Peaks

Pledge Manager Update And Other HouseKeeping

Well, hello! I've got some things for ya. Take a gander below...

Pledge Manager Update

So, we are approximately 1-2 weeks away from opening the Pledge Manager. We will be using Hive, as it served us well for our first project, Nestlings. There's a few things we need to wrap up before it's open, and some of you can help us out:

• Roughly 50 backers pledged using an encrypted AppleID. This is totally fine for pledging, but Hive doesn't like it ?. So, we need valid emails in order to update your account so you receive the PM invite when the time has come. If you could complete this (very) short Google Form, providing your first and last name and a valid email, we can cross one action item off the list!
• We are about 90% certain of our choice for PEAKS fulfillment. Whenever there are language barriers, it's good that both parties ask the same questions more than once just to be sure. We've learned a lot of valuable lessons during Nestlings so we are looking forward to smooth sailing. We also want to do everything we can to honor our estimate to you, despite the volatile nature of freight!
• The PM will have at least three questions (two required) in a survey presented to you. This helps us gather some information we need (like the name for the inside cover), so we are just making sure these are phrased correctly and that we don't leave anything out.

For those of you unfamiliar with what a Pledge Manager is, it's where backers confirm their delivery address, add extra copies or add-ons, and pay shipping/VAT/taxes. We can then export all this data to provide to our partners for delivering your product. It's actually really cool and the part I like most about this process (yes, I'm a bit insane in this sense). But of course, you can always reach myself or Brandon for any guidance.

Art Update

I'd say the artwork is about 75% complete, perhaps closer to 80%. The good thing is the manufacturer has already started the mold process for the flag minis, Deluxe inserts and boulder/upgrade dice. This is awesome because this is the process that takes the longest and they've already stared as of last week.

Another positive is they will allow us to submit the files for the pre-production copy so we can work out any kinks while we work on the final art. 

For example, there are 100 mountains in the game, but only 80 are done, so we are going to slot those mountains with the icons and data made by the graphic designer and have the manufacturer create samples. This way, if those 80 cards look how we want them, we just submit the remaining ones when they are ready and give the thumbs up after the mass production copy is done and approved.

This just allows us to move forward with the production steps without the artwork being a bottleneck. Another example, is even though the player board art isn't finalized, the player board file is, so we can perfect the layout and test the board with the place holder art and then swap!

Of course, everything will be combed over when we receive the mass production sample, but the key thing is to keep the process moving forward. Once the train stops, it takes a lot of effort to get it moving again.

Later Days!