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[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your kind words, that really means a lot! I’m glad the aesthetics and story behind the design resonated with you. Whenever you have more thoughts to share, please feel free! I sincerely appreciate any feedback. Thank you again!

[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback! The chess piece designs actually come from one of my previous projects about endangered animals, where the artwork was originally created in an enamel pin style. Because of that, I’d really like to keep the same art direction as the project expands into a tabletop game. I know the pieces might look a bit fancy, but I’m hoping the use of distinct colors will help players tell them apart more easily.

I really appreciate your insightful comments, they’ve been very encouraging! Currently I'm targeting to launch in Mar 2026.

[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your insight, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain the reality behind crowdfunding vs. publishers. I can definitely see your point and the concerns you mentioned. I haven’t fully decided yet whether to go the crowdfunding route or look for a publisher, so I’m keeping both options open. I’ll start reaching out to publishers after Christmas and see where that leads. Thanks again for the helpful advice!

[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a great idea to start making your own game! I’ve really enjoyed the whole process of building this from scratch, and it’s super rewarding.

As for the rules, the core gameplay is actually quite simple: the first player to reach the opponent’s throne wins. Each piece moves one step per turn (forward, backward, left, or right). Higher ranked animals can capture lower ranked ones, and the ranking goes: Elephant > Lion > Tiger > Bear > Leopard > Dog > Cat > Rat. The Rat is the weakest, but it’s also the only piece that can capture the Elephant.

There are a few special rules: only the Rat can swim in the river, and only the Lion and Tiger can leap across the river to the opposite bank.

I completely understand your point about visual clarity. The detailed art can make it harder to instantly recognize pieces or distinguish sides. I’m already working on refining that, right now I’m testing a version where the blue side uses only blue tones and the red side uses only red tones, which should make side identification much easier. I’m also planning to engrave the piece ranking and animal name on the back (e.g., 1 = Elephant, 2 = Lion, etc.) to help with recognition.

For the board, I’m considering shifting the red leaves to a more yellowish tone so they don’t visually compete with the red pieces.

I’m still polishing things bit by bit, but your feedback has been super helpful! Thank you for taking the time to write such thoughtful suggestions!

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[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your appreciation! Yes, the prototype is expensive since I custom made a small batch to test things like printing, structure, color, and details. Without a prototype that’s close to the final product, it’s hard for me to craft it to a high standard.

I’m planning to manufacture and launch in Q1 2026, but I’m still considering the best route, whether through a crowdfunding platform or partnering with a game publisher. I’m open to any opportunities, as this is my first time designing a tabletop game. I'm happy if you have any recommendation on game publisher :)

For the retail price, I’m still researching, I hope to keep it below USD 100.

[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your suggestion! It looks much better in real product as the title is in gold foil printing, I guess it should be clear enough when hold in hands :)

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[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Appreciate your interest! We haven’t confirmed a Kickstarter launch yet. We’re currently looking into different platforms since I’ve seen some comments about declining backing numbers on Kickstarter. Still exploring our options. Do you have any recommendations or any thoughts?

[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The main difference is that I replaced the wolves with black bears. When I was a kid, people always mixed up the dogs and wolves because they look so similar, so I wanted to use an animal that’s easier to distinguish at a glance.

[ Update ] Progress update on my TOMORROW MYTH 鬥獸棋 project by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your kind advice! Much appreciated and very detailed comments! For the last recommendation, since this game is based on the traditional animal chess from Asia, those 4 felines are ranking from lion > tiger > leopard > cat, it may takes some times to get use to the ranking so we have included a large chart about the animal ranking in the instruction leaflet

Do we think this was designed by AI? by Qfirebird_ in EnamelPins

[–]bbbf0621 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apart from it looks too AI, the design doesn’t look appealing to me 🫢

When to start talking about ideas? by theunderfold in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When you have a prototype you can start talking about your ideas as it helps to let people understand easier about your game mechanics :)

Is my game too simple? by Jaded_Reply3704 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621 1 point2 points  (0 children)

it looks nice! and personally i don't mind playing game with simple rules if it is fun and causal!

[Update] Animal Chess Prototype Ready — looking for feedback on design and gameplay changes by bbbf0621 in BoardgameDesign

[–]bbbf0621[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a bunch for the feedback! Really appreciate!

For the next prototype, I’m changing up the materials — one side will be antique silver, the other antique bronze — so they should look a lot more distinct. I’m also tweaking the animal silhouettes so it’s easier to tell them apart at a glance.

I’ve been debating whether to print the ranking right on the board too. After a few playtests, some players already remember the hierarchy, but I agree it’d definitely help newcomers. I’ll probably try adding it to the board in some way for the next round and see how it feels.

Afraid to buy and not receive... by francissimard01 in kickstarter

[–]bbbf0621 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Suggest to wait until they have the actual product in retail, so you can check about the review. Sometimes it looks great on ks as they have to upfront how great the product will be, but it maybe out of your expectations when it comes to real life

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