How close is Cretacea to being done?

The irony of producing a really nice and polished product is that it's hard to call it done. I (Arthur) figure we could work on this for the next ten years and still mull over certain questions and equations; where possible we take a mathematical approach to rules writing and balancing, to maintain a fair and fun probability of success in the game.

This being said, we recently announced the game "finished" and then set a release date, one that we are sure to now postpone. Of course we're a little miffed because we want to release it as soon as possible, and we're grateful for the patience of those who are waiting for the game, but we think it's the right decision.

The game is finished insofar that it's a working system in a streamline and pretty rulebook, but we recently decided that it needs work to add new content to distinguish it as a second edition, rather than as a detailed reskin and update of the first.

Therefore, our project aims going ahead are the following upgrades to Cretacea:

1. New fighting rules
The game was always about survival, but we've found in civilian playtests (playtests with people who are not part of Wicked Wargames or pre-existing wargamers) that the most interesting elements come in combat and the brawling side of the game. We're therefore expanding this part of the game with rules like manoeuvring in combat, expanding our revamped combat and defence system, and more dinosaur-specific specials. ​

2. Beautiful art and photography
Some parts of the second edition were initially just proofreading and reformatting, but we decided to upgrade the book aesthetically, which is why we've bought dinosaur art, put much effort into our own painted models and photography, and will continue to do this as we expand the book.

3. A scenario tree.
We want to expand, playtest, and add the scenario tree that was promised so long ago. This lets players select varying kinds of scenarios in a campaign-style narrative of several games.

​4. More dinosaurs!
We want to add up to ten new dinosaurs (we have eleven so far) to grow the game and add more meat to the bone. Because of our effort to create a streamlined system, adding new dinosaurs should be quicker than before in design and playtesting.

Going ahead
Keep your eyes peeled for more info coming soon, and we can update you on the above as we add to the game. We want to release it as soon as possible, but we also know the time and effort we invest will be worth it to create a product we'll be proud to show you.

~ Arthur