Dark Venture - BATTLE of the ANCIENTS

Created by Rob Lemon

A tactical strategy game set in a dark-fantasy future where players control asymmetric factions engaging in brutal conflict.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

August Production Update: Assembly!
over 1 year ago – Thu, Sep 01, 2022 at 11:52:58 PM

Hello Backers!

Another short update to let everyone know that things are progressing well! All the game components were printed several weeks ago, and recently they have been assembled into the the final games that you will receive! 

Speaking of which, here are some recent videos (from last week) of the game being assembled in the factory.

Now that the games are assembled, packed in cartons, and sitting on palettes, the next step is to freight ship them to local hubs in the US, UK, EU, AU, and China. Then, finally, your order will be packed up at the hub closest to you and sent out for delevery. We are currently finalizing the freight details and I will pass along the shipping information to you as soon as I get it.

In the meantime, I’ll be filming several “how to play” videos (for the various game types, specifically the Adventure and Scenario games), so look out for those on the official Gilded Skull youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGildedSkull).

That's it for now, thank you again!

Rob

The Pre-Production Sample!
over 1 year ago – Sat, Aug 06, 2022 at 08:33:45 PM

Hello backers,

We have hit a huge milestone: The pre-production sample, the first assembled copy of the game, arrived 2 days ago (August 3rd) and it looks GREAT! Seeing it for the first time was amazing.

I experienced a feeling that was difficult to put into words, maybe you’ve felt it…after making, writing, building, or working on something that you put *everything you had* into. The feeling was a mix of accomplishment, happiness, pride, and...relief. Thank you for helping me realize this vision (this is what the Kickstarter platform is all about!), I really hope that you will enjoy playing this game as much as I enjoyed making it!!

Okay, the UNBOXING! First, The CORE GAME.

Next, the EXPANSIONS! "Kings and Heroes", then "Beasts and Eggmen".

My apologies for the meandering thoughts and the potato-cam video! There was a lot to go over. Until next update, stay safe!

Rob

July Production Update: To Be Continued!
over 1 year ago – Wed, Jul 27, 2022 at 07:32:28 AM

Hello Backers!

There is not much to report this week, however, the pre-production sample of Battle of the Ancients has been shipped to me. It is on the way. Once I get it, I’ll post another update with an unboxing, likely next week!

SHIPPING: For the past several weeks, I have been heavily focused on organizing freight shipping and localized fulfillment details. Regrettably, I was required to choose a new fulfillment partner for the US and Canada. Our previous partner increased their prices substantially over the past month(s) (and was implementing a new “campaign fee” that represented +20% of our total US shipping costs). Luckily, I was able to gather reasonable estimates from a variety of other fulfillment companies and we’re good to go!

My next step (this week and next) is to finalize our shipping plan, and put that plan into motion.


Until the next update (next week, fingers crossed!), stay safe.


Rob

June Production Update: Start the Presses!
almost 2 years ago – Sat, Jun 25, 2022 at 05:34:46 AM

Hello Backers,

First, a production update. Then, a small (and early) look at what's next!

After finalizing all the production details, the manufacturer is now in the process of mass-printing Battle of the Ancients! Once everything is printed (if there are no printing issues), assembly of the printed parts will begin, then several copies of the game will be “collated” and sent to us for review (the pre-production samples). I’m expecting that will happen sometime in the next 2-3 weeks (early-mid July). Once the pre-pros are approved, all the parts will be collated into the finished games. They should be ready to freight ship out to localized hubs before the end of July! 

Recently, I have been working with our international shipping and logistics partners, preparing for freight shipping and ground fulfillment. All is going well on that front.

…but behind the scenes, I have been delving into the *original* Dark Venture ("Dark Venture: Adventure Card Game" was the first tabletop game that we published, and is the game that inspired the creation of Battle of the Ancients). I have been developing the 2nd Edition rules and working on some new content. Until Battle of the Ancients is in the hands of backers, I don't expect to be talking about the original Dark Venture much, however, here is a sneak preview of two characters that will be included in new Dark Venture content!

A fighter from the "Khrag Pit Arena" and an...interdimensional being.

That’s it for now.  More on the Dark Venture 2nd edition (reprint) in the coming months.

Stay cool,

Rob

Short May Production Update, Also: IS YOUR ADDRESS CORRECT? IS YOUR SURVEY COMPLETE?
almost 2 years ago – Tue, May 24, 2022 at 10:26:32 PM

Hi Backers!

A short production update: Earlier this month, after making several small graphic revisions and finalizing the design of the core game package insert, I completed the review of the color proof and blank sample and gave my final approval. The next thing we will see is the pre-production copy (a copy of the finished game!). I’ll let you know as soon as we receive it.

Next, I wanted to remind everyone to UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS ON BACKERKIT (if it has changed since you made your pledge) as soon as possible. We plan to lock addresses on JUNE 10th, 2022, which is about 3 WEEKS from now.

Here’s a Backerkit link to get you started: https://dv-battle-of-the-ancients.backerkit.com

NOTE: If you need to revise your address after JUNE 10th, for any reason, let me know (message me through Kickstarter or Backerkit) and I will handle it.

Also, if you still need to COMPLETE YOUR BACKERKIT SURVEY you should do that now! Everything will be locked JUNE 10th. See the link above.

That’s it, short and sweet. I’m looking forward to presenting the pre-production copy and passing along more information on the delivery schedule in the coming weeks.

Thanks again, stay safe, and I will talk to you soon!

Rob