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Latest Updates from Our Project:
That's a Wrap! | Pledge Manager Opening Soon | PnP Rewards Coming Soon
over 1 year ago
– Tue, Sep 20, 2022 at 07:43:44 PM
Summary
That's a Wrap!
Pledge Manager Opening Soon
PnP Rewards Coming Soon
That's a Wrap!
Our Kickstarter campaign closed late last night with a grand total of $291,339 raised by 4,974 backers. Wow! We're thrilled to have your support and can't wait to get Trailblazers into your hands. 🙌
I'd like to give a special thanks to following folks who made this possible:
Ryan Courtney for designing an incredibly slick game, cramming it with a ton of juicy gameplay content, and contributing many killer ideas during its production planning
Tim Kizer for helping Ryan polish and develop Trailblazers until it was smooth as butter
Seth Lucas for bringing our vision for Trailblazers to life and exceeding our expectations with phenomenal artwork and component design
Kyle Spackman for taking all the sleek photos and recording top-notch videos that showed everyone the magic of Trailblazers. Not to mention the fact that Bitewing Games wouldn't exist without your passion, investment, and efforts!
Our many previewers who helped us spread the word about this excellent game so that we could blow past our funding goal in 90 minutes
Jellop for helping us reach the deepest crevices of the internet and get the message out about our Kickstarter campaign
You backers for supporting our project, spreading the word, and believing in our vision for Trailblazers! You've pledged your support, and now we pledge to make Trailblazers as great as possible and deliver it to you as quickly as possible.
Speaking of which, the next steps for Trailblazers will be finalizing the component files and beginning pre-production. This process is already ongoing. There are a few last components and files to polish before sending everything to our manufacturer. We expect to begin production in Q4 of this year.
Pledge Manager Opening Soon
For those of you who have pledged for a physical copy of Trailblazers, your job isn't finished yet! We'll be opening up the pledge manager soon (likely at the beginning of October) where you will receive an email from Backerkit. You must follow the directions in this email in order to fill out your shipping information, pay for shipping costs, and receive your physical reward. Here, you'll also be able to upgrade your pledge or add-on more items if you wish (extra copies of Trailblazers, the travel-friendly expansion, etc.). We'll update you again once it goes live, so stay tuned.
For folks who missed the Kickstarter campaign but are reading this update, you can subscribe to the Bitewing Games Newsletter and you will be emailed when late pledges / preorders go live.
Print & Play Rewards Coming Soon
For those of you who have pledged for the Print & Play version of Trailblazers (where you print and cut out the cards & rules yourself), we'll be sending you these files soon. But we must first wait for Kickstarter to finish processing all pledges—this process can take up to 2 weeks. So it is likely that we'll be sending out the Print & Play files at the beginning of October as well.
The good news is that we'll also be adding the animal expansion (the punchboard files and rules) to the print & play files as well. If you pledged for the $10 Print & Play reward, then there is nothing else you need to do. We have your email on file and will send you everything as soon as we are able.
Some backers have pledged for a physical copy of Trailblazers but would also like the print & play files to enjoy while they wait for their game. If that is the case for you, then please fill out this google form.
Have a great weekend, fellow Trailblazers! 🚵♂️
Introducing the Travel-friendly Expansions Add-On | Watch an Epic Solo Mode Playthrough
over 1 year ago
– Sun, Sep 11, 2022 at 06:16:25 AM
Summary
We’ve Now Crossed $200k!
Introducing the Travel-friendly Expansions Add-On
Epic Solo Mode Playthrough
We’ve now crossed $200k!
Hello again fellow Trailblazers! It’s a meaty update today, so strap in and prepare for a wild ride. But first of all we just want to acknowledge that this week we crossed $200k raised thanks to your pledges! 🥳
This is literally life changing for us here at Bitewing Games as well as for designer Ryan Courtney. You’re helping us not only bring Trailblazers to life, but you’ve given us a launching pad to continue making great games and at an even faster pace. We are very excited about the future of Trailblazers and Bitewing Games!
To be honest, we did not expect such a massive reception to Trailblazers, as Bitewing Games and Ryan Courtney are still relatively small fish in the industry. We’ve also gotten a lot of great feedback from you backers and have done our best to listen and respond. We aim to provide you with the highest quality of components and experience regardless of which pledge level you select, and we’ll keep you updated on production improvements as things progress over the coming months.
Yet we’ve noticed that some backers want all of the portability of the clamshell case and all of the gameplay content including the 2 expansions and 6 game modes. Up to this point, there has not been a solution to that provides both of these options, but over the past couple weeks we’ve cooked up an add-on that we are excited to finally reveal.
Introducing the Travel-friendly Expansions Add-On
First, allow me to explain how we arrived at this solution.
The Request: Some Super Travel Edition backers want all of the gameplay content (2 expansions, 6 modes) rather than just the Standard Game. Some Deluxe Edition backers like the portability of the included clamshell case, but they also want the ability to carry the expansions with them.
The Problem: The clamshell case was designed to hold cards for the 1-4 player base game. There is a lot of gameplay to be explored in the base game alone, but it admittedly would be awesome to be able to fit even more gameplay into the travel case. But that means the case needs to fit 60 tokens to support the animal expansion and 33 more tokens to support the Adventurer Expansion. That’s 93 more tokens! On top of that, people need to be able access the rules to these 4 additional modes from the 2 expansions and that all needs to fit inside the clamshell case.
The Solution: There is not perfect solution to this problem, but we think we’ve cooked up a really good one. Fortunately, there is enough room in the clamshell case to allow for this add-on and the 1-4p cards to all fit together. So if you’re a Super Travel Backer, this will give you access to the expansions, and if you’re a Deluxe Edition backer, this will increase the portability of your game.
That said, there are a few caveats which I’ll explain below. But first, check out the new add-on that will be available to backers after the Kickstarter campaign (during the pledge manager):
General Caveats:
The components are not waterproof. Waterproof tokens would drastically increase the production costs, and we felt that a low cost add-on would generally be preferable to a waterproof one. Basically if you expect your clamshell case to get wet on a trip, then leave the expansion tokens at home (we promise the base game will provide plenty of entertainment on your trip ;).
Just like the Super Travel and Deluxe Editions, this add-on is exclusive to Kickstarter, with leftovers having a limited availability through the Bitewing Games webstore. Later on, those who want all of the expansion content through retail will only be able to access it through the Standard Edition of Trailblazers. Of course, retailers who directly pledge (Retailer Pledge) during this Kickstarter can order this add-on for selling at their store, if desired.
Caveats for Super Travel Edition Backers:
The physical rulebooks and Solo Sheet are not included. 4 additional modes of rules and a double-sided solo sheet is nigh unto impossible to fit into the clamshell case. So this add-on will instead include a card with a link & QR code to the rules and solo sheet. The add-on will also include a rules summary card to remind you of key rules when you are on the go.
Ryan Courtney plans to design more expansion content for Trailblazers, but those future expansions will only fit in the Standard and Deluxe Edition boxes. There is a 95% chance that Bitewing Games and Ryan Courtney will introduce additional Trailblazers expansion content within the next year or two. Out of gameplay necessity, these components will be big, meaning they won’t fit in the clamshell case, but we do plan to produce them in a way that they will fit into the Standard/Deluxe box. If you want a future-proof edition of Trailblazers, then we recommend the Standard or Deluxe Edition.
The Super Travel Edition + Travel-Friendly Expansions does not include the score pad, components for 5-8 players, or premium wood tokens (animals + travelers + campfires). There is a trade-off in aesthetics, player range, and convenience vs getting the Standard or Deluxe Editions. Please keep this in mind when deciding which edition is the best fit for you. Without a score pad, you’ll likely have to use the rules summary card to remind you how to score and a smartphone or scratch paper to record scores.
Note for Deluxe Backers: This add-on is not necessary unless you want a travel-friendly option for the expansion content for 1-4 players that fits in the included clamshell case. Yet you’ve already pledged to support and receive all of the expansion content in the form of the premium wood tokens, rulebooks, and Solo Sheet. Because of this, and as part of our thanks for your support, we will be providing this add-on at a discounted price of $5 to you in the pledge manager.
How do I acquire this add-on?
Simply wait until the pledge manager opens up (after the Kickstarter campaign closes) and add it to your rewards when checking out. 👍
Epic Solo ModePlaythrough
Last week we recorded a thrilling playthrough of Trailblazers Epic Solo Mode with designer Ryan Courtney and developer Tim Kizer tag-teaming the play and myself as an invisible commentator. If you're curious about how this mode plays, then you're going to want to check this out.
$100k Reached! | Deluxe Box Component Spread | Join the Trailblazers Community | New Interview
over 1 year ago
– Sun, Sep 04, 2022 at 09:52:29 AM
Summary
We’ve crossed $100k and 1700 backers!
Join the Trailblazers Community
How much stuff is in the Deluxe Box? (Picture and unboxing)
New Interview with designer Ryan Courtney
We’ve crossed $100k and 1700 backers!
Wow, it’s been an awesome week! $100k raised by over 1700 backers is a HUGE milestone for us. Thanks again for your support! We’re eternally grateful that you’ve given Bitewing Games the wings to keep creating and sharing board games with a bite.
Many of you have been sharing great feedback and we are doing our best to reply to each comment and consider your input as we finalize production plans over the coming weeks. Thanks for contributing your thoughts and ideas! We’ll keep you updated on any changes or improvements that are implemented as plans move forward.
Join the Trailblazers Community
On this launch week, we’d like to invite all of you to join our Trailblazers and Bitewing Games communities wherever you prefer to gather and chat Trailblazers and board games in general. This includes the following:
Bitewing Games Discord Server - Here you’ll find an active and welcoming community of board gamers. There are also plenty of Bitewing Games teasers to be found here regarding our upcoming projects.
Trailblazers Facebook Group - Like our Discord server, this is another place where you can share and discuss Trailblazers in particular.
Trailblazers Board Game Geek Page - BGG Users can subscribe to our page and join many of the forums and discussion already going. You’ll also find most reviews and previews are aggregated here.
Twitter - Bitewing Games - This is our most active social media account where you can stay up to date on all things Bitewing Games.
Both the Standard and Deluxe Editions are crammed with maximum gameplay content. On top of that, the Deluxe Edition upgrades the quality of basically all the components from premium to mega-premium.
If you haven’t seen it (recently added to our KS page), then Brain in a Jar’s unboxing gives you another look (keep scrolling after this video to find the rest of the update after a strange white blank space due to TikTok/Kickstarter desktop view formatting 😜):
New Interview with designer Ryan Courtney
Board Game Binge just barely recorded a YouTube interview with designer Ryan Courtney. If you’re interested in some of the design and development processes behind Trailblazers and other Ryan Courtney games, then give it a look!
We’ll be back with another update next week!Happy weekend to one and all. 🐺🥾
How well does the Clamshell Case hold the cards? | Reddit AMA Tomorrow | Ryan Courtney & Seth Lucas Spotlight
over 1 year ago
– Fri, Sep 02, 2022 at 05:21:21 AM
Summary
How well does the Clamshell Case hold the cards?
Reddit AMA Tomorrow at 9AM PT
Creator Spotlight—Ryan Courtney & Seth Lucas
How well does the Clamshell Case hold the cards?
We have seen a few questions regarding the Clamshell Case (found in the Super Travel & Deluxe editions) and how well it holds the components. As a reminder, this case is primarily designed to hold the base game for 1-4 players (176 cards), but our FAQ offers ideas as to what else Deluxe backers can fit into the case.
But in case (haha) there are any doubts, Kyle is going to demonstrate how travel-friendly this case really is by giving it (and the 176 base game cards) a good shake. Do the cards explode everywhere upon opening the case? Let’s find out…
Now for you Deluxe backers, if you plan to cram the case with even more components, then we recommend you bag the cards & wood (using the included bags) for hassle-free storage & removal.
Reddit AMA Tomorrow at 9AM PT
Calling all Redditors! Tomorrow at 9AM PT (Noon Eastern) we’ll be on r/boardgames with Ryan Courtney for a live Ask Me Anything! Come hang out, give us an upvote, and shoot us a question about anything. Hope to see you there!
Creator Spotlight—Ryan Courtney & Seth Lucas
We know there are some existing fans of designer Ryan Courtney and artist Seth Lucas here. But it’s also likely that many of you are not familiar with their other work. Allow me the honor of sharing a bit more about them below:
Ryan Courtney
Ryan is a game designer based in New York City. His previous work includes the award-winning heavy economic game Pipeline, the spicy head-to-head 2-player game Curious Cargo, and the recently released stock market game Bear Raid. If you’re a fan of games that really make you think, then Ryan’s games are right up your alley.
Seth is an illustrator and graphic designer who has done everything from posters to patches to buttons to hats. If you dig the look of Trailblazers, then you’re bound love his outdoor adventure shop, Ello There.
Top 50 Games | Big City Mountaineers | How much gameplay is in the base game? | Kickstarter community highlight
over 1 year ago
– Mon, Aug 29, 2022 at 05:01:36 PM
Summary
Bitewing Games Blog & Podcast — Top 50 Games of All Time
Trailblazers is Good for You and Good for Humanity (Big City Mountaineers)
How much gameplay is in the base game?
Kickstarter community highlight — KEA Stash
Bitewing Games Blog & Podcast — Top 50 Games of All Time
We’re going to start and end this update with a couple items that are very loosely related to Trailblazers. The first topic is related to us here at Bitewing Games. Some of you may not know this, but Bitewing Games isn’t just a publisher. We also have a blog, podcast, and YouTube channel featuring frequent content! For Kyle and I, this is our way of growing the hobby and sharing games from other creators that we love to play. We do everything from How to Play Videos to Holiday Board Game Gift Guides, and those of our audience who want to support our content do so through backing our publishing projects like Trailblazers!
This month has been a big one for the Bitewing Games blog and podcast, as I just published my Top 50 Board Games of All Time list. You can check that out either in blog post or podcast episode form. And if you want to stay up-to-date on our board game content and publishing projects, then you can subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Trailblazers is Good for You and Good for Humanity
If you missed the bio of designer Ryan Courtney on our campaign page, then you likely missed a small but significant detail. As the publisher and Kickstarter project manager, Bitewing Games is unable to donate any Kickstarter funds to charity, as that violates Kickstarter’s rules and would defeat the purpose of the campaign (bringing Trailblazers to life and delivering it to you).
Yet as part of our publishing expenses, we are paying Ryan Courtney royalties on each copy of his design that we sell in this Kickstarter campaign and beyond. As an independent licensor, Ryan is able to use that money in any way he wishes. Today we wish to spotlight a very special announcement:
Ryan has publicly declared that he plans to donate 25% of the royalties he earns from this Kickstarter to Big City Mountaineers: a non-profit that works to provide outdoor opportunities for youth from disinvested communities. Bitewing Games is proud to collaborate with Ryan who is not only a talented and award-winning game designer, but he’s also making a positive difference in the world. We thank you for helping us to create Trailblazers and for helping Ryan to be able to give back.
Speaking of charity, Ryan will be joining Charity Boardgamer tomorrow evening at 9pm EST (6 PT) for a live Twitch interview! Ryan will be sharing more about Trailblazers and Big City Mountaineers. Be sure to tune in!
How much gameplay is in the base game of Trailblazers?
If you’re reading this update, then you’ve probably gotten the gist of Trailblazers. The objective is to efficiently draft and arranging trail cards to puzzle out the most points from closed loops and goal cards. Often, your hand of cards will point you in a certain direction as you try to make the most of whatever gets passed to you. But can there be a larger, long-term strategy at play? Let’s find out…
I’m going to demonstrate for you a quick Standard Solo game of Trailblazers (playable in all editions). Yet this scenario is just as realistic as a regular multiplayer game because the number of cards you draw from the deck (in the solo game) is the same as the number of cards that get passed to you in a multiplayer game. For this session, I’ve selected Blazer Challenge #34 from from the Solo Card which requires me to meet two goal cards and score 50 points in order to win.
Both goal cards and the back of the Solo Card
This is a challenge from the highest difficulty section of the Solo Card. Fortunately, I’ve now played Trailblazers over 50 times, so I think I’ve got a decent shot at winning. Let’s find out!
Now straight out of the gates, I’m immediately thinking about that Saucy Cycler goal card. Out of all 12 goal cards in the game, this is among the most difficult to achieve because you are trying to create multiple biking loops that surround another campsite. This is one goal that needs to be the primary focus of your strategy if you want to accomplish it. The solo mode requires that I create at least 2 biking loops that surround other camps (noted by the 2 in the lower right corner of the goal card). Here we go…
Please forgive my purple-tinted photos ;)
My first hand featured a lot of river trails, so I decided to start the game with the Kayaking camp. This will give me a head start on extra kayaking loop points (which I’ll definitely need in order to hit 50), but notice that I’m also getting started on a biking loop that encircles the kayaking camp. My next several turns continue this focus as I prepare to add a biking camp in the 2nd round. And of course, the easiest way to encircle one camp with another camp's loop is to plop both camps right next to each other...
As round 2 begins, I’ve nearly closed my first biking and kayaking loop! Now its time to start preparing to add the hiking camp in as I create another biking loop that will go around it. Any cards that have both hiking and biking trails on them are ripe for the picking...
I’ve now started round 3, and as you can see things are still going according to plan. I’ve even completed one of two goal cards (Confined Quarters) which requires me to completely surround two campsites with other cards (camp or trail cards). Easy peasy 😜. The hard part now will be scoring 50 points only from closed loops (in standard solo mode, you only score points from closed loops, nothing else). Yet if this were a multiplayer game, I’d like to think I’d be doing pretty well!
After a tight 4th round, here is where I finished off. Both goal cards were achieved. Success! Except I only scored 46 points out of the required 50 😢. So close! You can probably spot a few areas where I started some loops and wasn’t able to close them. Mistakes were made, but surely I’ll get it next time 😉.
The 12 goal cards offer a lot of variety in terms of overall strategy. Some push you to make a lot of small loops as quickly as possible. Others require you to make a single insanely long loop and hope you manage to close it before the end of the game. Some push you to focus on one trail type, and others stretch you to balance your attention between all three trail types! Then when you combine two goal cards into one game and try to achieve both, it becomes very satisfying to puzzle out the best strategy for each scenario.
Phew, all that game and we haven’t even touched the two expansions! Kudos to Ryan Courtney for packing a ton of replayability into a compact package. 🙌
Kickstarter Community Highlight — KEA Stash
We know that many of you are here because you love outdoor adventure and you want to help bring this outdoor adventure game to life. Because of this, we’d also like to shine a spotlight on our outdoor adventure Kickstarter friends over at KEA who currently have a live crowdfunding project of their own. Their latest project looks super handy:
KEA Stash is Live on Kickstarter. Click here to see more!
