Terminator Update 1.3.18 (public repost)
over 6 years ago – Thu, Jan 04, 2018 at 12:59:48 AM

Hey everyone -- I'm reposting my earlier update publically so that anyone who isn't a backer of the game can still get a peek in on what we're doing.  (I didn't realize I'd hit the "Backers Only" option when I published this earlier today...future updates won't be double posted like this) -- 

Hello, Everyone-- 

“I'm here to help you.” 

Of all the lines I could quote from The Terminator, that one may not be the most memorable--but it is the most accurate.  

My name is Michael--and today I’m joining Space Goat to take over The Terminator.

As the new Project Manager and Lead Designer, I have two goals in mind for this assignment: 

To build on the work that has already been completed on this project and to deliver a fantastic, high-quality game that you all will be proud to have in your collection. To keep you informed on the progress, show you the work that is being done, and make sure you feel like the backbone of this game--because you are the hyper-alloy combat chassis that has made this project possible. 

Thanks to you, I have the opportunity to be involved with one of my all-time favorite film franchises. I can’t thank you enough for that. 

I know there have been communication issues in the past, and by reading through many of the comments today I see where some people have been very upset with communication and updates. 

I’m here to solve that.

So, let’s get right to it, shall we? 

In a previous update, you have seen an updated Production Schedule & Calendar. My intention is to try to speed this calendar up, get things moving faster, and to get your game delivered to you sooner.  

As long as the game is the best it can be. 

For right this moment, I’m not going to predict a faster schedule, because I don’t want to set any of us up for disappointment. I do, however, have good news on this front. “Stress Testing & Preparation” as listed in the previous update is rigorously underway, and very much ahead of the scheduled listed in the Nov. 29th update. With any luck, I will be able to have photos for you in next week’s update of myself and my playtest crew putting The Terminator through its paces. 

“Wait…did he say next week’s update?” 

Why, yes. Yes, I did. 

Going forward, you will be getting an update from me every Wednesday. 

If a Thursday rolls around and you haven’t received an update from me (even if it's just to say, “Hey folks…working on it!”), you should assume a Terminator has been sent back in time and successfully taken me out.  

We are making other internal staffing changes to help expedite replies to DMs as well so you are all taken care of and feel heard. 

Every Wednesday I’m going to update you on what we’ve been doing that week, and how it's helping to push the game forward. I’ll post photos when I have something interesting to show you, and try to get a few from the manufacturer, etc, to keep you in the loop.

Alright, I think I’ve rambled on enough for one update. But feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below. I’ll pop back in and say "hello" later this evening and address anything I can then. 

I have included a few images in this update of previews of the rulebook and some of my favorite cards.  Let me know what you'd like to see in future updates in the comments below and I'll try to post some additional images next time! 

Until next Wednesday…remember…

“I’ll be back.”

Michael

Wishing You All a Happy New Year!
over 6 years ago – Fri, Dec 29, 2017 at 10:21:37 PM

Production Schedule & Calendar
over 6 years ago – Thu, Nov 30, 2017 at 12:25:15 AM

Hey, Backers-

Our last announced delivery date for The Terminator was in December of this year—next month. We apologize for the lack of communication of the details of production leading up to this announcement: The Terminator will not be arriving next month. The calendar below is a broad overview of our production schedule moving forward.

As this calendar only covers general phases of production, I'd like to break down the timeline it's based on. Here are the steps we're working on and about how long we expect them to take, starting with the receipt of final graphic design files earlier today.

Stress Testing & Preparation

We received final working files for 2D assets today. This was from our second graphic designer, who had to recreate the design from flattened and broken files. We'll be taking about three weeks to proof and edit all of these assets.

The following three weeks will be spent making prototypes of everything, including 3D printing all figures here in our office. Sometimes minor changes are necessary to fit our custom sizes for prototype printing.

Once prototypes are made, we'll spend the next six weeks stress testing the heck out of the game and sending prototypes to trusted beta testers to do the same. The game is solid and complete as it is now, but it's always necessary to get as many critical eyes as possible to correct every little loophole, typo, and smudge before manufacturing.

All the while, we'll be working with our lead sculptor (not the one that caused delays on Evil Dead 2) to optimize all figures for mold production. We have a solid professional history with him, so we do not anticipate any surprises during this process.

The above accounts for just over half of the blocked out time for this phase. We've included generous buffer time in case anything major is discovered along the way. While we don't anticipate any such errors, they are called "unforeseen" for a reason. The last couple weeks will be working with the manufacturer to make everything as easy and smooth as possible for them to start on.

Manufacturing

The first five weeks of manufacturing is just the creation of the metal molds for the figures. This is an intensive process that's important to get absolutely right. 30 days is the average time mold creation takes, but we've rounded up since there are quite a few large and complex figures in this game.

Once the molds are made, we have about two weeks of testing and proofing. This includes work for both us and the manufacturer—and sending materials back and forth.

With everything looking good, mass production begins and runs for about seven weeks. This step is almost entirely in the manufacturer's hands, but communication will remain regular to discuss progress.

It takes about two weeks to assemble and package all the components once they're made. Between the core game, the expansions, and all the accessories and optional buys, there are a lot of boxes to pack right.

After the tally of these steps, there's still about five weeks left aside for holidays, conventions, delays, or anything else that might pop up along the way. Again, this is time set aside for factors we can't identify at this time, but would be unwise to not account for.

Shipping

We've set aside two months to get all the games out of the factories to our order fulfillment partners, who will deliver them to all of you. Our estimates have games arriving early to mid November, but I blocked out the whole month to match the rest of the calendar.

While going through the design files, I decided this time to highlight the gorgeous art we were able to get our hands on for this game. The above are illustrations mostly by Dave Youkovich, exclusively for this game, with a few from Dark Horse Comics. We're really happy with how this game look and we're excited to walk it through the steps above to bring it to you all.

Towards the future!

Team Space Goat

Expansion Highlight: System Upgrade
over 6 years ago – Tue, Oct 17, 2017 at 11:51:52 PM

Attention Resistance!

Today's transmission (which our recon officer apologizes for the delay of) is a special one: The System Upgrade Expansion.

This expansion greatly enhances the Terminator experience by adding a whole new level of combat with upgradable abilities and gear. Skynet also gets a new boss figure: the Mainframe and Turrets. Let's take a closer look!

The extra wide 5-inch figure has a special two-level base that matches the thickness of the game board. The Mainframe sits halfway off the edge of the 2029 board, so this notch allows it to sit evenly on the table. This massive AI computer is nestled in the future Californian desert, boosting and supporting Skynet troops.

The two tandem turrets add an extra layer of security for Skynet, making a siege on the Mainframe a daunting mission for only the bravest Resistance soldiers.

What expansion would you like to see opened up next?

Over and out:

Team Space Goat

Corrected Rules & Expansion Mini-Update
over 6 years ago – Tue, Oct 03, 2017 at 01:10:38 AM

Attention Resistance Soldiers:

We apologize for the broken link last time. The below has an updated link, directly to where the rule book is stored on Drive. Please check it out and let us know what you think! Kickstarter DMs will be the best way to make sure we hear your feedback.

We'll be getting our final expansion box art in very soon—I was hoping to have those all in for this update, but alas—so in the meantime, I have a different treat from the expansions:

The Road Rage mini-expansion features the above vehicle (please note this base is not final) which has a particularly cool feature. The passenger jeep is a fleet, light gunner, but carries some special cargo: a bonus unit. A Resistance troop (Soldier or Heavy) can fit in the back and ride along. The bed of the truck is big enough to literally fit the piece, so the unit can actually ride around and still act per usual. If the passenger jeep is destroyed with a troop still on board, it's 50-50 whether they'll survive or go down with the ship. Just one more exciting way to shake up your gameplay!

Over and out, troops!

Team Space Goat