Mailing List
about 7 years ago – Tue, Apr 04, 2017 at 12:24:25 PM

Hi there,

So a couple of people (quite rightly) pointed out that they were unable to find where to sign up for the mailing list. 

This was my fault, I realised I'd removed the button on my website to swap it out for the pre-order button (whoops). I've now updated my website so if you are so inclined you can now head over to here and sign up.

Thanks

We are gtg!
about 7 years ago – Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 10:59:33 PM

Finally!

It's taken us a bit longer than expected, but we're finally good to go. Everything is with the manufacturers and the deposit is paid. 

I'm sorry it's taken us a bit longer than expected to get to this stage, but our manufacturer still believes we can meet our target delivery. Once I have the proofs I'll be able to get a better sense of what the timescales are and I'll post another update.

We spent a lot of time refining the look of the cards, box, rules and playmat and I'm really happy with how everything has come together. I have to say a special thanks to Anthony (graphic design) and Dan (art), without their incredible work I wouldn't have gotten to this stage. I can't wait to get this in your hands.

Final Playmat

On that note, here's a look at the final playmat. In previous updates I posted about the design process we've gone through with the playmat. Now that we have the final one I thought you'd like to get an idea of how it all came together. 

version 1

• This was the first pass Anthony did of the playmat. I liked the idea of having a baggage carousel, but with each player having one it looked too busy. I also didn't like the idea of the baggage cards being placed in an 'L' shape.  

version 2

• Moved the baggage carousel to the centre of the board, drawing the player attention their. Simplified the layout for baggage cards, gave them a light colouring to distinguish players. 
• I really like the overall look of this one and it's what we used to build on and refine. The spaces for the cards remind me a bit of a racing grid.

version 3

• This version is much closer to the final version. I had the idea of using baggage trolleys as markers for players to place cards, which helps to reinforce the theme. The carousel in the centre is a bit more detailed and everything is nicely spaced.
• My though here was that the numbers weren't really necessary as they didn't add anything and the colours were a bit overpowering.

version 4

• After a final bit of feedback here's the (almost) final version - the only change we made was giving the centre draw pile a bit of colour to ensure it can be related to the baggage cards.
• Somewhere along the line I said to Anthony that I like things that look worn and dirty, I think it adds character and a bit of realise. I love the attention to detail he added here with the scuff marks and faded yellow lines.
• We kept the colours but made them a bit more subtle by limiting them to the handles.

Locking down surveys

Now that things are with the printers I'll be locking down the surveys next week (7th April). All that means is you won't be able to change your order, so if you want any extra copies add them now. After the surveys are locked down you'll still be able to update your address should you need and I'll be sure to send a few reminders when we get closer to the time. 

If you are having any trouble getting to your survey or have no idea what I'm going on about drop me a message either here or by email at [email protected] (comments are harder to track).

In other news

In an earlier update I mentioned I was working on a game to play for my birthday - based on Chardee MacDennis from It's Always Sunny - the game went down really well and was loads of fun. As such, now that Nothing To Declare is safely with the printer I'll be working on putting this together as a free print and play game available on my website. Rather than me spamming you with messages if you're interested be sure to sign up to my mailing list at apaulinggames.com or visit my facebook page.

Until next time...

February update
about 7 years ago – Tue, Feb 21, 2017 at 10:40:23 PM

Hi there,

I was hoping this would be the update where I say we've gone to the printers. Unfortunately that isn't the case. We're a little bit behind, this is because our graphic designer has been ill. Not much I can do except wish him a speedy recovery.

New Art

The good news is that all the artwork is done. Here's a sneaky peak at a new item and  the new inspection card;

There's a whole bunch of new items on the way, I'll reveal some more soon.

Rules

We still have some of the graphic design stuff to finish off - namely the box and rulesheet. Speaking of which here's the (pretty much) final rules.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nr2mqtxibzxjy52/Rules%20v1.0.pdf?dl=0

Please take a look and let me know if anything doesn't make sense or if there are any glaring mistakes. Couple of things I should point out;

• this is just text the final version will have images to help illustrate stuff
• all of the passengers, with a bit of clarification are listed at the end - this probably won't make it into the final rulesheet - because of the space needed - but I'll put it online.

You may also notice that the number of cards has been reduced slightly. After continued play testing the number has reduced to help balance the game. I don't want you to feel like you've been short changed so we've added a new passenger (total 13), all of the items are now unique, plus that final stretch goal for the upgraded box will be added. 

Translation

Now the rules are pretty final if anyone would like to help out with translations that would be awesome. Please get in touch with me at [email protected] with the subject translation

Next update will be when we send this bad boy to the printers...

What's left to do...
over 7 years ago – Mon, Jan 16, 2017 at 11:08:42 PM

Hi there,

I think I've mentioned this before but I wanted to give you an update on where we are and what the plan is. The plan is/was to get all the remaining pieces completed by early February. The game is being manufactured in China, which means the factory will shut down for a large part of February while they celebrate Chinese New Year. This is our window. 

The objective is to have all the files prepared so that when the factory starts up again they can jump straight on it. Here's a run down of what's left to do;

• 14 pieces of art
• The box
• The rules sheet
• finishing touches to the cards and playmat

We're on track to get this finished. But one thing I didn't take into account was the length of time samples take. We're still on track to get the games to you by July, but I'd rather let you know now that there's a chance of delay than get to that point and have to apologise. I could not get the samples, but I'd rather make sure everything is up to scratch before giving the go-ahead and something going horribly wrong. 

It's my birthday next month

This is off topic so feel free to skip this part, but for those of you still reading, in February I turn 30. To celebrate I want to make my own version of Chardee MacDennis the game featured in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I'm crowd sourcing questions for the game so if you'd like to contribute please head here - https://goo.gl/forms/1nS9KMmmc8kDacby1

Until next time...

Happy New Year! Make sure you've done your survey!
over 7 years ago – Tue, Jan 03, 2017 at 12:22:04 PM

Happy New Year!

After the festive break we're back at it. 87% of you have now completed your surveys so I'll lock these down at the end of the week. Once your order is locked you won't be able to change the quantities, however you'll still be able to change your address should you need to.

A couple of you got in touch as you had some issues with backerkit, most of these seemed to have now sorted themselves out. If you're still having issues or you haven't received your email you can resend it by going here - https://nothing-to-declare.backerkit.com/

I'm going to be speaking with our artist Dan this week to talk about getting the new pieces completed. To make sure these are completed within time and don't cause any delays we really need those surveys completed. 

We're currently waiting on 4 people to get back to us with what item they'd like included. The sooner these surveys are completed the sooner we can crack on, so if you haven't yet completed the survey please do so as soon as possible. I'll be contacting these people individually too. 

Until next time!