Obsession
I am obsessed. Looking back on 2023, it’s an understatement to say that Grand Archive has been a big part of my life. It has consumed my life. 49 flights (and an overnight train). 12 days in a metal tube. 14 countries. 281 days traveling. Roger here again, (Citsacras). It’s been two years since the completion of the Grand Archive TCG Kickstarter, and one year since the production of Dawn of Ashes 1st Edition, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Of course, we had our fair share of mistakes and lessons learned that I’d fix if I had that chance, but I wouldn’t give up any of the decisions that have led up to this moment.
It’s fair to say that the dev team all share that “poor” personality trait of obsession. Even throughout this last week, we’ve been looking over artwork for Mercurial Heart, thinking through premier events for 2024, pitching new event and convention appearances, and toying around with Set 5 construction and design. “Wouldn’t this design idea be cool for the upcoming format?” “I think we can do something completely unique with this card treatment.” “Damn, that card art is gorgeous.” “Woh.”
Reflection
I’m immensely proud of how far we’ve come as a company and a trading card game. As the dust settles on a rollercoaster of a year for card games and the hobby in 2023, it’s no question that Grand Archive has emerged as the preeminent Kickstarter TCG.
What other publishers can say they commission 50+ professional artists to deliver a completely original IP with unique character and world design?
- And design a game system to appeal to both competitive players and casual memers?
- And custom source a unique card stock solution directly from the paper mill?
- And build up a bespoke manufacturing partnership with a new TCG factory?
- And review every single print proof, CUR, CSR by hand, in person?
- And launch simultaneously in the USA, CA, UK, EU, AU, NZ, MY, SG, TW, and HK?
- And establish a brand new logistics chain to fulfill globally on time for each release?
- And host a premier-play tournament with a $20k prize pool and 400+ attendees?
- And do all of this only from the bootstrapped funds of Kickstarter?
If it sounds like I’m bragging, it’s because I am. And I want the Weebs of the Shore team, our community, and the broader industry to recognize how insanely special our journey has been in 2023. We’ve proven ourselves as the best indie TCG on the market. You don’t have to take my word for it; of the 30+ new games in 2023, Grand Archive TCG is the most sought-after on TCGplayer (right behind Lorcana of course). For Alchemical Revolution, we’ll have over 800 brick and mortar stores globally carrying our product. Now for 2024, we’ll strive to set the standard for the entire TCG industry.
Action
Previously, in our first Dev Update, I mentioned the various steps we were planning to take to bring us in line with the industry standard. I’m ecstatic to report that we’ve taken action on everything planned. For communications, we’ve just circulated our first newsletter to our store network, informing them about what to expect with ALC launch and the signup path for Omnidex, which will be released with ALC as well! We’ve also increased our social media output, lining up major announcements to be shared across platforms, as well as showcasing evergreen content on Grand Archive.
For Organized Play, we’ve developed the ALC Launch Kit, which will be provided to every B&M store that orders Grand Archive through distribution. This Launch Kit, as explained in the newsletter, contains complementary product to help kickstart a GA local community at each store with exclusive stamped promos, a beautiful holographic poster, demo decks, and a play mat. Furthermore, our Omnidex OP system will help integrate OP data and allow stores to easily apply for future OP support and Store Championships. This cycle will form the baseline for every set release going forward, and we plan to explore many more new and novel ways to support local communities and organized play.
As for global? For some of our flourishing markets, I’m pleased to present our upcoming line of GSC promos, for New Zealand and Malaysia:
I’m in discussion with a new distributor to bring Grand Archive to Thailand to bolster our SEA region, and I’m also in early discussion with Universal to broaden our support for Canada. All of these steps will serve as the foundation for our communities around the world so that we can host Ascents and bigger events across every region in 2024.
Finally, we’re deep into planning our core product line for 2024: all aspects from design, gameplay, art, print, and packaging. I know you’re all excited about the launch of Alchemical Revolution on January 26th–the amount of pings and requests for spoilers is unprecedented. We’ve refined ALC to reflect the successful aspects of DOA as well as the positives from FTC. With a constrained print-run of 27,000 booster boxes for Alchemical Revolution 1st Edition, this will allow us to provide enough product for the active player base while setting aside some buffer for growth in new markets.
I’m excited to see all of your reactions to the new artwork and style. Here are some of my favorite pieces in Alchemical Revolution!
Mercurial Heart will be finalized in the new year and will premiere at Worlds Las Vegas in May! Beyond that, set design and worldbuilding for Set 5, Set 6, and Set 7 are already underway. The future draft/limited format for Grand Archive has gone back to the lab, and there are some unprecedented ideas I’m excited to test out with the team.
Will there be challenges to face going forward? Definitely. Will we make mistakes? Of course. But I’m eternally grateful for your trust in us as a company to do what’s best for the game and community and your faith in us to respond to and fix any of the mistakes we make along the way. I’m excited to hop back on my travel circuit and continue meeting you all across the globe, at locals, events, and Ascents. Worlds will truly be a celebration of all of the passion, obsession, and hard work both we at Weebs and you all as a community have put into this game. I won’t forget for a second the opportunity you all have given us to create this wonderful game and experience–there are so many exciting things to look forward to in 2024!
