I figured I might give a brief update concerning "TradeWorlds" design-wise.
This week I have been plugging away at "TableTopia" and configuring the game, objects and setup/play areas.
This Trial version of the game will feature a two (2) player "core" experience in which the focus of the game will be the "Tradewars" scenario: reaching 100 credits (or destroying your opponent).
A few days ago I spent time setting up the game (Box shot, Background, description and the likes) and then selecting the Objects (Cubes and Dice).
Today I have worked on designing the Score Pads with their "magnetic maps" which allow game pieces to "lock-in-place". Not complicated, just took some reading and a lot of patience with PaintShop Pro...
Once this was done, I imported the Score Pads into the play areas (for two players only) and tested the "locking" mechanism which seems to work good for the Cubes.
I also spent a huge chunk of time working on the Player Mat. This mat is 30" wide ... and there was concerns that it MIGHT not fit onto the default table... But working on the "magnetic map" and then uploading the 30mb PNG file with some "invisible areas" worked out pretty good. The Player Mats JUST fit into the play area.
I have not yet tested the "magnetic" mechanism — because I have yet to begin uploading ALL the necessary cards. There will be 126 cards that need to be imported (and all of them dual-sided). YUP! That will take a while but it should be not too bad.
I already have an understanding how the game will work ... so it will be a process.
The GREAT NEWS is that we are already in-process!
That's good because it means we are sticking to our promise to deliver a Trial Version of the game on the TableTopia platform. I must admit, I am a bit "HESITANT". It's not that I don't feel like TableTopia is a cool and interesting platform... My concerns is all the ZOOMING and SCROLLING around to pickup cards or see what's next available to buy (game-wise).
To me I would prefer a PHYSICAL version where I can play Head-To-Head versus and opponent. While this is EXACTLY what the TableTopia version is for... I find it lacks some of the "magic" of real cards... IDK — maybe it's just me, and I'm old fashioned.
It definitely is a COOL platform! But I hope it doesn't discourage players from the real deal... Because of all that zooming and scrolling players will have to do.
I mean the Player Mats are 30" wide. They ALMOST span the entire table... Almost! LOL
I'll update this thread with "card" import updates... And see if maybe I can find someone who can give it a TRY first (perhaps one of the designers... IDK) We shall see.
Cheers!
Actually it's true that we did a campaign all across Canada for canvasing online retailers and FLGSs in Canada. That was a 60 business effort and took a couple weeks to complete. While I have another LIST to work for in the USA... I have not had the chance to start working on that effort.
And yes, we've been "talking" about Distribution... But it's low priority since we have other streams of revenue that are possible ... which are more lucrative too. So yes we've talked about it, but it's not a priority at the moment.
What IS a priority is "TableTopia" because we've committed on having it up and running this SUMMER (probably in the next month). There are MANY cards to upload too! Over 120 cards, dual-sided.
Next the other priority is Blind Playtesting which to my understanding is already "in progress". What's being tested is the Stretch Goal content, like the "Battle Front" scenario, the Planetary Expansion, etc.
So there are multiple things going on at this present time. Which is good because we don't want ADDITIONAL "delays" in delivering the product.
Cheers.