Pledge Manager Incoming!!!
over 3 years ago – Mon, Oct 05, 2020 at 03:23:00 PM

Hey folks! Happy October! 

This is going to be a very short update, as I'm going to fire off a more extensive one next week.

But for now, a couple of announcements! 

Pledge Manager Next Week!

Expect to recieve your pledge manager surveys some time next week. Everything is done and ready to go, so now it's just a case of waiting for the fine guys and gals over at Backerkit to approve it, and we'll start sending out surveys, so keep an eye out! 

I'm going to hold off on details for now, and save them for when you've actually recieved your surveys, and answer the inevitable questions. 

Livestream on Wednesday!

We've taken a bit of a break from live-streaming lately, but we're ready to get going again, and this next episode is going to be awesome! 

Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlTtn1u4c8A

1. We're going to be looking in depth at the last of the Gene Splicer sculpts, which are now done and ready. 

2. We'll briefly discuss the pledge manager and explain how to use it. 

3. Another quite exciting announcement about live-streaming some games, and running a few online tournaments and events!

Anyway, as I said, this was going to be a short one, but expect a more information-rich update next week after the surveys have gone out! 

Update Incoming.. with funky pictures!
over 3 years ago – Tue, Sep 01, 2020 at 02:53:34 PM

First, a quick apology. I’ve been holding back on the latest update to show you the rest of the Wayfarer concept art, but our resident artist has had a few issues at home, as well as a busy workload, and so unfortunately it took longer than expected.

But they’re here now!!

First, Bez and Romi, of the Firm and Artefacters, respectively. These two sisters might be on different sides of the fence, but that doesn't mean they don't have each other's backs... mostly!

Next up, everyone's favourite dinosaur-bone-bow wielding wandering merc, Ryuza! As a Wayfarer he'll be able to join the faction of your choice, when he's not helping out his own band of miscreants: 

Last but not least, for the Militia, we have the lone hunter and knife fighter, Hawk!

What about everything else?

Playtesting is progressing nicely, although I have to confess to driving everyone mad with constant tweaks and improvements. Generally though, I’m really happy with the direction we’re headed, and have found a number of ways to reduce table-faff and increase depth, while at the same time making the game easier to teach and learn. Honestly, testing exclusively on Tabletop Simulator has been challenging. I test “live” at home, alone, but with social distancing in place I’d be lying if I said we were in ideal conditions. The good news though, is that we’re absolutely on schedule, and I’m getting really proud of the game system, as well as the specific campaign content.

If you’re interested in playtesting for us please drop me a message here on Kickstarter, or on our Facebook page!

Postage, fulfilment and brexit

This has been the big headache for me so far. Fulfilment is complicated at the best of times, but the continuing uncertainty about Brexit has made the import/export/tax situation impossible to predict. So I’ve been working on several contingency plans. However, at this stage it looks like our government simply isn’t going to get themselves organised on time, and it’s time to make a commitment.

We’re going to use three fulfilment centres. One in the USA (which will serve the US, Canada and Australasia) , one in the UK (serving the UK and Ireland, and non-EU European countries) and lastly one in Germany, which will fulfil internal EU orders. The core games will be shipped in three separate shipments to each of these centres, while the miniatures, which are made in Holland, will be sent on separately.

The three distribution hubs ) will pick and pack all orders locally and ship using domestic shipping costs. We are using a single distribution network for all three centres, which means we can be much more coordinated in ensuring you get the best shipping quote possible.

Pledge Manager

The main reason the Pledge Manager hasn’t been released is that I’ve wanted to wait until all our Gene Splicer pledges are sculpted first. This gives you all the opportunity to add them to your orders if you desire. All my artists have been log-jammed with work, and it’s been a little challenging to get the last four done. Three of the four remaining concepts are almost done… I was expecting them on Friday for a Saturday update. At this stage I didn’t want to keep you waiting any longer, so expect the next update a little sooner than this one! The fourth is about 2 weeks away.

So when will the pledge manager go live? I’m hoping before the end of the month. It’s quite a time consuming process to add all the products, weights, and price structures of each country. You’d think there was some kind of automation for this, but unfortunately I have to do it all by hand.

I’m also asked quite often how long the PM will be open. We’re on target for the promised June 2021 delivery, which means we’ll need to lock down addresses by mid-April. So basically, plenty of time.

Production

I’m currently getting the models printed for mastering. A sneaky pic of my desk, currently:

We’re going to begin tooling for production in November. So I’m hoping that by Xmas I’ll have some funky photos of master moulds. From there production will take 2-3 months.

We’re on Schedule!

Not much more to say really! This post might sound like a heap of setbacks, but nothing is out of the ordinary, or taken me by surprise. Kickstarters are complicated things, and I’ve built in a time allowance for inevitable bumps in the road. So far things are well within tolerance for an on-time delivery :D.

So, which of the Gene  Splicer concepts is your favourite!?

Longest month EVARR!
almost 4 years ago – Wed, Jul 08, 2020 at 08:51:52 AM

It’s only been a month, but the Kickstarter feels like ages ago, doesn’t it? Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve been SUPER busy getting things organised. So, a few practical updates, and then we can look at some Gene Splicer sculpts which we’ve been working on ;).

Pledge Manager

I’ve had a few enquiries from people worried they might’ve missed the pledge manger. Don’t worry, you definitely haven’t. I hoped to release it around now, but a few complications have held it back. Nothing that will delay the project- we’ve got PLENTY of time to get your surveys filled.

The main delay is Brexit related. For our EU backers, I have prepared a contingency plan if our government fails to negotiate a proper trade deal. We will be able to fulfil european orders from Germany to avoid any import charges. I’m really sorry I can’t give you more clarity on this, but we’re still completely in the dark about what will happen. Rest assured that either way it won’t effect you.

But the contingency plan is a little complex, and so I’m still putting the finishing touches on it before we can accurately charge EU shipping.

The other reason is far more fun. I think it’d be nice to be able to offer the Gene Splicer’s creations in the pledge manger, on the offchance you may wish to add them to your order. We’re approximately half way through the process of commissioning these new concepts and sculpts. Here’s a sneak peak at some of them, and a tiny bit of information on each one, as well.

Pretty exciting eh? These models will be available for TDE. You can also proxy them in for Ulaya Chronicles heroes, but the profiles and stats will be identical, so it’s purely cosmetic.

Testing has Begun!

Of course playtesting is a bit of a challenge in these days of social distancing! But I have been working on a remote playtesting system which we have started to use this week. We have lots to do, but Coronavirus was a reality before the Kickstarter, and so I’d built this requirement in to the schedule. All dino profiles have now been designed, and while the beta testers are playing with the first few scenarios over the next few weeks I’ll begin work on balancing the player progression system for each UC character. If you want to help out with the beta testing please PM me your email address and I’ll get you hooked up!

All in all, a lot to report! I’ll continue to publish monthly updates in the first week of each month, keeping you all posted on the developments.

We Did it! 1300% funded!
almost 4 years ago – Wed, Jun 03, 2020 at 11:45:52 PM

After a day off yesterday, I'm now back in the game to answer enquiries and of course to say:

Well done us!!!

What an amazing campaign, and what an amazing finish! There's also one last thing to announce

Pirates vs Dinos

After a hard fought battle the pirates came in from behind, and scraped a win, discovering island 5.

Their reward? Well, now the campaign is over the teams are uniting as #TeamUlaya. So it seemed only appropriate that the pirates prize was a little bonus for everyone who supported the campaign at pledge levels that include rewards.   All backers at Ankle Deep level or up will get one of the pirate themed Markers completely free.

Do you want to be a Wayfarer or Beta Tester? 

 If you're interested in playtesting for Olmec Games please throw me a PM! As detailed below, I'm mostly taking a week off now, but I'll be in touch in due course to explain what's involved. Prior experience with beta testing is not necessary.  

Becoming a Wayfarer (an ambassador, who helps us promote the game in your local area) is even easier. Submit a form HERE. 

What's Next?

Don't forget to keep in touch by joining our Mailing List. This is 100% the most reliable way of keeping up with news about special offers, discounts, new releases and all that good stuff. 

Join the Mailing list HERE

And now the long road to production! As I've said before, I'm taking a week off work, and so once I clear my desk of enquiries today I'll be mostly signing out. 

However, when I'm back next week the exciting process of actually making this thing begins! Artists have been notified, beta testers are on standby, and I'll keep you all updated with the news as and when it happens. 

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who participated in the campaign by helping to promote, engaging in the community, and of course, backing the project to bring it to live! 

Speak Soon, 

James

Dino Hunt: the Final Chapter!
almost 4 years ago – Tue, Jun 02, 2020 at 03:29:41 PM

Well folks, we're now over 1100% funded, and clean all out of stretch goals! 

Quick announcement: the All In pledge level absolutely DOES include the Pirates! I accidentally failed to add them to the pledge level description, and I can't edit once people have backed. 

So everything in the picture below:

 PLUS the little fellow we're about to meet in the final chapter of.... 

Part 4: Conclusion. 

Having tracked it all the way from your night-camp, up a veritable mountain, over a rickety rope bridge and all in the black of night, you should probably be angry with the little dinosaur. But it squeaks in rage, leaps at Jibb, only to be sent flying by one swipe of the ancient pirate's pincer arm, you can't help but feel sorry for the little creature. It crumples against the cave wall, a ball of fluffy feathers. 

There is no time though. Jibb crab-walks forward, plucking up the brass map-tube with his one remaining organic hand. 

"Something valueable to ye, no doubt?" he leers, blackened teeth turning your stomach. "Which means it has value to me also, methinks!". 

He leaps forward with uncanny speed, giant crab arm snapping at your neck. You stagger back, raising your spear in defence, jabbing to no avail as the Dverg ducks down, spear glancing off his carapace. A dancing lazer stuns you for a second as his auto-pistol wheels round to aim at you... 

And surely, that's it... he has you in his sights. You're done for...

With an adorable (and very welcome) squeal of anger the little feathered herbivore, now clearly a "Kuli", leaps out of the darkness and gnaws savagely at the cables leading to Jibb's auto-controlled gun. With a shower of sparks and snap-hiss Kuli is thrown back in to the gloom, and the pistol hangs limp. Jibb curses colourfully as he tries, and fails to raise his claw arm! He throws the map-tube at you, and disappears in to the night.

When you find the little creature, it blinks at you with great, pained eyes. You pick its crumpled form up, and it shakes its feathers. Tough little thing! 

"It's ok little fella" you hear yourself say. "We're going to be firm friends..."

You have discovered, and befriended a Kulindadromeus! 

(every backer whose pledge includes a Core Box will get this model completely free. It'll be a single piece model, so no assembly for those of you who aren't miniature fans. 

That's all folks! We're in the home stretch now. Tomorrow we will stream from 3:40 BST to 4:10 BST, to cheer in the end of the campaign. I hope you'll join us. Bookmark it HERE.