Ascending Empires: Zenith Edition

Orders are locking and files are soon to be at the printer.
7 months ago – Wed, May 08, 2024 at 06:44:56 AM

Hey there!

Backerkit sent out information on orders being locked. The process should come into effect May 10. I'm toldf I need to send this:

"FAILURE TO RESPOND TO SURVEY: Surveys must be completed by May 10. If you fill out the survey after the designated time frame, your package may be delayed in sending to you by up to a few months. If you do not fill out the survey until after the declared end of the project, we may not be able to send it to you, and no refunds will be given." 

How do I know if I have filled out the BackerKit survey?
You can visit the BackerKit page here: https://www.backerkit.com/are_you_a_backer

It's a stern warning but hopefully see it as a reminder to get your orders in so that I can project a proper initial production run that does not fall short of demand for the game. 

And speaking of production, we expect files to be at the printer by mid-May. I'm waiting on our international partners to finish their files so that we can print together. 

I'll post another update when the files actually go to the printers. 

Thanks!

Coming down to the wire - please finish your pledges in backerkit
7 months ago – Thu, Apr 25, 2024 at 07:32:18 PM

Hey there. Nearly 200 of you still need to finish your backing by answering the backerkit survey. I plan to close backerkit around May 8. By then the files should be on their way to the printer (or close to it). I will send an update when the files are sent. 

Thanks!

Pledge Manager live - late pledges available
8 months ago – Mon, Apr 08, 2024 at 11:39:46 AM

The Backerkit pledge manager for Ascending Empires: Zenith Edition is live. There is a pre-order store for late pledges. You can buy the single starmap here as well. 

If there are any issues please let me know. 

New rulebook uploaded and soon-to-come pledge manager
8 months ago – Tue, Apr 02, 2024 at 11:39:28 AM

Here is the finished rulebook. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8vfjbxw4jfhbf9a7zuusb/AscendingEmpires-Rulebook-040124.pdf?rlkey=4d3lol9nyij1pn6xhhp99dtvz&dl=0

In addition, we are working with backerkit for the pledge manager and hope to have it live this week or next week. It's mainly getting information on the shipping of the single starmap.  

It can come in two ways: rolled in a tube which is quite expensive as the tube's size incurs a shipping surcharge.  

The other way is folded in a mailer or box, which reduces the cost of the shipping somewhat but also holds the very real potential for creasing the map. The crease should be able to come out with some time but we cannot guarantee it. Nor do we take responsibility for it. So please make sure you understand and accept this risk. 

There is a third method - that is folding the map with your game order. This carries two risks, but is the least expensive shipping option. Creasing, from folding, which again, we can't take responsibility for that, and making sure you actually get the right box - i.e. contains both a game and a starmap. We'd be doing this at the printers so we are relying on them to get it right AND then relying on the warehouse to ship out the right box to the right customer. I think we can mitigate this last thing by weight.  

More to come. And again thank you all for your support. It is very much appreciated. 

Solo Mode Details + What to Expect After the Campaign!
8 months ago – Fri, Mar 15, 2024 at 08:12:20 AM

Greetings, Space Adventure Seekers!

We're into the final stretch of the campaign, with mere hours remaining before we blast off of Planet Crowdfunding and set a course for the galaxy of production & fulfillment.

In this final update of the active campaign, we want to share some details about the Ascending Empires solo experience, and let you know what to expect in the aftermath of the campaign conclusion.

Solo Mode: Deep Space Details!

While we don't currently have a solo rulebook to share, here are three key features of the single-player experience that may help you envision the flow of play:

Six Scenario Campaign

The Ascending Empires solo mode will include 6 scenarios, which can certainly be played individually. However, when experienced in a particular order, these scenarios form a narrative arc, allowing players to interact with advanced elements of play, such as Megastructures and Ancient Libraries.

Solo-Specific Technologies

Players will not be using the multiplayer Tech tiles when playing alone. Instead, 4 double-sided Technology cards will be included that are specific to this mode of play. Each solo Technology card includes two abilities. When a Research Facility is built on a matching Planet, a cube is placed under the matching tech card, unlocking its bottom ability. Once you have two cubes under the same card, its upper ability is unlocked, which is even more powerful.

Automated Opponent Deck

Solo players will encounter three different types of cards, each activating the automated opponent in unique ways. Targeting Cards dictate where Guardian Robots (used in a very different fashion from the multiplayer game) are placed, gradually bringing the opponent ever closer to a confrontation with the human player. Invasion Cards help the opponent place Warships on the board, and introduce Warship Cards to the automated opponent deck. Those Warship Cards add more Guardian Robots to planets, occasionally bringing the robotic uprising directly to Planets occupied by the human player.

We'll have more information to share on the Ascending Empires solo experience in future updates, including photos and completed rules!

What to Expect After the Campaign

Kickstarter will charge credit cards for your campaign pledge shortly after the campaign ends. Please note that we do not have access to Kickstarter payment processing, and any issues will need to be resolved directly with Kickstarter.

Once our pledge manager has been prepared, you will receive an invite via the email connected to your Kickstarter account. This is where you will need to submit your delivery details and resolve outstanding shipping charges. Please note that if the pledge manager has not been completed, we will be unable to ship your rewards! 

Once the campaign ends, our primary responsibility as a publisher will be to finalize the files and send them to our manufacturing partner. As we hit milestones in this process, you'll see updates from us with the latest information and photos.

Thank You!

As a result of your trust and support, Play to Z is on its way to making major waves in the tabletop industry. It begins with Ascending Empires: Zenith Edition, and continues with an amazing collection of upcoming games!

Beware the Ides of March!

Speaking of upcoming games...

Announcing 23 Knives, a new social manipulation game set in the time of Caesar, coming to Kickstarter July 23!

Caesar’s life hangs in the balance. Will you support the plot to kill him or try to stop his death from happening? It’s not an easy decision, as your allegiance will sway to and fro during the game as players try to get you on their side.

Go to www.playtozgames.com/23-knives to sign up and indicate your allegiance to learn when the Kickstarter page will be up. By signing up, you will also earn a promo card, Spurrina, if you end up backing the game.