Monkey pledges - 2 1/2 months in. How are you doing?

[Rob Lang]

Let's have a roundup! Some new questions inline. Make sure you remember that we will be doing a 24 hour RPG compo this spring, which will affect a few things.

Remind us of your pledge...
Finish and release Icar v4.

What progress have you made toward it?
I have finished the read through and am working on getting printed copies from Lulu so that my Mrs can proof read it and I can check and tweak the graphics. I have also released the new website, which makes the game easy to download. I've also bundled up all the game files into a zip and shared that away in the archive so that there is no confusion between old and new systems. Although that's not the rule system itself, it is extremely important to have a professional looking site

How are you maintaining your pace on your project?
While waiting for Lulu (see below) I've been working on some more high-res images for the rules. When I finally declare the game finished, these extra images will go in. I want full-spread images to partition each section (rules/background/scavenger setting/gm rules) and I want a smattering of other graphics to break up some of the text. I'm also going to render some more tech, naturally.

Have you hit any problems?
The Mrs is a little better but still ill and I've had problems getting my PDF to be Lulu-friendly. That's put me back a fair bit because it takes Lulu 5 days. 5 DAYS to tell me that there was a problem. That happened twice. I wish I had followed all their instructions from the start but then I could find their instructions at first!

How do you plan to overcome your problems?
Keep trying with Lulu. I need those print copies to make a proof-read copy (don't have home printer anymore). Also, our Commando 1940 campaign ended rather abruptly, which was fun but left a hole that a game needed to fill. Rather than rush out the Icar Fleet setting (which is the next campaign), I am running CA's Dead... and Back. This means that there is less preperation because I normally write a whole game! Playtesting D&B has bought me some more time before the next campaign.

Are there any problems you can see coming up that might stop you?
1km1kt 24 hour contest graphics is going to hit in the next week. There's a fair bit of work around that - including marketing. However, I think I can slot that in amongst the Icar graphics. I have a spate of family engagements and an academic presentation to give.

[edit]Just got an email from Lulu, they still can't print Icar. AAAAARGH!!!!![/edit]

Looking back over the last 2 months, what would you have done differently?
I've been pretty good at controlling my game playing this year, striking a balance between family stuff, gaming, RPG and research coding. I would have spent more time getting the document Lulu-friendly, although their instructions do not cover the myriad of options.

What are the next 3 big tasks you have to do to suceed in your pledge? How long will each take?
1. I need to get the proof-read version of Icar to the Mrs. That means another attempt at getting the PDF sorted with Lulu. There might be some more export settings I can apply to make that happen.

2. Add the new graphics when complete.

3. Final draft upload. That's it!

After that, I'll have to market, get some social media going and create a bit of a buzz to get the downloads coming in. Hopefully, I'll garner some reviews.

Have you got a reward for yourself for when you complete it?
I previously said to start on Cloudship Atlantis review or Commando 1940 but I'd rather like to get the Fleet setting completed.

What is the % probability that you will complete your task? (Highly scientific, I know)
99%. I'm only being held back with print problems with Lulu at the moment but I feel they can be overcome.

[Onix]

Hey Rob, I have some experience with Lulu's requirements, I may be able to help out if you like. Let me know what your process is for producing your file (PDF or whatever) and what Lulu is telling you the problem is and I may be able to help. email me if you don't feel like discussing it here.

Partial repost, partial expansion.
Remind us of your pledge...
Stop blogging so much and make some real progress toward getting books that I want to get done, done and out the door.

What progress have you made toward it?
Last time I talked about using a tablet to do my art on. I got mine a bit ago and I'm really liking it. I was going to try making one but then saw an old Fujitsu on ebay. It works really well so far. I'm quite happy with it.

I'm supposed to have the Tortuga sourcebook done. I do have it done as far as writing is concerned, but it needs to be edited and there are some big white blanks in the layout that I should fill in with more art. My editor (the wifey) got started on it and then a bunch of things went kablooey. They've calmed down now so I can start tightening the thumb screws again.

How are you maintaining your pace on your project?
I'm starting to pick up the pace a bit. I finished some pretty hairy tasks that I had and I'm enjoying drawing again. One new thing I'm doing is to write a story for each of the new pictures I'm doing for SPF and put it up on the blog.

Running the PBP game with ES and JK did a lot to keep my enthusiasm up and keep me thinking about how things should be done.

Have you hit any problems?
Life jumps in the way, I swerve into the ditch. Rinse repeat. Actually for the moment I'm making some progress and it feels pretty good.

How do you plan to overcome your problems?
I'm recharging for setting up another game for SPF. I'd really like to implement JK's suggestion of having the players write out their actions in natural language and then I'll do the crunching. I'm trying to do a picture a day but I'm letting myself be squishy on that deadline because I don't want to burn out.

Are there any problems you can see coming up that might stop you?
Not that I see and thats what scares me. I know there will be problems and I like to see them coming.

Looking back over the last 2 months, what would you have done differently?
Last month went reasonably well the month before that it was an issue of me wanting to do more digital art instead of drawing and then scanning and then coloring. I was needlessly insistent on this but I didn't want to do it otherwise. I also was hitting a brick wall on a system problem I had but that melted away and I'm somewhat happy with what I came up with. My solution is probably going to be clear as mud to most people but my players picked it up like second nature.

What are the next 3 big tasks you have to do to succeed in your pledge? How long will each take?
1. Keep drawing, there's seriously a lot that I need to do. I don't think that all the art I need will happen quickly.

2. Get the Tortuga sourcebook finished, I'm in the same boat as Rob as I'm waiting on the Mrs. Gotta crack the whip.

3. Get my two other, partially written source books finished and then I can lay The Artifact to rest .. . If I don't do a third edition. . . which I actually really, really want to. Actually I'm not changing rules, it's mostly refinements and add ons that I've been working on in the blog that really should be in the book.

What is the % probability that you will complete your task? (Highly scientific, I know)
60%. I usually take far longer on a project than I intend.

[Evil Scientist]

New pledge: get married so that my wife could do all that spellchecking.

[kylesgames]

Remind us of your pledge...

I will finish Drifting and rework Orchestra.

What progress have you made toward it?

Not much since the last update. I've had a ton of life issues come up (see below) and I've also just been typically in slumps.

How are you maintaining your pace on your project?

Not. A little work gets done now and again, but I haven't done much recently.

Have you hit any problems?

Yes. Between worrying about finances and school next semester and a ton of personal issues (crappy sleep schedule due to neighbors/roommates, feeling weird, lack of motivation, schoolwork itself), I've mostly run into non-project related problems, though I still need to push through some of the stuff with Drifting and Orchestra I've left unfinished then start on new projects. I've also started a couple more projects (silly me) that mandate some attention, though they've mostly either been finished or are waiting on a burst of inspiration.

How do you plan to overcome your problems?

Spring break starts next week and I've got nothing else to do, so hopefully I'll be able to buckle down just a couple hours or so each day for Orchestra and Drifting and get them playable.

Are there any problems you can see coming up that might stop you?

Poor discipline, primarily, or doing other writing/reading (namely Shadowrun 4th Edition, which I just purchased several books for), also if personal things come up (which I hope I'm about done with).

What are the next 3 big tasks you have to do to succeed in your pledge? How long will each take?

1. Drifting's trade/travel mechanics. Should be relatively quick and easy, though it'll probably need some balance revisions. I'm going to be testing Drifting with a group of physics majors, so hopefully they'll spot all the exploits. Hopefully this should take ~4 hours at most.

2. Orchestra's new dice system. I've already actually got this planned out, with how the ABACUS tree will work. I've trimmed it down a little, and now it'll function more linearly rather than in fits and starts. This involves redoing the Skills, but other than that should be relatively quick. I'm estimating this at 2 hours, and that's a stretch.

3. Orchestra's tactical elements. I'm shifting it into a tactical style sort of game with complex character overlays and a focus on rushing against time. This includes building setting appropriate and balanced gear lists and maneuvers, and figuring out how much time is used to do something akin to reloading a gun, aiming a shot on target, and so forth. Should be doable, I may camp on firearms.stackexchange and rpg.stackexchange asking questions until they kick me out. I'm hoping this takes no more than six hours.

What is the % probability that you will complete your task? (Highly scientific, I know)

I have no doubt I'll finish the projects by December, but I'm hoping to get them done soon so I can diversify my projects, and work on the GearHead roguelike to tabletop game conversion project.

[koipond]

Remind us of your pledge...
Get at least 4 games prototyped and two published.

What progress have you made toward it?
Critical! is at the printers, and I can't recommend these people at Bang! Printing enough. They're communicative, friendly, helpful and basically everything you'd ever want in a printer. Plus, their prices are on par with everyone elses, so it's like you get better service for the exact same price!

I want to get movement going on Succession and Cast Off, I want to finish the prototype of AIR and maybe work on the Monster game that [url="http://gamishdesigner.blogspot.ca/2012/03/breaking-rules-of-game-design-because-i.html"]rolling about in my head[/url]. Maybe the Wrestling Card Game too, but that might get lost in the shuffle.

How are you maintaining your pace on your project?
Um ... badly. I went from no job to 2 jobs really quickly, and as such my time is now very, very limited. I'm back to scribbling on the streetcar. However, one of those jobs is doing game design/production stuff which is fun and I'm glad I'm doing it. I'll keep you monkey's posted on what that stuff entails when I can.

Have you hit any problems?
Double the jobs makes it hard to get anything else in.

How do you plan to overcome your problems?
Go back to lack of sleeping? I'm really pushing every moment that I have as a moment that I can do some sort of design work. It's exhausting but wonderful feeling at the same time.

Are there any problems you can see coming up that might stop you?
Passing out is something that can get in the way. I just think the second job might get in the way, but it's really the dream job so it can get in the way.

What is the % probability that you will complete your task? (Highly scientific, I know)
Going to drop that to 70%. I'm motivated, but it's a pretty lofty goal and there are more obstacles in the way.

[maledictus]

I'm done with one of my pledges! (with two actually, I'm explaining it at the end).

Remind us of your pledge...
Translate the awesome How to write a free RPG guide by Rob Lang.

What progress have you made toward it?
It's done! I've translated everything (I admit, I had a little help) The only thing that's left to do is a little profile of the author, Dr. Lang himself, in order to introduce him and his work to the spanish speaking role-players.

How are you maintaining your pace on your project?
It was slowler than I thought, even with help involved.

Have you hit any problems?
This year I've been really busy with work. Wich is a good thing, but means that I'm spending less time in my personal projects.

How do you plan to overcome your problems?
I asked for help. My collaborator helped me with three of the eight chapters and with revisions.

Are there any problems you can see coming up that might stop you?
Unless something apocalyptic occurs, I'm publishing it this weekend.

Looking back over the last 2 months, what would you have done differently?
Ask for help sooner.

What are the next 3 big tasks you have to do to suceed in your pledge? How long will each take?
1. Make a profile of the author.
2. Uploading to my server.
3. Publish it and distribute it.
It shouldn't take me too long.

Have you got a reward for yourself for when you complete it?
Start a new project! That's the price.

What is the % probability that you will complete your task? (Highly scientific, I know)
100%

Another of my pledges was enter an RPG competition. I've already entered one and won! Here are the details, but it's in spanish It was about making an old-school kind of game in a week. Tough, but no more tough than making an RPG in 24 hours!

My other pledge was make an RPG set in XIX century México. Hopefully, I'll start with it in the next month.

[koipond]

Congrats on getting to your goal!

There needs to be a party or something, celebrations and banners and stuff!

[vulpinoid]

Since I made three pledges, here are triplicate responses to the questions.

Remind us of your pledge...
1) Ensure my Goblin Tarot is in the hands of all my loyal customers...

2) Rework my game "Walkabout" into something closer to my original vision (but something which I didn't have time to develop during Game Chef 2010)

3) Develop a supplement a month for FUBAR (...or at least get this happening every second month...)

What progress have you made toward it?
1) I've been hounding my card printing company every fortnight (sometims once a week), to ensure they get my tarot decks to me...so I can send them out.

2) I've been producing images for the game, and at this stage have thirty or so. I have also been reworking the setting of the game to make it a bit more detailed and more carefully linked to certain themes I'm trying to developthrough the game. The actual rewriting of the game rules hasn't begun yet.

3) It's March, I've released one supplement and have half written two more.

How are you maintaining your pace on your project?
1) This should have been done months ago, but it's out of my hands.

2) At this stage, I seem to be maintaining pace by procrastinating and doing secondary tasks. On the positive side This is going to be one of the most carefully thought out and detailed settings I've developed for a game.

3) I'm getting a bit behind, but I don't mind. The released FUBAR supplement is better than the previous ones, with more carefully considered and tested rules, better in-game explanatory text, higher page count, and a better format. If the rest of this years supplements met this level of quality, one book every two months is fine.

Have you hit any problems?
1) I could rant on this for pages, but I won't.

2) I haven't really dug into the meat of this project yet, so no real problems so far.

3) Maintaining motivation and finding time has been tricky, between this work and study.

How do you plan to overcome your problems?
1) I have a postal tracking number for the card order, so hopefully this should be resolved soon.

2) It's just a case of continually working toward the goal.

3) As above.

Are there any problems you can see coming up that might stop you?
1) I'd hate to think that there would be further problems now.

2) The biggest problems are linked to the fact that my expectations for this project might be too high, and I don't want to compromise the integrity of the project.

3) I fear I might run out of ideas for new supplements.

Looking back over the last 2 months, what would you have done differently?
1) Used a different printing company.

2) Nothing much, I'm getting a good feeling of the post apocalyptic setting, and I'm starting to develop some good community interest in the project.

3) Maybe put out a couple of the half finished supplements rather than stating a brand new one.

What are the next 3 big tasks you have to do to suceed in your pledge? How long will each take?
1)a. Finish resin moulding the goblin boxes for the exclusive customers (a couple of days). b. Finish custom binding the hardback books (a few solid days of work, let's call it a week or two in between work and study). c. Finally Send out the orders (hopefully before the end of April).

2)a. Finish the pictures (I'll probably be at this for a few more weeks). b. Start writing the in-game sourcebook (A few solid weeks, let's call it months between work and study). c. Book layout (a few solid days of work, let's call it a week or two in between work and study).

3)a. A Lowlife's Guide to FUBAR (A week or two to finalise text and play examples, layout and publishing next month). b. All for One and One FUBAR (because people have been asking about this one, hopefully by Late May-Early June). c. Operation FUBAR (hopefully by late June-early July).

Have you got a reward for yourself for when you complete it?
1) A general sense of contentment at a project finally completed.

2) Having it played and bought at a local convention is reward in itself.

3) BY this stage, I should have a bit more ready cash available and I'll be buying a few more indie games to support other members of the independent game design community.

What is the % probability that you will complete your task? (Highly scientific, I know)
1) 95%. I always leave a margin for error.

2) 80%. This one's getting less likely because I really have high quality expectations for this project. I'm aiming for it to be the best thing Vulpinoid Studios has released so far.

3) 90%. No real reason to think that this won't work, I'm getting a few supplements out already.