Creating a game can be hard. Doubly so when you are trying to successfully fund a Kickstarter campaign. We talked to Al Caynes, the designer of El Luchado Fantastico Grande, about the games Kickstarter and where he sees the campaign going.
Why a game about Mexican wrestlers? What about this appealed to you?
An interesting question, straight off the bell ring! I’m a massive fan of wrestling, I have been watching it since I was a kid. And I had a dream one night of a gorgeously illustrated wrestling card game. No joke. From there, now that I had the theme, I had to set mechanics around it. I wanted a fast and furious game, something a bit more casual and easy to pick up and play. I’m a big fan of fast casual games (though I do like to indulge in Euro games and RPG games when the mood suits).
What kind of experience do you have with, as well as designing, tabletop games?
I have been playing board games for around 20 years now (actually closer to 25), back when the only way you could get “non standard” commercial games was ordering through Mil Sims. I remember the first games I ever played were Car Wars, Talisman Timescape and Hero Quest. Man, those days you would be the nerdy kid, that one who liked “those stupid games no one heard of”. Boy have times changed!
What are your plans for promoting the Kickstarter?
Well I sent emails to around 400 media contacts, unfortunately being in Australia, I was unable to get physical copies out to the US and UK. Heck, I couldn’t even get them out here. Its hard being that unknown guy and trying to get people to print and play your game. So I sent everyone a print and play of the game and crossed my fingers. I hit up my personal social media contacts, you know, friends and family. I even advertised on Reddit (don’t do that IMHO, I won’t be doing that again). I was recently at PAX Australia, slinging cards all weekend and networking. The guys from 93 Made Games loved my game and were surprised that a first time creator had done such a wonderful job. Going forward, just spamming Twitter and trying to do the call to action from the backers!
Was there a reason you launched the Kickstarter when you did?
Nope, I just wanted to launch and the game was ready. Little did I know that 221 other games were also ready and launched around the same time. Mix that with new big release video games, and you have a lack of people with money. Next time I’m going to try and aim for a much quieter period.
Are the game rules and artwork completely finished, or is there still tweaking to do?
The game rules are set in stone and 100% finished. The art is still being worked on and is currently around 90% completed. Frantz Kantor (our artist) is amazing at what he does and throughout the Kickstarter we will be revealing the art of the action cards.
Once the game funds, how long do you think it will take to get the game manufactured and to the backers?
This is always a bit of a loaded question. Technically as early as February, however I am stating March/April because you never know what is going to happen. Anything could go wrong, from the printer having issues, to customs holding up the game. You really have to plan for as much as you can.
You had the game available to play at PAXAus earlier this month. What kind of responses did you get from those who tried it out?
Everyone loved it. The fast furious game play mixed with gorgeous and outlandish illustrations really put it over with the fans! We picked up a number of pledges at PAX and it really was just an awesome experience to see people play and enjoy the game.
If the worst happens, and the Kickstarter doesn’t fund, will that be the end of El Luchador Fantastico Grande? Or are there backup plans for making the game available, or producing it, in another way?
There are several back up plans. I always say that you can NEVER be too careful about getting your dream funded and into the world. I’m probably going to relaunch if we don’t fund, and it should be able to be done for less as we are looking to pay for the remainder of the art. Also, I really want to make a new intro video, so even if it DOES fund, I may remake the video for use on the site or YouTube.
In saying that, we have already passed the “magic” 20% point in the first ten days, and according to Kickstarter trends, that is a VERY good sign that it should fund.
If El Luchador Fantastico Grande sounds interesting to you, check out the Kickstarter which is still currently seeking funding.
