Sending surveys today! And preorder store!
almost 4 years ago – Fri, Jul 03, 2020 at 07:21:18 PM

Hi everyone, I sent out the "smoke test" survey to a small percentage of backers yesterday to make sure that the survey isn't too confusing or broken. It worked well - thank you to the folks who have already filled it out! - and today I'm going to send the remaining surveys! Please let me know if you have any questions at all about the surveys. 

In addition, the preorder store is now open! If you know anyone who missed the Kickstarter but wants the game, please send them the link! The preorder store also has the beautiful stickers designed by Ickypatchi exclusively for Derby Drama. Backers will get one free sticker or you can purchase the full set as an add-on.

Thanks again for your support! Can't wait to get all you lovely folks' names and put them in the zine!

Updated timeline plus surveys
almost 4 years ago – Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 05:55:27 AM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Video from single-player playtest & sticker art preview
almost 4 years ago – Sat, Jun 20, 2020 at 09:17:42 PM

I've put a video of my single-player run-through of the game up on YouTube! I had a lot of fun working on the stream, so I'm going to keep doing these on my Twitch channel, at least each Wednesday. I'm probably going to work on art and layout mostly, but I might try another multiplayer playtest now that I'm getting more comfortable with streaming.

I also commissioned some sticker art from Gum and the early sketches are looking so good!!

I can't wait to share the final product with y'all!

Derby Drama work hours on Twitch!
almost 4 years ago – Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 12:17:24 PM

Hi friends, thanks everyone for your amazing patience. I'm feeling way better now and I've been back to work, working with the artists and playtesting and polishing the game. 

If you'd like to hear all the details, join the Discord server. This week, I'm actually running a playtest of a different game there - Fight with Spirit, a game by Storybrewers. I've wanted to try a roller derby setting for Fight With Spirit since I played it last year, and on Thursday we're going to give it a shot! I'll think it'll be very inspiring to try out a different take on a sports game and I hope we can give Storybrewers some helpful feedback! That game is filled up already but join the server to hear about future games.

Finally, I'm trying something new! On Wednesday, I'm going to stream my work on the game on Twitch. I'm going to run through a full session of a single-player version of the latest version of the ruleset and Holler Derby setting and make notes on what needs to changed before I do a real playtest. I'd love it if y'all could join and check out what the game looks like so far.

Thanks again everyone!

Long-overdue update + art preview + French translation
almost 4 years ago – Sun, May 31, 2020 at 06:32:09 PM

Hi everyone, just want to share an update since it's been way too long. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, my mood and productivity have tanked to the point where I haven't been able to work on the game. I'm going to concentrate on healing my brain so I can get back to finishing the game soon. I'll let y'all know once I'm making progress again and update you then on the timeline for getting the copies to your doors and inboxes.

If you'd like to help, the most amazing thing you could do is download the early version of the game for free from itch.io and send me feedback. Even more amazing if you could try facilitating the game for some friends and let me know how it goes. Don't hold back criticism either - I won't take it personally and it will help make Derby Drama the best it can be!

Black Lives Matter

Please consider donating to Reclaim the Block, Black Visions Collective, Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, Louisville Community Bail Fund, and other organizations combating racism.

Art preview from Alex Wright

Very excited to share with y'all the first commissioned artwork! I asked Alex Wright to go through the world-building steps in the game rules and draw some art inspired by the setting. Here's the bout scenario that Alex created: 

"It is June 15th, 2020, on the Siren’s home turf of Sea City to see who’s the biggest threat to the world of men. The Sea City Sirens and Hawksburgh Harpies have always had a friendly rivalry, but today it’s on! Monsters can be very competitive, especially when their reputation is at stake. Everyone wants to be the most cutthroat, the most deadly, the most threatening. And today is no exception!" 

I'm so inspired by this setting and artwork and hope to play a game featuring these monstrous skaters someday!

French translation / hack from Chair De Poulpe

Discord member Chair De Poulpe created a French GM-less PBTA-style hack of Derby Drama! I don't speak French so I don't know much about the details but I'm very excited to see hacks and translations and more roller derby role-playing! I'm especially intrigued by the tweaks to character creation and stress.

If you make a hack or translation of Derby Drama, I would love to hear about it, and so would folks on our Discord!