21X - Limited Edition: Late Pledge Store

October update: Production complete + final copy received
21 days ago – Thu, Oct 31, 2024 at 08:56:09 AM

Hi everyone,

We come bearing good news! Production is officially over and we've just received a final copy of the game. We are very happy to say that it looks amazing.

Production wraps up

The factory has just informed us today that they've finished assembly! So next we'll begin delivery to fulfilment centres.

The final product looks amazing

You can see for yourself. This was our original render for the Kickstarter:

And here's the finished product:

As for what's changed this time, it's mainly the game box. There were a lot of changes that had to be made. The most important of these changes is the foil colour on the box. It's been taken from slightly anemic silver to the bold gold look we always wanted:

What next? 

Once the games arrive at fulfilment centres, deliveries to you will start. Unfortunately, our estimates suggest that we’ll end up just short of Christmas delivery. We’re really, really sorry about this. Up until 2 weeks ago, all the information suggested we'd make it... but unfortunately, solving these final pre-production snags pushed us back just that bit further. That said, this does mark the end of the factory's involvement. We expect things to run more smoothly from here. As always, we'll keep you updated.

We're almost there...

All the best,

Jaya

September update: A new sample arrives
about 2 months ago – Thu, Oct 03, 2024 at 12:30:21 PM

Hello everyone,

Firstly, we apologise for the late post - we deliberately held this one back because we knew our latest sample would be arriving today and thought you probably wouldn't want to wait a month to see it!

New sample

We've had the latest from the factory. This one is produced from the actual mass production process - using the real printing process on the real stocks. I am glad to say, it's significantly improved! The cards are now just like we'd originally imagined. They feel thick and durable, they're well aligned and shuffle nicely. We're really happy with them and think you will be too.

The rulebook is looking great too, it's easy to read and the colours look nice. Another big win. 

It looks, however, like they've made a mistake with the box. We need to discuss this with the factory but we're currently optimistic these last issues can be overcome quickly so that goods are still ready soon. It's quite common they don't complete cut and assembly until this sample has been signed-off: exactly because of issues like this!

A change in communications

We are entering a period where advancements will change intermittently between slow and fast, we're going to change how we do our updates. Rather than one update a month, we will instead contact whenever we have major news: for example, we'll let you know as soon as it leaves the factory. Overall, we expect slightly more updates than once-per-month until fulfilment completes!

All the best,

Jaya

August update: Production has begun + cardstock
3 months ago – Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 09:50:43 AM

Hi everyone,

Thanks again for being patient while we've been quieter. Today though, we've got some very exciting news to share with you!

Production of 21X has begun

After a considerable process of tweaks and revisions, we can gladly report the final files are now with our manufacturer and the mass production phase has finally begun!

Cardstock and proofs

As you know, it's really important to us that this deck looks and feels premium. The box we showed off in our June update looked good but the cards were not up to the same standard. First, they were flimsier than we'd have liked and the print quality was nowhere near as good as they needed to be. Second, the black card core the factory used meant the cards looked a bit grey.

Black core is standard for poker cards for good reason - they help make the cards more opaque to prevent cheating. But, of course, 21X does not need players to hide their cards and already features a dark design. So we realised our original spec didn't need this feature. Instead, we could have a more brilliant white - the right backdrop for the deliberately minimalist card designs of the game. 

We then tried a couple of different permutations, settling finally on a 350gsm, white core card with poker varnish rather than lamination (which can be slightly stickier when not paired with a linen finish). The final result was robust with a smooth feel that's great for shuffling and makes all the visuals pop.

This combined with some mistakes by our first account manager has thrown in much more delay than we would have liked. Thankfully, our new account manager has been fantastic and things are now moving a lot faster.

We're excited to be moving ahead and, as always, will keep you updated as production progresses!

All the best,

James

July update
4 months ago – Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 09:00:09 AM

Hi everyone!

Hope you've been enjoying some summer sun! 

This is a short one from us this month. The proofing process is still ongoing. We're not in mass production yet. If all continues to plan though, we should be soon! There is another factory proof on its way to us now which we hope will mark the completion of this phase. Things remain on track for delivery in 2024.

Thank you as always for your patience.

That's all for now,

Jaya

June update: Factory sample pics
5 months ago – Fri, Jun 28, 2024 at 08:41:58 AM

Hi everyone!

We've been keeping busy post-UKGE. We've received the latest sample and we'd like you to take a look:

As you can hopefully see, the overall design here is looking great. But unfortunately, not everything is perfect just yet. We're continuing working with our manufacturer to make sure the look and feel is everything we promised. 

All that said, once we're happy 21X is looking its best, we'll be hitting the big red mass production button. We want you to receive a truly awesome game. 

That's all for now, what do you think of the cards and box so far? Let us know in the comments!

All the best,

Jaya