Pre-production progress update
over 2 years ago – Mon, Jul 24, 2023 at 10:04:31 PM

Hi folks - hope you are all having a good week! We've been keeping busy in the pre-production work, and we want to share an update on the process so you can see a clear timeline of what's coming up next. We also have an exciting update on our final art.

Updated production tracker

Firstly, our timelines have not changed, but we've changed the sequence of the BackerKit surveys to go out after we've finalized the production and shipping specs. We realized this was a necessary step as we configured the Backerkit surveys, ensuring that you will be able to complete the entire process in a single survey by finalizing the shipping address, shipping costs, and any applicable taxes. Currently, we've completed preparing the final production files, and we are in the process of preparing the sample print with the manufacturer.

Art update

We are so excited to share with you some of our final art updates for Solar Titans. Our lead artist, Hong Sun, has worked hard to help us achieve a consistent art style that we want Solar Titans to be known for. We hope you also like the art direction we’ve landed on, and check out the new alternate Command Deck!

To give a bit more context, we’ve had a lot of learnings since we started designing the art for Solar Titans. We worked with multiple artists as we explored different styles. By doing this, it helped us to find the unique style and personality we want Solar Titans to have. We are pleased to make these final art updates as we lock in our files for production.

Late pledge is open + expanded art book
over 2 years ago – Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 06:33:43 PM

Hi folks - hope you are all having a good week! We've been making good progress on finalizing the manufacturer and file preparation, as well as the steps to prepare the pledge manager survey. In the meantime, we have two updates:

Late pledge is open!

We have enabled access to late pledges for Solar Titans via BackerKit for folks who missed out on backing our game during the campaign. Similar to our campaign backers, you will have the option to choose one of our original pledge levels, and you will be prompted to provide an email address. This email address will be used to send you the pledge manager survey when it is ready.

Please note the late pledge is available for a limited time; once we have sent out the pledge manager surveys and confirmed the print quantity in the coming weeks, it will close permanently.

Expanded art book!

We have expanded the art book to 40 pages (from 32 originally). We realized we had more stories to share in our journey of designing Solar Titans, and this means the art book will include more full page art and designer stories. As always, it does not affect gameplay in any way, but is a Kickstarter exclusive gift for folks who have supported with the Fleet Admiral pledge level.

If you missed out, don't worry: The pledge manager survey will allow you to add additional copies of the art book. The art book is only available during the Kickstarter campaign and during the late pledge.

A heartfelt thank you... and next steps!
over 2 years ago – Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 08:02:32 AM

Thank you for making Solar Titans possible

When we launched, we were wondering if we could even reach 100 backers as a small indie studio and as parents of young children with limited spare time. We had no idea how it would turn out. But with your support and the whole board game community, we have over 1167 backers from around the world! Our dream is to deliver a game that provides a unique, engaging, and fun experience for folks. We want to get Solar Titans into your hands, and hope that it will bring you joy to play it in the months and years to come.

We're also proud that we are delivering an even better Solar Titans experience with all of the stretch goals we unlocked together. We actually can't wait to get a copy of Solar Titans and feel the cards with the 350GSM, linen finish, and UV coating. We're also excited about the alternate Command Deck and the new AI Ship cards that expand the solo/co-op mode even further. The best part is that you helped shape these additions by participating in our Kickstarter updates!

So we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you - our backers - and also to the following folks who helped make Solar Titans possible:

So what's happening next?

Step 1 - Finalize manufacturer and shipping details: Over the next few weeks, we're going to finalize the new content and work with our manufacturer for a sample print run. We're also going to negotiate a final quote on the shipping costs for every country that we're posting to, and complete the BackerKit pledge manager setup.

Step 2 - Pledge manager email: Once this is ready, you will receive an email from BackerKit to confirm your shipping address and quantity, and view any applicable taxes (e.g., VAT or GST). It is critical for you to fill this out, because that's how we'll get the game to you. The pledge manager will also allow you to add additional copies of Solar Titans or even upgrade your pledge. Note that the art book is specifically for Fleet Admiral pledges and will not be available as a separate add-on, and it will not be part of the retailer pledges as well.

Step 3 - Production and shipping: After giving everyone ~2 weeks to complete the pledge manager email, we will confirm and start the production process to print Solar Titans. All copies of Solar Titans will be sent to our fulfillment center, who will dispatch the game to each of you in the address you provided in the pledge manager.

Don't hesitate to reach out for any questions as we'll still be around during all this time! :)

Kind regards,

SunnySideUp Games

Last 48 hours before liftoff!
over 2 years ago – Sun, Jul 09, 2023 at 07:49:31 AM

We've finally made it to the last 48 hours of the campaign! We're so happy to have come so far as a small indie studio, and we're committed to getting Solar Titans produced and delivered to each of you. If you know anyone else who'd be interested in Solar Titans, this is the last chance to let them know and to get a copy as well! This is a limited print run and we do not have plans for a general retail release, so you will have a very limited edition of Solar Titans! :)

We've been busy finalizing the files for production and have confirmed a well-established manufacturer to ensure a reliable print run. We'll still do a sample run to confirm everything looks good before we proceed. Once the campaign ends, expect to receive an email within 2-4 weeks to collect shipping details and final quantities via the pledge manager, BackerKit, so we can confirm the print run.

Quick reminder: Please nominate your local public library or FLGS if they take donated games in the thread in Update #10 (Day 19), because there's a good chance we'll donate a copy of Solar Titans to them! Right now we're on track to donate at least 8 copies to different libraries of FLGS.

Day 24: Progress update with 4 days to go
over 2 years ago – Thu, Jul 06, 2023 at 08:42:20 AM

We're excited to countdown the last 4 days of our campaign, especially starting the production process and getting the game into your hands! We've come a long way in the last few weeks, including having your input shape our stretch goals and watching as we hit each one in stride. Speaking of stretch goals, we have a couple progress updates to share:

AI ship cards are ready

We've designed and playtested the new AI ship layouts from Stretch Goal #5. When you play the solo / co-op mode in Solar Titans, you will initially face the normal AI ship layout that already exists in the game, which serves as a good opportunity to learn the gameplay and practice. 

Once you are ready, take on 1 of 3 advanced AI ship layouts, which will present a much greater challenge in both their designs and unique powers, forcing new strategies to adapt. We're excited and pleased to see that the combination of the 3 advanced AI ship layouts with their unique powers and the existing 6 Automata bonus effects adds even more replayability to the solo / co-op mode.

Alt Command Deck sneak peek

Our artist is working on the alternate Command Deck from Stretch Goal #6. Check out the sneak peek below. The design takes a more angular and aggressive profile, which gives a distinct look from the current Command Deck, while still maintaining the overall color scheme and proportionate size. I think it might become my default choice! :)

Note that all content in the sneak peek is work in progress