Company Name, Part 3

After the tepid reception that my last two proposed company logos received, I decided to pivot from a generic, geographic name to a descriptive name that means something about the way I think about game design.





What do you think?

Company Name, Part 2

In my last post, I promised to show some possible company names and logos. I only have two to show you today, but the other ones were just variations on one of the names, with no substantive differences. Without further ado, here are the two I've come up with so far:












So, which one do you prefer? Or should I forget about both and come up with something better? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

Company Name

I'm considering self-publishing one of my designs. Before doing this, however, I need a new company name and logo. Up to now, I had thought my company's name would be GDW Games and its logo would be the one to the right.

However, there are two problems. First is that GDW Games is a little too close to Game Designers' Workshop. Although they went out of business over a decade ago, I just don't want even the potential for legal issues.

The second problem is that the logo is a die. Any of my friends will tell you how vehemently I hate dice. My allergic reaction to dice nearly prevents me from liking Battlestar Galactica and Small World, two games for which I otherwise have great affection.

So what company name could solve these issues? I have a half-dozen candidates floating in my head and am working on logos for each. I'll post them later this week for your input.

Sadly, I'm All About the Flour

Brett gets at exactly what I usually do wrong.

The only question that counts, of course, is to ask of the game: “Is it fun?”

“Is it fun?” (bellows the incredulous and imaginary designer). “Didn’t you notice how clever it was? Didn’t you stop to admire all these hand-picked, top-quality ingredients! Or marvel at my cunning for putting all of them together with such subtlety, novelty and elegance? Did no-one ever tell you that a definition of genius is the ability to connect the unconnected?”

“Yes, I noticed all of that” (whispers the patient, implacable and equally imaginary playtester). “I’m not an idiot — and you, I hope, are smarter than you look — but you have created an experience that I don’t enjoy. And this isn’t the first time. Did no-one ever tell you that a definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results?”

Of course, the cake is a lie (just like printed game lengths).

DexCon 2010

This convention did not as well as the last one went.

At the last convention, I got players for both of the scheduled playtests. This time, no one showed up for either one. While some people asked about the game, no one felt like trying it out. Granted, one of the slots I was given was 9am on Saturday, but even the Sunday afternoon event drew no takers.

I'll have to debate whether to bother scheduling events at the next con.

I did get to hang out with friends as well as play (and win!) a second session of Planet Steam (which could easily become my new favorite game soon), so the convention wasn't a total loss.

Draft of Combined Board

Based on the responses to the choice between two proposed layouts, I decided to go with a single board for Municipality. I think I've finalized the layout and am curious as to what everyone thinks. For comparison, here is the version 6.2 board:



Now here is the version 6.3 board:



The only thing missing are the bridges, which will be in the same general location.

What does everyone think?

DexCon 2010 Preview

I will be attending DexCon 2010 and have placed two playtests for Municipality on the convention schedule. Details on the two sessions for the game are below. It would be great if we could replicate the success of the playtests at the last convention. If you're going to be at the convention, come try the game out.

B0738: [PLAYTEST] "Municipality" presented by Michael Keller. Municipality is a medium-weight, city-building game where players activate various roles and then attempt to influence those roles to develop their own properties. Players barter influence with each other, trading the ability to do something now for the ability to do something else later. Saturday, 9:00AM - 11:00AM; One Session; All Materials Provided. Beginners Welcome; Fun, All Ages. See Also: B0983. NOTE: This event is a PLAYTEST

B0983: "Municipality". See B0738. Sunday, 12:00PM - 2:00PM; One Session. NOTE: This event is a PLAYTEST

Even if you can't make the scheduled playtests, come say "hi" when you get a chance.