If you plan to ask for our time to review your Kickstarter game, please take the time to review our guidelines here. We are happy to respond to inquiries submitted as outlined below. Thank you!
We receive many kickstarter requests on a daily basis, and unfortunately our schedule is limited (we’d love to play them all!) We are interested to hear more about your project, and ask that you read through these frequently asked questions, and email us directly if you have any questions, or wish to submit your idea.
What types of games do you preview?
Our channel focuses solely on 2-player playthroughs. We do conduct full playthroughs, and will give a brief overview of our thoughts at the end of our play. If your game has a higher minimum player count than 2, unfortunately it would not be a great fit for our channel.
What do you charge?
Nothing! We do not charge for playthroughs or reviews of any kind, including fully produced games and kickstarters.
Then what DO you need to produce a video?
There are a few things we do require. After filming many, many videos for Kickstarter, and working with tons of designers and publishers, these are some non-negotiables that really help showcase your game in the best light, based on the work we do (full playthroughs):
- We need a prototype copy of the game, as complete as possible. We do not film print-and-plays.
- The rules need to be finalized or very close to finalized. We understand that some minor rules may change, but drastic changes in the rules, or a project that has not been tirelessly playtested will not showcase well. (We get kind of grumpy when we feel like we are playtesting, instead of playing and enjoying your awesome complete game!)
- We need time. Typically, depending on complexity and again, rules finalization, we can deliver a video in about 4 weeks. This gives us time to play and replay, ask any questions we have, and produce a high-quality video. Requests with short turnaround times (less than 4 weeks) typically cannot be accommodated, unless there are extenuating circumstances. In certain situations, with publishers whom we have a working relationship, we have turned around Kickstarters in a few days in a pinch. We will do as much as we can to accommodate!
Are there games or mechanics you will not consider?
Yes! We have to be a little picky with so many requests, and our mission is to serve our audience. We have a family-friendly channel, and are competitive but respectful in our gameplay, by nature. We have turned down requests for games with adult themes, a lot of party games, and anything that cannot be played (or is balanced well) with two. We prioritize heavier strategy games and some mid-weight games with great theme, because that’s what we love, and take-that, trick-taking, and combat games usually are of lower priority, as are children’s games.
Can you send the prototype on when you are done?
Absolutely! We do this quite often, and just ask that you pay for shipping via PayPal after we ship it off. In these cases, we understand you may need the video done before your launch date, which is why we ask for a date you would like the video completed as well as the launch date. This helps us schedule your game in our queue.
Can you make the video private until launch?
Again, absolutely. It is up to you if you want us to post it publically before the launch, or on the day of the launch. Posting ahead of launch does tend to drive interest for the Kickstarter before launching, but we can accommodate whatever you would like.
What are you looking for in an ideal Kickstarter project?
We look for games with unique themes, or unique use of mechanisms. Quality components even in prototype form are great, but if the components are not finalized, having an idea of what will be offered ultimately is important, so we can speak to that in the recap. Solid rules and a history of playtesting and previewing at events like UnPub, or other cons is great too. If you have your own “how to play” that gives us an idea of how you are interpreting rules is also beneficial, especially if the game has not been publically tested outside of a small playtest group. A history of successful campaigns is beneficial, but not necessary. We love Kickstarters because it gives a lot of independent designers publish great games, and we are all about promoting the growth of the hobby.