\nIt\u2019s been four months since you heard from us in our update called <\/span>Blockhunters v0.9<\/span><\/a>. And a lot happened in just this quarter!<\/span><\/p>\n
Last time, we shared the news about playtesting a hand-crafted prototype over dozens of times and announced the launch of our website with backstories about the 10 characters of our game. This time, we have even more exciting news to share!<\/span><\/p>\n Two weeks ago, we visited the factory in Danyang, China, where we received new prototypes. We then played and showcased this version at the Adopting Bitcoin event in Arnhem. Prior to that, we met the Bitcoin community at Bitcoin Atlantis and attended multiple other events.<\/span><\/p>\n STEM Authentication<\/strong><\/p>\n In April, Blockhunters officially became a STEM.org Authenticated\u2122 Educational Product. In other words, it upholds the standards set by STEM.org, ensuring it integrates vital STEM disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and it cultivates 21st-century skills and promotes diversity, socialization, imagination, and cognition.<\/p>\n Visit the factory<\/b><\/p>\n One major hurdle in the production of our game is finding a balance between low order quantities, high printing quality, and affordable production prices. Since Blockhunters is 100% crowdfunded and self-published, and we don\u2019t want to sell our Bitcoin educational game to publishing companies, addressing these challenges is crucial. We are ambitious and eventually want to scale up while doing things right. However, we also need to be realistic: printing thousands of games in the first batch is impossible. We\u2019re glad to have found a women-owned factory in China (near Shanghai) that\u2019s perfect for our passion project, with opportunities to scale up if necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n After extensive research and months of clear communication with one of the partners, we decided to place an order for 5 prototypes from one of the contenders and also planned a visit to them. Four games were sent to Arnold in the Netherlands, while Emily, already on a trip to Asia, visited Danyang to pick up her copy and, more importantly, discuss the next steps with the printing company.<\/span><\/p>\n It was a fruitful meeting! We learned a lot about production methods, their way of working, and the additional services they can offer. We also discussed and examined each component of the game in detail, making improvements where possible.<\/span><\/p>\n Prototype<\/b><\/p>\n Our v0.99 prototype is a significant improvement compared to the previous version. It’s not just the addition of the box (which we never had before), but many details of the game have changed. Here are some examples:<\/span><\/p>\n Conferences and events<\/b><\/p>\n Since our last update in late January, the Bitcoin community has enjoyed the game numerous times. We played the game at the Bitcoin Education Unconference in Madeira, attended meetups in Tokyo, Mexico City, Arnhem, Naaldwijk(Cryptowijs event) and other locations, and introduced the game to nocoiners as well.<\/span><\/p>\n At the Adopting Bitcoin conference, our new prototype was showcased to international attendees. Thanks to our partner, <\/span>storeofvalue.eu<\/span><\/a>, who handles all orders, Blockhunters was prominently visible at the entrance booth.<\/span><\/p>\n Emily visited Bitcoin Seoul, where Bitcoiners from around the world enjoyed the prototype. It\u2019s amazing to see how the communities behind \u201cuniversal money\u201d and \u201cboard games\u201d go hand in hand in so many places worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n Roadmap<\/b><\/p>\n So.. When Blockhunters?<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s a question that we\u2019d love to answer in detail, but cannot do that yet. Producing a game is not just creating some design files and that\u2019s it. It\u2019s an endeavor with a lot of moving parts and with lots of surprises and new insights. Roughly, these are the next steps that are yet to come:<\/span><\/p>\n During the last three steps, we\u2019ll focus on creating a video explainer of the rules, and an interactive rulebook.<\/span><\/p>\n Secure your game today!<\/b><\/p>\n Final note: we have concluded the Combination Deal for pre-orders in which you could support the development of our game, in return for the first copy, your name in the rulebook and a couple of other perks. The rulebook is full, we don\u2019t have space anymore! Thanks everyone for your pre-orders!<\/span>But don\u2019t worry! The pre-sale is still open!<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blockhuntersgame.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/factory.png?resize=708%2C463&ssl=1\")
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\n<\/strong>– Waiting for confirmation of the registration of our company, after which we have to apply for GSIN\/EAN codes.
\n<\/span>– One last iteration round, with changes based on the official prototype that we received.
\n<\/span>– Translate all copies to Spanish and design rulebook and factsheet
\n<\/span>– Finalize flow for shipping partners and implement in webshop
\n<\/span>– Professional photography<\/span><\/li>\n
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