order to reserve our "spot" for when fulfillment happens in - hopefully - late Fall or Winter.  I've nearly finished navigating the months long process of securing my VAT number (should be receiving any day now) and will be signing the contract and paying the deposit to Spiral Galaxy (EU/UK and rest of the world fulfillment) in the next couple of weeks.

I plan on finalizing the shipping charges before September 15th and will update here (and in Backerkit) with the final numbers.  It still looks like I should be sticking with my estimated shipping numbers for almost all locations.

The Updated Timeline:

I was hoping that I'd be able to tell you that the files are with the manufacturer, but we are still finishing up the final edit of the rulebook.  Because there are 3 people involved in the process: myself, the editor, and the artist putting it all together, it has moved more slowly than I'd hoped.  We all also recognize how important getting the rulebook right is, and I promise it is time well spent.

Once the rulebook is finished, we will be sending files over to the manufacturer and will be able to get a more exact timeline together.  The current timeline estimate is:

September:  All files with manufacturer, Shipping rates set.

September 30th:  Lock Orders and charge credit cards.  PnP delivered to Backers.

October:  Approve final version and complete manufacturing.

November: Games will arrive at the fulfillment centers and start shipping.  

December: All Backers will have their games.

As I said, this is the current aspiration.  I will absolutely update when I have a manufacturing timeline estimate.  

Gen Con!

At the start of this month, I got to attend my first ever Gen Con!  It was an incredible and overwhelming experience.  I ran multiple Super Snipers how-to-play events and had the  opportunity to meet some of you as well as gain some new backers and fans!  

The events ran buttery smooth and were a reminder just how great and polished this game is.  I can't wait for you all to have it in your hands!

Thanks for reading,

   Galen

Super Snipers -July Update: Art finished, Insert, GenCon!
10 months ago – Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 12:34:36 PM

Art is Finished!

Hwa has completed the final Location for Super Snipers, wrapping up the last of the art for the game!  Introducing: The Garage!

Rulebook: 

Emily Willix (our editor) and I combed through the draft I posted last month and compiled a list of edits which Hwa is diligently working on implementing now.  I am really, really pleased with how the rulebook is turning out and feeling confident that you will be able to learn from it with minimal issues.

Insert:

I got to talk with Matt Healey - who has done the inserts for a tooon of games (Frosthaven being a great example)  - and he has created the insert for Super Snipers.  Take a look!

This will not only keep your game components safe and organized, it will make set up and breakdown a breeze.  

GenCon!

I am beyond excited to be heading to my first GenCon this year.  I will be bringing two updated prototypes of Super Snipers to teach and play.  I just saw (as of several minutes ago) that my request to add tickets have been approved so there are an additional 2 tickets for each learn-to-play event.  Get to these fast if you are interested!

Updated Prototypes!

I updated the prototypes with the new Target and Locate Grid art, new cards, and Hiding Discs.  Amazing work from the GameCrafter.  Take a look!

TTS:

The Tabletop Simulator Mod for Super Snipers is updated with all the new art and is playable now.  What are you waiting for?   Join the Discord to set up a game with me or others if you'd like to learn!

What's Next?

I'm heading on vacation next week and will be pretty focused on GenCon prep when I get back.  That said, the PnP is being assembled and should be good to go next month.  Once the next draft of the rulebook is ready (any day now), we will get it in front of as many eyes as possible as well as go over it with Emily.  Once that's done, it's just finalizing a few graphics on the box and time to prep the files for the manufacturer!  I really appreciate everyone's patience.

What's next for Galen's Games?

You may not have actually asked that, but I will answer anyway!  If you're just here for the Super Snipers news, feel free to ignore.  

I've been working hard on my new game, Dog Days, a 2-4 player puzzley Gateway game of bringing dogs to the park and trying to make them as happy as possible.  I'll be bringing this one to First Exposure at GenCon.

I'm undecided about self-publishing this one and am actively setting up some pitches to help me decide.  I do, however, know what I am doing next!  A series of 2-player Mint Tin Games.  Here's what's coming:

Dice Clash!

A 1-2 player head-to-head dueling game using an intense dice placement mechanic.  This is a co-design between myself and the great dudes at Crossbow Games.  Art will be done by Super Snipers artist, Hwa Siang. 

Heritage Farms:

Remember the old riddle about the Farmer who needs to get a chicken, fox, and bag of corn across the river, but only has space for one at a time in his boat?  Well, I've made a competitive two-player game out of that central concept!  This is a thinky but simple strategy game that plays in about 20 minutes.

Verdant Arizona:

This is a design by Robin David (designer of LetterPress) that I've signed.  Fans of Patchwork and Arboretum will enjoy this surprisingly cuthroat game about building the best Cacti Garden.  

Mint Tin Monster Mash-Up:

This one is designed by Chris Backe.  The concept is simple: you are mad scientists mashing together animals and then fighting them.  The mash-up will not only dictate the monster's stats, but create a unique "if-then" power for you to use to your advantage,  I will be working with the talented John DeCampos (Token Terrors) for the art on this one!

Well, that's it for now.  I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer and I hope I get to meet some of you at GenCon!

Galen.