Nature: a redesign of the award-winning Evolution board game

Happy Holidays!
almost 2 years ago – Tue, Dec 24, 2024 at 11:20:49 AM

Rulebooks

I'm currently working on 7 rulebooklets... SEVEN!!  Somehow I deluded myself into thinking this would be easy since we already printed 6 of the rulebooks over a year ago for our preproduction prototype. Nope. This is still a beast of a project. Look at how many tabs I have open on my computer right now!

We're a month behind schedule, which is why I'm working through the holidays, but our goal is still to deliver the games in June and July.  A big thanks to everyone who gave feedback!

Free Holiday Games

I'vm giving away some of my unplayed games to increase my presence on BlueSky. If you have an account on BlueSky, repost this and you'll be entered into a random drawing. I will choose 1 random winner on the 25th, 27th, 29th, and 31st of December. If you don't have an account, now's a good time to get one. Happy Holidays!!

Note: Tang Garden (includes 2 expansions and several add-ons) and Pandemic Legacy is season 2. Several of the games are out of the shrink but unplayed.

NorthStar Cafe Product Line

We are testing a new small box product line designed to be played at board game cafes (or other similar situations). It's still early in the process, but here are some of the goals of this product line: 

• $20 - $25
• 2 - 6 players
• 15 - 25 minutes

Post comments below if you're interested in a line of simple games that can be played with friends and relatives. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what would make this a successful product line.

Happy Holidays! 

Dominic Crapuchettes, designer of Nature and founder of NorthStar Studio.

Nature Reference Guide Feedback Wanted - Pledge Manager Opens Next Week
almost 2 years ago – Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 02:20:59 PM

Hello again, folks! Since the last update, we've successfully run our Pledge Manager test and will take a short Thanksgiving break before sending out all remaining surveys on Monday, December 2nd. Please keep an eye on your inbox for these next week.

Nature Rules Feedback

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback so far. We continue working on Nature's print files, from components and trait cards to rules, it will all be reviewed before we submit the files to the factory.

We'd love your feedback on the Nature Reference Guide, an additional document covering keywords, traits, icons, and more. 

Read the Nature Reference Guide
Give feedback on the Nature Reference Guide

Please read Kickstarter Update 14 to give feedback on the Nature Rulebook.

BackerKit Pledge Manager

After a successful test, we are sending out all remaining BackerKit invites at the start of next week. The BackerKit Pledge Manager is where you provide your shipping address, update your rewards, and confirm your order. This is an essential part of the fulfillment process that must be completed for you to receive your pledge.

Please note there is an issue with Apple ID email addresses. Anyone with an Apple ID Email Address on their pledge must send us a Kickstarter Message or email [email protected] to ensure they receive their survey.

Nature Digital backers

Anyone with Nature Digital in their pledge or add-ons must complete the Pledge Manager to unlock their digital rewards. Once you have completed this step, your account will be activated within 48 hours. If you have any issues, please email [email protected].

The Pledge Manager Process

All backers will receive an email invitation to complete the BackerKit survey.

You don’t need to create a BackerKit account to complete your survey. When you receive the email with the survey, click the survey link to respond. Answer the questions about your reward preferences, provide shipping information, and purchase add-on items if you like. 

After you respond to your survey, you can go back later and change your responses any time before we close the surveys to get our final counts.

After you've received your Pledge Manager invite, if you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://nature-board-game.backerkit.com/ (which will open soon).

If you used your Facebook credentials to log in to your Kickstarter account, the BackerKit survey is sent to the email address you use for your Facebook account. If you have another email address that you prefer to use, please contact support at https://nature-board-game.backerkit.com/faq.

Changing Pledge Levels

During the Pledge Manager, you will complete a questionnaire that allows you to upgrade or switch your pledge level. Any cost difference will be added to your basket total. You can also add any additional items in the add-on store.

Before confirming, please check the items in your basket to ensure everything you need is included. If you have any issues, please email [email protected].

Pledge Manager FAQ

Can I change my pledge level? Yes. Select your new option during the Pledge Manager survey. If you have any issues, please email [email protected].

Can I add extra copies of games in Pledge Manager? Yes. This is available for all backers. 

Will any other NorthStar games be available in Pledge Manager? Depending on your region, you can access Digital and Physical titles in the NorthStar catalog.

I have a friend who missed the Kickstarter. Can they pledge late? Late Pledges will open once the Pledge Manager surveys are sent next week. 

When does the Pledge Manager close? The Pledge Manager will close on February 10th.

Module Promo Card Art

Every module in your pledge includes its own promo pack. During the Kickstarter campaign, you voted on your favorite sketches, and we're happy to reveal the results. 

If you have backed Digital Big Box, Nature Big Box, Big Box Deluxe, or All-In, these promos are automatically included in your pledges. If you bought a module as a separate add-on, you will receive the promo pack(s) relevant to your pledge.

Have a Great Week

If you have any questions or queries, please let us know. The team is taking a short break over Thanksgiving, but we will respond as soon as we're able.

Ross and the NorthStar team.

Pledge Manager Test, Nature Rulebook Feedback and PAX Unplugged
almost 2 years ago – Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 08:35:05 AM

Hi folks, we hope you've had a great few weeks since our last update. Thank you once again for all your support, but also for your patience as we've been grappling with some Pledge Manager issues.  The team is currently working full steam ahead on the Nature print files, with lots of work still to be done.

This update will focus on three things, Pledge Manager Testing, feedback on the Nature Rulebook and where you can find us at PAX Unplugged.

Nature Rulebook Feedback

Everyone's brains process information differently, but our goal is to create a rulebook that provides you with everything you need to play. We are in the process of editing the Nature rulebook and we'd love to get your feedback. 

If you'd like to help, please read the Nature rulebook, then provide feedback via the feedback form.

Nature Rulebook(v0.5)

Nature Rulebook Feedback

With your help, we hope to create a great ruleset to help everyone get Nature to the table that bit easier. Thank you!

BackerKit Pledge Manager

The BackerKit Pledge Manager is where you provide your shipping address, update your rewards and confirm your order. This is an essential part of the fulfilment process that must be completed for you to receive your pledge.

Nature Digital backers must complete the Pledge Manager to unlock their digital rewards. Once you have completed this step, your account will be activated within 48 hours. These invites will be going out over the next week.

Pledge Manager "Smoke Test"

As part of launching the BackerKit Pledge Manager we will soon be sending out a "smoke test". The smoke test is exactly the same as the standard Pledge Manager survey invite, but is only sent to 5% of backers to test for issues. Once the test is complete we will send out invites to all other backers and will post another update when this happens. All going smoothly all pledge manager links will go out next week.

For those who are randomly selected via the smoke test, you’ll receive an email from with a special link to your BackerKit survey. Be sure to complete the survey.

You don’t need to create a BackerKit account to fill out your survey. When you receive the email with the survey, click the survey link to respond. Answer the questions about your reward preferences, provide shipping information, and purchase add-on items if you like. 

After you respond to your survey, you can go back later and change your responses at any time before we close the surveys to get our final counts.

After you've received your Pledge Manager invite, if you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://nature-board-game.backerkit.com/ (which will open soon).

If you used your Facebook credentials to log in to your Kickstarter account, the BackerKit survey is sent to the email address you use for your Facebook account. If you have another email address that you prefer to use, please contact support at https://nature-board-game.backerkit.com/faq.

Pledge Manager Process

This pledge manager is structured a little different from those we've created before. You will go through a questionnaire that allows you to upgrade, or switch your pledge level to a different one. Any cost difference will be added to your basket total. You can also add any additional items in the add-on store.

Please check the items in your basket, to ensure everything you need is included. If you have any issues you can email [email protected].

Pledge Manager FAQ

Can I add extra copies of games in Pledge Manager? Yes. This is available for all backers. 

Will any other NorthStar games be available in Pledge Manager? Depending on your region you will have access to Digital, and Physical titles in the NorthStar catalog.

I have a friend who missed the Kickstarter, can they late pledge? Late Pledges will open once the Pledge Manager smoke test is complete. 

NorthStar at PAX Unplugged Booth 3435

In just two weeks we'll be heading to Philadelphia for PAX Unplugged, one of our favorite board game conventions of the year.

We'll be running demos of Nature, Biomos, Sacred Valley and more! Come to booth 3435 to say hello, and meet Nature designer Dominic!

We'll be back next week!

Let us know if you have any questions in the meantime, I'll be sharing another Pledge Manager Update next week after the smoke test is complete and if you have any issues you are welcome to send us a DM.

- Thanks from Ross and the NorthStar team

Our Biggest Kickstarter Ever! Next Steps.
about 2 years ago – Fri, Oct 25, 2024 at 11:27:01 AM

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.

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 starts processing 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
about 2 years 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.

Download the Nature Digital app on iOS, Android, or Steam and play the free trial during the Kickstarter campaign. 

Multiplayer Happy Hour Finishes Soon!

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

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.

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.