Hype Tag is at the Printer! New Rulebook is Done!
over 3 years ago
– Thu, Jul 14, 2022 at 08:10:36 AM
Hypesters,
We are so excited to be writing with an update on Hype Tag! First off, it's been a long winter and we hope everyone is starting to see the glimmers of spring both externally and internally. We have worked incredibly hard since our January 1st update (where we declared tour intention to revamp the rulebook) and now we have GOOD NEWS!
FIRST: The new rulebook is done and it is AMAZING!(A preview copy is attached!)
SECOND: Our work on the game is done and it is off to the printer! (There arestill many steps ahead, but it's a milestone for sure!)
Many thanks to Kelly Lance (Graphic Design) and Megan Spaniol (Art) for all of their tireless work. In terms of the last few months, I need to give special nod to Kelly, whose vision and hard work was so central to the completion of the new rulebook. This updated version includes a more colorful, art-filled, fun and flavorful presentation that puts the attitude, feel, and humor of the game (and Megan's art) front and center. Meanwhile, I was able to rework the wording and rules presentation to incorporate all of the play-testing and gameplay data I've collected over the last year. It adds up to something we are very proud of. In addition, a quick thanks as well to my former student (and current friend) Kelly Holmes, for her proof-reading help.
Read the Rulebook Below!
Keep the following in mind as you peruse the new rulebook images below:
•The printed rulebook will read like a calendar with landscape orientation and a center staple.
•The preview below is the highest quality Kickstarter will allow (compression, grr..), but the final print and digital versions will be super crisp!
•Some very detailed card combos and "corner-case" rules have been intentionally omitted for inclusion on the Hype Tag web site (which we will be putting together over the next few months.) These small details are definitely part of what makes the game deep and fun, but we will leverage the power of the good 'ol internet to give those next-level players a place to look up answers to their nerdiest questions (my favorite kind...)
•We have purchased the domain for our web site (hypetagcardgame.com) as it is listed in the rulebook, but that url is not live yet. .. so don't try to go there. Soon enough! (We also have clothespingames.com... also not active yet, but it will be!)
The PPC process is underway!
Our files are now in the pre-press design verification phase and things are moving forward towards the creation of the PPC (pre-production copy). As mentioned previously, the PPC is a single, fully realized physical copy of the game which will be shipped to us so we can give it the full once-over before it is mass produced. We will be sure to share that moment with you all when it happens. We expect to receive that copy in late April.
Timeline: Summer
We want to recognize once again that our timeline estimates were a bit off. The re-tooling of the rulebook was the main reason and we are 100% certain it was the right call. This moves our delivery window closer to early summertime. We will get more specific about a date once we further into this production phase. So, hang in there! And thank you for your patience and support. Soon we will be reaching out about shipping information and pledge rewards, etc.... It's all HAPPENING!
And Hey... People love The Game
Once last thought, just for fun: At my school, we had a week of afternoons to kill before spring break, since the play we'd been working on was finished. I broke out two fully updated Hype Tag prototypes to play with my students. For four days straight, I had kids lined up to "get in on the next game." It was... totally amazing. Game after game, story after story, kids were shouting, running around the room when they won, drawing fan art of Megan's characters, discussing strategy and which cards and characters are the "best." They've asked for a tournament... for merch... and for MORE TIME TO PLAY THE GAME! Most of my students are not even gamers, they are just kids who really got into it. This, my friends... is a very good sign.
Enjoy the images from the rulebook below! And look for another update soon!
Best,
Jesse, Kelly, and Megan
Clothespin Games
PREVIEW OF THE RULEBOOK: Let us know how you like it!
Hype Tag Unboxing Video!
almost 4 years ago
– Tue, May 03, 2022 at 09:28:41 AM
Hypesters,
Last night, we opened and played the first physical copy of Hype Tag! And it was AWESOME!!
Here is a little video where we take you through everything in the box. ENJOY!
The Hype Tag PPC is Here
almost 4 years ago
– Sun, May 01, 2022 at 08:12:13 AM
Hypsters,
The moment we've been waiting for is here...
The Hype Tag PPC (Pre-Production Prototype)HAS ARRIVED!
The Hype Tag PPC awaits its unboxing tonight!
Tonight, Kelly, Megan, and the whole Howard family will unbox the first physical copy of Hype Tag ever produced... and then ACTUALLY PLAY IT! We are having a little get together to celebrate and scrutinize this copy to make our final round of notes before the mass production phase begins! WOW.
Look sharp for an update within the next few days because we will be posting a video that takes you through the PPC and gives you a good look at it!
Can't wait to share this with all of you because none of this would be possible without your encouragement, enthusiasm, and support! And a special shout-out to Sarah, Clark, and Jay at Panda for all of their help getting to this point!
We know everyone receives these updates in their email, but we'd love to hear from you. Click over to our Kickstarter page and share your excitement in the comments!
Stay tuned...
Clothespin Games
Jesse, Kelly, Megan
Hype Tag PPC production is underway!
almost 4 years ago
– Fri, Apr 08, 2022 at 09:23:12 AM
Hypsters,
We have completed the design verification phase (once again HUGE shout out to Kelly who has done amazing work getting us through that process) and production of our PPC is underway.
What is the PPC you say? It's the Pre-Production Copy. This is a single physical copy of the full game which we will receive in about two weeks. It's our chance to physically hold the game, play the game, shuffle the cards, and scrutinize all physical components before they push the big green button on the full production run. It will be the very first time we get to play with actual cards (and not the card stock prototypes I make myself in card sleeves!)
Our team at Panda has been amazing. Big thanks to Sarah, Clark, and Jay for shepherding us to this point where all of our files conform to their specs for the highest quality printing and production.
As soon as we receive the PPC, we are going to have ourselves a little party where we celebrate, play, and study it together. And we will make some video to share with everyone to mark the occasion.
Just wanted you to have an update on the progress. We are moving steadily along to our goal.
Thanks again for your patience, interest, and support!
Jesse, Kelly, and Megan
Clothespin Games
Fast Away the Old Rulebook Passes
about 4 years ago
– Mon, Jan 03, 2022 at 08:44:08 AM
Happy New Year to our Hypesters!
We wanted to reach out as we turn the corner to 2022 with a quick update on the progress of Hype Tag.
One of our final graphic design tasks before sending off the files was to "update" our rulebook. As soon as we jumped into that process, Kelly and I realized that what we needed was not so much an update... but an OVERHAUL! So, we made the difficult decision to take what we had learned from the play-testing and the kickstarter design process and chart a new course for the rulebook. We both felt strongly that although this would add time to our process, the value-added for everyone would be unquestionably worth it.
So, we have been very hard at work doing just that. With an eye toward a more colorful and art-filled visual presentation (a la our Kickstarter page) and streamlined wording of rules (informed by all of the play-testing,) we basically started over from scratch. In so doing, we have also been applying a much better understanding of what can be off-loaded to a web site as well as what role a "how-to-play" video can play in the era of smart phones. The nearly-done net result is something we are thrilled about!
So, yes... this pushes our timeline back (as does the speed and cost of shipping) but we will keep you informed as we gain a better sense of how our timeline is going to play out. We certainly made no secret of the fact that we were "educatedly guessing" about the timeline during the Kickstarter campaign, so are doing our best to come through on keeping you informed. That said, it will be worth it!
Our next post will include a timeline update and a PDF of our new rulebook! And don't worry, we will let you know when we need info from you about sending and sharing pledge rewards, collecting shipping info, etc. We will keep it all moving forward while still ensuring the quality of the game when it reaches you!
We wish you all the best and look forward to keeping the updates coming as we head into the next few months. Please reach out with any questions!
