Two big things:
1) I am getting married exactly ONE MONTH from today.
2) I am releasing the second issue of Wide Open Games next Tuesday.
Writing a “depressing” game
Right after the election, I found comfort in Maggie Smith’s “Good Bones.” I find it beautiful and inspiring. The world is a terrible, messed up, fucked up place. And it’s also beautiful. And even more importantly, you get to decide how you live in it. You can make it beautiful. I shared this poem in a group chat with friends as a pick me up. My friend said he found it depressing.
Playtest doubt
Showed some games and the layout for the first issue last night at a playtesting event here in town and got some really useful feedback, some enthusiasm, and a whole foaming, frothing, overflowing mug full of doubt.
Update on The Start Issue
I’ve been working on the first issue for Wide Open Games the past few weeks, and I’m pretty happy with how it’s coming along. One game is 90% completed, 2 others are just under development, and still 2 more ideas are gestating in my brain and on my morning pages.
The first issue, fittingly enough, is The Start Issue. It’s all about trying something new and taking a risk. Or sometimes doing exactly not that. I don’t want to give too much away, but here are a few gifs of games in progress:
Working Gently
It’s easy to dream up grand, gigantic plans for Wide Open Games. I tell myself it would be great to make 4 polished and playful games, 3 heart-melting essays, 2 eye-opening poems, and 1 down-to-earth podcast for each issue. I tell myself that’s what would get people to subscribe and make Wide Open Games a success. I tell myself that this vision is achievable and necessary.
In reality, I’m setting myself up for failure with unrealistic expectations.