This is actually just a screenshot of the video. The link is above. Sorry for any confusion.
I made some corrections based on this sample, but that was like WEEKS ago now. The games are already on the press. It's gonna look great!!
I mean, it doesn't look much different in this picture from all the other pictures you've seen recently, because the handmade mockup I made for photo purposes last fall was really good. But the real one is real!!
Also now real is the magnet set:
It is NINE PAGES of magnets -- about 150 individual pieces.
If you missed out on getting this, but now you want it because it's clear from this picture how great it is, fear not! It will be available separately in the pledge manager.
That's the update for now! Things are moving forward on schedule. Thanks again for your help with the micro-survey!
For the "Low ink" edition, which is all the same content with simplified artwork, I reverted to the original black & white artwork for all cards (just the drawings, before I added any color).
I'm super charmed by it... in a way, the black & white versions have their own special "vintage" feel, as it more closely resembles the original source material.
Either version (full color or low-ink) contains all the same game content. The rulebook is also provided in the download.
If you have any other questions, or notice anything wrong with the files, feel free to comment on this update and I'll reply when I can. Thanks & happy holidays!!
Example of full color edition
Example of "low ink" edition (same content, different art)
Greetings, Boltonauts! A few brief updates for you:
Production update
I can confirm that all game files are 100% done, and were submitted to the factory earlier this month. We have been working through some corrections this week, but in general, the manufacturing process is fully underway.
I expect to review a fully printed sample (with all cards, tokens, etc) very shortly -- I'll share some pictures once I see it!
Perfect for stuffing into a stocking, or, any other use whatsoever.
The PDF linked above has 2 pages: full color and low-ink.
Full color version
Low ink version
Designer diary
I've written a "Designer Diary" about some of the game's development process. If you've been following my updates throughout the year, or you've playtested this game with me, you may recognize some of the events and versions described!
I like sharing process stuff, even though it might spotlight some of my more doofus choices and missteps, because I trust that some people will find the evolution interesting, and take heart at how a polished outcome can be the result of a long, winding, and setback-filled process.
Does that mean that the final result is definitionally awesome? Well, yes, of course.
This particular piece was mainly written for an audience new to the game and new to my work generally. I submitted it to BoardGameGeek for their blog of designer diaries (which will be read by people who have never heard of me or this project).
I don't actually know if they'll publish it, but I wanted to make sure it was published SOMEWHERE, so while I wait to hear back from them, I've posted it myself!
Bolted: A Game of Creative Necromancy
When you combine different things, sometimes the result is a chemical reaction. Other times, it’s a surprising creative breakthrough.
I’m the author of the comic strip Wondermark, which is created collage-style out of vintage illustrations. So I’ve long been a champion of “creative re-combination.”
Making comics from collage has both freedoms and limitations. I get to hitch a ride on beautiful artwork from ages past, but I’m also constrained in storytelling (to a degree) by the images I can find.
It means the artwork itself is a creative collaborator. The gestures, expressions, and style of the artwork inform the stories that I tell with them…
The full (unedited) replay of Episode 3 -- with KC Green, Mattie Lubchansky, and Tom "Anime Sicko" Harrison -- is here for a bit! Edited version to follow soon.
I'm really enjoying sharing the game with my friends, and it's also great to give folks a better picture of how the game itself plays. Each episode is, of course, a complete game from start to finish.
Updated list of upcoming livestreams:
Fri Dec 5 • 10:15am Pacific (NEW TIME) • Webcomics Weekly Block 🐤 Dave Kellett (Sheldon, Drive) 😈 Brad Guigar (Evil Inc, The Webcomics Handbook) 📺 Kris Straub (Chainsawsuit, Local58)
Mon Dec 8 • 3:15pm Pacific • Very Rude Block 🥷 Christopher Hastings (Rude Tales of Magic, Dr. McNinja) 🎨 Carly Monardo (Rude Tales of Magic, Birdgirl) 🦢 Branson Reese (Rude Tales of Magic, Swan Boy)
Tue Dec 9 • 6pm Pacific • Audio Heroes Block 🪕 Molly Lewis (Mollylele) 🎹 Seth Boyer (Skulltenders) 🎤 Jordan Morris (Jordan Jesse Go, Youth Group)
Fri Dec 12 • 1:15pm Pacific • Rad Artists Block 🤼 Scott C. (Great Showdowns, Cabin Head and Tree Head) 🪓 Shing Yin Khor (The Legend of Auntie Po) 🐻 Cat Farris (My Boyfriend is a Bear)
EXISTING BACKERS: Any success of the Kickstarter campaign will benefit your already-guaranteed copies of the game too, making production & fulfillment more efficient! You of course DO NOT need to back the new campaign, but I want to share the below with everyone anyway.
This time around, I was able to do a few things I wasn't able to before, such as a really sweet (SMOLDERINGLY INTENSE??) promo video that I'm quite proud of:
I'll also be doing a series of playthroughs with my creative friends over the next few weeks! Here is a video of the first one, from earlier this week:
Hopefully this gives you a good sense of the game! Here are some other sessions scheduled too (with more still to be announced -- keep an eye on my Bluesky for more updates):
Mon Dec 1 • 12:15pm Pacific • Sickos Block 🐶 KC Green (Gunshow, Greatures) ✒️ Mattie Lubchansky (Boys Weekend, Simplicity) 💧Tom Harrison (Anime Sickos) ↪ Add event to your calendar
Wed Dec 3 • 12:15pm Pacific • Webcomics Weekly Block 🐤 Dave Kellett (Sheldon, Drive) 😈 Brad Guigar (Evil Inc, The Webcomics Handbook) 📺 Kris Straub (Chainsawsuit, Local58) ↪ Add event to your calendar
Fri Dec 12 • 1:15pm Pacific • Rad Artists Block 🤼 Scott C. (Great Showdowns, Cabin Head and Tree Head) 🪓 Shing Yin Khor (The Legend of Auntie Po) 🐻 Cat Farris (My Boyfriend is a Bear) ↪ Add event to your calendar
There's also a special bonus card available in this campaign for repeat backers (anyone who's ever backed one of my Kickstarter projects in the past). More details are on the Kickstarter page!
You've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Today, it's...Think Ya Should Check Out My Game Thursday
