Playtesting at the San Diego Historical Games Convention in November confirmed the feedback we received at Consimworld Expo:
1) A second track was needed for the 1st Infantry and 29th Infantry Divisions' Initiative Points and separate Engineer Points (this appears under the Turn Track in the bottom right image); and
2) The inland green squares needed to be subdued in color intensity compared to the beaches and German strongpoint squares so that the terrain stands out better. The five exit squares from the beaches now stand out better as well when we added yellow shown on the latest version of the game map (bottom left image and directly below).
ALSO: We have confirmed shipping prices for the hardcover book, illustrated guide (comic), and 2 posters. These shipping prices should be posted soon and we will try to ship the printed books/posters before Christmas. The games should be shipped separately by the US-based printer in January.
Hello, my incredibly patient Backerkit supporters!
Here's a photo that shows the test run by the US-based printer of the game map and playing cards and an image with a mock up of the game box.
This weekend we will set up a new web page that will show the game components that are in final proofreading. By early next week, these pdfs can be enlarged and viewed.
Only three layouts are left: The rules, my designer's notes, and historical notes with the 10 types of tactical cards in the 18-card deck.
I'm hoping for the printing, assembly, and shipping of the game, hardcover book, comic, and 2 posters to be done in October.
The shipping fees will be requested in late September.
Almost done! DANA
Dana with the Bloody Omaha game map & playing cards test run.
Bloody Omaha mock up box.
I apologize to everyone for the long delay in posting another update. The situation with tariffs and receiving games produced overseas is still not resolved and may not be for some time.
Therefore I searched and found a US-based printer who can produce games. I worked with them in the past on a small project and found their quality very good. They are getting many new clients who are shifting manufacturing to the US but I hope to be given priority for my game components.
The specifications (dimensions and layout) for the game box, map board, die-cut unit counters, etc., have to be adjusted to work with the US printer and the artwork for Bloody Omaha is now being re-done.
I don't have a shipping date yet, but I hope to update everyone again by the end of April. By then I should also have a firm shipping cost in the USA and to supporters outside the US.
In a previous update I explained that back in November I received notification that my lease agreement was canceled and we had to vacate our premises by the end of December.
By mid-January we were mostly set up at the new apartment and I got back to work on the Bloody Omaha game.
At the end of January I learned that my colleague and good friend, wargaming Hall of Fame graphic artist Rodger B. MacGowan, lost his home and studio to the LA wildfires (see photo below). I immediately joined with other friends and fans of Rodger's work to support a GoFundMe for Rodger and his family that is still on-going.
Then, only a few weeks later Rodger passed on February 22 at the age of 77. I've known Rodger since the 1970s when he kindly created artwork for my Conflict magazine. This was a shock that I am still processing.
At almost the same time my younger brother collapsed and was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He underwent surgery and seemed to be recovering when he collapsed again a few days ago. He is in currently in the hospital and seems to be better.
During this time of tragedies, I was able to get some development work done on the Bloody Omaha game and hope to finish playtesting and artwork in March. I will post updates to all of the BackerKit supporters as soon as I have more information to share.
The Big Red One at D-Day hardcover book and comic, and the two foldout posters, were published and I will send out the request for shipping fees ASAP so we can ship these items to backers in March.
We have received the printed books and posters and will be shipping them in September.
The Bloody Omaha game has finished playtesting and the final art will be sent to the printer by the end of September. The finished game should be assembled and ship at the end of October.
Thank you for your patience and support of our BackerKit campaign!
Your BackerKit accounts will be charged for shipping the books soon. Shipping fees for the games won't be charged until we know the exact weights in October.
