What I've Been Up To

[Jacques Treatment]

Some of you will remember me, others, newer members, won't. I used to be on here somewhat regularly, talking about this or that... Well, at heart, I'm a game designer, and it just became more important to *do* than to talk. When I came up with the idea for a game, the muse took me, and I started working on it and improving it...

This became a *set* of games, all of which are played on a board made of colored acrylic tiles, so many of the games can be repeated in any number of ways, never playing quite the same way. Most of the games are suitable for ages seven and up, but even the kiddiest of games lends itself to various sorts of drinking (and other adult) games. The main one, "Muggers," has proven surprisingly complex for a simple strategy game--especially when you have more than two players.

Take a look at Muggers, Movers, and More!

Of course, it's not enough to just design the games--you have to *produce* them. This meant custom-ordering acrylic tiles, bulk orders of glass tiles, dice... and now comes the part I dread: actually selling them. I've had too many bad brushes with sales people to feel comfortable selling, but now I've got 150 sets (well 145, now that I've sold a few) that line my shelves, waiting for me to find them new homes.

On the bright side, I can honestly say that it's a better entertainment value than your average movie. I mean, you're getting nine games with great variety and replayability, you can take it anywhere there's a table, and it even cleans up easily when you spill popcorn and soda on it.

Sitll, judge for yourself.

--J,

putting his money where his game is

[mallochai]

AWEsome! You really impress me. I love little self-produced games like that. You should look into local hobby shops and gamer shops, that kind of things usually does really well as such stores.

Ever heard of Pirateer? I love that game, it's hilarious, and really versatile. The board is basically a piece of printed felt with a diagonal grid on it. The guy started out all by himself, and has since sold many many many copies, and it's actually promoted by MENSA.

Anyway, Kudos, and come back! Your wit and insight is sorely missed around here.

[Jacques Treatment]

So far, I've had a bit of trouble with getting consignment done, which is probably because of a couple of things: 1) The outside of the packaging isn't particularly beautiful, and 2) The fact that I hate to sell things ruins my ability to give a good presentation. Anyone who has played any of the games seems to show good interests, though, so I bring it with me when I go out to cafes and continue finding ways to get people to link to it or talk about it. When I get this run sold off, I'll see what I can do to take care of (1) and maybe hire someone who enjoys sales to take care of (2).

As far as coming back goes, maybe. A lot depends on how much I feel like I'm bashing my head against a wall.

--J,

Would you like to play a... game?

AWEsome!  You really impress me.  I love little self-produced games like that.  You should look into local hobby shops and gamer shops, that kind of things usually does really well as such stores.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[DisturbedMania]

Good luck! Its always a joy to actually be able to do things you love to do.

[Fierce Critter]

Pictures would be nice.

[Jacques Treatment]

The only reason there aren't pictures of the set on the site is that I've had trouble getting a photograph of the whole thing that wasn't blurry. However, I *will* be hosting a live demo at Blue Dragon Games in Shelby Township. It's at 45581 Mound Road, just North of Hall Rd. The demonstration will be on Thursday 12/22pm, from 6pm-9pm, so please show up, bring friends, bring money, and I'll make sure I have enough copies for everybody! If someone wants to take a photograph there for me to put up on the website (and the pic doesn't come out blurry, of course), I'd happily give you a copy of Muggers, Movers, and More! for free.

See some of you there.

--J,

self-winding demo monkey

[Fierce Critter]

I can't count on being able to come out to your live demo. But I'd gladly take a whole cardful of pics for you in trade for a free game some other time.

I'm available throughout the daytime hours, and willing to travel a reasonable distance.

PM me.

[Jacques Treatment]

I can't count on being able to come out to your live demo. But I'd gladly take a whole cardful of pics for you in trade for a free game some other time.

Coolness. I'd love to see if I can get some pics taken at the demo because then there is a possibility of getting pictures of people *playing*, too. If that doesn't happen, we can certainly arrange some sort of trade.

--J,

currently blurry