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Join me on my continuing multi-part series as Martin and I attempt to turn our jumble of half-conceived brain sparks into our first fully functioning board game.
Part Nine – Writing Wrongs
I had never written a blog before this diary but, back in the day, I did fancy myself as a bit of a writer.
Via a combination of half-hearted attempts to write novels as a teenager and my more recent role as a fund-raiser for my company, I felt I had sufficient literacy skills to take the leap. I also thought it would be an opportunity to introduce LAST STAND to people, perhaps inspiring others to turn their gaming ideas into a reality. It also had another use as a permanent public record to combat potential plagiarism. We thought it would be intriguing for people to follow a game from day one, through to release. As I write this, I’m wondering if it has EVER been done.
While on the Board Game Trading and Chat UK Facebook group, I got talking with Nick Welford of Board, Deck and Dice who also wrote for Zatu Games. He said that they were always looking for writers and that he’d put in a good word on my suggestion of a ‘First-Time Designer’ blog.
Zatu had wandered onto my radar last December while I was looking for a copy of This War of Mine. The website was decent, the price competitive, the delivery swift and the packaging excellent; pretty much all I wanted from an online retailer. I don’t quite know how they did it but there is a real ‘gamer’ vibe that shines through to me on everything they do. The approach conjures up an image of a group of gamers deciding to set-up a company. I don’t yet know if this is true but it has me curious.
Shortly after, Josh from Zatu, who manages the content and the growing team of writers, contacted me saying he really liked the idea. He added that Zatu are always very keen on helping people out in the industry.
Contributors are rewarded beyond the ‘you get to put your name out there’ approach I’d seen with other websites. Perks include opportunities to buy games at cost price and a monthly raffle for store vouchers. While I certainly didn’t get into this for the gaming trappings, it was nice to be recognised for what is actually, a very time consuming activity. I’m not moaning, though. It’s actually been a great experience and I’ve enjoyed the feedback. I’m now writing this retrospectively in June and the blog was started in April. It has become a bit of an obsession as I’m seeking to bring the blog more in line with our progress.
That week I delivered a play-test of LAST STAND at my bi-monthly gaming group run through the online Meet-Up system. This was the first time it had been done with people who I wouldn’t class as close friends...saying that, I find it a hard classification to make. I can’t NOT call them friends as I’ve had conversations with them and shared gaming experiences but I don’t hang out with them outside of the Meet-Up. I’m sure many can relate to this...what would you call them? Gaming buddies?
Anyway, as I placed the board and components on the table, I became aware of an adrenaline spike accompanied by some minor hand-shaking. After I explained the rules and started playing I noted a strange feeling in my body that was hard to put my finger on. It wasn’t until we finished the game and I recorded the feedback that I understood what that feeling was: vulnerability.
This was probably the first time in my life I had created something and put it out in the world for others to comment on. It felt weird and exposing. It was a good experience though, as I feel somewhat more prepared for the next time it arises. It just surprised me a bit.
The feedback was as helpful as ever and I’d say I had a good mix of people. One of which was Hugo who had quite of bit of feedback that introduced a lot of complexity. He was clearly knowledgeable and had talked about designing a few games; preferring high strategy. I sensed he wasn’t a big fan of the game in its current state and it occurred to me that he, and others like him, would not be our target market…and that was okay! We’re not trying to market to everyone. One of the other players argued against the suggestions and it was cool to see them sharing their opposing viewpoints.
We were certainly making good progress but how do we keep up the momentum?