DROP BEARS: A cooperative survival game for 1-4 players. Drop Bears lurk in the Aussie bush every night, can you survive until dawn?
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Progress Report: NOVEMBER
over 1 year ago
– Mon, Nov 28, 2022 at 01:52:09 AM
G'day, again campers, sorry for the hiatus I seemed to have taken a left turn coming out of the dunny and ended up all turned around. But never fear, I have my compass, and guidebook and made it back for another vegemite-filled update. So let's get on with it.
After the last updates focus on the Ol'Bruce expansion it's time for the focus to shift to the second expansion, Ancient Oonah.
This expansion's focus is on the players facing off against a prehistoric beast and coincidently the company mascot. The campers will play the antagonist of this story as they set about doing what humans seem to excel at, disturbing and destroying the delicate habitat of this the local wildlife. Oonah will be fighting tooth and web-footed claw to preserve its home and very survival.
NEW in this expansion
A playable monster-style character, who has to be capable of taking the fight to multiple targets. But watch out, you are still very vulnerable to being overwhelmed.
The expansion introduces a combat mechanic that will allow Oonah to attack the campers and Drop Bears.
A light market-style system for Oonah to "evolve" new abilities during the game.
River habitat tiles will force campers to think about crossing, but also can be used for some extra movement.
A new condition poison - act quickly your time is running out.
Game Play
Ancient Oonah
Redeveloping a chunk of this expansion thanks to the addition of the solo mode and some new mechanics and components so making sure they are utilised and fit into the VS mode that is the focus of the main gameplay.
I have also decided that the new evolution cards for the ancient Oonah expansion will feature a set of amazing illustrations.
Updated Profile Card (WIP)
testing
The earliest steps
Leave your guesses in the comment section and we'll see how well these icons get identified.
Oonah solo mode
Not originally slated to be included in this expansion, but the question was asked and so exploration was done. It was tricky, to begin with, but I can happily say (as a keen solo gamer myself) Solo mode for the Ancient Oonah is officially approved and will be included in the expansion.
The solo mode pits Oonah against multiple Drop Bears as they invade Oonahs territory and destroy this great beast's dens. Fight against extinction, utilise Oonahs unique evolution system and combat system to go claw to claw with the vicious Drop Bears
Head to head - Only one will survive
Artwork
All gear artwork is now complete that 40+ illustrations. Next are the unique location tiles for both expansions.
Refinement
Refinement of components continues with the tile dispenser tree being the centre of focus of late, with a few weeks to really make it shine. And with it now updated to its final dimensions I can start to make sure it will fit in the box once assembled. No promises yet, but that's the goal.
It's the little things that make the difference.
The top of the tree is now a solid surface. making it an ideal home for your drop bear miniatures as well as being able to hold even the monstrous Ol'Bruce.
I'll be doing a 3D render of the adjusted design asap and will definitely be sharing it.
Each component goes through a fine toothcomb of checks making sure it's earning its place in the game box and on your tabletops.
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Pledge Manager status: STATUS: OPEN PAYMENT STATUS: OPEN CLOSES: JAN 2023*
Currently at 80% completed.
So please if you haven't already please take the time to complete your survey. I'm happy to help anyone if they are having any issues or have questions.
So that's all for another Killer Koala-filled update. Next update I hope to be able to share the first round of production samples as we start checking and making things :)
I'm also planning to have both the expansions on tabletop simulator. This will allow you all to test and play. I always appreciate the feedback of my fellow campers.
I'll talk to you all soon campers. Until then have an extra piece of fairy bread and enjoy a few episodes of blinky bill.
Regards
- Matthew
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Keep your eyes open... your life could very well depend on it.
Progress report OCT - Ol'Bruce!
over 1 year ago
– Thu, Oct 27, 2022 at 10:15:49 PM
Hello all,
It's been too long since we last roamed the bush together. I can assure you I have been keeping busy. First, up the regular pledge manager update and then onto the focus of this update, the Expansion Ol'Bruce so let's dig in and check out this Legendary beast.
Pledge Manager - Backerkit
Pledge Manager status:
STATUS: OPEN
PAYMENT STATUS: OPEN
CLOSES: JAN 2023*
Currently at 76% completed.
So please if you haven't already please take the time to complete your survey.
I'm happy to help anyone if they are having any issues or have questions.
Shipping update - Ratcatcher upgrade set/ Small package
After exploring a few options it appears the shipping for the Upgrade pack only is correct as per the pledge manager. I know this is not ideal, sadly this is just the way that global shipping is at this time. Remember that the price for this upgrade set is as per costs - thus HEAVILY reduced. This does make it appear that the shipping vs product cost does look disproportional.
I will keep my eye out for any changes to this situation and let you all know if there is an update.
The Star of this update Ol'Bruce!
So the focus of this update is Ol'Bruce. He has been the focus of my attention as I tweak and adjust a few things to make everything sing (or scream if you get caught!) So let's get on with it and take a look.
Editing is still in its final stages. So this is not the final version.
I'm still taking feedback and comments on the rulebook, so please let me know if I have missed anything.
Component changes
So below is the updated components list for the expansion. There have been just a few changes.
Standard habitat tiles are now double tiles, previously triple. The Ol'Bruce Habitat increased from a triple tile 7 tile monstrosity befitting the beast himself.
The Grab card has had a layout update to include some updates and clarification to the abilities listed.
Ol'Bruce is still massive and awesome.
Updated component list
New Artwork
Processing through more new artwork for the Utility cards. I'll continue to share the new art as it's completed.
Just got started on the refinement step for Ancient Oonah. Excited to be working on this expansion as it is a little different. Even at this early stage, I am confident that a Solo mode will be viable and I'll make sure to get it in there for you all.
Pax2022
Great to see so many friendly gamers, talk to backers and show off the prototype and miniatures to everyone. It was exciting to introduce so many to the Matt army (all three of us at the booth were Matthew's). These guys were amazing and worked their butts off all weekend, thank you fellow Matt's!
It was a super fun event and Platypus Industries will defiantly be back for 2023, so I hope to see you there!
The booth looked all neat ready for the madness that was 3 days of none stop-gaming! It was awesome!
A rare shot of me (Matthew) in the wild
I may or may not now have a pin addiction.
Yes, there was a koala with fairy bread as a collector pin this year. No way was I missing that one.
Collectors Range:
During Pax, I also experimented with a range of collector edition Drop Bears. 200% scale resin 3D prints. They went down rather well and all but sold out. I will try to get these onto the website asap. They are all made here at Platypus HQ so can be a little slow to stock up.
Pax coverage:
Platypus Industries coverage 3:02
So that's all for another Killer Koala-filled update. I hope you enjoy the Ol'Bruce content I am very excited with how it's come together. I look forward to sharing progress with the Ancient Oonah expansion.
I'll talk to you all soon campers. Until then enjoy your minutes and pavlova in excess.
Regards
- Matthew
PROJECTS OF INTREST
A shout-out to some other great designers who I think deserve some more attention.
PATRIOT - Anthony Kirkham
I'm always up for supporting a local designer (we are a small community here Downunder) So if you like something a little more gritty checkout Patriot. Save or terminate the president in this engaging board game experience.
BLACK MOLD - Terrible Games
Want a game with a difference, then you should be checking out the unique mechanic for Black Mold. You are escaping a mould-ridden labyrinth with your turns relying on Your turns will last how long you can hold your breath. From an amazingly talented designer John de Campos, a super nice dude, please check out his latest project, it defiantly deserves to be hitting bigger numbers.
Progress Report - AUG/SEP
over 1 year ago
– Sun, Sep 04, 2022 at 09:57:06 PM
Good day campers,
I hope you have been well and eating plenty of vegemite since we last spoke, you're going to need all your strength for this update. So let's get on with another killer koala-filled update.
Pledge Manager - Backerkit
Pledge Manager status:
STATUS: OPEN
PAYMENT STATUS: OPEN
CLOSES: JAN 2023*
Currently at 70% completed.
So please if you haven't already please take the time to complete your survey.
I'm happy to help anyone if they are having any issues or have questions.
Small package shipping: Persisting- Alternatives are still being explored. I defiantly thought this was going to be easier to solve. But I've expanded my search and am confident that I'll have news to share with you all in the next update,
Ol'Bruce refinement. There is always room for improvement and there are so many things to test and refined that sometimes it feels like it could go on forever. I'm currently in the last iteration before opening it up to you fine campers.
This should be available in the next week or so.
NEXT STEP: OL'BRUCE OPEN BETA TESTING
An open play testing of the Ol'Bruce expansion to make any necessary changes or refinements. Open feedback will be encouraged.
Art and Card preview
So sticking with the Ol'Bruce theme. Here is one of the unique items you will find in the expansion. The unique items will play a vital role in surviving your encounter with the great beast himself.
Finally, it's convention time! It's been forever since the last local convention since the previous one Platypus Industries has changed and grown from a concept to a fully-fledged publisher. It's crazy to think about.
Platypus Industry has a full booth that will host demonstrations of both The Ratcatcher and Drop Bears throughout the three days, as well as a pile of goodies for keen fans. So make sure you come and say hello! I'd love to meet you all.
There will be demos as well as the prototypes of Drop Bears on display, so defiantly come play the game and have a look.
Also, there are 2 con specials that will be offered to con goes, these special items will become available via the Platypus Industries website soon after the convention.
make sure you come and say hello
Drop Bears - Collectors range.
Featuring the 5-core set drop bears in stunningly detailed resin. These are also 200% scale! making them a great piece for the painters or those fans who just love to have monsters lurking in their homes.
These models are printed right here at Platypus Industries HQ.
Progress - So many BIG Drop Bears
For the campers that are also Ratcatcher fans
The first chance for the long-awaited swag rat to run loose. So make sure you catch him whilst you can. (more details in an upcoming ratcatcher update)
Con Exclusive Peculiar Rat
So that's it for another fun-filled update. I look forward to sharing more of the process and talking with you all again very soon.
In the meantime, please join me on various social media to keep up with all the things that Platypus Industry is up to.
Stay safe campers, and remember to always look up.
- Matthew Aslin
Timelines + Pledge manager
almost 2 years ago
– Wed, Aug 17, 2022 at 01:34:14 PM
Timelines + Pledge manager
Good day, again campers,
Nice to be chatting with you all again so soon. There are a few things that needed to be made clear, and in a survival situation, like the one we find ourselves in, it is imperative things are clear.
Pledge Manager status:
STATUS: OPEN
PAYMENT STATUS: OPEN
CLOSES: JAN 2023*
Production timeline:
The grand plan as it stands for delivery of Drop Bears. There is still plenty to be done (for me at least) but I will take you behind the scenes and share lots of updates throughout the process. If you are keen to see or hear about something in particular please let me know and I'll do my best to include that content in an update.
Let me say again, that these are estimates. There are MANY things that can change and not all of them are in my realm of control. But I will be keeping you up to date as we go along, so no matter what you'll all know what is happening along the way.
Pledge Manager - Backerkit
59% of backers (Over 1000 campers!) have now completed the pledge manager. So thank you for your speedy responses. It offers a great insight into the manufacturing and freight elements of the project. If you haven't had a chance to complete your pledge manager yet, please take the time to complete it as soon as possible. It helps a lot.
Only two notable things to be aware of:
Double up - First Player token - The pledge manager is generating an error in which orders display a duplicate of the First player token miniature. This is being looked into and rectified by the Backerkit technical team. It shouldn't be long before a solution is found.
Small package shipping: - A small package pricing predicament has occurred in which a backer wishing to only get one small item (Ratcatcher V2.0 upgrade) is still resulting in an above-average shipping cost. If this would affect your order, please stand by, we are working on a solution for this as it might mean an alternative shipping route for those particular orders. I will keep you informed.
The pleasures of doing the illustrations for the game continue. This piece was a pleasure to create. I've always loved bugs and creepy crawlies. So the inclusion of Witchetty Grubs was a must!
Remember, just close your eyes and try not to chew them too much.
Thanks for taking the time to read through this latest update. I'm back to work on the exciting things I'm going to cram into the boxes of goodies for you all.
I'll talk to you all soon with some more game-play updates as Open beta testing will help tighten up the two expansions. We'll do one at a time and then both crossed over. So if you are keen to get involved (which I heartily recommend) please tune in for the next exciting update.
Until then campers, look up and live.
-Matthew
Pledge Manager - Opening
almost 2 years ago
– Sat, Aug 13, 2022 at 02:55:34 AM
Hello, campers!
I hope you have all been keeping well. I'm finally here to talk to you about the pledge manager. Now there is a lot to read through, but it's important that we cover everything to avoid confusion.
STATUS:OPEN
PAYMENT STATUS: OPEN (close date TBA)
CLOSES:TBA - closer to manufacturing/freight stages.
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When am I charged via the Pledge manager?
You will be charged for your additional add-ons and shipping when the pledge manager is locked. This will be done when manufacturing numbers are secured and freight is booked. These are both malleable in the timeline so I'll be keeping you in the loop with plenty of warning.
ROW Postage:
It's set at a ridiculous total. Please contact me for a quote and I can individualise shipping to more specialised regions (ROW only).
I Didn't Get My Survey / Can't Find Survey
If you haven’t received your survey, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot:
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Check your spam filters/archived e-mails. Subject lines to look for: Response Needed -- Get your reward for Drop Bearsor Reminder -- Response needed to deliver your reward for Drop Bears
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Besides sorting out the pledge manager and a few other things around Platypus HQ. I'll be sharing the project timeline and laying out the plan in another update coming very soon.
For now, let me share with you fine campers some new artwork that I've completed in the past week.
All cards shown are from the Ancient Oonah expansion
So another big thank you for your support and you'll hear from me again soon regarding the plotted time frame.
