TGW presents The Beetlebacks designed by Widakk

[brownsl]

I initially only got 6 but then later added another 6.

[rousselle]

I remain impressed at how well all of these campaigns have been run, and especially how His Gentlemanliness does his best to incorporate our requests while still trying to make a profitable product. I love the fact that this project is allowing us to order the quantities we want of the individual decks that we want.

Definitely hoping the black-bordered decks are unlocked. I'll be picking up multiples of those. Om nom nom.

I missed out on the Prism release (work and preparing for Thanksgiving kept me away from personal web-surfing for two days!), so I super appreciate TGW's offer to hold one in reserve for his regulars. Thank you, kind sir!

[TheGentlemanWake]

TheGentlemanWake.con Black Friday coupon code for 20% off

PRESTIGE

Good site wide (except for uncut sheets and preorders)

[masagin303]

One thing I do regret is not buying a freaking gross of the Tale of the Tempest Wylenti decks for $6 each when you could add them without limit. I only got six. What was I thinking?

My two Parlour brick sets are a big highlight. Somehow I managed the lottery and got bricks #002 and #009. Yeah baby!

I doubt anyone will regret picking up either the Completionist or the Prototype sets. If I could do it, I would just go for it and get the Prototype set. Yeah, it would be nice to be "all in".

Getting my hands on a Wylenti deck when my KS package arrived was one the of the strongest moments in my card collecting history. I was just blown away! I totally didn't expect that! And yes I also regret not getting a box of them and yes, they are one of my favourite decks still today.

[TheGentlemanWake]

One thing I do regret is not buying a freaking gross of the Tale of the Tempest Wylenti decks for $6 each when you could add them without limit. I only got six. What was I thinking?

My two Parlour brick sets are a big highlight. Somehow I managed the lottery and got bricks #002 and #009. Yeah baby!

I doubt anyone will regret picking up either the Completionist or the Prototype sets. If I could do it, I would just go for it and get the Prototype set. Yeah, it would be nice to be "all in".

Getting my hands on a Wylenti deck when my KS package arrived was one the of the strongest moments in my card collecting history. I was just blown away! I totally didn't expect that! And yes I also regret not getting a box of them and yes, they are one of my favourite decks still today.

Still available at TheGentlemanWake.com for $19 with an additional 20% black friday sale! Code: PRESTIGE

Sorry couldn't resist. The in campaign price was amazing.

[masagin303]

One thing I do regret is not buying a freaking gross of the Tale of the Tempest Wylenti decks for $6 each when you could add them without limit. I only got six. What was I thinking?

My two Parlour brick sets are a big highlight. Somehow I managed the lottery and got bricks #002 and #009. Yeah baby!

I doubt anyone will regret picking up either the Completionist or the Prototype sets. If I could do it, I would just go for it and get the Prototype set. Yeah, it would be nice to be "all in".

Getting my hands on a Wylenti deck when my KS package arrived was one the of the strongest moments in my card collecting history. I was just blown away! I totally didn't expect that! And yes I also regret not getting a box of them and yes, they are one of my favourite decks still today.

Still available at TheGentlemanWake.com for $19 with an additional 20% black friday sale! Code: PRESTIGE

Sorry couldn't resist. The in campaign price was amazing.

Oh, they are totally worth $19 as well anyway. Ordered a bunch, thanks!

[TheGentlemanWake]

Legacy partially unlocked. See update #4!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/th ... ards/posts

[Evilgamer]

Interesting strategy, lets see where that takes things.

The only downside is, do you have any "home stretch" goosing that can be done now?

(and yeah Im aware how it did since Friday....not ideal).

[TheGentlemanWake]

Interesting strategy, lets see where that takes things.

The only downside is, do you have any "home stretch" goosing that can be done now?

(and yeah Im aware how it did since Friday....not ideal).

At the current backer count any new items will cost too much to produce. I.e. the Gaff Pack. Which for instance could be a 'partial' unlock. But even if everyone (not in prototype/completionist) added it, at $17, it wouldn't budge the needle too much. The distance to get to 600% seems unlikely at this point. The market is just not what it once was. And although I'm happy with the campaign--an obvious success--it has underperformed by many metrics. Mostly in backer count which remains closer to HALF of what Successor had.

I blame my lack of youtube videos partially. Maybe If I was making great reviews I would be converting more folks to the hobby. But I think the hobby in general has been a bit of a decline as of late. Plus the economy is soft and these are luxury items.

[Evilgamer]

I dunno I have a lot of thoughts (this is always true ) I do think timing is playing into it, October was a heck of a month for my card budget (largely thanks to TWI) and maybe for others as well. You had this starting an hour before your last one ended, and people clearly are choosing Christmas over KS cards.

I do think that looking into how you can produce more completely different decks cheaper next time might be a good idea, rather than having so many decks that are in some cases minor color swaps from each other. Prism as we have discussed I really wished had been a 100% commitment right out of the box at that price and if we don't hit 600% that may become an issue.

The best performing campaigns recently have been ARK and Wyrmwood where they can bring their existing large audiences to bear regardless of what's actually in the campaign. Compared to everything else this has been an exceptional campaign for recent time, but not historic ones. Its an incredible deck and I think this could have legs on your site later.

[TheGentlemanWake]

I dunno I have a lot of thoughts (this is always true ) I do think timing is playing into it, October was a heck of a month for my card budget (largely thanks to TWI) and maybe for others as well. You had this starting an hour before your last one ended, and people clearly are choosing Christmas over KS cards.

I do think that looking into how you can produce more completely different decks cheaper next time might be a good idea, rather than having so many decks that are in some cases minor color swaps from each other. Prism as we have discussed I really wished had been a 100% commitment right out of the box at that price and if we don't hit 600% that may become an issue.

The best performing campaigns recently have been ARK and Wyrmwood where they can bring their existing large audiences to bear regardless of what's actually in the campaign. Compared to everything else this has been an exceptional campaign for recent time, but not historic ones. Its an incredible deck and I think this could have legs on your site later.

Yes perhaps the holiday season isn't the best time to launch a project. Although Tempest launched at the exact same time more or less and did very well in both funding and backer total. Part of the reason Beetle Backs was delayed was the issues that plagued Wyrmwood. I didn't want to overlap with their campaign. Truth be told I had time between Groundskeeper and Corrupted in hindsight but never had firm dates so I just waited.

Ark's most recent campaign only totaled $101k with 348 backers. Hardly a massive campaign and they've been known to sometimes artificially raise their numbers in the past with proxy pledges. Wyrmwood has a very dedicated and committed customer base and both campaign are buoyed by expensive wood worked products like Poker Cabinets. Simply on a per person pledge total, Beetle Backs is very strong. Almost $200 a person. Much higher than Parlour for instance. It's just the reduction in card FANS at the moment. I think the hobby is at a relative weak point in comparison to where it was in the post pandemic stimulus check it's-lockdown-and-I-can't-leave-my-house era.

[Dplay]

I dunno I have a lot of thoughts (this is always true ) I do think timing is playing into it, October was a heck of a month for my card budget (largely thanks to TWI) and maybe for others as well. You had this starting an hour before your last one ended, and people clearly are choosing Christmas over KS cards.

I do think that looking into how you can produce more completely different decks cheaper next time might be a good idea, rather than having so many decks that are in some cases minor color swaps from each other. Prism as we have discussed I really wished had been a 100% commitment right out of the box at that price and if we don't hit 600% that may become an issue.

The best performing campaigns recently have been ARK and Wyrmwood where they can bring their existing large audiences to bear regardless of what's actually in the campaign. Compared to everything else this has been an exceptional campaign for recent time, but not historic ones. Its an incredible deck and I think this could have legs on your site later.

Yes perhaps the holiday season isn't the best time to launch a project. Although Tempest launched at the exact same time more or less and did very well in both funding and backer total. Part of the reason Beetle Backs was delayed was the issues that plagued Wyrmwood. I didn't want to overlap with their campaign. Truth be told I had time between Groundskeeper and Corrupted in hindsight but never had firm dates so I just waited.

Ark's most recent campaign only totaled $101k with 348 backers. Hardly a massive campaign and they've been known to sometimes artificially raise their numbers in the past with proxy pledges. Wyrmwood has a very dedicated and committed customer base and both campaign are buoyed by expensive wood worked products like Poker Cabinets. Simply on a per person pledge total, Beetle Backs is very strong. Almost $200 a person. Much higher than Parlour for instance. It's just the reduction in card FANS at the moment. I think the hobby is at a relative weak point in comparison to where it was in the post pandemic stimulus check it's-lockdown-and-I-can't-leave-my-house era.

I know it's only anecdotally but I have to agree. With shipping prices the way they are (often a problem in europe) and general inflation my budget has forced me to be more selective with my playing cards purchases. Import taxes also don't help to say the least. Although I also have to agree that Christmas time is an extra financial burden. In other years this might not have deterred many people but in combination it can play a role.
Aside from pure financial matters I would also share your feeling that the hobby itself has come down from its pandemic high. After such a rallye a slight slump might have to be expected. Nonetheless I'm in for a couple decks as I really like the deck.

[Evilgamer]

Ark's most recent campaign only totaled $101k with 348 backers. Hardly a massive campaign and they've been known to sometimes artificially raise their numbers in the past with proxy pledges. Wyrmwood has a very dedicated and committed customer base and both campaign are buoyed by expensive wood worked products like Poker Cabinets. Simply on a per person pledge total, Beetle Backs is very strong. Almost $200 a person. Much higher than Parlour for instance. It's just the reduction in card FANS at the moment. I think the hobby is at a relative weak point in comparison to where it was in the post pandemic stimulus check it's-lockdown-and-I-can't-leave-my-house era.

There's a reason I don't have a single ARK deck either on hand or on order, and it has a lot to do with how they have run campaigns and structured the rewards...and I appreciate those who don't try to follow that model.

I keep meaning to go back and look at how much of groundskeeper was wood products, looks like $35k was tables alone. But Wyrmwood campaigns are deceptive, theyve trained us not to pay kickstarter the whole price and just pay the pledge manager instead. This was by far the most "normal" KS they've ever done, the next was back to "pay $50 now and pick what you actually want in a few weeks". Then again I think you should have a better idea what the (nearly...still) final counts were.

[TheGentlemanWake]

Black and Gold borders for Prestige/Legacy are unlocked!

[kevork]

Clever way to get across that line Definitely made sense to release the legacy knowing it would pretty much guarantee the 500% threshold.

Congrats!

[TheGentlemanWake]

Clever way to get across that line Definitely made sense to release the legacy knowing it would pretty much guarantee the 500% threshold.

Congrats!

Thank you! In a way it's robbing peter to pay paul, because of course the burst of add-ons won't help get to the next stretch goal--which is what you want when you set them up. But I know it was well regarded design choice and I wanted to reward the Prototype and Completionist backers with another edition for their rewards. The 600% goal remains a distant hope now. 11 days to climb $22.5k seems formidable. It would be fantastic to accomplish it. And if every backer added $40 (a tall task I know) we would achieve it. But alas we shall see what happens.

[Disenchanted_11]

Poor Peter.

It feels great to finally get the black borders unlocked, and thank you for implementing ways to make it happen.

Surely this is a new reference point to consider for future campaigns.

edit: Oops it drops down just now, we shall still sit tight for those dropping pledges.

[TheGentlemanWake]

Poor Peter.

It feels great to finally get the black borders unlocked, and thank you for implementing ways to make it happen.

Surely this is a new reference point to consider for future campaigns.

edit: Oops it drops down just now, we shall still sit tight for those dropping pledges.

Lol, there's always one guy.

I always had this particular strategy in my back pocket but you have to look for ways to make your project successful and keep the level of excitement up. I'm trying to drum up interest in every possible way I can. There's still a contigent of card enthusiasts out there who haven't jumped aboard. Need some grass roots promotion. People posting about it. Excited discussion. Pictures. Generate FOMO! lol

[masagin303]

I will definitely join at some point. Still contemplating the level of commitment. But this deck really appeals to me so it really should join my Parlour and Tempest collections. I am just deciding between "Dynastinae + brick" or "Completionist". But I have bricks from Tempest and Parlour and never grabbed Prism. So maybe for the sake of consistency I will go the brick way again. I cannot have both, that is for sure.

[manu]

I am just deciding between "Dynastinae + brick" or "Completionist". But I have bricks from Tempest and Parlour and never grabbed Prism. So maybe for the sake of consistency I will go the brick way again.

The Completionist tier includes a brick, if that helps your decision

[TheGentlemanWake]

I am just deciding between "Dynastinae + brick" or "Completionist". But I have bricks from Tempest and Parlour and never grabbed Prism. So maybe for the sake of consistency I will go the brick way again.

The Completionist tier includes a brick, if that helps your decision

Yeah I think that should make the decision for Masagin303 pretty straight forward!

[brownsl]

I think the Completionist tier is an incredibly bargain. I am in for 2 of them right now.

[Disenchanted_11]

Is Legacy edition a Kickstarter exclusive and will not be available on TGW website later?

[TheGentlemanWake]

Is Legacy edition a Kickstarter exclusive and will not be available on TGW website later?

I did that with the Successor Legacy edition and ended up being saddled with an extra 200 units I couldn't/can't sell. So I won't be doing that here. They will be a limited edition run of 1500.

[masagin303]

I am just deciding between "Dynastinae + brick" or "Completionist". But I have bricks from Tempest and Parlour and never grabbed Prism. So maybe for the sake of consistency I will go the brick way again.

The Completionist tier includes a brick, if that helps your decision

Yeah I think that should make the decision for Masagin303 pretty straight forward!

Holy funk! I totally missed this "detail" as it is not in the description and I never clicked for the detail. I'm really glad I've mentioned my dilemma here. Thanks guys for pointing this out for me!

I'd also like to point out that my card collecting hobby was pretty cold for quite a long time but I'm pledging for Completionist here. That's how good your campaign is, TGW. Thaks for that!

[laitostarr777]

Black and Gold borders for Prestige/Legacy are unlocked!

PERFECTO!!! The Black and the Legacy are getting dapper!

[double_left]

I do think that looking into how you can produce more completely different decks cheaper next time might be a good idea, rather than having so many decks that are in some cases minor color swaps from each other.

<<<<< >>>> nailed it

[jasonx73it]

I have a question about the prototypes.
In the description of the prototype tier it states "It will also include a sealed Prism PROTOTYPE deck in a custom numbered carat case enclosure."
In the latest update there is a picture with this description: "The Beetle Backs Prototype Edition features 11 cards representative of EACH of the five production editions. (Available as part of The Beetle Backs prototype tier)."
So I was wondering which is which because I was under the impression that it would be just a full Prism proto sealed. The last info hints about a "frankenprototype" kind of deck that should be opened to be appreciated at least.

[TheGentlemanWake]

I have a question about the prototypes.
In the description of the prototype tier it states "It will also include a sealed Prism PROTOTYPE deck in a custom numbered carat case enclosure."
In the latest update there is a picture with this description: "The Beetle Backs Prototype Edition features 11 cards representative of EACH of the five production editions. (Available as part of The Beetle Backs prototype tier)."
So I was wondering which is which because I was under the impression that it would be just a full Prism proto sealed. The last info hints about a "frankenprototype" kind of deck that should be opened to be appreciated at least.

Thanks for pointing that out. I think that’s a mistake in the copy that got away from me. I’ll have to look into correcting it. There is no prism prototype. There is only the frankenproto. The way I make prototypes is designed to allow me to maximize the value of the production of these decks. By printing 11-12 cards from each deck in one I can in essence create enough physical samples to properly show off each deck’s features. The fact that the faces overlap some editions makes it even easier (I.e. the standard decks and the legacy/prestige.) I’ll try and clarify that in an update. But ultimately it makes the prototype much more unique and special than just another deck.

[TheGentlemanWake]

I’m currently exploring the production costs associated with producing the gaff pack in isolation. I’m also gauging interest. With tempest we sold about 300 gaff packs. But we had about 2.5 times the backers. Tough because if I sell 100 units at $17 it only moves the needle very little. And I’d be in the hole for the production costs. Hmmmm. Sucks. They cards look cool.