Joystick Heroes - we're alive! Surveys, manufacturing, late pledges, etc.
over 3 years ago – Fri, Aug 26, 2022 at 02:01:22 PM

Greetings Heroes! It's been a long time since our last update and we apologize for leaving you hanging outside the arcade for so long.  Funny story about that... 

After the campaign, my family and I took a much needed vacation during which we ALL caught Covid and had to quarantine before we could return home. Not only did we lose a good chunk of our vacation, but we also had to stay longer until it was safe for us to travel. Then we had various lingering effects that kept us in recovery for several more weeks. Once I got back up and running, we had some delays with our Pledge Manager and Backerkit survey that have taken until TODAY straighten out. BUT HERE WE ARE! 

Now let's get to the good stuff - your update!

Surveys!

By now you should have received your Backerkit survey email. PLEASE complete that ASAP so we have the correct shipping address for you. We're going to be locking in orders on September 14th. That's not a lot of time so be sure to click that link and get it done (it just takes a minute). If you can't find your email from Backerkit, you can take care of it by clicking HERE.

Manufacturing is Underway!

Despite the personal delays, manufacturing is still ON SCHEDULE! We delivered final files to Gameland a few months ago and our rep says we're currently in production. I did address a small issue regarding our plastic insert, and Gameland was quick to deliver an improved design. This is probably boring for you, but when your game is sitting vertically on your shelf and everything stays neatly inside its compartment... you're welcome.

Late Pledges

It's not too late to get your friends in on the action, or to add to your order! We'll be open for late pledges until orders are locked in September. Here's the link again:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/frownclowns/joystick-heroes-the-board-game-about-playing-video-games

Thanks for your patience while we were away. I promise to post more regular updates moving forward. In the meantime, I hope this finds you safe and happy and anxious to smash those high scores.

~Dickie & David

Arcade Closing... Temporarily
almost 4 years ago – Sat, Jun 11, 2022 at 09:06:46 PM

Greetings Heroes! Just a quick note that you can expect the Pledge Manager to be ready the first week of July. In the meantime, 2 things are happening:

1. Manufacturing begins! We're sending in the final components tweaks on Monday. As a reminder, we've already received and approved the physical proofs, so we're way ahead of schedule and hoping for faster-than-normal turnaround.

2. My family was gracious enough to delay our family holiday until after our campaign ended, so it's time to fulfill that obligation and get some much-needed rest. While I'm away, David (Clown #2) and the rest of the team will keep things moving on all fronts.

Lastly, here's a sneak peak at the instructions sheet for our Boardwalk Games (1 of our 3 unlocked stretch goals). Most arcades had a few of these games, and now yours can too. I always add this variant. Each is its own unique mini-game and not only adds variety but also a chance to win serious prizes. Which of these was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

I'll be back refreshed and ready to rock in a few weeks. Speaking of ROCKING, I can't wait to share what Frown Clowns has coming up! If you haven't already, go to www.frownclowns.com and sign up for occasional announcements and pleasantries.

Cheers, Dickie (Clown #1)

YOU did it!!!
almost 4 years ago – Thu, Jun 09, 2022 at 12:57:37 PM

Congratulations, Heroes - YOU DID IT! You brought Joystick Heroes to life and we're sooo grateful for your support - not only for your pledges, but for helping to spread the word. Going into this (our first) campaign, Frown Clowns had ZERO mailing list and almost no social media presence. That spells certain death for most crowdfunding projects, but thanks to your energy & enthusiasm we successfully funded on our very last day. Talk about a flair for the dramatic?!

SO WHAT'S NEXT?

1. PLEDGE MANAGER. After we've caught our breath we'll be in touch with pledge manager info.

2. MAILING LIST SIGNUP. You can do us a HUGE favor right now - go to the Frown Clowns website and sign up for our mailing list, up at the top of the home page. Why? We don't want to lose touch! Kickstarter doesn't give us your email, and we'd love to tell you about our upcoming game(s). We'll even offer the chance to play test and help in the development process! We've got some freakin' sweet games in the works, from a salty sea adventure to heavy metal mayhem and more. Don't worry, we promise to only send a few emails per year. Thanks!

3. MANUFACTURING. We're on to manufacturing. Luckily, we got the ball rolling ahead of time! Gameland has most of the final files and we've already approved physical prototypes. That puts us well ahead of schedule.

Once again, THANK YOU for helping bring Joystick Heroes to the world. Can't wait for you to smash these high scores and walk away with a handful of spider rings.

Dickie & David - the Frown Clowns

We're doing something CRAZY
almost 4 years ago – Wed, Jun 01, 2022 at 02:21:16 PM

Greetings, Heroes! We're coming down to the wire here and I reeeally want to get Joystick Heroes onto your tabletop. As a first time self-publisher it's been tough sledding, but I remain hopeful!

We had some bodacious stretch goals planned that really enhance game play. Unfortunately it doesn't look like we're going reach where we originally had them positioned above our funding goal. So we're doing something crazy - WE"RE UNLOCKING 3 OF THEM RIGHT NOW. That's right, as long as we fund they'll be included in your game at no extra cost to you. It's going to cost us a little extra but we want you have them as our ginormous thank you for believing in Joystick Heroes and sharing your enthusiasm.

Here are 3 extra goodies that'll be in your game box IF WE FUND:

We still have a few more stretch goals in our pockets in case we go a little beyond our goal, so let's do this, Heroes!

Many of you have been sharing the campaign to your socials and spreading the word. Some backers have even raised their pledges! That kinda thing really hits me square in the feels and I can't thank you enough. Everything you can do is genuinely appreciated. Let's bring Joystick Heroes to life, dudes!  

Joystick Heroes Streeeeetch Goal #1
almost 4 years ago – Tue, May 24, 2022 at 10:35:51 PM

Greetings Heroes! After one week we're 70% funded with 2 weeks to go. Whaddya say we POWER UP to the next level? I thought I'd show you our first stretch goal today - really hoping we get to add these 2 beauties into your core game:

Introducing 2 additional Heroes.... The Metalhead and Prom Queen!

If we can reach this stretch goal you'll all get these 2 additional dual-layer player boards and matching pawns w/stands featuring 2 more of James Churchill's outstanding illustrations, for a total of 8 Heroes to choose from! I definitely knew kids like these back in high school and really want to see them in our arcade.

Questions: Are there any typical 80's tropes you think we missed? Also taking guesses on what you think our next stretch goal will be - the winner gets the spider ring Prize token when their game arrives (ok, you'll all get that). Leave your answers in the comments!