Hi There!
We want to start by addressing the lack of communication. In the previous update we committed to updating monthly and we didn't do that, that's not cool. Rest assu...
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Jordan Miller
6 months ago
AR: Magic Socks - Production Update - December 2023
Hi There!
Lauren, Director of Communications, here! I know we've been quiet and we're so sorry it's taken so long. I was on sabbatical for 15 months dealing with a lot of pers...
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Jordan Miller
9 months ago
July 2023 Update: Production Progress + Gen Con!
News Time
Hi everyone, it's been too long since our last update, but we're still moving along!
Timeline Update
Thank you everyone for sticking with us during this challengi...
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Jordan Miller
12 months ago
We're Still Here! And we owe you an update...
Hi Friends.
We're so sorry it's taking so long for us to give you a proper update on this project. Thank you for being so patient with us. And to those that sent us emails,...
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XYZ Game Labs
over 1 year ago
Hey! It's been a while! PRODUCTION UPDATE
Hi friends!
We know it's been a bit since we posted an update, but not to worry! We haven't disappeared and we're still actively working on bringing ArchRavels: Magic Socks,...
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XYZ Game Labs
over 1 year ago
THANK YOU!
From all of us here at XYZ Game Labs: Thank You!
ArchRavels is very special to us and the support that Magic Socks got, really showed us how much y'all love AR too!
We're...
We're so sorry it's taking so long for us to give you a proper update on this project. Thank you for being so patient with us. And to those that sent us emails, messages, comments, etc... Thank you!
The reality is that we've been operating with reduced staff and bandwidth for all of 2023. XYZ Game Labs' first and top priority is fulfilling our obligations to you, our backers (as well as our backers and pre-order customers on other projects).
Due to that, we've been focusing all our efforts on the tasks most critical to delivering these projects. Rest assured, we are actively working on all things pre-production, editing, proofing, and producing Magic Socks, and it's accompanying mini-expansions, theme packs, and add-ons.
Regarding Project Timing: We are on track to deliver the rewards for this project this Fall.
To recap for clarity that list includes:
ArchRavels: Magic Socks (and the Enchanted Theme Pack)
All 3 Standalone Theme Packs (Cryptids, Cuddles, & Dinos)
Both Mini-Expansions (Award Season & RIVALS!)
Add-On game components (Bowl 2-Packs, Yarn Bazaar Playmat, & 3D Yarn Balls)
ArchRavels: Magic Socks - TheRulebook
One of the most important aspects of any game or expansion is the rulebook, and we're happy to say that we have the ArchRavels: Magic Socks (AR:MS) rulebook ready to rock! The product development process isn't always linear or tied to just one aspect, so since we're working on other areas now, it would be a great opportunity to provide the rulebook for your review.
You can take a look at the components, some game play examples and of course, get a sense of how Magic Socks will play when it hits your table later this year.
Developing a board game (or expansion) is a little like having a wombat on your back while trying to play rugby in a peanut factory: There's a lot going on at once. While we work on proofreading, tweaking, testing, and designing, our artists are hard at work on our remaining art needs.
Here are some of our most recently completed pieces of art for the RIVALS min-expansion:
As well as some recent SPECIAL REQUEST art for Award Season & RIVALS that's been completed:
Shelter Support - SPECIAL REQUEST
Knit Chain - SPECIAL REQUEST
TBA - SPECIAL REQUEST
There are also 20 or so other smaller Art Pieces (Icons, Tags, Borders, Etc) that have been completed during this time and now need to be assembled into individual Project, Awards, Events, Tangled, and Snagged Cards.
[ And Yes, for those paying attention there are at least 3 new card types in that list that you haven't seen yet :-) ]
Overall Progress:
Our projects are nothing without you, our community: With that in mind, we've put together a super simplified project tracker that you can use to get an idea of the different aspects we are working on and where we are at with each piece:
ARMS Progress
Mini Expansion Progress
Theme Pack Progress
Future Updates: We will be continuing to focus on the last steps needed to get this game to print. Things should start getting completed faster, so there will be more things to share with you all. Our initial goal will be to share these things with you starting on a monthly basis, so you can expect another update from us in about 4 weeks.
Next Up, Pledge Manager: One of the next big milestones will be the launching of the pledge manager. This is one of those items that our limited bandwidth has certainly impacted.There are a few details to work out, mostly with add-ons, before we can launch. Stay tuned and we should have details on how to access the pledge manager and what you need to do next.
Thank you, everyone, for your patience as we navigate one of the most work-heavy portions of a crowdfunding campaign. This project, and this community, mean a lot to us. We're focused on making sure it's delivered in the best possible form it can be.
We've seen a few questions pop up regarding WHEN you'll be able to purchase the stuffy that wins and while we don't have an exact date yet we are planning to have this added to the Pledge Manager before we get to our fulfillment stage.
Speaking of the Pledge Manager!
We're in the process of getting this set up and expect to launch the Pledge Manager and open up access for Late Pledges later this month. We'll be posting here and on our social media accounts when that happens, so keep an eye out if you missed your chance.
Unlocked Special Request Packs
We succeed in hitting 1,000 backers to unlock the SPOOKY PACK and 1,200 backers to unlock the AQUATIC PACK. We'll have the final art for both coming in the next week or two. (ArchRavels Artist, Rochelle Steder is literally working on these RIGHT NOW!)
Both of these Special Request Packs will be included in every copy of ArchRavels: Magic Socks - so as long as that is part of your pledge: You'll be getting them!
The last day is here! We've got just about 12 Hours Left - The Campaign Ends TONIGHT at 11:59pm!
Not only did we unlock the AQUATIC PACK over the weekend but we're 80% to unlocking the GNOME PACK!
Last week we showed you 3 of the 4 items in the SPOOKY PACK. Here is #4: The Spider!
Today we can give you a preview of the sketches for the AQUATIC PACK! We'll keep sharing new art as it comes in - even after the campaign is over :-)
CUDDLEDOME FINAL ROUND!
Today is not only the last day of the campaign - but the start of voting for the FINAL ROUND of CUDDLEDOME!
Results from the FINAL FOUR: Loch Ness Stuffy beat Stegofluffus (218 to 77) Cuddlope hopped past Otter (121 to 94)
FINAL ROUND MATCHUP: Loch Ness Stuffy vs Cuddlope (VOTE HERE or click the image below)
Thank you to all our backers, fans, and friends who have shared our campaign. We're super excited that this new suite of ArchRavels products are going to be a reality and can't wait to get these in your hands!
What Happens Next?
After the campaign closes it'll be a week or two before we get a late pledge option opened up - but we will be offering late pledges.
Just a reminder that we are expecting to deliver this campaign in Q2 of 2023 and won't be charging shipping until about 30 days before fulfillment begins.
Team XYZ is here to answer any questions you might have during the campaign. Feel free to comment here or reach out to us via email at [email protected].
It's been a while again between updates, I think the last one apologised for not sticking to monthly updates even though that had been promised in the previous update, and then promised to stick to it from there on. That was two months ago now so I think an update is due. I don't even mind if there has been no progress, I mind more that there is radio silence. Thank you
This is not the longest I've waited for a game (I have one that finished the campaign in spring of 2020). Nor is it the worst communication (same campaign pays every 10-15 weeks). BUT, I would very much like an update. Surveys should be going out. Please talk to us!
We want to start by addressing the lack of communication. In the previous update we committed to updating monthly and we didn't do that, that's not cool. Rest assured, we have not forgotten about you and we will try to do a better job checking in, even if we have no new information. Just so you know we're still here.
However! We DO have some new information to share with you. We've got a production update, news about the pledge manager, some new content to share, and a set of FAQs that we have some answers for. So with all that, let's get on with the update!
Production
Where's the project at? ArchRavels: Magic Socks & All Theme Packs are ready for production!
We're still wrapping up Rivals & Award Season
Here's a quick overview of the current project status:
The Pledge Manager
We have previously held off opening up the pledge manager because we didn't fully understand how the delays were impacting the timeline. But, the time has come, we will be opening the pledge manager on March 1st, 2024.
You will be able to update your shipping address and add items to your pledge as much as your crafty heart desires.
Enchanted Theme Pack Rules
Theme Packs are introducing a brand new way to play, remix, and customize your ArchRavels experience.
With our Theme Pack Production prep complete we can finally show off how Theme Packs will integrate into ArchRavels.
The images below are the pre-production proofs of the Enchanted Theme Pack Rulesheet. This will be folded brochure style. Each Theme Pack will include a customized version of these same rules for that theme.
OUTSIDE: This may look a bit disorienting at first. The right-most panel is the "Front" of the folded rule sheet and the Reference Chart is the "Back".
ArchRavels: Enchanted Theme Pack Proof - OUTSIDE
INSIDE: These panels explain how to set up a Multi-Theme Game, as well as Projects+, and can be read left to right.
ArchRavels: Enchanted Theme Pack Proof - INSIDE
FAQ
We got a few questions with the last update, so here are some answers:
Q: Have you considered a companion book with knit or crochet (or BOTH) patterns for some of the iconic patterns in the game? A: Yes we have considered this... ;-) Perhaps some eagle-eyed backers might find a related easter egg in one of our updates...
Q: Will it be possible to update my shipping address? A: Yes, when the pledge manager opens in March you will have full access to update your shipping address.
Q: How will Shipping Waves work? A: We're still firming up some decisions and options here. But rest assured, like you, we want to minimize shipping costs for everyone involved.
Q: Will Wave 1 include the ArchRavels Base Game Shipments? A: Yes!
Thanks for the patience and support. Happy Crafting!
It looks like it's been another 4 months since the last update by Lauren. Promised more frequent communication but still seems like radio silence to me.
It would be so nice if you could provide an update on the project and how it is going. It would be very appreciated by all the community I'm sure.
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you shortly
Lauren, Director of Communications, here! I know we've been quiet and we're so sorry it's taken so long. I was on sabbatical for 15 months dealing with a lot of personal and professional stuff. During that time, I got married which included all of the random events that went along with a wedding. Anyway, it feels so good to be back with a new last name that's easier to spell and pronounce!
As for the Team XYZ - here's out update!
The team has been hard at work for the last few months and now with the release of BIGFOOT: Roll & Smash the rubber has really hit the road for everything ArchRavels: Magic Socks!
Principal Art Is Complete!
Happy to announce that we are 100% complete on art for the ArchRavels: Magic Socks, Theme Packs, and Mini-Expansions. Layout is complete for everything except for the Mini-Expansions(more on that later). This game has a lot of individual pieces of art and it has been quite a project getting it all organized and finished. Rochelle's work has been amazing as always and we'll have some new stuff to share in the next update.
Production Update
Now that the art, layout, and proofing are done for ArchRavels: Magic Socks and all of the Theme Packs, within the next two weeks the production process will begin!
In keeping with our last update, here are updated production graphics:
Timeline Update
Thank you, everyone, for being so patient as we finish up everything needed to bring this game into the real world. We always want to ensure that every part of our games get the time and attention they deserve.
There's a round of polish that needs to happen to both Rivals & Award Season before we lock it down.
However, we do not want to delay the rest of the rewards while we iron out any issues with the Mini-Expansions. With that in mind we intend to split delivery of this project into Two Waves:
Wave One: (Q2 2024) will contain ArchRavels: Magic Socks & all Theme Packs.
Wave Two: (Approx 1-2 Months after Wave One)will contain ArchRavels: Rivals, ArchRavels: Award Season, & Deluxe Components (and perhaps a few surprises...)
PAX Unplugged
In other news - We just got back from PAX Unplugged in Philly! Thanks to all our friends and fans that stopped by! Here are a few of the highlights:
1) We found a fan who wore a Borderlands shirt AND a gnome hat that looked eerily similar to the Magic Socks' Gnome hats. It was as if he belonged at our booth!
2) Azkadorkable showcasing her amazing ArchRavels skirt! She nailed the colors perfectly. The unicorn especially was SPOT ON.
3) Playing ArchRavels at Backerkit's booth. Thank you, Backerkit for your continued support! I hope that everyone who stopped by to get your passport stamped succeeded in your quest and collected your Backerkit pin!
4) Booth stuffies inspired by the artwork in out theme pack expansions. *squeals in excitement*
5) Fans obsessing over our giant tire dice in BIGFOOT: Roll & Smash!
Please reach out if you have any questions! The warm welcome I received at PAX Unplugged has really shown to me how much I missed my people and it feels soooo good to be back. Promise to update sooner rather than later. :D
Saw this team with a booth at PAX Unplugged last weekend promoting Arch Ravels and the expansion, but the person I asked had no idea what was going on with this project. Please give your backers an update, we've been left hanging and ghosted for half a year now.
