Yesterday I used a teaser trailer to reveal a project I’ve been working on with Jakub Rozalski for the last 3 years:
People have asked me for years if I would consider making a new game in the same 1920+ world as Scythe, so I thought that revealing this information through a cinematic trailer would be a fun way to announce the news. The video has already generated a lot more interest than our other trailers, with over 50,000 views so far.
The preorder for Expeditions launched at the same time as the trailer (even though we’ve just barely started production on the game). It’s live right now. This is new to the way we handle product releases, and our focus remains on the full launch after the game has arrived at fulfillment centers (most likely in early July). So why do things differently this time? The answer is Scythe.
We’ve sold over half a million copies of Scythe. It’s a well-known entity within the world of modern hobby gaming, and it’s based in the 1920+ alternate history world created and illustrated by Jakub Rozalski. Expeditions is a new, standalone game that takes place after the events of Scythe in a different area of the world.
Given the popularity of Scythe, I wanted to ensure that we could serve any early adopter who wanted to get the game even though reviews and the full component reveal aren’t available yet. At the same time, I didn’t want anyone buying it based on the brand alone. That’s why the rulebooks are available, as well as a consolidated game overview infographic:
Opening the preorder early also gives us the flexibility to adjust the ratio of the standard game vs the Ironclad Edition (5 large metal mechs instead of plastic miniatures and silicon base snaps instead of plastic, as well as an individually numbered box with foil lettering).
Also, by revealing the product early, we’re able to do something more retailer-friendly: Any retailers who want the Ironclad Edition can preorder it from us before we lock in the final quantities on February 22. After that, they’ll have access to the standard version (the Ironclad Edition will continue to be available on our webstore for individual customers).
How is this method working so far? In the last day, we’ve received preorders for 4000 copies of the game. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, especially given that we’ve conditioned our early adopters to order when a product launches (when it’s ready to ship) instead of a few months in advance like with Expeditions, but hopefully we’re able to better serve all types of customers this way.
And again, our primary focus remains on customers who want to wait for the full reveal and reviews–we’ll make plenty of copies for when that time comes in June/July.
Here’s the full timeline:
- February: preorder opens; quantities are locked on February 22 (but we will make extras for those who want to wait until later)
- March-May: component teasers, production of the game
- June: freight shipping, full reveal, reviews & playthroughs
- July: preorder fulfillment
- August: Gen Con* followed by retail release
*Meeplesource will have a limited quantity of Expeditions available for Gen Con pickup.
What are your thoughts about how and when we revealed Expeditions?
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36 Comments on “Eager Mechs: Exploring the Expeditions Surprise”
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My thoughts:
Fantastic choice on how to reveal. The trailer is a gold standard on how companies need to reveal new games.
Great choice on the timing, too.
I had thought Scythe had been concluded; instead we get a sequel with a tiny wait. And we get clear expectations on what to expect over the next few months.
Realistically, your company needs to be advising other companies (not just gaming ones) on how to operate efficiently, clearly, and purposefully.
You addressed the biggest question many of us have about new games, in light of the massive influx of board games: why should care about this product?
Thanks for caring about your customers and those who love your games.
I appreciate that, Dan, though I really feel like I have so much to learn from other companies! :)
Also like to say the trailer for this was very well done. I hit play knowing nothing, and as it went on I found myself saying:
“Hmm, looks similar to Scythe”
“Wait, is this the same artist as Scythe?”
“Wait, are these the same characters as Scythe?”
“Wait, is this… could it… is this actually a sequel to Scythe!?”
“IT IS!”
What a time to live in where a teaser trailer for a board game brings me more joy than most movie trailers.
This announcement made my week. A very welcome surprise that came out of nowhere, and knowing I only have to wait another ~4-5 months to get it in my hands is just fine. I have grown weary of kickstarters and interminable development schedules that drag on for years with slow drips of information, and I actually really appreciate that you kept this under wraps for so long and only announced it once it was ready to “drop.”
It shows incredible marketing restraint on your part and, for me at least, hits that sweet spot of just far enough out to build anticipation, but not so far out that I lose interest along the way.
On a very, very, VERY minor note: I noticed the character name in the rules is “Tarkovsky”, but they have a Polish accent in the trailer. If the character is indeed Polish, it should be spelled “Tarkowski”, as “Tarkovsky” would be the Russian spelling. Sorry, I’m Polish, I notice these things :)
All in all, I am so excited to get my hands on this game. Dziękuję bardzo!
Thank you! I’m glad we can get this game to you in the near future. :)
You’re right about the spelling. Jakub and I talked about that, and we decided to make the spelling Tarkovsky for more accurate pronunciation. Plus, Poland and Russia don’t exist in 1920+ (just similar countries). :)
I assumed as much! As a Slavic-language-phile I would love to see how the languages and cultures of “Polonia” and the “Rusviet Empire” diverged. More to explore in 1920+, and I hope you and Jakub can continue to bring us more of this extraordinary world in the future.
Jamie I have been a huge fan of Stonemaier Games since I first played Scythe years ago. Super excited to learn more about the gameplay of Expeditions, but have already preordered the Ironclad edition knowing the game will be fantastic. This is such a refreshing release instead of KS and seeing folks with demos of games playing and talk about them on YouTube and knowing the earliest I might get a chance to play them is twelve months out or more. Thank you for doing this your way!
Thanks Brad! Even though it’s a little longer wait than our normal launches, I agree that it’s much sooner than crowdfunding projects. :)
Hi Jamey, this is a great beginning of 2023 and thank you for all that joy and fun that you gave to all boardgamers. Have a question. The Ironclad Edition will be produced only with this first print or you plan to support it in the next printing?
Oleksii: It’s entirely based on demand. We’ll start with one printing of the Ironclad version, and if we sell out, we’ll gauge demand via back-in-stock requests and potentially make more.
The only reason I am not ordering this right now, is because I am waiti g for localisation in my native language! But can’t wait to get the game!!!
Glad to see Togawa style meeples and hoping for a Jiro Compagnion :) will all the “factions” from original Scythe be represented in the game?
Also looking for a way to preorder EU friendly to Germany… :)
We ship from within Europe (DDP from the UK–it’s EU friendly). :)
There are no factions in Expeditions, but there are some characters from Scythe that appear in Expeditions.
Can I pre order this also for Germany and in other languages than English?
We only sell the English version, but feel free to check with Feuerland to see if they’re making a German version (that’s their information to share if they are).
I’m a complete sucker for 1920+ so will definitely be picking this up.
One of the biggest problems I’ve found with getting people into Scythe tho is playtime and military conflict being de-emphasised in a game that’s branded as a war game.
Presumably shifting the focus to exploration will help mitigate the second criticism? And would you say Expeditions is more or less complex than Scythe?
I wouldn’t say that Scythe is branded as a war game (though I understand the criticism, given the battle happening on the front of the box).
Expeditions is very slightly less complex than Scythe.
Can I pre order for uk delivery?
Absolutely! Here’s our Europe store: https://europe.stonemaiergames.com/
While I did get the Champion Update #60 email on the 31st, I never got any subsequent email about the release. Weird.
I’ve never played Scythe, although Expeditions does sound interesting. I’d need to see more information about the game before being able to pre-order, though.
My concern is that the outline listed above locks down orders Feb 22th but we don’t actually have a full reveal until June. I know the post says you’ll make sure there’s plenty for people that want to wait, it’s just very… frustrating having to either go in somewhat blind on a pre-order before having all the game info or waiting and risking an out of stock.
The Champion email said to look at the YouTube channel at 9:30 am. The only other email was the general newsletter, which you can sign up for here: https://stonemaiergames.com/e-newsletter/
The full rulebook for Expeditions is available right now; there’s nothing hidden. There’s also no pressure–we’re making plenty of copies, and you’re welcome to wait until we have final copies to send to reviewers.
Jamey, I have a question. The small tow on the Expeditions minis is facing in different direction. Does it move? Or is the mould a bit different?
It’s stable. I think maybe it was adjusted for the metal mould.
I *loved* the video reveal! At the risk of asking a silly question, will the lack of playing Scythe, ever, diminish or impair the enjoyment of playing the sequel?
Thanks Patrick! I actually think Expeditions is a little easier to learn than Scythe, so it’ll work just fine as an entry into this world. It shouldn’t diminish or impair your enjoyment of it. :)
I loved the reveal, and I am happy with the preorder system.
For me, I know that a Stonemaier board game = quality, and a Jamey Stonemaier designed game = added assurance.
Your standards for releasing a game (particularly of your own design) are so ridiculously high that if this game is good enough for you, then it’s sure good enough for me. I don’t need to read reviews. I didn’t even look at the rulebook. You’ve built and earned this reputation over time.
As proof of this, here is the average reviews for all of your boxed games…
Euphoria 7.2
Scythe 8.2
Viticulture 8.0
Charterstone 7.3
Tapestry 7.4
Rolling Realms 7.2
Red Rising 7.1
My plan is to ignore any and all gameplay videos/reviews, and have the enjoyment of playing it afresh.
All the best, I hope this game is a huge success for you.
Great point Steve! I feel the same way! So happy for this product and want to play it fresh.
I like how you did the reveal! Folks can wait for more specifics in the design diary and reviews/playthroughs later, if they want; but the rule book, video, and graphics give people enough to go on if they are early adopters. The premise of this game is very story-based, so a cinematic preview fits well. I will be curious to see if this launch style gives you a clearer picture of demand and how many orders come in now versus during the summer (once the full launch happens).
One aspect that I absolutely loved was how you outlined the email revealing Expeditions. You teased it, but then encouraged viewing the teaser trailer before scrolling through the email for the reveal. I immediately went to the video and wouldn’t have wanted this surprise to unfold any other way. I literally lost my breathe for a moment in excitement.
Thank you for that, Jamey.😊
Thanks Joshua! That’s the impact I was hoping for! :)
I think the announcement and launch were perfectly executed. Glad to be in on the ground floor!
Will there be any independent media reviews/previews before the preorder window closes? I’d still like to see something along those lines before I order!
There will! Probably in May/June, as we only send reviewers final copies of the game, not prototypes.
It’s like a Kickstarter, but not a Kickstarter? :D
A little bit, though we’re not creating something together with people–we’ve already started to make it.
I would love to receive Expeditions Ironclad in a couple weeks, but I also understand that some missed out on the Nesting Box, so I’ll be patient until it’s released. I’m just happy to live in the Scythe world again. Thanks, Jamey.