Azazelx wrote: I sometimes wonder what the French-Canadian (Quebecois?) national identity is like. All I know, I learned from watching the WWF/WWE through the years.
I have no idea what you're talking about. I never watched WWF or E. But if you're willing to give it a try, I'd be gald to put you up for a week! And yes, the accepted modern term is Quebecois.
You're clearly missing out on one of the most flattering depictions of people from your neck of the woods in recent history. And thank you for the offer. If I'm ever in the neighbourhood in a few years, I'll hit you up.
Azazelx wrote: I sometimes wonder what the French-Canadian (Quebecois?) national identity is like. All I know, I learned from watching the WWF/WWE through the years.
I have no idea what you're talking about. I never watched WWF or E. But if you're willing to give it a try, I'd be gald to put you up for a week! And yes, the accepted modern term is Quebecois.
I believe the best answer to your question is: "Confused as hell."
Impressive that you were able to hold out for this long!
This was indeed my very first Kickstarter. I really wanted to get in on Sedition Wars and on Kingdom Death, but when they were going I was unemployed. Now that I have good income, decent KS's are fewer.
Mantic Games asked us to update the Deadzone Display Board to reflect a true 3" grid -- and so we have!
Of course I know that some of you were planning to use the previous design as an additional set of foundation tiles in your Urban Streets board -- and you will still have that option. When the pledge manager goes out you'll see a "Foundations Display Board" option in addition to the updated "Deadzone Display Board."
And now back I go to sculpting the clean Urban Streets bases....
Where else should it go? After a Kickstarter is no longer active, the thread for it is moved out of News & Rumors. As soon as there is proper news for it someone (most likely Justin or myself) can make a new N&R thread for Tablescapes, or if there is a current Secret Weapon Miniatures N&R Thread, it'd go there.
This will likely happen in the next month or so when new scatter terrain is shown/preorderable.
Few weeks at the very least, I believe Justin wants more of the renders to be complete first.
Even so, you'll have plenty of chances over the next few months to change what you want/add to it with the pledge manager stage. (It'll be opened before each set ships)
Where else should it go? After a Kickstarter is no longer active, the thread for it is moved out of News & Rumors. As soon as there is proper news for it someone (most likely Justin or myself) can make a new N&R thread for Tablescapes, or if there is a current Secret Weapon Miniatures N&R Thread, it'd go there.
This will likely happen in the next month or so when new scatter terrain is shown/preorderable.
Exactly
This is actually really healthy for projects, just FYI. Otherwise, you've got tens (or in some cases over a hundred!) pages of during-kickstarter discussion in front of any new NEWS!
Moving the campaign threads to the appropriate subforum after the campaign ends, and asking that a new News & Rumors thread be started when there are developments, makes the most sense. But right now there is nothing that needs to be in N&R.
It will actually help Secret Weapon more to have a brand new thread when they start making progress on having these tooled and ready for general sale, rather than having that tacked onto their kickstarter campaign thread.
PsychoticStorm wrote: I don't know misc miniature games or boardgames? discussion seems an odd place for it to be.
Its not really a boardgame or miniatures game though.
It might be appropriate for 'On The Lamb Games' due to the freebie copy of Brushfire, or 'Mantic Games' due to the Deadzone tile.. but neither are really appropriate either.
I'd imagine its gone into discussions because its not actually a game in and itself. Rather its a general gaming aide that is relevant to the whole community and not just one game system here and there as would be the case in misc/boardgmes.
This is the Update where I finally get to tell you what progress we've made and where things are at.
Scrap Yard Files We discovered that the import issue that created the wood grain texture on the prototype tile was going to be a universal problem. This means we've had to go back and completely re-do the Scrap Yard tiles. All 16 of them. From scratch. It's not the fault of the designer, and so we're having to pay twice -- and it means that the files we were going to send in April still aren't finished. We hope to have the first tile back to the factory this week for another prototype run.
The good news in this is that the prototype served its purpose -- and all of the tiles are going to be perfect. If we hadn't taken this step you would have received product with a wood gr ain texture on... everything. This is better.
Surveys & Pledge Manager We're plugging away at the pledge manager as I type. It turns out that handing over a list with a few hundred add-on items, in several categories, does not make one popular with the IT crowd. Who knew? Once the pledge manager is hammered out we'll send the surveys -- which we need to tailor to get the info we need for the pledge manager, of course.
New Stuff! The endcap and Security Barrier for the "Urban Streets" wall set are curing in molds and will be poured on Thursday. I also have some proof of concept base casts next to me... but I don't like them so I'm going to start over. I'm funny that way -- but I should have clean bases to show you next week. I'm also told that I should have renders for the "Urban Streets" gate this week.
The 3D work for the "Rolling Fields" wall set has begun and I hope to be able to show you the first piece of that in the next week or two. The real trick now is figuring out how to get a nice stone texture without creating a mold made of undercuts that can only cast 1-2 times before it rips. EEP!
I'm going to get some face time with the tile designer this week to talk about the first two "Ruined Temple" tiles. As we went back-and-forth via email it became very clear that we really needed to talk about this one as it's easily the most complicated set we're going to do when it comes to asset design. There will be a LOT of little components.
Does someone want to explain what “import issue that created the wood grain texture” actually means? And is it just me, but we haven’t even got the survey yet and we’re already at the “Oh crap we’re already delayed heaps” stage of the post-KS life cycle?
Would have been an issue with a texture in the digital file most likely, and if they couldn't track down where it came from then they'd have to redo the files from scratch.
They are very lucky to have caught it before production was in full swing.
While it's good such a thing was caught in QC and not sent out as the final product, I don't notice much issue with the tile having a wood grain texture . But that's probably because I have poor eyesight.
OFFICIAL - Deadzone 4x4' Table!
Update #59 · Jun 1, 2013 · 21 comments
Word finally came back from Mantic that we can offer the Deadzone tile in a 4x4' (16 tile) option.
You will now find a "Deadzone" option for both Display Board and Tablescape Set in the pledge manager!
Speaking of the pledge manager....
The initial setup is now complete. We're working out what has to go into the surveys to make them useful -- and I'm finalizing the 8 tile sets for the Mini-Wargamer pledges. I'll have sketches of those posted before the pledge manager goes live. There's no point in asking you to pick themes a couple of months in advance without letting you see at least concepts for the final tile picks.
And speaking of tiles....
Two of the redone "Scrap Yard" tiles have been sent off to the factory. They will be processing the first of those next week to ensure that the wood grain issue has been corrected. If it has then we will start milling on all 16 of those tiles immediately.
More to come....
I have some new goodies sitting on my desk - and I'll have an Update for those in the next couple of days. Stay tuned....
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. This is good, because I can't imagine typing an 8,000 word update on the Urban Streets wall/fortification set for you.
On the left we have the endcap for the wall/fortification set -- two of which are included in every Deluxe reward level, or in any wall/fortification set add-on. But that piece on the right is the first cast (thus the primer residue) of our new Security Barrier! This piece is 2" wide and perfect for blocking the sidewalks on your Urban Streets tile set.
The front and back designs are different - so you have a caution stripe on the front, and a reinforced firing port in the rear. Nothing says urban security quite like shooting at people from behind a 10' tall concrete barrier!
And if shooting from behind barriers sounds good to you - then you can place the endcap between two sections of the Urban Streets wall/fortification set to create a firing point. Perfect for vehicles, artillery, mortars, and infantry alike.
And you can create a double-wide fire point just by putting the endcaps end-to-end.
Of course the entire set, including the Security Barrier, is fully compatible -- allowing you to create urban defenses (or pacification zones....) of any size.
Of course no good fortification set would be complete without a hefty gate....
And we have one of those too! This is the finished (and polished) render of the three piece gate set -- which has already been sent to the printer and will be in molds this month.
I really can't wait to get my hands on this one -- of course I'll probably say that about each of the new releases...
On a not totally related matter mrjustin, is there any plans to expand your range of roundlipped bases? both with matching themes to the tablescapes and some of the themes you have for beveled bases.
No problem! Sometimes I can be a useful productive member of society!
Riptides haha, no. I think they originally had an august/september release for the Scrapyards, but with the whole... scrapping of the scrapyard tiles, they needed to rework their time table.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this video is worth... well... A LOT MORE!
But here are some pictures too.
I really can't say enough about how pleased I am with these new tiles -- BOTH of them, because I now have TWO Scrap Yard tiles on my desk. It's like Chaunxmawanzaramastice came early!!!!
What About the Pledge Manager?
I have, understandably, received a lot of questions about the pledge manager. It is actually ready to launch -- but we're holding for final artwork on the 8 tile Mini-Wargamer sets. I want to make sure everyone knows what they're getting before we finalize anything.
I should have that artwork in the next week or two -- but there's PLENTY of time between now and October to get things finalized. The longer we hold off on the pledge manager the less chance there is we'll need to change anything before we ship.
And the Other Tiles?
All 14 remaining "Scrap Yard" tiles will be sent to the factory today... along with a wired payment to get the ball officially rolling!
The "Urban Streets," and "Rolling Fields" tile renders you've seen are under review as I type. I hope to have first shot tiles for those themes by August -- and the other tiles are in the works.
I'm told that I should have my first "Ruined Temple" renders next week. This one has been the hardest as it includes so many individual assets, and we've learned a lot about how to manage them thanks tot he prototype tile.
And Then?
I'm already at work on two new tile theme designs - still in the concept stages - so we're already looking at expansion. I'm also talking to the factory about some engineering challenges I'd like to overcome so we can offer an even better vision for "Trench Works" when we're ready.
All-in-all everything is going smoothly. Slowly, to be sure, but smoothly. We're on schedule for an October delivery for "Scrap Yard" and trying to keep everything else on track.
THANK YOU!
Thank you all for the continued support -- and please remember that the comments, here and in the general comments, are still open. Feel free to as questions and make sure things are moving!
These are the first two tile renders, and what I'll be sending to the factory for review as soon as they finish with the current batch.
We decided to spice up the tiles with a few decorations, in part because it will make for more interesting bases when we get to that point.
What you see here is one of the foundation tiles - and the quarter amphitheater tile.
Pledge Manager Update
I'm going to make a point of mentioning the Pledge Manager in every update until it launches -- just so folks know where we're at. I'm still waiting on final artwork on tile selections for the "Mini-Wargamer" sets, and as soon as we have that I'll get it launched. The target is July, but without a specific date as we'd still have plenty of time before the first batch of tiles has to ship for October delivery.
From the comments the Amphitheater will get a bit more work to blend the tiles around the curve in a more natural manner.
I really like the first ruined temple tile, but wish the amphitheater went all the way to the edge of the second before crumbling down. Also not a huge fan of the "fleur de lis" deocrative tiles as I just noted in the KS comments. I wanted to make an evil ruined temple... that does not look evil!
Still like it overall, though, I just might have to cover those up... as they make it a lot less generic / useful multiple themes. Or maybe there is still time to change it, as I have to believe a lot of other folks weren't expecting "fleur de lis" on their ruined temples, either!
I'm starting to think a ruined temple board would be good. I was going to get a ruined city board but the renders and concept art for the temple have got me really digging it.
This is the last piece of the puzzle that we need to put together before I can finalize the Pledge Manager and get this locked down. These are the 8 tile "Mini-Wargamer" tile sets.
Although we have finished, or in progress renders for some of these tiles we're using the sketch so that it's the same style when you're looking at the options we've selected.
Based on your feedback there is a focus on the foundation/ground tiles for each theme. In the sketches only one foundation/ground style is shown, but the actual tiles will include a mix -- such as the small squares foundation, and park square foundation for Urban Streets.
While these selections represent the "Mini-Wargamer" expansion sets they are likely to influence our choices for the future 8 tile expansion sets.
The final selection may vary as we finalize the renders, and any changes will be communicated as they're made.
Thank you all for your feedback -- you've helped to make this a stronger product!
Justin "misterjustin" McCoy
\
Sorry about the pictures turning out so huge. Don't quite know why the copied across from the KS page so massively.
New update- now that's what I'm talking about, with the updated ruined temple tile! Woot . So much better than what they showed last time!!!
New Renders, and an update...
Before I say anything else, here's an updated render for the Ruined Temple amphitheater tile --
Ah, dirt. Glorious dirt! This is the same dirt mapping texture we're using on all of the other tiles (where dirt is present, of course) so that it will be easy to mix-and-match. You will also find dirt on most of the Ruined Temple tiles to some degree, so that we can break up the stone pattern, and make it visually more appealing by itself, and when combined with other sets.
For those wanting to use multiple amphitheater tiles to make a small arena, you can also paint this dirt in a sand color... and you're good to go!
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
I am happy to announce that Raffaele Picca, of Pixelgod and Massive Voodoo fame, is now engaged on the project to help with the fortifications and scatter terrain. This is the nearly finished fortifications set for Rolling Fields.
Pledge Manage.... soon!
The pledge manager is still holding for the display board border. I need to get pricing on that before I can launch -- or I have to launch without it and make a lot of people cry.
BUT! I have heard from the factory and they hope to have pricing to me shortly. I had to answer some engineering questions, and finalize some measurements, but that's done and they're cranking away on a finished piece.
The pledge manager will launch as soon as I have that final piece of information.
I apologize for the delay on this, but I'd rather make sure we had everything in place than move too quickly -- especially as we still have plenty of time before the first wave ships.
Scrap Yard - Still Milling
With the tiles well underway we now know that each mold takes approximately 5 days to mill. That's 5 days PER MOLD. Fortunately the factory has two machines dedicated entirely to this project, but it still represents 40 days of milling to complete a set of tiles.
BUT! They have all 16 of the Scrap Yard files, and several have already been tooled. They also have 5 of the Urban Streets tiles (3 clean/2 damaged) so that we can get test shots of those. We'll send the first Rolling Fields and Ruined Temple tiles as soon as they're finalized as well.
Yeah I'll have to get 3 more amphitheaters at some point when they are available separately. You'll probably need 9 tiles for an Arena Rex arena as they are 1 foot x 1 foot and the suggested size for AR is about 3x3, 2x2 might be a bit small. I'll put 1 amphitheater on each corner and 5 others to fill in the Arena and then just make some simple boundary markers with low walls and wedding cake columns (I have some in a drawer waiting to go) a bit God of War combat arenas style.
DaveC wrote: Yeah I'll have to get 3 more amphitheaters at some point when they are available separately. You'll probably need 9 tiles for an Arena Rex arena as they are 1 foot x 1 foot and the suggested size for AR is about 3x3, 2x2 might be a bit small. I'll put 1 amphitheater on each corner and 5 others to fill in the Arena and then just make some simple boundary markers with low walls and wedding cake columns (I have some in a drawer waiting to go) a bit God of War combat arenas style.
Sounds like a good plan Dave - please remind me of it when they're available and when Arena Rex ships!
I signed off on the initial Display Board frame design this morning, and I'm happy to say that it's going to be expandable! You will now be able to frame your 2x2' Display Board, or pick up expansion sets to completely frame any size table you'd like!
Once we have the final price/cost for the frame I'll get the Pledge Manager finalized, and send out your surveys. This should happen by or before mid-August.
That OTHER Project....
Anyone watching the general comments will have noticed vague references to another project - and another Kickstarter campaign. This seems like the most appropriate venue to make the first official announcement --
On Monday 29-July I will launch a 20 day Kickstarter campaign to fund my first dice and token game release. The campaign will be under the Secret Weapon banner, but the game will officially launch as an Iron Box Games product. You will be able to see more information later today and this weekend on the official IBG Facebook page
HAVE NO FEAR! This game has been finished for more than a year now, and I put off its launch until I was sure that the Tablescapes Tiles were on track. This new campaign will have no impact on THIS campaign, or general Secret Weapon operations.
More soon!
I'm expecting another update from Wargames Factory at the top of next week -- so you should have another update shortly. There might even be new renders....
Thank you all again for your continued support -- and I hope you'll check out IBG and our first game launch next week too!
Well, it certainly means I won't be backing their other kickstarter. However, this one didn't really get me as it doesn't sound like any more work is required on the other campaign (although how true that is, who knows... KS campaigns always take tons of work).
According to a previous comment by Mister Justin the max pledge on the new KS is $25 so it's not exactly a huge project and I'd back at the price just to support him regardless of the end product.
I'd still like to see a pledge manager before sign on for another KS with them.
Now that said I have bought from Secretweaponsminiatures and have never had a problem and love the bases that they make. I just want them to get to that point before starting down another road....
Before I jump in and tell you about my new project, I want to say that word from the factory is that I should have a quote on the frame "shortly," now that I've approved the design. They're still milling the "Scrap Yard" tiles and now have 5 of the "Urban Streets" (3 clean/2 damaged) in the queue for testing.
We'll have the COMPLETE "Scrap Yard" table to show you before the end of August - RIGHT ON SCHEDULE! That's right... we're still on schedule for our October delivery of the "Scrap Yard" tables.
Iron Box Games & "Angry Sheep"
And because I'm not one to spend my down time idle, I'm happy to unveil my next project -- Iron Box Games -- and my first game title, "Angry Sheep!"
This is a dice and token game that was developed in cooperation with Blackball Games, and with a fair amount of support from the folks behind other big name projects. I have an established factory standing by, and an anticipated 80-90 day delivery once it's funded.
With the Tablescapes Tiles progressing on schedule, neither project will impact the other. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with either, I have support standing by. ... NEW Tablescapes?
And now that you know about this AWESOME game, I want to leave you with one fresh teaser -- we've started concept work on two new Tablescapes Tiles themes for 2014. WOO HOO!
I've sent the Security Barrier tile to the factory for review -- because I'd like to make it workable! This would become a three part tile -- the base, and then a top/bottom portion for the barrier so you could raise and lower it. I don't know that we'll be able to pull this off, or make it cost effective, but I wanted to let you know it's something we're looking at while the Scrap Yard tiles are still milling.
Pledge Manager Update
Word from the factory is that I will have the final per-shot price on the Display Board frame at the top of next week. That's all we're waiting on to launch the pledge manager -- which means we SHOULD have the surveys out in the next two weeks, and we'll use that to populate the pledge manager. We need to get it wrapped up by the end of September to stay on track, so stay tuned!
I did think about putting that update here, but it was for backers only so... But fwiw in the future i'll make sure to mention the backer only updates.
Those clean urban tiles are sexy aren't they? I had considered swapping to a temple board but now i'm just wracked with indecision. 1st world problems aye?
Alrighty folks, the display frames are here. Rather nice looking i think.
Sorry about the fricking massive size....
Display Board - Frame Renders
Update #69 · Aug 11, 2013 · 5 comments
WE HAVE A DISPLAY BOARD FRAME!
As always, you can view the images directly to see them in all their glory -- and this is glorious!
The factory has integrated the tabs to make the entire piece more durable -- AND they've made it into separate corner and straight pieces so that those of you who want to frame a full 4x4', 4x6', or 4x8' table can do so with a few expansion packs.
One straight piece also includes a recessed spot to add an army placard, because we're classy like that!
AND THE PLEDGE MANAGER?!!?
Don't worry, I'm emailing the pledge manager folks right after I post this update. My plan is to have the pledge manager live the week following GenCon, as this week is going to be a whirlwind of crazy madness for me.
Pledge Manager Update & GenCon
Update #70 · Aug 13, 2013 · 4 comments
TABLESCAPES AT GENCON
Thanks to the incredible team at On The Lamb Games, the two finished "Scrap Yard" tiles will be on display at GenCon. You will find them in a 2x2' Display Board setup at booth # 652. Stop by, say hello to the crew, enjoy a demo, and give the tiles a good poke.
I will be doing weathering demos all day in the vendor hall with Cool Mini Or Not at booth # 1627 -- and showing off some of our other great Secret Weapon products. Please stop by and say hello!
PLEDGE MANAGER UPDATE
I approved the survey questions this morning, and I'm scheduled to review the add-on catalog later today. I hope to have all of this wrapped up before I leave for GenCon as this will let us have the surveys out this week or next.
The scrapyard tiles were expected to be shipped by October, while the rest were all supposed to be coming on a monthly basis there after. Iirc that is...
And just for the hell of it...
Surveys!
Update #71 · Aug 19, 2013 · 3 comments
Just a quick note to let folks know that I have synced the BackerKit account and begun working on the surveys. We are moving forward with the pledge manager even as I type!
Snrub wrote: Yeah that's my problem. I really want a city board but the ruined temple just looks too tempting to pass up.
I think my want for the city board was only so I could use it with Deadzone and Infinity (all my 40k battles take place on luscious worlds in a temperate climate ), but my Deadzone Kickstarter comes with the mousepad board.
Alright folks. New update is in. I have bolded a section that i thought was rather interesting.
August Madness
Update #72 · Aug 21, 2013 · comment
A couple of quick updates for you before I put my head back down and focus my efforts on surviving August.
PLEDGE MANAGER
I am finalizing the survey questions in another window as I type this update. It turns out that this is time consuming. Who knew? The good news is that BackerKit assures me we should be good to go by Friday. This pleases me.
EDIT: The survey questions are finished and have been submitted for review - just in case I missed anything.
MESSAGES
There are 8 unread messages in my in-box, and if you're one of those waiting on a reply you have my sincere apologies. August is made of madness, and I'm actually only at my desk for nine days. During those nine days I scramble to catch-up on everything I can't do while I'm away at events, and now that I'm trying to get the pledge manager finished at the same time... something had to give. I will get all of those messages answered the week of 2-September, when I return from my list trip of the season.
NOVA OPEN
The next big event for me is NOVA Open, and I fly out this Sunday. Unfortunately I won't have the boards with me for this one. I will, however, be teaching 13 classes over the course of 3 days, because August is made of madness like that.
MILLING AND DELIVERY
I met the rep from Wargames Factory at GenCon and he assured me that milling is well underway for the Tablescapes Tiles. They were held up with the GenCon deliveries, but now it's all hands on deck for this project. I will continue to harass them for photos so that we can all see what's going on.
As of today we are on track for the containers to arrive in their respective shipping countries in October. This also pleases me.
FUTURE STUFF
I have already authorized the next three designs for the Tablescapes Tiles. This will include the Lost Desert set, and two others that have not been named yet, and won't be previewed until I have renders. None of these releases will hit until the end of 2014 when the other themes have been delivered. But we are still moving forward!
So what about Trench Works? At this point I can't tell you how happy I am that this didn't fund -- because the more we look at it the bigger it gets. We're probably going to do a campaign just for the Trench Works boards, because we're going to include a LOT of additional, and very necessary, additions to the set. Stay tuned for this, but don't look for it until Ruined Temple is in boxes and on the way.
BACK TO WORK!
And now I'll get back to work on the survey questions. They need to be finished tonight...
I knew he had plans for a second Tablescapes KS, but one wholely dedicated to trench works?? All i can say is this...
Glad to hear that Lost Desert is being made outside of the Kickstarter, that was the one I was most interested in.
I'm super-happy about the custom deadzone board as well, that's going to be pretty amazing. I might boost my current display board into a full 4x4 or even 4x6 since it'll work so well with all the terrain I'm getting.
It's actually a better option for me than the urban streets set, since I find the roads to be too wide for my liking, whereas with a bunch of DZ tiles I can put terrain wherever and get more of a sprawling setup.
Might get grass board as well, I'll really need to see what the join lines between tiles are like though, since that really is the dealbreaker on a plastic board, if there isn't a good fit or the clips don't provide a perfect flush edge to edge fit then the gaps look terrible, the RoB board suffers from this quite a lot.
Pretty much every single update on this makes me more interested, and I was initially highly skeptical. Quality and attention to detail throughout, we need more companies like this that can not only match what GW produces, but make their products look like the lower-quality option.
There's a bit of an odd button at the end if you want to log back in- you basically click it, and it sends you an email to create a password. I just did that so I can log back in later, but it doesn't seem to be automatic.
Completed mine now the Deadzone options have been added. Happy to see he split the Display frame and Display board into separate options so the display board is only $45 without the frame - I can live without the frame.
Closing date is 1st of October - payment for extras is by credit card only no Paypal option that I could see - card is not charged until the pledge manager has closed.
The Definitive Guide To Tablescales Tiles... So Far
Update #74 · Aug 23, 2013 · 19 comments
As I started putting this update together with all of the images in it, I realized it would be far too cumbersome to be useful. There are a LOT of images, and a lot of information that should be shared. So here it is, in link format.
Please let me know if I missed anything, and I'll get it into the comments of this thread.
NOTE: We are still finalizing the contents for the display boards, and finished artwork is not available for those yet. Only "Urban Streets" and "Scrap Yard" have been tentatively finalized and those are:
We are not able to work on the Display Board contents until we have the renders, and cannot finalize them until we have the physical pieces to ensure universal packaging.
RENDERS: Clean Urban Streets Tiles
NOTE: The second link of Ruined Temple renders includes the amphitheater render that was changed. The top link is a more accurate representation, but will still be changed before it goes to mill.
MrJ has also adjusted that dates that the tile sets will be released. Urban tiles are now due in December. A rather nice birthday/christmas pressie for myself then it seems.
Hey. Hey! HEY! We have renders for the Urban Streets - Damaged tiles, and I couldn't be happier today!
X Road (a)
2x Straight Roads (b/c)
T Road (d)
2x Foundations (e/f)
2x Rubble Piles (g/h)
The 16 tile, all damaged set will break down as follows:
2 x X Road
4 x Straight Road
2 x T Road
6 x Foundations
2 x Rubble Piles
This is the same breakdown as the Urban Streets - Clean set, but the lift gate and security checkpoint are replaced by the rubble piles. But enough talking! Let's get to those renders!!!!
NOTE: File names on the renders do not match the final file names. They are presented in the correct order.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
These files are being transferred for final clean-up today, and should be to the factory next week. I'm expecting an update from Wargames Factory in the next week on our overall project status, and I'll get that posted as soon as I have it.
And that's two tables finished -- and only two to go! At this point the design work is ahead of schedule. Let me repeat that... in big, bold letters...
The 3D work is ahead of schedule!
Seriously, I couldn't be happier with the team of folks I'm working with. The quality of the design work is fantastic, and they're keeping ahead of what was a really, really tight schedule. GO TEAM!
More as I have it....
Hmm dems some sexy rubble piles. Could do with a few more of them maybe...
Since, due to a shame display of negligence, i missed update 77 i will bring you update 78 instead.
Behold.... (also turn down your volume before watching the vid.)
Curse your sudden and inevitable... delays.
Update #78 · Sep 26, 2013 · 23 comments
As much as it pains me to say, I'm sure that very few folks out there in Kickstarter land will be terribly shocked to learn that our project will be delayed.
Word from Wargames Factory is that things are taking longer than expected, and they've brought in new machines to help with the load.
THERE IS GOOD NEWS (sorta)!
Scrap Yard, Urban Streets, and the Display Board frame will all ship in December.
So Scrap Yard is being delayed by about six weeks, Urban Streets will ship on time, and the Display Board frame will ship early.
I have confirmed this delivery schedule with Wargames Factory, and they assure me that they can do this. So what happened? Let's look at a video:
This is one of the tiles being milled. As you can see the mold is HUGE and it can take as long as five days, running 24 hours, for a single tile to be completed. They've brought in several new mills, with greater capacity, to help get through the project. They've also had to bring in more new computers, because we keep sending them super giant, ,multimillion polygon files.
I will continue to check in with the factory regularly, and keep all of you updated on any new developments.
darefsky wrote: I have adopted the "It'll get here when it gets here" attitude for all kickstarters.
That's why I haven't backed any KS recently. KS fatigue has really kicked in. Even the stencil one, which looks awesome... I just can't bring myself to endure the wait anymore.
DaveC wrote: Ah no he's opening the backer kit at each shipping phase so we can add more stuff - this could get expensive!
Well, I'm down for ruined and non-ruined urban sets so far. If I'm as happy with them as I hope I'll be, I might end up getting more and more tilesets as the shipping phases roll on.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Jimsolo wrote: Am I correct in assuming these will eventually be available for purchase from the store? Or is this limited to the Kickstarter?
Eventually they'll be available from SWM's store, as well as retailers who stock their stuff.
It's going to close for now in the next few hours and charge in the next day or two - then it'll reopen later on (otherwise they'll never get to charge).
So I'll get my bases soon? Yay! Maybe I'll add more later, especially if my friends (who never expressed such a view until now) want to piggyback on my pledge.
My gaming group is such a bunch of whiners. I should have somehow assumed that they'd change their minds 3 months after the campaign.
Turn you're volume down a bit if you watch the vid.
Update #79
Oct 4, 2013
Pledge Manager & Milling Update
14 comments
Hello backers!
I have locked down the pledge manager, and will be charging those folks that added to their pledge later today. We will need some time to sort through the pledges, identify which have add-on items, and then we'll get started on shipping the non-KS portion of your order.
The factory tells me that we're still on track for a December delivery, and I'm hoping to have some test shots in the next couple of weeks. No, really! CHECK THIS OUT!
These are our mold blocks, all labeled and ready to go into the machines.
And THIS is a shot of one of the more detailed Scrap Yard tiles.
But wait, there's more!
The factory now has SIX of their machines running full time on the Tablescapes Tiles project, and they sent a video to prove it!
And THAT is a thing of beauty. Seriously.
Thank you all for your continued support, understanding about the delays, and your unbridled enthusiasm for the product.
I think this is the first kickstarter where I won't be getting any of the first wave stuff. I put in for two sets of the ruined streets so I guess I'll have to feel lonely while you guys talk about how nice your junk feels. ;P
Breotan wrote: I think this is the first kickstarter where I won't be getting any of the first wave stuff. I put in for two sets of the ruined streets so I guess I'll have to feel lonely while you guys talk about how nice your junk feels. ;P
My junk feels great! But I too am in one of the last waves.
The crew at Wargames Factory thought that folks might like seeing one of the tiles actually being pressed -- and so they put together another video for us.
Word is that they should have new test shots to ship me this week as well, which means that the approval process continues to move forward to keep us on track for December.
Alright you Mantic fans, Deadzone board is ready and raring to go.
Update #81
Oct 18, 2013
Deadzone ™ LIVES!
7 comments
12 likes
Mantic Games approved the Deadzone ™ tile render this morning, so it's on its way to final clean-up, and then off to the factory. Word is that there will be no problem getting this in with the rest of the December deliveries.
And now we're moving on to the Rolling Fields tiles....
There is a backer only update that people might want to read. Nothing major but it's good to keep up to date with these things just in case they affect you.
This is just a wee bitty update to let the folks with add-on items know that we have exported the data from BackerKit, and we're getting it all sorted.
As soon as we have the packing slips generated we will begin shipping the items from our standard catalog. I hope to have that rolling in the first week of November. We'll start prior to that if we can get the data worked out. It just so happens that using a mail merge to create packing slips on hundreds of orders is a bit tricky. Who knew?
I also have word from the factory that they're shipping me six new Scrap Yard test shots on Friday!
Oct 25, 2013
Final Renders - Urban Streets - Damaged
11 comments
5 likes
The damaged Urban Streets tiles are making their way to the factory -- and I thought that you might like to see a couple of views of the finished product.
For the damaged set we replaced the security barrier and lift gate tiles with another foundation and straight street -- both of which have very large rubble piles on them.
The foundation tiles have rubble in a more centered position than we'd originally planned -- but after much thought we realized that the purpose of these was to allow folks to put building ruins on them, which means that having centralized rubble makes more sense, and makes them more usable.
And now I'm off to the bank to send another payment to the factory. WOO HOO!
I'm so glad I got the ruined tiles as opposed to the clean. The ruined ones looks so damn good.
Oct 25, 2013
Final Renders - Urban Streets - Damaged
11 comments
5 likes
The damaged Urban Streets tiles are making their way to the factory -- and I thought that you might like to see a couple of views of the finished product.
For the damaged set we replaced the security barrier and lift gate tiles with another foundation and straight street -- both of which have very large rubble piles on them.
The foundation tiles have rubble in a more centered position than we'd originally planned -- but after much thought we realized that the purpose of these was to allow folks to put building ruins on them, which means that having centralized rubble makes more sense, and makes them more usable.
And now I'm off to the bank to send another payment to the factory. WOO HOO!
I'm so glad I got the ruined tiles as opposed to the clean. The ruined ones looks so damn good.
Nov 5, 2013
Add-On Shipping Update... And BIG NEWS!
13 comments
13 likes
Hello backers!
First, an apology on the delay for add-on shipping items. This has turned into a much bigger data aggregation project that I had expected it to be. Because of limitations on how the data was exported we're having to do a lot of work to sort the orders. We're on it though, and I'm desperately hoping to start shipping by next week.
It turns out though that a LOT of folks that paid for early ship add-on items did not pay for the early shipping -- and those orders will ship with the Kickstarter funded items, because we simply can't afford to eat that much on shipping, on top of everything else.
And now... BIG NEWS!
I have all 16 finished "Scrap Yard" tiles -- the test shots anyway -- and I made it to the warehouse today to put them into our game table and take a LOT of photos. I'll need a day or two to process those photos, but I'll have an update this week that includes photos of the actual, finished tiles on a table. We also got some shots with the walls in place, and whatever models I happened to have sitting around in the shop... which turned out to be a lot of tanks. Go figure, right?
I also got word from the factory today that the "Urban Streets" tiles are still on schedule -- which is more good news!
As if that weren't enough, I talked to the designer last night, and he's finalizing the "Rolling Fields" designs as I type. He wants to make the creek beds a bit more interesting, and improve on the dirt patterning, and then he'll send them on for touch-up and milling.
I just thought about this. Those tiles would line up perfectly, height-wise, with my "starship interior" scenery that I built, so it could translate into a "big building interior."
Can't wait to get my bases. It's good to know at least one customer of WGF is ahead or on schedule... :(
I'm getting a display board of the ruined temple... so, yeah, no news for me for a long while. Looking forward to seeing progress made on all the others, though, as that brings mine that much closer
This means you haven't ordered enough, and should go and order more things.. just to be sure.
RiTides wrote:I'm getting a display board of the ruined temple... so, yeah, no news for me for a long while. Looking forward to seeing progress made on all the others, though, as that brings mine that much closer
2 Ruined Temples, and 2 Rolling Fields.. and a Wall.. I'm hoping that I can convince Justin to partial ship some of that
Kinda tempted to get a Streets set after seeing the renders, though I'm not sure what I'd use it for.
Awwww yeeaaaaaaah! It's all coming together now folks.
Update #85
Nov 7, 2013
Scrap Yards - Complete Table IN PLASTIC!
11 comments
12 likes
Here it is, a complete 4x6' table made entirely of injection molded plastic Tablescapes Tiles ™ -- of course the factory didn't bother to send me tile clips with the test shots, so there are some gaps between the tiles. Otherwise this was set up on the gaming table we have in the warehouse... and it's awesome.
Remember to "view image" to see the full thing -- there's a lot to see!
And then I realized that I have some of my old armored company models sitting around in a box... and we have lots of the Scrap Yard walls cast up and ready to go... at which point I couldn't stop myself.
There's plenty of room for models, walls, buildings, and anything else that you need to put on the table -- and Scrap Yard is the busiest and most crowded of the four sets we have in the queue.
The factory is going to send me some clips with the next round of test shots -- and I'll get to work painting the table, and the walls, and posting some proper "table in action" shots for everyone.
In the interim... hey... this is really happening. Those tiles are plastic, and I have them.
Thank you all again for your support, and enthusiasm.
New update, pretty cool pics, looking forward to my board and might get more now that I know the G&G stuff just isn't what I'm after:
Shipping, Spacers, and Production Updates
28 comments
6 likes
Greetings backers!
First up, I have to announce another totally unsurprising, terribly disappointing delay in the delivery of the Tablescapes Tiles. I'll save the details for the end of the post, for the TL;DR crowd, and just say here that I don't have a delivery date yet -- but we are working with the factory to get an update.
What I do have for you is a completely new tile spacer!
The new spacer was actually part of the delay. The original spacer design accounted for only minor variations in the height of the tiles. As we kept pushing the limit on tile sizes we effectively made the original spacer design obsolete. The new one isn't as pretty, but it's much sturdier, can be expanded to handle any tile height, and keeps the tiles more secure in storage.
ADD-ON ITEMS ARE SHIPPING NOW!
Those of you with add-on items that aren't Kickstarter specific will be happy to know that we have begun shipping them. We have 286 orders sitting on the shipping table in the warehouse, and the team is packing them up and getting them out the door.
Scrap Yard - ACTION SHOTS!
The team at the factory decided to put some painted Dream Forge models on the display board, and they sent me these photos.
And I love them. it's nice to see painted models on the board, and these give you a great idea of just how much detail, and height variation, is packed into all of the tiles. They're flat enough to support models and terrain, and varied enough that they don't just look like laser cut/etched MDF, but take full advantage of the injection molding.
TL;DR - Production Update
We had to completely re-engineer the tile spacers, which led to a delay. This was caused by the incredible variance in our tile heights. See above for the new pics.
We also ran into problems with packaging, as the original designs also assumed a limited variance in tile height. We're now having to redesign the packaging to accommodate the tile variations, as well as the new spacers.
I am working with my designers, and the factory to ensure that we can get all of the tiles delivered in Q1-2014. I don't have a date for this yet, but the milling won't be slowing us down at this point.
I don't like delays, and I like them even less when I can't give you a more definitive update on when the tiles will ship. We're working as quickly as we can to get this resolved, and I will update as soon as I have more information.
In the interim this just gives me more time to get the Scrap Yard table painted up, and get you lot an action shot... or twenty.
I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.
Not sure why he made them backer only anyway. I didn't back the Kickstarter as I'd only like a few river and street tiles to add to my Realm of Battle board, and there was no option to order a mix of a few selected tiles.
But that doesn't mean I'm not interested in progress of the project, and seeing the actual product before buying it when it does become available. So I'm happy squig posted it, as the pictures look cool and the detail of the board looks crisp. Can't wait to see the finished Rolling Hills and Urban themes.
Breotan wrote: I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.
There are some cases in which backer only updates are indeed only for backers, Through the Breach has been doing backer only updates since September because every update contains a link to the playtest files and not a link to the playtest forums where you had to be approved to join (not the smartest way to do it, but w/e). But these, these aren't really secret updates that we can't know. These are the type of updates that everyone can get excited for because they're awesome (especially the shots with actual models on them!) :-D
I think from here on out, "backer only updates" shouldn't really be hidden since there isn't any secret data that if it got out would be a bad thing, in fact I think letting people see these images will only serve to get people interested for when it hits retail release.
Snrub wrote: Alright scarlet, did you not see the thing about this being backer only?
I'd imagine if MisterJustin wanted this made public he would have put it as a public update. S'all I'm saying.
Let's face it, while the minutia or might end up being kept backer-only, there's next to no chance of the pictures being kept "secret", none of us signed an NDA, and I'll talk about this stuff and delays as much as I like. I posted a message on the comments last week asking about fulfilment, since it was pretty much obviously going to miss a December delivery date...
me wrote:
Any info on updated timelines for previously-December fulfilment?
Because that stuff kinda needs to be on a moving boat already at this point to be getting to us in Dec, since it's now Mid-November...
Should we expect January-Feb at this point (if they go out soon) or April-May? Because Chinese New Year pretty much closes the country down for all of Feb. And what's likely to hit that timeline?
Justin wrote:
Secret Weapon 6 days ago
That is a very, very fine question - and I'm waiting on an update from the factory. They haven't told me we've missed our deadline, but like you I'm fairly sure it happened.
So now it's a more generic "Q1 delivery". So being realistic, we can expect our board(s) in March. Or May.
I have to also say that the reasoning given for the delays (spacers, tile height, packaging) wouldn't on the surface seem to be an issue for urban streets (damaged - or especially clean), and both of those were supposedly on track for December as well.
So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.
I'm getting a ruined temple display board. But if it's awesome maybe I'll turn it into a full one once these are released . The border for the display board certainly looks ace!
RiTides wrote: I'm getting a ruined temple display board. But if it's awesome maybe I'll turn it into a full one once these are released . The border for the display board certainly looks ace!
Ditto. I got in for a 4-tile display board Ruined temple, and if they are nice then I might adopt this system for my table.
Alfndrate wrote: There are some cases in which backer only updates are indeed only for backers, Through the Breach has been doing backer only updates since September because every update contains a link to the playtest files and not a link to the playtest forums where you had to be approved to join (not the smartest way to do it, but w/e).
I understand this and I'm willing to not post proprietary stuff like beta-test links and such myself but I don't think we should act like zombies have breeched the fence if someone does.
Alfndrate wrote: I think from here on out, "backer only updates" shouldn't really be hidden since there isn't any secret data that if it got out would be a bad thing, in fact I think letting people see these images will only serve to get people interested for when it hits retail release.
Agreed, especially since most everyone who reads these threads are likely to be backers anyway. Not everyone keeps their KS emails on file like I do.
Bossk_Hogg wrote: So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.
Sure, but urban roads don't appear to be something that is suddenly going to have a lot more depth to them over the original plans....
Bossk_Hogg wrote: So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.
Sure, but urban roads don't appear to be something that is suddenly going to have a lot more depth to them over the original plans....
The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.
Bossk_Hogg wrote: So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.
Sure, but urban roads don't appear to be something that is suddenly going to have a lot more depth to them over the original plans....
For some reason I'd thought those were due next year anyways, but they did have an original goal of December. Still, a few month delay is about par for Kickstarters (actually better than average, but we'll see).
The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.
Nope. The clean and ruined ones are each their own, distinct SKU. It's not half-and-half. Even the ruined ones don't appear to be especially deep or high - especially being urban streets rather than urban ruins.
The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.
Nope. The clean and ruined ones are each their own, distinct SKU. It's not half-and-half. Even the ruined ones don't appear to be especially deep or high - especially being urban streets rather than urban ruins.
For some reason I'd thought those were due next year anyways, but they did have an original goal of December. Still, a few month delay is about par for Kickstarters (actually better than average, but we'll see).
Yeah, it just becomes tiring. Especially when producers constantly tell us "everything is on schedule" until just a few weeks before fulfilment is actually due before saying "oops - add 4-6 months!". Especially when it was going to be something I planned to put together over my Christmas break.
The Ruined ones might, which do make up half of the Urban Streets tileset.
Nope. The clean and ruined ones are each their own, distinct SKU. It's not half-and-half. Even the ruined ones don't appear to be especially deep or high - especially being urban streets rather than urban ruins.
They've had to remill the Urban sets as the road level was below the dirt level on the other boards when they tested them this is being corrected so that they are level that's the reason for the delay on the Urban boards.
Breotan wrote: I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.
Azazelx wrote:Let's face it, while the minutia or might end up being kept backer-only, there's next to no chance of the pictures being kept "secret", none of us signed an NDA, and I'll talk about this stuff and delays as much as I like. I posted a message on the comments last week asking about fulfilment, since it was pretty much obviously going to miss a December delivery date...
Alright, maybe I'm being a bit of a backer only nazi. I dunno. Really, yeah this stuff isn't super secret. I know that. But like I said before, if Mr Justin wanted this stuff known why didn't he just make it an everybody update? I figure they're backer only for a reason. What ever that reason may be. But what evs.
If someone else wants to put the backer only updates up then that's fine. If Mr Justin gives the all clear on posting them, then sweet as.
Breotan wrote: I wasn't aware that backer only updates were a secret. Only that the project coordinator chose to limit distribution on the Kickstarter web site. Nor was I aware that there was some sort of ethics violation by sharing any info. I certainly don't remember signing a NDR and I'm pretty sure no other backer (including scarletsquig) did either.
Azazelx wrote:Let's face it, while the minutia or might end up being kept backer-only, there's next to no chance of the pictures being kept "secret", none of us signed an NDA, and I'll talk about this stuff and delays as much as I like. I posted a message on the comments last week asking about fulfilment, since it was pretty much obviously going to miss a December delivery date...
Alright, maybe I'm being a bit of a backer only nazi. I dunno. Really, yeah this stuff isn't super secret. I know that. But like I said before, if Mr Justin wanted this stuff known why didn't he just make it an everybody update? I figure they're backer only for a reason. What ever that reason may be. But what evs.
If someone else wants to put the backer only updates up then that's fine. If Mr Justin gives the all clear on posting them, then sweet as.
I believe from misterjustin's point of view, the updates are really only interesting to the backers because we're the people that are waiting in anticipation for this product to get to us, so we get the update and we drool over it, and go, "OH MAN I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MINE!" But we're mother fething DakkaDakka here, and we all love to see our toys get made, whether we bought them or not. So by posting these 'backer only' updates for all to see, we're effectively promoting Tablescapes for those that are interested in such a product, but missed out on the kickstarter. The more exposure the product gets the more sales Justin is going to get after he puts these up for retail.
I approve of that post, Alf . And agreed! I'm almost positive that if you ask him, Snrub, he won't mind the updates being discussed here. I think everyone who has posted on this page has been a backer, anyway- this is probably where his largest concentration of backers communicate most, so it makes sense to talk about the updates here.
Well the scrapyard tiles fully show off one of the issues with these sorts of tiles - nice terrain features tucked neatly into a single square giving the odd impression that someone intentionally swept them up and left them in small piles.
H.B.M.C. wrote: Well the scrapyard tiles fully show off one of the issues with these sorts of tiles - nice terrain features tucked neatly into a single square giving the odd impression that someone intentionally swept them up and left them in small piles.
Well, the tiles shown are from a design concept called a Scrap Yard and not a Debris Field. Scrap Yard to me implies some sort of agency involved to organize and contain scrap parts rather than having them randomly distributed. YMMV.
Nov 21, 2013
And so it begins....
4 comments
6 likes
Shipping has begin on the add-on items from our standard catalog.... and this is what the crew packed on the first day. The orders aren't sealed up yet as we use a double audit system to ensure accuracy. One person packs the order, and highlights the items, and then it is inspected and sealed by the person shipping them.
For those of you that haven't seen our warehouse pics before, that's the casting room just visible on the left -- and mold master storage cabinets on the right.
Bossk_Hogg wrote: So a slight slip on the scrapyard and a potential bump up in the delivery for some of the others. all in all, these look totally awesome. I picked the scrapyard and rolling hills initially, and am totally gettingt he ruined city temple it comes out. A cobblestone road city with a canal/river in it woulld be amazing. The additional elevation of detail is worth the delay. The flat aspects of the G&G boards is what kept me from pledging. I get that it has certain advantages, I just greatly prefer more raised detail, and you can still place terrain easily on these.
At this point, I think the best solution would be to create a second sprue of the corner clips which adds half an inch of clearance or so, so that you could use shallow tiles and deep tiles on the same board.
Yeah, it just becomes tiring. Especially when producers constantly tell us "everything is on schedule" until just a few weeks before fulfilment is actually due before saying "oops - add 4-6 months!". Especially when it was going to be something I planned to put together over my Christmas break.
Funny you say that...just a few weeks ago the robotech kickstarter did the same thing.. Scheduled to ship out in December and the first week of November they say its been delayed a "few" months. You cant tell me these companies don't know delay issues months ahead..
DaveC wrote: They've had to remill the Urban sets as the road level was below the dirt level on the other boards when they tested them this is being corrected so that they are level that's the reason for the delay on the Urban boards.
Thank you, Dave.
Snrub wrote: Alright, maybe I'm being a bit of a backer only nazi. I dunno. Really, yeah this stuff isn't super secret. I know that. But like I said before, if Mr Justin wanted this stuff known why didn't he just make it an everybody update? I figure they're backer only for a reason. What ever that reason may be. But what evs.
If someone else wants to put the backer only updates up then that's fine. If Mr Justin gives the all clear on posting them, then sweet as.
Sure. I'm simply saying that I'll talk about whatever is pertinent regardless of whether it is discussed in a "backer-only update" or not. Not because I'm a rebel who plays by his own rules, but there's no NDA and nothing is about it is especially Super Sekret enough to stop me from discussing things like a KS delay, some pics, spacers, etc. I wouldn't openly post links to playtest rules, etc - but that's a different kettle of fish.
Yeah, it just becomes tiring. Especially when producers constantly tell us "everything is on schedule" until just a few weeks before fulfilment is actually due before saying "oops - add 4-6 months!". Especially when it was going to be something I planned to put together over my Christmas break.
Funny you say that...just a few weeks ago the robotech kickstarter did the same thing.. Scheduled to ship out in December and the first week of November they say its been delayed a "few" months. You cant tell me these companies don't know delay issues months ahead..
I'm in on the Robotech KS as well. Also Cthulhu Wars! Hell Dorado! Judge Dredd! Dreamforge Games Mecha and ground troops! Raging Heroes Wave 1, Alien Assimilation Host! I tell you, it's going to be a glorious Christmas 2013 when they all come in!
So if this slips into April-May 2014... that means Dreamforge is going to get pushed back even further... *groan*
It's nothing against Mark, or MrJustin, or any creators out there, but WGF has got to get its ducks in a row and start banging out projects reliably, or limiting the workload it takes on in order to control delays.
DFG will be a year late IF we get Wave 3 in May.
Az, are we really going to spread the negativity to other threads now?
I don't think I was clear in how I expressed myself. I don't mind waiting. What I do mind is missed deadlines. Self imposed deadlines, at that. I know there is bound to be a little bit of slip, that's a given.
I do hope those Tablescapes grab an important part of the market. Most of my gaming buddies were daunted by the time it takes to make the base of a table (let alone the scenery on it) and the price of the Realm of Battle boards was further deterrent. Apparently, GW couldn't have been bothered to do a quick paint job on the one they sent to Behaviour, in charge of the Eternal Crusade MMOFPS.
It's also about queue bumping and a lack of meaningful communication. In this case at least as much to Justin and Mark as from them. In this case we essentially just went from "everything on target, you'll have your stuff in a few weeks" to "here's a 3-month window that starts in 6 weeks that we hope to have it in." Dreamforge doesn't even have that.
Not everything can be handwaved away with "it's kickstarter guys, of course it's going to be a year late! What did you expect?" - especially on these projects that were backed well before 6+ month delays became the norm, and before creators stating that "No, really, our timeline will be accurate!" - Check the G&G board thread for that....
First up, for those that don't know, Secret Weapon is getting in on the obligatory winter sale madness -- with 20% off today, 15% through the weekend, and 10% off for the entire month of December. I just thought that you might like to know
I think you're right there Cyp. People probably didn't appreciate that fact during the campaign. Myself included. Looking at the renders now, the possibilities for various uses are immense.
However, look at the differences between the current renders and the original concept art.
Spoiler:
The concept art doesn't give off the same versatility that the renders do. Even looking at the concept drawings now, I still don't see desert/ashwaste/etc. I see forests, grasslands, hills, etc. (Or with enough of the right trees, a convincing jungle board)
I'd imagine that a lot of people may have thought the same way at the time.
Compare even these renders to the RoBB. the Rolling Hills Tablescape will beat out the RoBB everytime and for one reason. NO SKULL PITS!
I am suddenly much more pleased with getting gritting my teeth at the 'rolling fields' concept art and figuring that I could make a desert scape out of it somehow when the time came, and so picked it as my third tileset.
This is just a very quick update for folks as I don't like going too long between updates, and I know from my inbox that many of you are hungry for news.
FILE PROGRESS
I just uploaded 7/8 of the Rolling Fields tiles. The stream bed corner has been saved for last, in the hope that we'll have time to go back and do some touch-up work.
I have received 12/16 of the Ruined Temple tiles for review, but I've asked for changes on 6 of those... so you don't get to see them yet. I know you'd like to, but I don't want to open up comments on them until I'm satisfied with the direction they're taking.
Look for Ruined Temple renders next week though, because we'll have everything wrapped up by the end of the month!
ADD-ON SHIPPING UPDATE
The add-on items from our catalog have mostly shipped. There are some items, such as the wall sets, that we're still holding. We should have everything else out by the end of the month though.
I don't have time to link the photos at the moment, i'll do it later. Have a link instead.
Update #93
Dec 24, 2013
Ruined Temple Renders
12 comments
9 likes
Hello backers!
I have received 13/16 of the Ruined Temple renders -- and rather than make you wait for the last of them I wanted to get an update posted. The rest of this week is going to be crazy, so...
And just in case you missed it... yes, we now have TWO different amphitheater tiles for your Ruined Temple building pleasure
And because we could, here's a pit full of skulls for you
One of the unfinished tiles is another set of tombs - but with four on the tile.
And there you have it - progress on Ruined Temple is coming along, and we're on track to meet the deadline at the factory to get everything shipped in March.
Happy how these ruined temple boards turned out. Sad I won't be able to choose the ones I want and will be given 4 tiles of the creator's choice for my 2x2 display board pledge.
All I can hope is that the ones I get are the ones I want.
RiTides wrote: Wait- it's a fixed, not a random, 4 tiles for the display boards, right?
Correct. Ruined Temple is 2 Theater tiles and 2 flats; the others are all listed previously as well. If you filter my posts in this thread you'll likely find it.
Yeah, kinda annoyed as that is not what was expected in the concept art and it seems like individual tiles are not an option. Which basically means if I don't like the tiles they choose, then I have to either buy a full 16 set or re-buy the individual tiles I want (if that is allowed)
Double amphitheater seems like a waste and overwhelms the board and doesn't match the concept or description. If I would have known it was double amphitheater or there was no choice in tiles, I probably wouldn't have backed it as a display board, or at all.
So we will see what they deliver and what options they give after.
Cyporiean wrote: The tile breakdowns were announced before the Kickstarter ended, and were brought up several times.
Not at all true. Update 55 was the end of funding and they had no hard information about the ruined temple board before that into what in included. The updates in the 40s were not explicit on which 4tiles backers were guaranteed to get, just multiple concept arts. None of which were double amphitheater.
They actually explicitly say they were only including one 1/4th amphitheater in update 44 and even say they were thinking of removing it.
So it wasn't announced in stone pre kick starter end.
Well, you're right that double theater wasn't announced, but the fact that you wouldn't get to pick your tiles was.
I ended up messaging SW and switching my display board to rolling hills last week, anyway... I'm hoping to paint it in a snow theme, do you guys think it will work for that?
I think it will work just fine. The Rolling Hills theme is very versatile in how it can be made. You could put water in the river, have it frozen over, or just leave it bare. However you decide to do it exactly, it will look great!
Dec 29, 2013
Ruined Temple - Final 3 Renders
3 comments
12 likes
The last of the Ruined Temple renders came through last night, and we spent a great deal of time talking about the dirt-to-tile transition issue. In the end we agreed that it would be best to leave the dirt as-is on the tiles, including the amphitheaters, even though it means a stark line transition between organic and inorganic tiles. Unfortunately there's no good fix for that issue - and it's going to exist any time we make a transition like that. It will be most obvious on Urban Streets, where there's no dirt, but it will happen with Ruined Temple -- and a couple of the other themes in the queue.
BUT! With the designs finished, the files are uploading for tooling prep now. It's a three part process that goes through design - prep - and finalization.
The design stage is what you see here.
The prep stage is where the files go to our Freeform expert to ensure that there were no problems created in the design stage that would interfere with tooling and pressing.
The finalization stage happens at Wargames Factory, where their Freeform team goes though the files, aligns them with the bottom of the tile, and send the pieces to the mill.
The point being...
WE HAVE FINISHED DESIGNING THE TILES!
Just in time, too, as it turns out.
I will be harassing the team at Wargames Factory every couple of days for an update on their status.
And I'll start talking to the team about the next set of tiles
from update #72 I assume he's pressing on with the new designs now the kS renders are done.
FUTURE STUFF
I have already authorized the next three designs for the Tablescapes Tiles. This will include the Lost Desert set, and two others that have not been named yet, and won't be previewed until I have renders. None of these releases will hit until the end of 2014 when the other themes have been delivered. But we are still moving forward!
So what about Trench Works? At this point I can't tell you how happy I am that this didn't fund -- because the more we look at it the bigger it gets. We're probably going to do a campaign just for the Trench Works boards, because we're going to include a LOT of additional, and very necessary, additions to the set. Stay tuned for this, but don't look for it until Ruined Temple is in boxes and on the way.
We're probably going to do a campaign just for the Trench Works boards, because we're going to include a LOT of additional, and very necessary, additions to the set.
Looks like Trench Works will be a new, separate KS campaign.
Snrub wrote: Cobblestone streets would be an interesting set. Probably wouldn't be a huge money maker but it would certainly be a nice set to have available.
It'd be another good option for everyone one that isn't an Infinity/40k player, like the Fields set.
I'm moderately curious as to the breakdown of the current themes, I'll have to remember to ask Justin about that.
Wargames Factory is busy milling the last of the Urban Streets files as I type, and the Rolling Fields are in their final stages of review, which means that they had a bit of time for fun... and they took the awesome models from my good friend Mark, at Dream Forge Games, painted up a table, and... well... this:
Note that this is a 3x3' nine tile layout - with our modular border system in place... and it's covered in awesome Dream Forge models (15mm LEVIATHAN MORTIS, BABY!), and a few hints of improvised terrain.
This. Is. AWESOME!
If you need me, I'll be geeking out and trying to get Mark on the phone so that we can share a good "SQUEEEEEEEE!" together.
Mathieu Raymond wrote: Malifaux players would probably go for cobblestone sets too. I don't know if that qualifies as "fantasy" but seems a shoe-in for that crowd.
And can I say I'm solo hay my tablet does not auto-complete? You should see some of the suggestions it is giving me...
This. Would be even better if it had a river/canal built in. The wild west angle tends to be played up too much in most boards I've seen. Its really just Latigo that would look like that, as Malifaux proper is a crumbling gothic city.
it looks like everything will ship together now in one shipment only and they are expecting them to leave the factory in March add 4 to 6 weeks on the boat and 2 or 3 weeks for shipping probably looking at end of April best case or realistically May.
Creator Secret Weapon about 7 hours ago
Yes, everything means all four themes at this point. Every tile is either in production, or on the way to production at the factory. We have sent them all four themes, and the Deadzone tile. They have stated that all of it will ship "in March," but I don't have an exact date yet.
- none of the tiles will ship until March or April. We will absolutely be selling these on our website, along wish a selection of individual tiles for folks that want specific layouts.
hmm I wonder if I can change the theme im getting as I only picked what I did as it was suppose to be the first one shipped. Guess ill send our friends at Secret Weapon a message
Ruined Urban streets looking very nice sorry I didn't get them now but there might be a second pledge manager before shipping so might get a display boards worth of them
Urban Streets - Early PHOTOS
The factory sent me some photos of Urban Streets test shots. They're still working their way through them, and these aren't the best photos, but I couldn't wait to share them. I'll get new photos as soon as my samples arrive, of course!
The first 10 of the finished tiles, sitting on a table for inspection.
A look at some of the texture we've managed to capture in the plastic - a nice combination of flat surface, and raised detail.
And this is a look at the detail we captured on one of the rubble tiles. It's not a great photo, but... IT IS STILL AWESOME! And, hey, look at all of the flat space in there for putting your models ON TOP OF the raised detail. Why, you could actually game on this tile....
And here's one of the ruined foundation tiles, with nice cracks for details, but a big flat space for ruined buildings to be placed.
Okay, okay... we also have actual rubble piles too!
And streets that have been chewed up and spit out.
And chewed up again...
So it's all coming along, and progress is being made. Word from the factory is that they're still on schedule to ship to us in March. That's all four themes being shipped out to us in March.
Mmm, yes. Those photos please me. I pledged only for Urban Streets and these test shots are really whetting my appetite! Come on March get here already!
Project Update #97: Shipping Update & Deadzone Preview
Posted by Secret Weapon ♥ Like
I had been waiting to get my hands on a photo or test shot before I posted an update - and just as I decided to give folks a shipping update, along comes a photo to go with it. YAY!
SHIPPING UPDATE
Word from Wargames Factory is that all of the tiles are still on track to leave China in March. We're scrambling to finish the box design (they gave us dimensions over the weekend) and they're scrambling to get the test shots to me for approval. Here's a breakdown by theme:
Scrap Yard - Molds Finished - Tiles Approved - READY
Urban Streets - Molds Finished - Waiting for test shots - PENDING
Deadzone - Mold Finished - Tiles Approved - READY
Rolling Fields - Molds Finished - Waiting for test shots - PENDING
Ruined Temple - Molds In Progress - Waiting for test shots - PENDING
Word is that I should have the test shots for everything but Ruined Temple in about a week. They were held up by the Chinese New Year holiday, which effectively shuts the country down for at least a week.
The target is to have all of the orders shipped by mid-April so that we can take orders at Adepticon -- but I won't be taking inventory to events, or shipping new orders, until all of the North/South American backer orders have shipped. Why just those backers? Because that's all I have control over. EU/UK and OZ/NZ will be shipped by Mantic Games and The Combat Company respectively.
DEADZONE PREVIEW & SHIPPING
Deadzone ™ TileDeadzone ™ Tile
This is the official Deadzone ™ tile for Mantic Games. It is approved, and they're packing it now.
Backers who ordered ONLY the Deadzone tile will see their orders shipped first. This is a reflection of our agreement with Mantic Games to get the tile shipped in time for the final wave of the Deadzone Kickstarter campaign pledges. If we couldn't get them the tile before March, they'd have to refund everyone... and that would be bad. Very bad.
Since Mantic Games is going to be shipping THEIR tiles in March, we're going to do the same -- but, again, only to those backers who ordered ONLY the Deadzone tile sets.
We will focus the rest of our efforts into getting all of the other orders out as quickly as possible.
PLEDGE MANAGER - WAVE TWO
So it turns out that BackerKit doesn't handle second wave pledge management well -- and they've recommended against it. I know that this will make a lot of you sad... BUT WORRY NOT!
We're working to offer a private pre-order event to KS backers that will allow you to add to your existing order via our standard web cart. Stay tuned...
The tiles are looking awesome! While I decided not to back the ks I am still eagerly awaiting the time when they hit retail. I gotta have me them ruined temple ones.
Progress is also coming along much faster than I had expected. Kudos to SW for keeping up with all the work they have ended up with.
Anyone know how much these will be going for retail? I hadn't heard about this kickstarter til just now and it looks great. I like it a lot better than the Realms of Battle game boards from GW and I bet these are significantly more affordable once they hit full retail.
Glad to see Secret Weapon stepping up their game from just bases. Their stuff was always really good, so it's cool to see them expand.
SRS, A single full tablescape board in the KS was $190. It's probably a fair assumption to guess at full retail they'll be anywhere between $200-250. You'd have to ask Mr. Justin to be sure though.
Super-happy with the Deadzone board, really glad I got in on this. Looks like I'll be one of the first to have a board shipped since I only ordered a DZ board?
There will be many pics, much reviews when it arrives in March.
I think I'll be getting involved in a future KS for more of these in a big way, I really really want a nice desert board and 2D vinyl/rubber just doesn't quite cut it compared to a proper 3d surface painted to match the terrain and minis. It would be really cool if there was a dried up riverbed or something, or an oasis tile that you could add water effects to.
And a proper sand dune texture rather than just grit would be perfect, kinda like this:
Wow the pics of the board sections are amazing! I am eagerly awaiting these to buy as soon as they become available! (any eta as yet?) simply an excellent design and execution!
I'd just like to throw out a word of warning to every one who backed.
Make sure that the questions have answers. One of my questions had been "deleted" somehow.
It looked something like this.
1. Which theme would you like shipped?
Urban Streets - Damaged
2. Which 8 tile expansion set would you like? This answer has been deleted. Please re-answer.
I'm not sure how it happened. But I'm glad I saw it. So i'd advise everyone to go back and check theirs just in case it's happened to them too!
I'd say it's worth checking. Better safe then sorry eh?
My address was still correct, nothing had changed there. It was only by chance that I happened to look at what I had answered for the questions and saw the answer had been deleted.
quick update there will be one with an unboxing of Urban streets later today
Project Update #101: Rolling Fields - Wall Renders
Posted by Secret Weapon ♥ Like
Raffa is working furiously to get the 3D work finished for the Ruined Temple walls now - and sent me this render (yes, it's a render) of the Rolling Fields walls. <3
The Ruined Temple walls will be very similar -- but with smooth, dressed stone in place of the rough cut pieces you see here.
And I'll be unboxing the test shots for Urban Streets today, so stay tuned for another update....
Feb 19 2014 Urban Test Shots - PHOTO TIME! 6 comments 3 likes
I received 11/16 of the Urban Streets test shots for review -- and I have some good news, some bad news, and some great news. But they say that a picture is worth 1,000 words, so...
Six of the tiles, my Corporation squad, and two GW vehicles pulled from my display cabinet (vehicle models copyright Games Workshop, used without permission - infantry models copyright Mantic Games, used with permission, of course). I don't have any connectors though, so they're all just sitting loose.
The detail is just fantastic, and this set really takes advantage of the height variance we can get.
Did I say fantastic? I meant amazing!
And here is a Leman Russ and Chimera rolling along, just taking in the view. Even the Commissar looks impressed!
So what about the bad news?
The bad news is that they made the foundation tiles street height - and they should be sidewalk height. That's a difference of 6mm!
OH NOES!
Which is why I also said that there was great news...
The great news is that I've already talked to the factory, and this is a simple fix. They're already at work changing the tiles and I'm told that it should not impact the shipping schedule.
And the detail on the foundation tiles is... stunning.
And there's more good news!
The factory also said that they'd have new samples out for me at the top of next week, along with a surprise!
Getting more and more excited for this now.
Still not 100% sure whether I ordered ruined urban or clean, maybe I should stop checking my pledge on my phone.
Those Urban Streets look quite catching. I just picked up a load of the new Battlefield in a Box Gothic terrain and it looks like it will fit perfectly on these tiles.
Hmm... Anyone else starting to regret not getting the rolling fields? I know I sure am!
Update #104
Feb 26 2014
Rolling Fields - PAINT IN PROGRESS
24 comments
17 likes
I'll have some unboxing photos to share later, but since I made a good deal of progress on the first four tiles today I thought I'd share those pictures first.
Look at the detail. LOOK ATIT! It is fantastic. Of course it turns out that there are a lot of rocks to paint... but I can't wait for the varnish to dry so I can add some pigments and Realistic Water.
The factory only sent me the corner creek tile - but I picked from the other tiles so give you a look at a plain one, the rock pile, and one with some nice height variation.
Although these are painted in very different colors, I wanted to make sure folks got to see Scrap Yard matched with Rolling Fields. Even with the color clash you can see how the textures work together. This dirt pattern is universal to the tiles (where dirt is present) and allows for easy mix-and-match combinations.
I haven't gone through everything in the box as my priority is getting painted tiles for the box art. I'll have some great new sample pics for you though!
Stay tuned....
That creek bed is really spiff looking. Throw in some water effects and it'd look magnificent.
Really curious to see how they'll look with the water effects, and how they would line up with GW's Realm of Battle. Would be very nice to add some streets and river options to my gaming table.
H.B.M.C. wrote: The damaged urban looks good. Still glad I got the untouched.
I'm glad I got both so I can combine the damaged urban and the clean urban. I eventually might buy the Rolling Fields and combine it with the Temple Ruins to use for Infinity and Warmahordes.
Snrub wrote: I'd just like to throw out a word of warning to every one who backed.
Make sure that the questions have answers. One of my questions had been "deleted" somehow.
It looked something like this.
1. Which theme would you like shipped?
Urban Streets - Damaged
2. Which 8 tile expansion set would you like? This answer has been deleted. Please re-answer.
I'm not sure how it happened. But I'm glad I saw it. So i'd advise everyone to go back and check theirs just in case it's happened to them too!
I can't find where to do this. Where do I go? I am looking at the SWKS page.
Snrub wrote: I'd just like to throw out a word of warning to every one who backed.
Make sure that the questions have answers. One of my questions had been "deleted" somehow.
It looked something like this.
1. Which theme would you like shipped?
Urban Streets - Damaged
2. Which 8 tile expansion set would you like? This answer has been deleted. Please re-answer.
I'm not sure how it happened. But I'm glad I saw it. So i'd advise everyone to go back and check theirs just in case it's happened to them too!
I can't find where to do this. Where do I go? I am looking at the SWKS page.
It will be on their Backer Kit page. tablescapes.backerkit.com
And thank you for the offer. If I'm ever in the neighbourhood in a few years, I'll hit you up. 
as I just noted in the 
Turn you're volume down a bit if you watch the vid. 
SKULL PITS!
