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City of Games October update: Back to basics

5th October 2023 2
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It has been a few months since the last newsletter, and I wanted to talk about a few changes that I’ve been working on. It’s an exciting time, and there’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get started!

A New Approach

I sent my first newsletter to 56 people in August 2017. Since then, thousands of people have signed up for updates, and I’ve experimented with a number of things. At the start of 2022, I switched from sending updates sporadically to sending a monthly newsletter on the first Thursday of each month. However, after 18 months, this will be changing.

It’s important to me to provide useful information in updates, and while I focus on releasing one new game every 12–18 months, I feel like sometimes I’m trying to find content for newsletters when there are no big announcements. I want every update you receive to be exciting and filled with information. So, as of now, I am switching to a quarterly update.

The only exception is when a big release occurs; I may send additional updates between quarterly updates if I feel there is enough to share. Similarly, you may find me posting a little less on some social media platforms.

What This Means

What this really means is I am going back to basics and will be using social media and newsletters like I did in the early days. I want to focus on making great games and sharing those games with the world. I want you to know I am spending as much of my time as possible focusing on making those games, and that when you get an update, it will be worth reading.

The City of Games has never been in a stronger place, and the future looks fantastic. I have a strong idea of what I want to do in the coming years, and I have never been more excited.

An Experimental release

For seven years, I have been entirely dependent on crowdfunding (using Kickstarter) to launch new games and expansions. While I will continue to use crowdfunding for some projects, next month I will be experimenting with a straight-to-retail release. It won’t be a new game, but if you have ever enjoyed any of my games, then you may find this to be something you are interested in. You will receive an update in mid-November with details on what to expect.

The City of Kings Reprint

I promised The City of Kings would be back in print this year, and this is still on track to happen. The games are on the water, and I’ll be sharing release dates once they have arrived. This should hopefully be next month.

Race to the Raft

It has been fantastic seeing Race to the Raft releasing around the world, and I’ve been so happy seeing your reactions to the game. You should now be able to buy the game from your local retailer, and if you can’t see it in the shop, feel free to ask behind the counter. The first monthly scenario will be going out soon for those subscribed for even more content.

The Isle of Cats digital

For the past year or so I have been working with Dire Wolf Digital in making a digital adaptation of The Isle of Cats. They have done a fantastic job with Root and Everdell and I am very excited to see what they do with The Isle of Cats. While I don’t yet have a release date, I will keep you posted as this develops (it’s going to take a while).

An update on Frank

I recently planted some trees, which was a great experience and reminded me how rewarding hard work can be. It was also nice to reconnect with nature; I think I may slowly be turning into a hobbyist gardener. I’ve also enjoyed watching The Bear and am working through The Devil’s Plan, which has started off very strongly.

Until next time

I am going to be working on all the finishing touches for next months big announcements while watching ships slowly cross the ocean!

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Frank West

Frank West is a gamer and designer based in Bristol, UK. He published his first board game, The City of Kings, in 2018 and now works on other games and organising events in the local area. His goal? To design and publish games focusing on immersive themes, fun mechanics and beautiful components. If you have any questions or would just like a chat, feel free to get in touch at any time!


2 comments

  • Pete and Jen Lohs

    5th October 2023 at 7:50 pm

    Thank you so much for your newsy newsletter. This all makes perfect sense and thank you, as usual for keeping us in your loop, very much appreciated.
    Enjoy reconnecting with nature (so good) and focusing more fully on bringing your magic games to our table.
    We are hoping to receive our Race to the Raft retail copy before Christmas, as it is coming with another game that has been delayed. We too have been enjoying others excitement in their plays.
    Cheers, Jen and Pete

    Reply

    • Frank West

      6th October 2023 at 7:54 pm

      Thank you both, I really hope you get Race to the Raft in time for Christmas and have a fun time playing it over the holidays!

      Reply

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