Hey guys!
So this is my first time posting here, but I’ve got this idea that I’m working on and want to get some opinions on the best way to approach it’s release.
So first off, my art is crocheting. I crochet little dudes and teach people how to make them.
Recently I’ve been making these:
I’ve been making them for about a year or so now and didn’t really know what to do with them, so I wasn’t sharing them anywhere until now.
So here’s the plan. I wanted people to croceht these but had to think of a reason why people would make them. They’re cool toys and I make them into finger puppets too, but I had an even better idea. I’m working now on a table top game for them. I’ve been calling it Stitched until I either find a better name or am able to get that trademarked (which I found out I actually might be able to do!)
The game is kind of like DnD meets chess, or like Warhammer if you’ve ever played it (but way more simple). All you need for the game are a playing card, some dice, and the character pieces. I’m crocheting them (obviously) and will offer the patterns so people can crochet them if they want, but you can also make your pieces out of whatever you want, play-doh, origami, whatever. The point is just that you have to be creative and make them yourself.
Once the patterns are finished I plan on releasing a video showing off all the different characters and species I’ve made. Just basically sharing them all for the first time online. At the end of the video I’ll explain that “I’m working on this game, but I don’t want to release it until it’s been playtested to make sure it works right. I’m playtesting it with my Patreon supporters, so if you want to try the game out and give me your opinion, check out my Patreon at patreon.com/louiesloops and support for whatever you feel is best!”
Once the game is play-tested a bunch and I know there are no bugs, I’d like to make a video and release it to whoever wants to play. At the end of the video teaching the rules I’ll add in that I’m still play-testing things like items for my Patreon supporters.
I’ll then begin doing livestreams of me playing the game with friends to try to drum up attention for it. If / when I feel it’s going well I’d like to do a crowdfunding campaign to get the game printed with cards for each of the characters and items, and dice for people to purchase. I’d do this through Patreon as well stating that “I need $5000 at least to get an order made. I’ll hit that goal eventually through Patreon, but I’m only making $X per month now. If you want to help speed that up and reserve a copy for yourself become a Patreon supporter and contribute at least $15 before I reach my goal!”
What do you think? Any suggestions on how to release it or ideas for how to get the game to more people? Should I make being a playtester a tear for my patreon supporters or just make it available to whoever supports?
Any and all opinions are welcome! And thank you so so much for taking the time to read this I really appreciate it!
-Lou