When Is The Kickstarter?

I’ve had this question since the night of the first playtest a couple of weeks before Gary Con X. The current plan is sometime between March and June, 2020.

See this page to sign up for the Kickstarter email announcement list.

What Is The Name Of The Game?

I’m building suspense. I don’t want to announce it until I’m sure I have everything in place with someone in charge of each task on the schedule.

Why Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is more than just a funding platform, it is also a site that helps one build excitement and interest in a project. While I could just put it on DriveThruCards [Affiliate Link] or Game Crafter, it wouldn’t have the same impact as one can achieve with Kickstarter.

IndieGoGo and other crowdfunding sites exist, but they don’t have the same name recognition and exposure as Kickstarter.

Finally, I have a Kickstarter account and have backed 70+ successfully funded Kickstarters. My experience as a backer has informed how I like to see Kickstarters run. I have put all my research into other successful card game Kickstarters.

Who Is The Artist?

Lindsay Poulos is the main artist for the Kickstarter version of the game. A few pieces are by other artists and will be discussed when the Kickstarter is launched. You can read the announcement blog post here.

For the test deck it is either public domain art, or art with a free commercial license, or some I did myself. Some people like that art and suggested I just go with that. More about this when the Kickstarter launches.

Why A Card Game? Aren’t You An RPG Blogger?

While my main focus is on table top RPGs especially old school games from back in the day, especially AD&D 1e. However, I like card games and board games, I just don’t have a regular group who likes to play them. Without a group, I’ve focused on what I do play regularly.

I am perhaps the most surprised that I would come up with a card game, but it was like a bolt out of the blue when it came to me. It amazes me that I made a game that works and people like it! You can read more of what I have written about my game here.

So Do You Plan Any Other Games?

Yes. I have ideas for different card games using the same rules as the current game. Those are all in the idea stage, so there is nothing yet to share.

There are also ideas to make a board game based on the current card game, but it is only in the idea stage.

My oldest son suggested I make an app out of the card game. I like the idea, but one thing at a time!

I also have ideas for RPG supplements and have been making one PDF a month to release on DriveThruRPG [Affiliate Link]. I also have ideas for bigger projects for RPG supplements, like campaign settings. One for example, is a Western setting that will not specify a rules system. I may even make my own Western RPG.

Will You Include T-Shirts In The Kickstarter?

No. The Kickstarter will focus on items directly related to the card game and stretch goals will be planned before the launch of the Kickstarter. All the major work of development, writing, and art will be done prior to launch. No additional work will be created as a result of stretch goals.

However, you can always get a T-shirt from my Teespring store.

I have ideas for T-shirt designs that reference the card game. Under consideration is a Kickstarter exclusive T-shirt that anyone who backs the Kickstarter can order once it funds.

I Have A YouTube Channel, Blog, Etc. Can I get a review copy?

The plan is to resolve all the card and rule issues and a review deck will be created. Some of my friends have offered to do a review, and I will be approaching others. Should you wish to do a review, please direct message Follow Me, And Die! at any of the sites at Where To Find Me.

I Have An Idea For A Card Game, Will You Help Me Bring It To Reality?

Not at this time. I am wrapped up in the minutiae of developing and coordinating my own game in preparation fora Kickstarter.

If you bring a test deck to a convention I attend or are ever near SW Michigan you can show it to me. I’ll be glad to playtest a game or two with you and give feedback.

My Advice To New Creators Of Card Games

This is my first card game in development, and while I wanted it out ASAP, that is not realistic. You need to ensure the rules are solid and easy to explain, etc.

• It takes 2 or 3 years to make a new game come together, so don’t be in a hurry to make a new thing.
• Take your time and do it right.
• Don’t worry about winning your own card game.
• You should be so busy paying attention to how the game plays that you will make mistakes.
• It is often better to sit and watch other people play.
• Make your rules simple so that you can give it to new players they can read the rules and figure out how to play without your intervention.
• Use free public domain art. Be sure to mention that the art on the play test deck is NOT the final art. I lost count of people who have commented, “You need better art.”
• Use Game Crafter for generating a quick prototype of your game.
• You can also buy a box of 1500 blank playing cards at Amazon to make rough versions of your cards, or just use index cards.
• Be ready for major changes. Playtesting with new people will catch things.
• Play test a lot. You want to catch edge cases in the game. This may require a rule to cover the exception, or a revision in the rules, or the cards to fix it.
• Allow a full year of preparation before launching a Kickstarter.
• Set the Kickstarter launch date with the end date in mind and pad your schedule to cover any unexpected hiccup or something you did not anticipate.
• Pay your artist BEFORE the Kickstarter. Exposure should be a BONUS, NOT payment. If you don’t have the money to pay an artist, plan your Kickstarter early in the year and arrange for the artist to be done in time for editing, layout, production, and delivery by the due date. DO NOT BE LATE and DO NOT GO SILENT for any reason.