HOW TO PLAY
Using Discord and Tabletopia
LEARN THE RULES
How To Play Rescuing Robin Hood
August 30, 2020
It's exciting to see the results of your playtesting and feedback! As a result of our last email we had our first blind playtesting (playtesting without the designer there to explain it) and it taught us a lot. As a result we updated the rules explanation on Tabletopia to better explain the way that new villagers are captured at the end of each round and provide a more detailed summary. They also caught some copy errors in the rules and we have updated that. Let us know if you find any more and we will get it updated. 🙂 It's really cool to see this start to come together. We greatly value your suggestions and would love to hear your thoughts about Rescuing Robin Hood over social media, Discord, email (info@castillogames.com) or using our feedback form.
DESIGNER NEWS
Adapting to COVID-19
June 9, 2020
COVID-19 has affected board game companies that are just entering the market as well as companies that have been thriving for years. While challenges ensue, board game designers are creatively adapting to the changing market.
- Virtual Playtesting
Tabletopia has provided a playtesting platform that is now utilized more than ever due to COVID-19. Designers are scrambling to get their developing board games onto Tabletopia and other virtual platforms so that their games can be tested without an in-person trial. Unfortunately, the platform does not allow the designer to see the reactions of the playtesters while they are playing the game. According to board game designer, Joe Slack, player interaction is absolutely crucial in order to know if the game is catching on, understandable, and entertaining. With that in mind, designers are also using video conferencing outlets such as Zoom and Google Meets for a more embodied board gaming experience.
- Networking through Discord
Board game conventions are one of the biggest areas of opportunity when it comes to interaction with board game designers, publishers, graphic designers / artists. Conventions have gone completely virtual. Vendor booths have turned into virtual channels / halls at conventions, which are difficult platforms to grab the attention of “passing by” designers. Recruiting people to playtest a game at a convention now involves direct messaging several potential candidates that the designer does not know. Whereas before, the designer had the opportunity to organically and vocally invite a newly-met convention friend to drop by his/her playtesting room. Luckily, Discord has provided new opportunities for board game designers to connect and virtually attend each other’s board gaming events through voice, video, and text channels.
- A Shift in Advertising
With many people social distancing and in isolation, there has been a dramatic increase in social media usage. Many board game companies have created social media accounts for the first time and others are expanding their reach through Facebook and Instagram advertising. Furthermore, some are reaching out to local newspapers: the most underrated channel of communication. Board game designer, Paul Schulz, commented on his success when reaching out to his local newspaper to help promote his new game design. News outlets are searching for good (non coronavirus) news right now, and his board game report was able to reach many in his immediate community and beyond through the local news.
Keep. Moving. Forward. Board game designers across the world are making crucial pivots to translate their games to an online format, network with designers on Discord rather than in person, and increase their social media presence. Will you join them?