Production updates and print-and-play this week!
about 5 years ago – Wed, Apr 10, 2019 at 07:40:25 PM

Dear backers,

Sorry for the recent radio-silence. I've been working with Panda on assembling the production files and getting the game to the point where it is ready for print. I'm excited to say that as of last Friday La Mancha is in print production! 

The next step on my end is that I will receive a "test" physical copy in the next few weeks for final approval. I'll put out an unboxing video for that so you can see what a typical set will look like. 

Based on this timeline, it may push shipment of the physical game back to August or September, but I will let you know once I hear full production and shipping details from Panda. 

Locking orders soon!

With the game entering production I want to get orders locked in for shipping estimates. If you still want to edit the number or games or other items you are receiving on BackerKit, you can do so until Friday, April 12. Once orders are locked, you will still be able to edit your address if you move before games are shipped. 

Print and play is coming this week! 

In other news, having the finalized files means that the PRINT AND PLAY copy of La Mancha is available for backers! I will send out e-mails soon with an access link for people to download and print the game. I will be sending these to all backers so that everyone can play the game as soon as possible! 

PLEASE NOTE! The e-mails for print-and-play will come directly from BackerKit and you will access the .zip file of the game documents through them. 

Cheers,

Chris

75% of Backer Surveys filled out - don't forget yours!
about 5 years ago – Fri, Mar 01, 2019 at 06:53:23 PM

Dear backers,

Good news! We are currently at 75% of backer surveys filled out. Thank you to everyone who has filled theirs out and provided the info so we can get your games to you when they are ready!

The bad news is that 25% still need to be filled out. Please fill out your surveys ASAP so we can get the information on your reward choices, how your name will be printed in the instruction book (if you ordered at one of those levels), and where your game should be sent! Remember, these surveys will be coming from Backerkit, so please check your e-mail for a message from them. Don't forget to check your spam folders! 

Cheers,

Chris

ALL BACKER SURVEYS HAVE BEEN SENT!!!
about 5 years ago – Sat, Feb 23, 2019 at 09:05:17 PM

Dear backers,

Thanks to everyone who responded to the survey during the survey test period. Things have gone pretty smoothly so far so I just hit the big green button to send surveys to everyone! Please check your inboxes (and spam folders!) so we can get your info for shipping once we go through the printing process. 

We're working through digital approval before we get the final proofs so I'll continue to keep you updated as that process develops! 

Cheers and thanks,

Chris

Chapter XVI: Backer surveys are going out!
about 5 years ago – Fri, Feb 22, 2019 at 01:49:00 PM

Dear backers,

Surveys are beginning to go out, so please check your inboxes (and maybe junk/spam folders) for an e-mail from Backerkit with your survey. 

These are going out in batches from Backerkit so if you don't have anything yet, DON'T WORRY! The site sends out surveys to only a small number first as a "smoke test", then sends the surveys to everyone after the test batch. Everyone will be able to get them in the next few days if you don't have one right now.  

Anyway, keep an eye out over the next few days. 

Cheers,

Chris

P.S. The card designs are out for digital proofs with Panda, so I'll update everyone on that process as well! 

Chapter XV: Production updates and backer surveys going out this week!
about 5 years ago – Sun, Feb 17, 2019 at 03:51:19 PM

Dear backers,

I hope this update finds everyone well. I've been silent for a little while but that's because I had my head down getting some production tasks done. So without further ado, let's get to the updates:

Backer Surveys going out this week!

First and most important: BACKER SURVEYS ARE GOING OUT THIS WEEK VIA BACKERKIT! This is especially important because I need confirmation of how backers who have pledged at the $60 level and above want their name in the instruction booklet. This has direct ramifications on our production schedule, so please answer your surveys as soon as you can! Remember: these will be done via Backerkit! 

Speaking of production...

La Mancha's illustration and graphic design is DONE! 

In a previous post, I updated you on the progress of creating the artworks for the game. Now I'm happy to say that I've created near-final versions of all of the documents required for printing! This means that we will be able to hit the ground running soon on digital proofs and prototypes of the final product. Here's a mockup of our box artwork (front, side, and back): 

We've also created a few ease-of-use enhancements to the game: including reference cards so players can easily remember what to do on each turn and when players have scored a hit during Feat rounds. We're also working on a Spanish language pronunciation guide for the instruction booklet to help players unfamiliar with Spanish navigate the sounds in character and place names. 

Once the graphic design is proofed and approved for final printing, we will also be able to send out print-and-play versions of the game. Those should be ready in March or April (at the latest.) 

La Mancha at GDC!

Lastly, I'll be at the Game Developers Conference from March 18-22 in San Francisco. With me, I'll have some special GDC promotional cards (I'm having about 300 made) so if you're there, make sure to say hello and pick one up! 

So what's going on here? This card is based on a speech given at GDC 1992 where a famous game designer, Chris Crawford, gave a speech where he left the industry, invoking the worldview of our favorite Ingenious Gentleman of La Mancha. Check it out here: 

 Mr. Crawford gave me permission to create this card where players can give their own Dragon Speech. It's a fun way to celebrate both Don Quixote and its role in this unique moment in the history of the game industry. If you're at GDC, make sure to get your copy! 

That's all from me! I'll keep updated as we roll out the Backer Surveys! 

Chris

P.S. Don't forget! Copies of the game can still be preordered on our page at Backerkit, so please share the link with anyone who missed the campaign!