Dungeon Roll

[arthuriovan]

Congratulations!
Thanks to you and 10875 other backers, Dungeon Roll - A Dicey Dungeon Delve has been successfully funded. We will now charge your credit card.
Pledge Summary
Amount pledged: $100.00
Reward: INTERNATIONAL COMBO PACK - 6 Copies of Dungeon Roll, a dicey dungeon delve. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. No add-ons available.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
When your reward is ready, Michael Mindes will send you a survey via email to request any info needed to deliver your reward (mailing address, T-shirt size, etc).
If you'd like to visit the project page, click here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mic ... ?ref=email

Want to get these notifications straight to your phone?
Download the Kickstarter app

Spre surprinderea mea Dungeon Roll a trecut de 250.000 $, asa ca vom primi si zarul custom. Suma totala extrasa din cont a fost de 342 lei, asa ca pretul pe bucata este de 57 lei. Am sa trimit fiecaruia dintre cei inscrisi un PM cu detaliile de plata. Acum nu mai avem decat de asteptat pana in august, hopefully !

[Methos]

Cheers

[arthuriovan]

Update la Dungeon Roll:

Hey all, thanks again for the wonderful sprint to the finish line to get over the $250,000 mark. That was fantastic. And amazing.
Fantastically amazing.
Manufacturing Process Update

The molds for the custom d6 dice are already in the process of being made (about 2-3 weeks now) and the mold for the custom d10 was just recently started.
Artwork is 100% finished and uploaded to the manufacturer.
A very large payment for the first 50% of the manufacturing should be made on Monday, if I have the details by then (which I should).
So, we are behind our desired and ridiculously ambitious timeline, but with out built in time buffers, we still have plenty of time to deliver on time, so don't worry about that.
2 New Projects...

First, I would like to mention that our project for Eminent Domain's first expansion ESCALATION has gone live. Eminent Domain is my favorite game that TMG has published by a wide margin, and Dungeon Roll might overtake that (once we have released it and I consider it "published")
You should check out the project if for no other reason to watch the video and see some of the awesome sci-fi artwork that our artists have made. You might have noticed this was coming based on my new avatar:

The Second project is a result of a long time of research and delaying action followed by how well received my analysis was for the Dungeon Roll project. I have started a "Business of Play" podcast, and I have released 3 episodes thus far. The format is that I do a no-edit live thought process and analysis of different business ideas, many of which (but not all) pertain to the publishing of physical games.
I am doing a month long test where I post M-F a new episode which is 5-10 minutes long.
You can get the podcast at Sound Cloud. Right now, there is no iTunes RSS links, but I have applied for them to open one up. If you would like me to continue with the podcast after the first month, then it would be great if you can follow me on SoundCloud and share with friends.

Sunt in urma cu proiectul, dar totusi cred ca o sa livreze la timp... hmmm

[arthuriovan]

Un nou update, artwork 100% done:

We continue to move forward on the production of Dungeon Roll. The artwork is 100% completed and we are communicating back and forth with Grand Prix International to make sure that it is 100% known what we are doing.

Apparently, when you ask for several different quotes with slight variations, it can get confusing. This is adding some unexpected delay on the pre-press side, but since we would have needed to wait on dice molds anyways, I don't think that this is effecting our ability to deliver on time.

It is just something that I expected to be finished with already and it is eating up some of my capacity to work on other things.

Eminent Domain: Escalation Going Strong

Last week, we launched a Kickstarter project for Eminent Domain: Escalation, which continues to go strong and has already funded over $55,000. This means that all of the scenarios are unlocked, and it looks like the promo pack and fancy foil stamped boxes are within our sights.

Check it out. If for no other reason, then for the video alone...

[arthuriovan]

Doua noi update-uri:

I think we are now 99.8% finished with everything that needs to be done to hand over to the manufacturer to get started. I thought we were 100% finished, but the numerous quotes and variations have caused some confusion and rethinking, and such.

Anyways, we are still on track time wise because there is so much to do on the manufacturing end, and the ones that will take the longest time have already started much earlier (dice molds).

And in case I didn't mention it, we are all paid up with the manufacturer to get started, so they are already hard at work making tens of thousands of copies of Dungeon Roll thanks to you awesome backers!

Hero Booster Pack #1 Design

These boosters are of course, not blind chase like a Magic: The Gathering, but are intended to only be purchased once.

si

I received a sample from the factory to show how the game of Dungeon Roll would be packed.

And WOW! That box is stuffed with goodies. The punchboard materials are super-thick. The cards will be protected from the dice by a piece of e-flute cardboard. The rulebooks fit. The hero booster pack makes it in there.

It is incredible how little room there is left in the box. Of course, the room will grow once the boards are punched and so forth.

Additionally, I am very pleased with the increased durability of the box which I have asked for.

What? A Comic?

Yes, awhile ago now, Jay Cormier (one of the designers of another TMG game called Belfort) asked me for permission to have a comic made in the world. I of course granted it, and he wrote the comic and found an artist.

That artist was Rob Lundy. This is how I first met Rob, who has been the tireless art director for Dungeon Roll. Please enjoy the digital version of the Belfort comic it is pretty short and funny.

Additionally, you might know that Belfort: The Expansion Expansion is on Kickstarter. If not, now you do. It is one of the best Euro games that TMG originally made (Homesteaders and Ground Floor are up there too).

[arthuriovan]

Un ultim update cu poze ale jocului in stare aproape finala:

Hey everybody, I have been receiving proofs of Dungeon Roll and discussing necessary adjustments with the manufacturers. The pre-press process has gone exceptionally slow this time around, and we are cutting it so close to be able to deliver and then sell at GenCon at this time. LESSON LEARNED, if you are using a non-standard box for a game, allow for more time.

While GenCon might be an issue, we forsee no problem with delivering in August. We might just not be able to deliver in time that I feel comfortable selling the game at GenCon. We have discussed the importance of this with the manufacturer, and they will do their best to help us make this timeframe.

About The Proofs

You will see at the bottom of the page, photos of the proofs. There are some things that you might notice:

The box artwork is cutoff - There was an error in the template provided that was not caught by us or the manufacturer. There was a simple/quick fix of making the box taller and then reworking the artwork for the linking paper (or hinge) on the back of the box. This provided no real delay, and the final product will have properly aligned artwork.
The dice. We are adjusting the colors on the ooze face and treasure chest face to lighter pantones. Because I used a flash for the picture, it shows the dice deceptively well. The pinkish mottled die is for the guild leader's bonus die, we are reducing the mix of red plastic for these dice to make them more white.
The tokens - They look cool, and they are super thick and nice to handle. No thin cardboard here!
Plans... After Delivery...

Most of you know that I publish board games. In fact, I have recently transitioned into being a full time game publisher. I know that many game publisher's both digital and physical can be greatly propelled by the success of one game (or exist because of only one game). Examples of games like this are:

Ticket to Ride
Dominion
Munchkin
Angry Birds
Minecraft
Settlers of Catan
Magic: The Gathering
Of course, the companies involved with these games handle other games, but these successes contribute so much to the publisher.

As such, there will be an increased concentration by TMG on the growth of the Dungeon Roll brand. As Kickstarter backers and super early adopters, you are as familiar with this as anybody on the planet. So, I hope that you will answer this one question:

"If you were responsible for the growth of the sales and brand of Dungeon Roll, then what is the number one thing you would do?" If somebody else answers the same as you would, then that is okay... Thanks, and I look forward to reading your comments.

Michael

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mic ... sts/477390

[arthuriovan]

Ultimele update-uri - aparent Dungeon Roll este pe calea cea buna si o sa apara in august (asa cum era initial stabilit in campania de pe Kickstarter). Oricum, noi backerii vom fi primii care ne vom bucura de joc (sau cel putin asta ne promite seful TMG).

Update 42

It has been a long time since I posted an update, I know... FOR SHAME! Sometimes I wish that I only had one thing to worry about or an army of amazing workers that I could afford to pay. But wishing will not accomplish any of that, now will it?

Behind The Scenes

We have continued to press forward with the manufacturing of Dungeon Roll, despite some delays. And we have been presented an option. Please bear in mind, I will make the decision that I will make and I am not asking for what to do...

I thought you might like to see one of the many decisions that need to be made as a publisher.

Background: Pre-press has taken longer than expected. Thus our final product would not have been ready in time to deliver to backers and be able to sell at GenCon. However, with some pushing and negotiation we can have half of the print run ready (20,000 of the 40,000 total) and at the port on June 30th.

Choices:

Utilize split shipments (a little more than doubling our freight cost) to be able to have the 20,000 in time to deliver to backers and have 5,000 left over to deal with GenCon and so forth.
Wait for the whole printing to be available and ship it normally so that we still deliver on time, but would not be able to sell at GenCon.

Notice, there is no choice of air freight copies to GenCon to sell there. We are not going to do this, since our backers would not yet have their copies shipped out!

I am not yet sure exactly what I will be doing, but I am leaning toward doing the split shipment, even though it is likely to result in being a net loss of cash. It is very valuable to have those copies in your hand and the presence at GenCon.

The Demo Team

I know that there are many of our fantastic 10,877 backers that are very excited about Dungeon Roll. I also know that there are many that wish they got in on the project (I get many messages a week through Kickstarter).

I wonder, how many would be willing to demonstrate Dungeon Roll at their favorite local game store. I also wonder what would be a good methodology for implementing a demo team.

Since the beginning of TMG, we have been blessed to have some amazing fans that love our games. And many of them and I have wanted to have an official demo team. What better time could there be than now to make that happen with the upcoming launch of Dungeon Roll?

But I don't know if I have the time... Which leads me to...

Employment???

TMG has money in its budget to bring somebody on for part time contract work to organize and setup a demo team of volunteers and events relating to Dungeon Roll. It is possible that it could grow into a potential full-time position, but it is not anything to be leaving solid employment for.

It would entail organizing the volunteers, coordinating/contacting (by phone) retailers for possible demos, scheduling those demos, data entry, and so forth.

If this sounds like it might be for you, then send an email stating why you think that to michael@tastyminstrelgames.com

Cheers,

Michael

Update 43

I don't know how this happened, but the comments in the most recent update have turned to a debate about what to do and ethics which has no bearing on what I actually said.

Now the comments have taken on a life of their own, so I feel that I need to restate something for clarification.

My quote on the options:

"Utilize split shipments (a little more than doubling our freight cost) to be able to have the 20,000 in time to deliver to backers and have 5,000 left over to deal with GenCon and so forth.
Wait for the whole printing to be available and ship it normally so that we still deliver on time, but would not be able to sell at GenCon."
Notice that neither of these have TMG not shipping games to backers first. I will state the next part in bold and in caps, so that it is not ignored.

GAMES WILL BE SHIPPED TO BACKERS PRIOR TO SELLING ADDITIONAL GAMES ANYWHERE INCLUDING GENCON.

Regardless of how many people might be willing to wait. The question is split the shipment or wait. Splitting the shipment will not cause a financial loss on the project as some speculate. It is just annoying and expensive, but it is not the end of the world.

Employment Opportunity...

It looks like this position is already filled, and if it doesn't work out with this guy, there are a couple of really strong candidates in addition.

[arthuriovan]

Un ultim update cu un mic videoclip atasat (in care se prezinta jocul):

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mic ... sts/519028

[arthuriovan]

Intre timp am trimis raspunsul la survey si in ultimul update ni se promite respectarea perioadei de livrare (august 2013) plus cateva chestii interesante.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mic ... sts/539576

[arthuriovan]

Ultimul update, we're still on track... asta inseamna ca pe la sfarsitul lui august sau cel mai tarziu inceputul lui septembrie o sa avem jocul .

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mic ... sts/550367

[arthuriovan]

Ultimul update legat de livrarea internationala a fost acesta:

55 + International Shipping

Update #53 · Aug 8, 2013 · 64 comments
It's August 8th.

Exactly a week ago today thousands of little green Mimic boxes arrived at the Amazon warehouse. In that time, almost 8000 packages have been sent out to US backers. Some people were receiving copies of the game as early as last weekend in the first days of August.

When I first named August 8th as a reasonable expectation weeks ago, that consideration was made thinking it might take longer for things to go into inventory at Amazon than to ship out. Turns out the packages went into inventory quite quickly, but shipping out over 8,300 packages took longer. This meant some backers had the game much sooner than we expected, but others have not yet received the game by today—even though most of those should have received a shipping confirmation.

So while the 8th was a reasonable expectation in most regards and almost everything should be out for US delivery by the end of the day, the packages are arriving over a much wider set of dates than anticipated. Everyone didn't get a full week with the game prior to Gen Con as I'd hoped, but some got two whole weeks prior to Gen Con.

Let's resolve the domestic details while we are on that topic...


425 is now 55

I posted in the comments yesterday that only 425 packages registered as still being on reserve (i.e. not shipped) in the Amazon warehouse system. That number is now 55. Since some packages have been arriving without shipping notifications, it is possible that by the end of the day there will be more than 55 US backers without word that their package has shipped. The basic expectation remains: US domestic deliveries should be out for delivery today except for a very small handful (I do not have the 'List of 55'). Even if you don't have a shipping notice yet, your package should be on its way to you.

When should people in the US start getting nervous that they have no package or shipping notification?
The latest arrival date for domestic delivery that I have seen mentioned in comments is Tuesday, August 13th. It is reasonable to assume that if you have not received at least a shipping notification or package by next Tuesday, you should use the 'Contact me' button here on Kickstarter to make an inquiry with us.

If you are a US backer and do not have at least a shipping confirmation by Tuesday, August 13, send us a message through Kickstarter and we can begin looking into things on an individualized basis.

Part of the reason I mention that date is because Michael starts driving from Utah for Indianapolis on Sunday. I'm only driving from Ohio, but on Tuesday we check into our hotel. While we will be busy setting up, we will do what we can during the convention.

This is likely the last widespread mention in an update on US domestic shipping as we will need to handle things on an individual basis starting next Tuesday. I have tried to be clear for weeks that we won't be up to our normal standards of customer service next week, but that doesn't mean we won't be able to find resolutions.


Week One of International Shipping

As I mentioned in the last update, I do think the speed of delivery accomplished by Amazon for domestic delivery creates an unrealistic expectation of activity when compared to international delivery. One week isn't unreasonable to get things in order at a warehouse for international shipping, but it can sure seem that way when another service sends out over 8,300 packages in that same time and there's hundreds of comments from people regarding US domestic delivery. If this dissonance made you feel a little anxious, I don't blame you.

What has happened to your packages in the first week at the warehouse?
Your packages went to our distributor PSI instead of Amazon. While the warehouse has been taking the raw games from the factory and sorting them into individualized packages and collating based on your orders, we still had to finalize a service to deliver them all over the world once they leave the US.

So during this first week—while your packages are being prepared—PSI has worked with Michael to find someone to handle them when they leave the US. Michael has selected a premium service from FedEx that is similar to FedEx Smartpost in the US.

Please note:

FEDEX WILL NOT DELIVER YOUR FINAL PACKAGE AND ATTEMPT TO CHARGE YOU BROKERAGE FEES.
This is not the same as FedEx delivering an individual package to you, this service ships a single group delivery from our warehouse to your national postal service. This allows expedited delivery to your door of 6-9 days once they are picked up from our warehouse. However, the sacrifice for this speed is a lack of tracking availability after the packages leave the warehouse.

Please note: Your packages haven't left the warehouse yet—you will not have your packages in 6-9 days from the posting of this update. But when they are picked up, this is a faster service.

There is no way we can comment inclusively on what each national postal service will ask or add to the experience of your package making it to you. You will understand those details much more acutely than anything I could say generally in an update. But in the first week of time at the warehouse, Michael was fishing for a faster way to get things to you. As things develop on this front, we'll provide you with updates.

For now, we wanted you to know that your Mimics have not been forgotten and decisions were made with getting you your games in a timely fashion once they leave the warehouse. Unfortunately, I do not have a specific departure day—but I will work on trying to get a sense of the window for departure expectations.

This is everything we have at this time.

Sincerely,

Chris

Sper ca in septembrie sa avem jocul.

[arthuriovan]

Din ciclul "a plecat/n-a plecat coletele", in ultimul update TMG ne anunta ca azi 23.08.13 vor fi expediate toate comenzile internationale. Chipurile coletele vor ajunge la destinatie tot in luna august (conform TMG), dar eu cred ca un termen realist este de 2 saptamani incepand din ziua asta. Eu voi fi plecat din Bucuresti in perioada 31.08-08.09.13, dar am sa postez imediat cand revin daca am primit avizul de la posta.

Update-ul cu pricina:

International Shipments Mea Culpa

Update #55 · Aug 22, 2013 · 32 comments
Hey everybody, it is Michael.

The short of it is that the shipments are packaged up and ready to go and that they will be picked up by FedEx tomorrow (Friday). It will still have expedited delivery so you will be receiving them shortly afterwards.

Our expectation was that they would all have been out prior to GenCon, but since this is the first time that PSI has ever used this shipping method with FedEx it required the main guys to be on hand. And the main guys had to prepare for GenCon and then be there at GenCon...

Additionally, it required their FedEx rep to be their to hold their hand while walking them through it. They didn't want to make a mistake when shipping out this many packages.

As an unfortunate result, it didn't get picked up when we planned before. It will however be picked up tomorrow. The pickup has already been scheduled.

My apologies for the bad information before. It was the result of us vaguely reacting to vague or incomplete information in the first place. The blame should rest 100% with me, and I am sorry.

The good news is that your game will be arriving soon and that you will be able to thus enjoy it soon! The additional good news is that final delivery should still be in the month of August.

Cheers and thanks for your patience,

Michael

[fl0po]

ceva miscare pe aici? la LEX a inceput sa vina pe bucati....deocamdata a primit posterul.

[arthuriovan]

Din pacate nu am primit nici pana acum avizul de la posta, desi coletul ar fi trebuit sa vina saptamana trecuta. Se pare ca sunt probleme cu livrarea internationala a jocului ... go figure, in ultimul update ni se sugereaza sa contactam TMG daca nu avem jocul pana cel mai tarziu martea viitoare:

Missing International Shipments

Update #57 · Sep 12, 2013 · 75 comments
Hey everybody who is missing an international shipment. As previously mentioned, all of the packages have been picked up by FedEx on August 23rd.

From there, they went to a FedEx sorting facility to be air shipped to your respective national post office. This is where the expediting of the delivery happened. These should have arrived based on the service we paid for (but I do not know when they actually arrived) by August 28th or 29th.

Once at your national post office, it is their responsibility to deliver the package. If you are missing a package, I suggest checking with them. Over all of the international packages I have shipped in the 4.5 years as a game publisher, I have found the postal systems of certain nations to be lacking in consistent delivery.

In the same country (to the same city... *cough* Canada *cough*), they can often deliver packages at wildly different times. Sometimes a week later.

On top of this, it looks like there was some sort of error at the FedEx sorting facility where some packages were sent to the wrong countries. For example, I don't know why a package went to Toronto from New Jersey while making a stop over in Sweden.

I know you are excited to get your game, and I thank you for your patience. If it still has not arrived by next Tuesday evening, then please let me know.

Daca nu primesc avizul pana marti, o sa le trimit un email celor de la TMG.

[AngelEye]

News ?

[arthuriovan]

Astazi seara am reusit sa ridic coletul mult visat de la Posta Romana. Totul arata f. bine dpdv vizual, dar jocul in sine parca lasa de dorit... Oricum pentru cei din Bucuresti, va rog sa ma sunati (PM, daca nu stiti numarul meu de telefon) ca sa ne putem intalni sa va dau jocurile voastre. Pentru singerete si homey - am sa va trimit jocul prin posta la inceputul saptamanii viitoare. Cheers!

[fl0po]

maine sunt calare pe tine! clar! he he