December Update: Updated Timelines.
about 1 year ago – Tue, Dec 19, 2023 at 01:18:46 PM

Happy Holidays:

I hope everyone has an amazing holiday season and that you get lots of quality time with your family and friends (hopefully playing some games!)

Updated Timelines:

Short Version:  Gameland has given me the sad news that Super Snipers will not complete production until after the Factories Close for the month of February for Spring Festival :( .  Current freight arriving estimates to my two fulfillment hubs are:

USA: April 8th-April 15th

UK: April 22nd.

From there, my two fulfillment partners: Bridge (US) and Spiral Galaxy (UK) will be packing and shipping to you.  I will keep you updated with an estimate of what that means for the different regions after I've had the chance to talk with them about the updated timelines.

Long Version:

Read on, or just take a look at the spreadsheet provided to me by Gameland: 

Production Timeline

December 18th - Pre-production Sample completed.

December 25th - Pre-prodcution Sample arrives (Merry Xmas to me!  I'll definitely share a video when it arrives).

By January 1st:  Approval and modification (if necessary)

January 2024 - Mass Production begins

February 2024 - Factories close down for Spring Festival 

1st week of March - Mass production completes

March 2024 - Assembly, packing and Freight sent out.

April 2024 - Super Snipers arrives at US fulfillment (first) and then UK and ROW.

May 2024 - Super Snipers starts showing up to Backers.

That's the plan for now.  I'll have a much more in-depth update for next month/ year.

I really appreciate your support and patience and apologize for the delays!  Have a great holiday and happy new year!

Galen.

Production Sample Updates / How's 2024 looking for everyone?
about 1 year ago – Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 12:42:41 PM

Lots of exciting things to share but let's start out with the "bad news".  Super Snipers will not be delivered until 2024.  It hurts to type it.  I pushed hard to not have to type this.  But it is what it is; and I continuously need to remind myself that my top priority is to deliver everyone the best possible version of this game as I have envisioned it.  And that is simply taking a bit more time than I would have liked.  As a first time self-publisher, there were (and still are) many things that I didn't know that I didn't know, and I will endeavor to be more cautious in my optimism around timelines moving forward.

Okay, onwards with the updates!

Stickers are in!

Thanks to everyone who ordered these and to those that supported the Super Saver pledge tier and will be receiving these as a thank you.  These are all around 4 inches and came out gorgeous!  

And a close up of Gunhead:

PnP now available in A4.

This was a bit of an oversight when I initially released the PnP.  You will now find that all the files are also available in A4 format at the same link backers were previously provided.  I will be updating all backers this week.

Speaking of oversights... I will be using my Mailchimp and Kickstarter accounts for all future emails and communications about this project and delivering items.  This will ensure that your information remains protected and private.  I apologize again for screwing this up previously.  For anyone unsure of what I am talking about, check out the last update.

Has anyone started tackling the PnP?  I'd love to see your builds!

Production Copy:

As part of the manufacturing process, Gameland will be creating a small run of games that Hwa and I will be able to inspect and either sign off on, or catch any errors or issues and make changes.  I've been receiving regular communications from them along with proofs as these are being assembled.  Overall, I am PSYCHED with how gorgeous everything has been turning out.  There were some issues though, and we are working to get them corrected before getting the samples (as you'll see below).  I no longer expect that I will have this in hand at PAX, but it shouldn't be too much longer before I'm able to inspect these.  Take a look below!

The Box:

Oh boy does this look so good.  The size is bigger than pics you've seen of the prototype as the full size Scope Boards (which were 2-pieces in the proto) need to fit.  

Focus:

AKA: the polyominoes for the game.  

And here's a video of the fit these will have on the Locate Grids:

For those of you who ordered the Acrylic Upgrade Packs, check this out:

I can't wait to play with these!

Rulebook:

Couldn't be happier with this!

Scope Boards:

This is really the deluxe component of the game and this is the first one where we are going to need to make some adjustments.  As you can see in the video, the fit for the discs is a bit too loose, and we are going to make adjustments for a more snug fit.  My primary reason for having these in the game is to provide for an edge to build against when doing your puzzle during the Target Phase of the game.  As a fan of polyomino games, this is something I've always wished for.  Additionally, when playing real-time, it almost becomes a necessity.  Towards this end, I've asked for video of the fit of the Target Grids and Focus within the Scope Boards to make sure we've got it right.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Some pics of the Scope Board:

And the back: 

Cards:

We need to slightly adjust the backs of some of the cards to keep the icons more safely away from the edge.  This is an easy fix.

Acrylic Tokens:

Here's another fix that needs to happen.  The drift with acrylic printing has affected the tokens with borders more than anticipated and we will be redoing these with thicker borders:

Still to Do:

• On the manufacturing end, I should be seeing the Insert, Target Grids (PVC), and Expansion box proofs this week.
• First pass at the French Translation of the rulebook is in.  French cards should be done soon.  Waiting for an update on the Spanish translation.
• 4-player mode is testing really well!  Still need to finish up the ruleset for that and for Blitz Mode.
• The remaining digital rewards are in process.

PAX Unplugged:

I'll be at Pax but no booth for Galen's Games.  I'll be demoing games at UnPub on Sunday (Block F) 10:30-1:30 but otherwise no official events scheduled.  I'll have Super Snipers with me all weekend as well and hope to meet some of you to demo.

That's enough news for now!  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday this week and I'll be updating next month.  I appreciate everyone's continued patience and support!

Galen.

I screwed up.
about 1 year ago – Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 10:12:40 AM

PnP Files released. All files into the Manufacturer. Updated Timelines.
about 1 year ago – Tue, Oct 17, 2023 at 09:27:03 AM

Print-and-Play Files are Finished!

If you backed the Kickstarter at a level that included Print-and-Play (PnP) files, you should have received an email (through Kickstarter) with a link to a Drop Box Folder containing the PnP this morning.  Huge shout out to Patrick, who put together the PnP.  Thank you!  

The files allow you to print and build the game using standard Letter sized or A4 paper.  I've included additional files and links for folks with the capability to do a more challenging build of the game.  For anyone with access to a 3d printer,  I've also included an .stl file of the insert that was designed by Matt Healey.  

Even if you have no plans to build the game, take a look at the files to see all the final art and components!

Note:  For those of you anticipating the other digital rewards (Digital Art Pack, Make-Your-Own-Target), we will be sending links to those when they are done. 

Need Help?

If you're new to PnP, or just have some questions, you are welcome to reach out.  I highly recommend joining a FB group called Martin's Print-and-Play Hideaway!  This is a group of dedicated and novice PnP'ers who are always quick and happy to help with any PnP related questions.  Plus, you can get answers from Patrick himself there!

Show me your builds!

If you take the time and effort to make the game (and this is a challenging build), I really, really want to see it.  Please share your results on any of our socials.  There are links in the folder.  

Manufacturing Update:

As of this morning, I have approved the last of the proofs needed for Gameland to make me a full production copy!  I can't begin to express how good it feels to be over this particular finish line!  Gameland assures me that they are pushing this to the front of the queue and I should have a copy to inspect in the next few weeks.  Once Hwa and I have had the opportunity to go over everything and either approve or make final adjustments, we can move onto full production!  

You can absolutely expect an unboxing video when it arrives.

Timeline Updates

Here's what's left to do before Super Snipers arrives at your door:

• Receive and approve the final Production Copy (next 3-4 weeks) 
• Start Manufacturing (dependent on receipt and approval of the Production Copy)
• Make arrangements for freight (dependent on the above)
• Complete and release the Digital Art Pack (November)
• Complete and release the Make-Your-Own-Target digital assets pack (November)
• Produce and order Sticker Sets (using a separate manufacturer for this.  It will be done and with fulfillment partners before fulfillment begins)
• Finalize character FAQ's and strategies on the Galen's Games website (in process, should finish before the end of October)
• Finalize and post links for the 4-player and Blitz Variant rules (Will be complete by the time you receive your copy)
• Finish and post links to French, Spanish, and German translations of the rulebook and cards (in process.  Should be done before the end of November)
• Film and release an updated how-to-play video using the Production Copy.  I will also be getting an updated professional one as I send these out to reviewers, but will have mine ready before games are delivered to make sure you are prepared and confident to get this to the table right away.
• Ship the games to you (Really trying for December, but manufacturing and freight timing may push it back).

I am staying in touch and coordinating with my fulfillment partners to make sure that the freight and fulfillment portions can happen as quickly as possible once we know the manufacturing complete date.

That's it for now.  Thank you so much for your patience and support.  

Galen

Updates: PnP, Manufacturing.
about 1 year 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!