A big update
almost 2 years ago
– Sat, Jan 14, 2023 at 10:18:27 AM
Hi there,
Let's start with the biggest question you likely have: “Am I getting my game?”
Yes, you are!
"When?"
The answer is that I don't know yet, but I’m actively working on it. The game will be published by another publisher, though.
“So why has it been so long since the last update? What's going on?"
I had a significant mental health event that came to a head in mid 2021, and most of 2022 was spent dealing with that. I'm getting help, and at this point, I'm healthy enough to start cleaning up the accumulated mess. You've all been amazingly patient, and I appreciate that so much.
"Cleaning up the mess? What does that mean? Are you sure I’m getting my game?"
Yes. I have been talking to other publishers since late 2022 to get the game released.
“I still don’t understand why you were quiet for so long.”
I was holding off on making any updates, hoping I would have more details. I didn’t want to post an update with so many “I don’t knows.”
As I get healthier, the radio silence weighs on me more each day, so I'm posting to let you know that I am working on this in earnest.
Needless to say, I’m in no shape to mass-publish any more games from here on in. I am shutting down Formal Ferret Games. For fans of my other titles, I hope to announce new homes for them as well very soon.
I’ll be taking a break from game design as well. I am stepping away from Ludology and my game testing groups. There may be one game design I was involved with coming out this year, but the bulk of its design work was done in 2021, and its publication is being handled by smart, talented, and capable people.
My last game industry task for a while will be to make sure this game project finally gets delivered.
I don’t want to talk too much about myself, because the focus should be on getting you your games. Once we have that sorted, I can go more into detail about how I’m doing.
I’m truly thankful for your support, and I’m going to make sure you get your games.
Be well,
Gil
I'm still here! More updates coming soon!
over 2 years ago
– Tue, Apr 12, 2022 at 09:17:26 PM
Hi folks! Thank you as always for your excitement about my game.
I know it's been a few months since my last update. While I don't have a lot of updates, I want to check in and confirm a few things:
1) You're going to get your games! I know it's taking forever, I'm sorry about that.
2) Things have been chaotic for me personally, but I'm doing okay overall, and I'm trying to clear things out so that I can get you your games.
While I haven't gotten sick personally, the pandemic has really wreaked havoc on my life. I've had to put a lot of work and time into re-juggling things so that I can do things like continue to make games.
I haven't forgotten or abandoned you; I will get this done! I just need things to settle down over here so that I can actually get the game done at a level of quality we'll all be happy with.
I know this is not as exciting an update as "the games are on their way," but they will be.
Thank you so much for sticking around. It'll be worth it, I promise!
Happy new year!
almost 3 years ago
– Thu, Jan 06, 2022 at 10:20:38 PM
Hi folks!
One of the things I struggle with is writing updates when there's nothing to update, especially when things blow up around me. I'm really sorry that I haven't updated much lately; I'm still working on getting the game up and ready. It's taken far longer than I've expected.
But I am still working on it! One of the things we've been working on is moving the component list from the rulebook to the inside of the top box cover. That frees up valuable real estate in the book, and gives players a manifest of stuff in the game with pictures.
(Note: this image is a sketch. It is not final.)
What's left? I have to finalize the last of the new cards (you know me, always tweaking until the last moment), final rulebook changes, and make sure we haven't missed anything in the Fix Kit.
This process has taken a while (longer than I'd like) because of external things that have pulled me away, but I will post another update when we're done with it.
Thanks for your patience, everyone! We're really not far now, I promise.
Cards being charged on Wednesday!
about 3 years ago
– Mon, Oct 18, 2021 at 10:51:48 PM
Hello High Rise backer,
First off: if you have not added any add-ons or pre-orders in BackerKit, you can disregard this message!
I've set BackerKit to lock orders today. That means that in 48 hours, your card will be charged for any add-ons or pre-orders you made in BackerKit. Again, if you have not made any add-ons or pre-orders in BackerKit, you will not be charged!
This is an excellent time to check your BackerKit status and make sure you're getting what you expect.
Things are finally moving again, thank goodness!
A one-year anniversary, and charging BackerKit cards soon!
about 3 years ago
– Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 09:29:33 PM
Hello High Rise backer!
It’s a strange anniversary today - one year ago, this project funded!
I never thought there’d be such an intense shipping crisis only a few months later. No one did! It’s been a tough time in the industry.
But I have some long-awaited good news! We’re going to move forward this week with starting manufacturing on High Rise. I really appreciate your patience during this long hibernation as we figured out a path through this shipping crisis.
Our manufacturer currently has a lead time of several months. Pressing the button now will mean that we will ship around April of 2022. That’s a long time, but it kind of works in our favor; my educated guess, based on everything I’m seeing, is that shipping prices will be stable by then, if not a bit lower.
For the next bit, I want to make it clear: the following only applies to the folks who pledged additional funds in BackerKit through pre-orders or add-ons. If you did not add any funds through BackerKit, this does not apply to you, and you can skip the next two paragraphs!!
I am going to charge BackerKit cards next week, on Monday October 18. That’s earlier than I wanted, but it’s going to help give us a little financial breathing room over the next few months! As you can imagine, the shipping crisis has played havoc with the entire industry, and running cards now will mean that things can run smoothly up to, and past, when it comes time to ship the games.
Once again: if you have not added any funds in BackerKit, you will not be charged. This only applies to people who added funds in BackerKit.
Last reminder: the best way to get in touch with me is email - info (at) formalferretgames (dot) com. I'm a bit slower at answering KS messages and comments!
I’m really excited about this game finally moving again! It’s been a pretty awful year - okay, an awful couple of years, really. But we’re getting closer now, finally!
