The Proof is in the Pudding
over 6 years ago – Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 12:05:48 AM

Wow, what a month. Where did August go? 

We've just emerged from a very intense time, putting the finishing touches to Escape the Dark Castle and getting the files ready to send to the factory. This game has a lot of artwork, but even more text, and it was no small task to proof the core game, Adventure Pack 1, and all the Kickstarter-exclusive content in one go. 

Harking back to classic text-adventures and vintage gamebooks as we have, the wording of every card in Escape the Dark Castle is of paramount importance. The narrative text has to work in harmony with the artwork to generate the desired atmosphere for you, the players, not to mention convey the actual details and rules of each challenge - all without being overlong or confusing. 

Here's a snap from the studio, where we sat surrounded by printouts day after day until we were ready to swear our next game would be completely text-free! 

But no, our love affair with fantasy writing continues, and in the end we got the job done.

With pleasure we can now report the files have been sent to the printer, and we're moving on to the next stage of manufacture - production samples. The factory will now use our final files to create samples using the materials and methods we have chosen. This is the first time we will really see it all come together. These samples will be sent to us for a final, detailed inspection and approval in the next couple of weeks, before we 'push the button' and authorise the first print run - very exciting! 

It's a fascinating process and we'd like to share it with you all, so we'll keep you posted and share photos as things progress. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as some of the smaller updates will go up there. 

For now, we wait... 

Photo Submission Time
over 6 years ago – Sat, Aug 26, 2017 at 11:08:29 PM

Listen up, Prisoners...

This update is for those of you who pledged for the Become a Prisoner! add-on. It's time to submit your photo! 

The guidelines will be emailed to each of you directly today, or you can read the below. 

We're really excited about this part of the campaign, so get those photos in ASAP and our artist will get started on it. 

Become a Prisoner!

Photo Submission Guidelines  

Character Choice  

- Select which character you wish to become:  

Abbot, Cook, Miller, Smith, Tailor or Tanner (formerly Shepherd)  

(Remember, you’ll use that character’s stats and dice to play the game…)  

Composition  

- Take the photo in natural light, or a well-lit area.  
- You should be seated, looking to camera, with body turned slightly (right shoulder forward).
- Avoid happy expressions (you have been imprisoned for longer than you can remember). - We recommend removing eyewear or headwear, but if you do want these included in your portrait our artist will adapt them to a more fitting style.
- Arms will not be drawn below the elbow. Hands will not be drawn.
- Exact clothing will not be replicated; your character will be redressed in a suitable style.

File format
- Take a HI-RES photo to ensure detail is captured (most smartphone cameras will suffice).
- JPG, PDF, TIFF or other Abode compatible file types will be accepted.

Submission
 - Send to [email protected] via the free service wetransfer.com, please DO NOT EMAIL.
 - All photos must be received by Monday 11th September.

Shipping
- We’ll send you a digital version of your portrait as soon as its finished.
- Two printed copies will be sent to you, as playable game cards, shipped to the address you entered into Backerkit on or around the release date of the game.

If you have any questions, drop us a line: [email protected]

Thanks for backing! 

Last Chance!
over 6 years ago – Sat, Jul 29, 2017 at 12:12:57 AM

Had your survey?
almost 7 years ago – Tue, Jul 18, 2017 at 04:26:17 PM

Dear Backers, 

Thanks to everyone who has already completed their survey.  

If you have not received your survey, then something went wrong, so please contact us directly through Kickstarter or [email protected] and we'll take care of it. 

As a reminder, all surveys must be finalised by Monday 31st July, and your payment methods will be charged shortly after that. 

Thanks!

Surveys Incoming!
almost 7 years ago – Sat, Jul 08, 2017 at 11:15:19 PM

Dear Backers, 

This weekend you will receive your surveys by email from Backerkit!  

This is where you get to specify exactly which items & add-ons you’d like to receive, and to confirm your shipping address.  

All surveys must be completed by Monday 31st July 2017.  After this time you will no longer be able to make changes to your pledge. 

Here are a few tips to help get you started:  

Can I increase my pledge?
You can! The survey will look a bit like an online store and you’ll start with “credit” equal to your pledged amount. You’ll see which items are included in your pledge level as standard, and you’ll have the opportunity order any add-ons you want at the same time. If you want to add items costing more than your starting credit, you’ll just need to pay the difference at the checkout.  

Can I get multiple copies of the game, and of add-ons?
You can! Each backer can order up to 3 copies of each physical item. If you’d like to order more than this please contact us. An extra shipping charge may apply to multiple copies, based on your location and the total weight of your order, and will be calculated at the checkout.  

Can I switch pledge level?
You can! It's possible to switch to the Prisoner level from any other level. On the very first page of the survey (underneath the 'Get Started!' button) you’ll see the option to switch.

I missed the Kickstarter, can I still get the game?
You can! Pre-orders will also be going live this weekend. We’ll put a link on the campaign page and on our website to help you find it easily. 

If you have any questions about your survey or about pre-orders, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]