Nature: a redesign of the award-winning Evolution board game
Created by North Star Games
Nature is a strategy board game that stands on the shoulders of the blockbuster Evolution.
Back at the Big Box pledge level or higher to get Nature and all the modules in June 2025, 9 months before their full retail release.
Estimated pre-order shipping for all items is June 2025.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Our Biggest Kickstarter Ever! Next Steps.
12 days ago
– Fri, Oct 25, 2024 at 11:27:01 AM
Fireworks on our screen when the Kickstarter closes!
The Journey Continues!
Nature is officially our most funded Kickstarter ever.
We've spent the last few years working on Nature. When you launch a game on Kickstarter, you never truly know what will happen, and we are amazed by the response.
Thank you so much for all the positivity you've shared throughout the campaign and for supporting what we believe is our biggest and boldest project yet. Nature is truly just beginning.
This week was also designer Dominic's birthday! Thanks to you all, we had two great reasons to celebrate.
Dominic and the team celebrating!
What Happens Now?
This section focuses on what happens after a campaign ends. Digital backers will unlock their pledges once payments have finished processing via Kickstarter and you have completed the Pledge Manager process.
1)Kickstarter startsprocessing payments for your pledges.
Now that the campaign has closed, Kickstarter will start processing your pledge payments. This is an automated process. Should your payment be declined, Kickstarter will email you, prompting you to update your information. You have 14 days after the campaign closes to do so.
We have no control over Kickstarter payments, so if your payment fails, please follow the steps emailed to you. Kickstarter has created a handy guide about failed payments if you have any queries.
2) November - BackerKit Pledge Manager Opens
In approximately 2 weeks, once Kickstarter has processed your pledge payments, we will open the Pledge Manager system. In the Pledge Manager, you will provide your shipping address, update your details, change your rewards, add any other games, and confirm your order.
You'll be contacted via your Kickstarter email to confirm your shipping address, pay for shipping, and shop for any extras. All backers must follow this step to ensure we can fulfill your pledge.
3) November 2024- Digital Pledges Fulfilled
Digital backers must complete the Pledge Manager to gain access to their pledges. On the BackerKit Pledge Manager, you will enter the email you want to use for your digital account. Then, you'll log in to the locked beta game with that email, and your access will be unlocked at your corresponding pledge level.
More details will come in the Backerkit survey in approximately two weeks. Should you have any issues, please email [email protected]
4) February 2025 - Pledge Manager Closes
The Pledge Manager will close in February 2025. All backers must ensure their shipping addresses are up to date for physical pledges, as they will be locked then. After this date, you can email [email protected] with changes as long as your pledge has yet to be shipped.
5) April 2025 - Manufacturing Complete
Manufacturing of Nature will finish, and we'll begin shipping copies worldwide to our distribution partners.
6) June 2025 - Physical Pledges Shipped
In June 2025, your physical pledges and add-ons will be shipped to you to enjoy!
Next Update
Our next update will explain how the Pledge Manager process works. In approximately two weeks, the Backerkit Pledge Manager will open, allowing you to adjust pledges, add new items, and confirm your orders.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please comment below, or if you have any issues send us a direct message so we can resolve it ASAP.
For now, we'll take a short break to rest and then continue working hard to get these pledges fulfilled. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ross, Dominic, and the NorthStar Team.
32 Hours Left! New Artwork Revealed + Next Steps After the Kickstarter
14 days ago
– Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 10:16:55 AM
Hello folks! Whether you are just joining or have been following throughout, welcome to the LAST 32 HOURS of the Nature Kickstarter!
In this update, we're covering the end of the Multiplayer Happy Hour, revealing more artwork, and letting you know what happens once the campaign ends.
Before the campaign ends, you can make any adjustments to your Kickstarter pledge by clicking "Manage your pledge." If you have any extra funds on your account after it closes, you can use them towards add-ons or shipping in the Pledge Manager.
More below!
Nature Digital - Free Trial Ends Tomorrow!
Have you tried Nature Digital? Over 20,000 games have been played so far, and this is your last chance to try the Nature Digital free trial before the campaign ends.
The Nature Digital App is free to download and includes game tutorials, AI for offline play, private multiplayer, and three game modules (Arctic Tundra, Jurassic, and Flight) to enjoy.
Play multiplayer today for your last chance to be entered into our grand prize - we'll announce this tomorrow before the campaign ends.
Congratulations to 'Tanegma', yesterday's winner. We'll contact you via email so you can pick your prize.
Multiplayer Happy Hour is 2 - 3 pm and 8 - 9 pm EST: 23rd Wed: Nature + Flight Module
Bonus Multiplayer Day! 2-3 pm and 8 - 9 pm EST: 24th Thurs: Nature + Arctic Tundra Module
Double-sided Flying card - Work in Progress Art
Flight Module - Size Card
Today, I wanted to share more work-in-progress art. When the Flight module is in play, you'll decide whether your new species is land-based or flying. The Flight Size card will remind you of this choice.
Oh my! What is that handsome species on the right?
I'm glad you asked. That's a Wukongopterus, a flying reptile that lived in the mid to late Jurassic period. Scientists think it might have been an insect-eater, but do know it had a long pair of jaws, a set of short teeth, and a long tail. I'm sure you'll agree; it's a real head-turner.
It's also a fun reminder of the increased maximum body size of flying species, should the Jurassic module also be in play.
Natural Disasters Promo - Work in Progress
Vote Result: Natural Disasters Promo
Atha Kanaani kindly returned to create the Earthquake event card.
Natural Disasters KS Update: Thanks to everyone who voted. People mentioned the landslides and fissures in the distance as reasons for selecting this sketch. It's still a work in progress, and I'll share the final art once it's completed.
What Happens After the Kickstarter Ends?
This section focuses on what happens after the end of a campaign.
Kickstarter Ends - Your card will be charged for your pledge level and add-ons selected via Kickstarter
Early November - Approximately two weeks after the project ends, the BackerKit Pledge Manager opens. You'll be contacted via your Kickstarter email to confirm your shipping address, pay for shipping, and shop for any extras. All backers must follow this step to ensure we can fulfill your pledge.
February 2025 - Ensure your shipping addresses are up to date, as this is when they will be locked. After this date, you can email [email protected] with changes as long as your pledge hasn't been shipped.
April 2025 - Manufacturing of Nature will finish, and we'll begin shipping copies worldwide to our distribution partners.
June 2025 - Pledges will be shipped to you!
If anything needs to be clarified before the campaign ends, please feel free to ask in the comments or send us a private message.
Thanks for Joining Us!
As we head into the last 24 hours, the NorthStar team will be busy answering all questions and queries. We'll always do our best to answer as soon as possible, but please be patient during this busy time.
Making games is our passion, but the community keeps us going. Thank you to everyone who has joined the campaign so far. Whether you crushed us at Nature Online or lurked along the way, we've appreciated all of you throughout.
The next update will likely be a shorter one, as we cross the finish line, so until then, we'll see you in the comments!
Ross, Dominic, and the NorthStar team.
Two Days Left! Nature Solo + Updated Components!
15 days ago
– Tue, Oct 22, 2024 at 10:23:05 AM
We're getting towards the last two days of the campaign, so we're packing in the updates! If you are joining us, welcome to Nature! Please take a look at our previous updates to uncover the journey so far.
Today, I'm sharing some improvements to the Nature Big Box Deluxe components (thanks for the feedback), talking to Richard Wilkins, the Nature Solo designer, and letting you know that the Multiplayer Happy Hour is now twice daily!
I've included more info below, and if you have any questions, please be sure to ask in the comments.
Deluxe Component Updates
Thank you for all your feedback during the Kickstarter campaign. Due to a landslide result, we quickly changed the Predator Meeple design from all red to using various colors. We hope you enjoy the change!
We have also updated the Poison and Comet tokens, bringing them to life in more vibrant colors. The wooden deluxe tokens are double-screen printed in two colors, combining a dab of realism with a colorful variety.
Nature Solo
Nature Solo is included with all physical pledge levels. In today's update, we're joined by the Nature Solo designer to tell you more about it.
"Hi everyone! I’m Richard Wilkins, or 'Ricky Royal,' the Nature Solo designer and a YouTuber who likes to share playthroughs of some of my favorite games.
The main characteristics of Dominic’s game that became the elements I wanted to capture in my solo design were the ability of your opponent to surprise you, turn the tables on you, and react to how you were playing. For me, Nature plays very differently at 2-player than at higher player counts, and this very tight dual between two wily opponents was the mode I chose to replicate for the soloist.
Solo Cards - Work in Progress
Your solo opponent “Rani” adapts her behavior based on the modules in play and has a system that can be adapted to play with all sorts of expanding rules that are introduced by new modules, such as Flight (being able to migrate to a faraway place), Tundra (where food is scarce) and Jurassic (where beasts grow twice as large).
Each of her species will have its priorities for how it grows and the traits it prefers. These priorities also mean that each species behaves differently alone and alongside others. For example, a species might be more inclined to become a scavenger if a hunter is around or grow big if Rani only has foragers and is feeding a high population.
Solo Cards - Work in Progress
Rani’s design allows for emergent behavior as she adapts to new environments, and I introduce new automated species for her to use with each new module. When you play Nature Solo, you will never be sure which of her priority-driven species Rani will bring to the table and in what combination. Much like playing a human player, Rani always presents you with an unexpected opponent to try to analyze and outwit."
To participate, be sure to update Nature to the newest online version. Play daily to be entered into our prize draw!
Open the Nature Digital app and click "Find a Match" during the Multiplayer Happy Hour to be automatically matched with other players online. Keep your eyes open for the North Star Games (NSG) team.
Daily Game at 2 - 3 pm and 8 - 9 pm EST: 22nd Tues: Nature + Jurassic 23rd Wed: Nature + Flight
It's been an incredible campaign so far, and as we enter the last two days, we're continuously grateful for all your support. We hope you've enjoyed playing Nature Digital with us online, trying out the app, voting, or lurking in these updates. If there's anything in particular you enjoyed, please don't hesitate to let us know.
In the next update, I'll update you all on the campaign's next steps. Until then, see you in the comments!
Ross, Dominic, and the NorthStar team.
Promo Art Revealed + Ask Dom Anything
16 days ago
– Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 09:11:26 AM
Hi folks! A lot of you joined over the weekend, so welcome to Nature! If you have any questions please don't hestitate in asking them in the comments. It's been an amazing campaign so far, with a wonderful amount of feedback and comments along the way.
In this update we'll be revealing more promo artwork and more!
Ask Dom Anything on Reddit (AMA)
For the next few hours, Nature designer (and NorthStar founder) Dominic is live on Reddit hosting an AMA where you can ask him any questions you might have about Nature, game design and more!
Included with every pledge, the Alternative Art pack provides you with unique alternatives from the Predatory trait card included with Nature. Simply add these to the stack and take your pick whenever selecting this trait.
During the campaign we've been working with even more illustrators and can reveal new art for the first time. Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Alternative Art Trait Pack - Included with all pledges
Module Promo Packs
Backers will receive a promo pack for each module in their pledge. We are creating 5 promo packs, one for each module. These feature an additional species trait pack, or an event card pack (Natural Disasters). During this campaign we've been asking you to vote on the artwork and can start to reveal the results!
Vote 1: Jurassic Promo Result
Vincent Dutrait returns to create the Spiked Osteoderm. Check out the original sketch and the fierce final artwork! Watch out!
Jurassic Module KS Update - Thanks to everyone who took part, with the defensive stance winning voters over to this concept.
Jurassic Promo Pack - Free with pledges that include the Jurassic module.
Vote 2: Amazon Rainforest Promo Results
Vincent Dutrait also kindly returned to create the Frugivorous trait. Check out the original sketch and the final artwork!
Amazon Rainforest KS Update - Thanks to everyone who voted, with many comments mentioning the perspective of option 3 convincing you to select it.
Amazon Rainforest Promo Pack - Free with pledges that include the Amazon Rainforest module.
Multiplayer Happy Hour Schedule
The Multiplayer Happy Hour continues! To participate be sure to update Nature to the newest version online. Play daily to be entered into our prize draw!
Open the Nature Digital app and click "Find a Match" during the Multiplayer Happy Hour to be automatically matched with other players online. Keep your eyes open for the North Star Games (NSG) team.
Daily Game at 2-3 pm EST: 21st Mon: Nature 22nd Tues: Nature + Jurassic 23rd Wed: Nature + Flight
In the next update we'll be talking more about Nature Solo, revealing component updates for the Deluxe Edition and getting ready for the last few days of the campaign!
Ross, Dominic and the NorthStar team.
Two Votes! Arctic Tundra Promo Art & Deluxe Edition Predator Meeple Colors
19 days ago
– Fri, Oct 18, 2024 at 09:44:38 AM
There is less than a week left in the campaign! We're continually grateful to everyone in the comments for their feedback, comments, and support. As we shift into the last week, it will likely get a bit busy around here, but as always, we'll be reading and replying to all your comments.
In this update, we're hosting a vote for the Arctic Tundra promo art. Plus, we've also got an extra vote for the Deluxe Edition Predator Meeple Colors.
Multiplayer Happy Hour
Have you been able to join us for Multiplayer Happy Hour? It's a daily event with prizes to be won! To enter, simply play a Multiplayer game!
Congratulations to Nature players "NagartHun" and "QuackAttack," our Wednesday and Thursday Happy Hour winners. The team will contact the winners and share them via updates.
The Arctic Tundra Module
Each module changes the game to create a different feeling at the table. The Arctic Tundra module changes the game's location, placing your species in a harsh frozen landscape at the edge of the livable world.
When Arctic Tundra is in play, a few different rules come into effect. First, a die is rolled each round, representing the cold, and your species must adapt to survive it. Secondly, there will only be a maximum of 1-4 food in the Watering Hole. The lush plenty of the Rainforest this is not. Thirdly, you can only discard cards from the Arctic Tundra deck to add food, a maximum value of 1.
Thankfully, traits like Hibernation, Fat Tissue, and Migratory Grazing keep you safe from this harsh environment. Striking a balance between the Arctic Tundra traits and Nature deck can be vital to maximizing your survival potential.
Arctic Tundra Module Artwork
Vote 5: Arctic Tundra Promo Pack
Every module in your pledge includes its own promo pack, and we want your help deciding their final card design. The last vote for the campaign is Arctic Tundra, so be sure to have your say!
Danea Fidler is back to illustrate the "White Fur" promo card. Vote on your favorite sketch in the comments below!
Arctic Tundra - Work in Progress Art
Sounds Cozy! What's so good about white fur?
The answer might seem simple. A species with white fur can blend into the landscape, a helpful survival technique in an environment where little grows and the menu for your next meal can be severely limited. It can be the difference between successfully hiding from predators or being able to sneak up on prey.
However, the reasons for white fur run a little deeper. White fur lacks melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, which leaves more room for air in the hair shaft. The hollow hairs are more effective in trapping an animal's body heat, similar to how a down jacket keeps humans warm. White fur can also scatter visible light, providing thermal insulation in the far infrared range - not so simple after all!
Vote "Arctic Tundra" in the Comments
Comment "Arctic Tundra 1, 2, or 3," and tell us why you picked your favorite! Votes will close on October 21st.
Vote: Deluxe Predator Meeple Colors
The Nature Predator Meeple Pack contains wooden double screen-printed meeples. They are an upgrade designed to improve the visibility of predator species at the game table.
The meeples are currently red to indicate a predator at the table. However, throughout the campaign, backers have indicated they'd prefer them in various colors that balance realism while ensuring more variety.
Note: The Snow Leopard first player marker is included in all copies of Nature and larger than the Deluxe Edition Predator Meeples to avoid confusion.
Vote "Meeples" in the Comments
Please vote "Meeples 1 or 2" in the comments to indicate your preference. Votes will close on October 21st.
See you in the comments!
Let us know your favorites in the comments below. If you have two votes, be sure to write "Arctic Tundra 1, 2, or 3" and "Meeples 1 or 2" to ensure we can count your vote appropriately.
Next week, we'll examine Nature Solo more closely and reveal brand-new artwork from our Promo Packs!
Have a great weekend. We'll be back with another update on Monday.
