Slowly Moving Ahead

Right now I am mostly waiting for things to line up. Then the real work can begin. I seriously considered springing for an authentic bar code (UPC), but we finally decided just to wait a bit on that. It will be easy enough to add later. My paperboard order should be shipping out soon, and my printer has the special 13x19 paper I requested. The next step is to finalize all the designs and get the copyright.

A note on playtesting:

During our recent vacation to the beach, we got a chance to playtest the 5-6 version some more. Embarrassingly, I ran away with it, to the point of having to call it mid-game. It was felt that this happened, in part, because of the Pickpocket. It was proposed that I try changing the Pickpocket from 2 Gold per player to 2 Chips from any one player. This would add another way to keep the leader in check, while lowering the value of the space somewhat. Fortunately, I have already decided to remove the Pickpocket from the 3-4 (Standard) version. The 5-6 release date is well into next year, so I still have some time to get it ironed out. I still feel very confident about the standard version.

It is also apparent that more experienced players have a very clear advantage. This is perhaps an obvious statement, but it is important that new players have a chance to win (which I still think they do). This phenomenon occurs in many games (Puerto Rico comes to mind, and even Settlers of Catan), so it's not a game-breaker. I might just need to do less playing and more watching...

Sample Arrives!

My sample of Kivar 6 arrived today. It was a little more "papery" than I was expecting, but after some testing, I feel that it will be a good fit. It's a very nice-looking, strong sort of paper (black) for the backing of the board. I will be finalizing my order soon...

It looks as though my business plan will be changing slightly. Due to minimums on the paper, I will end up with enough to make 100+ units. Also the cost of each unit will be between $10-12, instead of the $15 I had originally figured. My new plan actually shows some profitability! IF I can manage to sell any of them, that is...

3-4 Test

Mom and Dad helped us run a test of the Apothecary/Pickpocket swap in the 3-4 (basic) version. This went very well! We got rid of some dead weight and added a bit more spice. This also helps to raise the value of Force slightly and makes it just a bit harder for a runaway leader to stay on top.

Also my new samples will be here soon. Then I can get things moving!

Another Playtest of 5-6

We had another opportunity to play the 5-6 expansion again last night. It went very well. One of my testers had a great idea: add the Apothecary to the basic game, replacing the Pickpocket. This make a lot of sense, as we have had several comments about the uselessness of the Pickpocket in the basic game (it has a nice level of value in the 5-6). Of course, this idea will have to be tested... I hope I can get everything finalized before the copyrighting and construction phase...

Samples On the Way

I finally heard back from my paper guy. He is sending me samples of everything so that I can finalize my purchase. Almost everything else concerning my order is lined up and ready (the right product, right quantities and the right price).

I also got the word that my domain name (www.revolutionboardgame.com) will take 60 days to transfer to its new home. This is not a huge problem as marketing doesn't even have to be online until next spring.

Once I confirm my paperboard order and printing capabilities, I will finalize the design (mostly a slight re-sizing) and file for copyright. Then things will really start to get fun!

Weekend Testing

Just a quick word about the 5-6 expansion testing this week. It went very well! I had to make a few slight adjustments, but otherwise it quite well. Also, I have decided to change the Major to the General. The 5-6 version has a Mayor, and I said the wrong name just about every time. I will also be adding a few more duplicate cards to the base deck. The 5-6 deck is the same except for the removal of two Remove Influence cards. The game went on forever without this change (6 people drawing 3 cards is 18 cards a round--high chance of a remove)! Still waiting for Mr. Utterson at the pressboard factory to give me that updated estimate...

The 5-6 Expansion!

Revolution has been a game for 3-4 players from the beginning (two can play it with slight modifications). However, that has all changed today. I have figured out the main concept and components for the 5-6 player expanded version. I am very excited to see how my current ideas play-test. I should get an opportunity this weekend at a family reunion. I'll be sure to post the results. The expansion will be sold separately, but it might get bundled depending on what deals I have going.

In other news, I am holding off on filing the copyright until I get a few more details finalized. The printing/paper size issue is all but worked out; however, I'm still waiting on the cardboard manufacturer to send me an updated quote. I had to rethink all the dimensions and cuts (see a previous post for the agonizing details)... Even so, things are progressing.