Flight of Pollen

By JiL Hemming

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Game,



NZ $4,550 pledged


40 people pledged


Closed


NZ $26,250 minimum target


17 17% Complete

This campaign failed to reach its target by 19/07/2017 at 12:00 AM (NZST) and is now closed.

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About

Flight Of Pollen

Project 2017-06-07 15:04:18 +1200

See the latest news from Kakariki Games at kakarikigames.co.nz.

 

My first environmental game, Cloak of Protection, has sold 2,500 copies. So I know that gets played!

This time, I'd been working alongside an open (perspex) beehive, so I set out to make a board game about bees.

As my own knowledge widened, it became a board game based on the real behaviour, characteristics and interactions of our many pollinators - birds, bat, insects, gecko and wind - and the peculiarities of 14 native plants.

Because, as our final game testers say, good games are rich learning systems (watch the video for their feedback).

After three years of development, I'm now asking for your help to cover print costs to print 500 games.    In return, you can get a first edition copy of the game (with extras).  Delivery date, after 30 Sept.

If we don't achieve the target, we don't print.  But if we raise more than the target (!) we'll print more.

Inside the Flight of Pollen box, there'll be recycled materials (counters are the disgarded insides of washers, covers are found wallpaper); a canvas ground-cloth (screen-printed in Petone); 54 flower/berry/seed tiles & 13 playing discs (recycled board, printed in Levin); plus 41 element cards, and lids for the four chapters with instructions and science notes (printed on card with a Forest Stewardship Council certificate). 

It will be made local, with world-class illustrations and design. Wild-life artist Cushla McGaughey was recommended for this project by the director of the Mahara, the Kapiti Coast District Gallery.  Cushla also became the researcher for the project, as she'd studied Research Methodology (as part of her French degree!).  

There's an exhibition of Cushla's illustrations, at the Mahara Gallery, from mid-July.  We're also launching the game there on Saturday 2 September.  You can collect your advance copy then, if that's your reward, but please do let me know in advance.

Graphic Designer Don Little, has worked on both games. His skill as a stamp designer was very useful this time round, as we condensed the science of pollination into visual instructions and play.

Game play is both co-operative (DAY and NIGHT work together to pollinate the flower (TILES) or the game is ended), and finally competitive (the team that collects the most ensuing berries wins).

Played over four chapters, each chapter has its own attributes, added to the one before.  Level of difficulty is set by the addition of extra storm cards.

Challenge comes from the eight element cards (ROUNDS) of each chapter - the ground changes as wind and water move pollen and seed, tiles turn over as sun ripens seeds and berries - and pollinator movement is both helped and hindered.

But as each pollinator (DISC) has differing abilities, teams can choose each round, who (if any) to play.

In the final two chapters, as ripening occurs, berry eaters arrive.  Now teams choose - either co-operate to pollinate, or compete to collect the ensuing berries.

Because in the end, if all the flowers are pollinated, and you haven't both lost, then the team that collects the most berry tiles, wins!

For 2-6 players, 10 years +, playing time 1-2 hours (all chapters).

Reviewers, of all ages, are saying wonderful things "intriguing, inspiring, informative", "engaging, captivating, effective", and "calculating, tactical, strategic"

Visit my website kakarikigames.co.nz

 

Comments

Updates 5

Going to print

25/07/2017 at 11:25 AM

Flight of Pollen as received a grant that means was can go-to print. We still need your pledges and pre-orders though! Please visit KakarikiGames.co.nz

It is happening. Magic!

You need to pledge to see this update.

We're getting lots of hits. . .

10/07/2017 at 12:17 PM

Flight of Pollen is getting lots of hits - thankyou for sharing, particularly on Facebook. 

Meanwhile, the how-to-play video will be made, next term, by the students at Kapanui School. Students there did the video for Cloak of Protection - great to do it again!

Game review

24/06/2017 at 10:44 AM

In our final testing round I took the game twice to year 5&6 students. Where, as part of their free-choice Thursday afternoons this term, they were playing (& making) games.

Some students played Cloak of Protection. Others tested Flight of Pollen. 

They asked for a few changes, which my math-genius friends sorted, and then they were happy!

Here's what Steph, their teacher, had to say.

Also. Gratitude for your continuing supportive comments and pledges. Way to go!

We've begun

20/06/2017 at 1:36 PM

Thankyou for your pledges and your amazing messages of support on DAY ONE. It's a privilege to be making games in our rich natural world, and to be both making and playing with so many of you, nga mihi nui. JiL

    Pledgers 40

    Suzanne Downes
    17/07/2017 at 10:02am
    Suzanne Downes
    17/07/2017 at 9:57am

    "Continue to play and enjoy your first game. Love your connection to NewZealands wildlife. Well done. "

    Lynne
    14/07/2017 at 3:12pm

    "Please note this is for a Christmas present and I would like the name on the box to be Hunter Cadman thank you"

    Bronwyn Anderson
    13/07/2017 at 4:33pm

    "All the best Jill with a wonderful vision. "

    Rae
    12/07/2017 at 10:47pm
    Valerie Adams
    12/07/2017 at 7:31pm

    "Good luck. Loved Cloak of Protection. "

    Gretchen Kivell
    12/07/2017 at 10:18am
    Otari Wilton's Bush Trust
    10/07/2017 at 12:44pm

    "Look forward to seeing this progress and we could help with testing potentially."

    Heather Graham
    07/07/2017 at 12:13pm
    Melissa
    07/07/2017 at 8:33am

    "Yay Jill. Making your difference in the world. First 'Cloak of Protection' now 'Re Pollinators' Love your work! Sending a hug. Xxx Mel"

    Jean Fleming
    05/07/2017 at 12:40pm
    Margaret McGregor
    02/07/2017 at 1:37pm
    Lyneke Onderwater
    01/07/2017 at 1:39am
    Janet bayly
    29/06/2017 at 9:21pm
    Sandy jeffs
    28/06/2017 at 10:36pm
    Elizabeth Thompson
    28/06/2017 at 2:59pm

    "Debit Card number supplied. I have no credit card."

    Jan Alley
    26/06/2017 at 8:38pm

    "Ready to take flight"

    Jodi Pinfold
    24/06/2017 at 8:11pm

    "We love cloak of protection and we're sure this game will be just as fun especially for kiwi kids to learn more about our environment "

    Angus Napier
    24/06/2017 at 10:59am
    Hana Craig
    24/06/2017 at 12:32am
    Addy Irion
    23/06/2017 at 4:17pm

    "Congratulations Jil"

    S.Kate Devitt
    22/06/2017 at 10:35pm

    "An exciting, educational and beautiful game. I can't wait!"

    Ed Mares
    21/06/2017 at 10:25pm

    "Good Luck Jill!"

    Lynley
    21/06/2017 at 4:50pm

    "This is the kind of game that inspires and informs kids to be more aware of environmental issues that impact n the future of humanity."

    Larry Purchas
    20/06/2017 at 8:45pm
    Christine Sallis
    20/06/2017 at 7:34pm

    "I am so incredibly excited this new game is about to take flight! Well done Jill on producing another stunning game! Much love Chrissie!"

    Jane
    20/06/2017 at 7:23pm

    "Fingers crossed and solstice energy be with you xx"

    Verity Forbes
    20/06/2017 at 10:09am

    "great initiative! looking forward to playing this with my kids"

    Kathryn Banks
    19/06/2017 at 9:30pm
    Anonymous pledger
    19/06/2017 at 9:13pm

    Followers 1

    Followers of Flight of Pollen

    Flight Of Pollen

    Project 2017-06-07 15:04:18 +1200

    See the latest news from Kakariki Games at kakarikigames.co.nz.

     

    My first environmental game, Cloak of Protection, has sold 2,500 copies. So I know that gets played!

    This time, I'd been working alongside an open (perspex) beehive, so I set out to make a board game about bees.

    As my own knowledge widened, it became a board game based on the real behaviour, characteristics and interactions of our many pollinators - birds, bat, insects, gecko and wind - and the peculiarities of 14 native plants.

    Because, as our final game testers say, good games are rich learning systems (watch the video for their feedback).

    After three years of development, I'm now asking for your help to cover print costs to print 500 games.    In return, you can get a first edition copy of the game (with extras).  Delivery date, after 30 Sept.

    If we don't achieve the target, we don't print.  But if we raise more than the target (!) we'll print more.

    Inside the Flight of Pollen box, there'll be recycled materials (counters are the disgarded insides of washers, covers are found wallpaper); a canvas ground-cloth (screen-printed in Petone); 54 flower/berry/seed tiles & 13 playing discs (recycled board, printed in Levin); plus 41 element cards, and lids for the four chapters with instructions and science notes (printed on card with a Forest Stewardship Council certificate). 

    It will be made local, with world-class illustrations and design. Wild-life artist Cushla McGaughey was recommended for this project by the director of the Mahara, the Kapiti Coast District Gallery.  Cushla also became the researcher for the project, as she'd studied Research Methodology (as part of her French degree!).  

    There's an exhibition of Cushla's illustrations, at the Mahara Gallery, from mid-July.  We're also launching the game there on Saturday 2 September.  You can collect your advance copy then, if that's your reward, but please do let me know in advance.

    Graphic Designer Don Little, has worked on both games. His skill as a stamp designer was very useful this time round, as we condensed the science of pollination into visual instructions and play.

    Game play is both co-operative (DAY and NIGHT work together to pollinate the flower (TILES) or the game is ended), and finally competitive (the team that collects the most ensuing berries wins).

    Played over four chapters, each chapter has its own attributes, added to the one before.  Level of difficulty is set by the addition of extra storm cards.

    Challenge comes from the eight element cards (ROUNDS) of each chapter - the ground changes as wind and water move pollen and seed, tiles turn over as sun ripens seeds and berries - and pollinator movement is both helped and hindered.

    But as each pollinator (DISC) has differing abilities, teams can choose each round, who (if any) to play.

    In the final two chapters, as ripening occurs, berry eaters arrive.  Now teams choose - either co-operate to pollinate, or compete to collect the ensuing berries.

    Because in the end, if all the flowers are pollinated, and you haven't both lost, then the team that collects the most berry tiles, wins!

    For 2-6 players, 10 years +, playing time 1-2 hours (all chapters).

    Reviewers, of all ages, are saying wonderful things "intriguing, inspiring, informative", "engaging, captivating, effective", and "calculating, tactical, strategic"

    Visit my website kakarikigames.co.nz

     

    Comments

    Going to print

    25/07/2017 at 11:25 AM

    Flight of Pollen as received a grant that means was can go-to print. We still need your pledges and pre-orders though! Please visit KakarikiGames.co.nz

    It is happening. Magic!

    You need to pledge to see this update.

    We're getting lots of hits. . .

    10/07/2017 at 12:17 PM

    Flight of Pollen is getting lots of hits - thankyou for sharing, particularly on Facebook. 

    Meanwhile, the how-to-play video will be made, next term, by the students at Kapanui School. Students there did the video for Cloak of Protection - great to do it again!

    Game review

    24/06/2017 at 10:44 AM

    In our final testing round I took the game twice to year 5&6 students. Where, as part of their free-choice Thursday afternoons this term, they were playing (& making) games.

    Some students played Cloak of Protection. Others tested Flight of Pollen. 

    They asked for a few changes, which my math-genius friends sorted, and then they were happy!

    Here's what Steph, their teacher, had to say.

    Also. Gratitude for your continuing supportive comments and pledges. Way to go!

    We've begun

    20/06/2017 at 1:36 PM

    Thankyou for your pledges and your amazing messages of support on DAY ONE. It's a privilege to be making games in our rich natural world, and to be both making and playing with so many of you, nga mihi nui. JiL

      Suzanne Downes
      17/07/2017 at 10:02am
      Suzanne Downes
      17/07/2017 at 9:57am

      "Continue to play and enjoy your first game. Love your connection to NewZealands wildlife. Well done. "

      Lynne
      14/07/2017 at 3:12pm

      "Please note this is for a Christmas present and I would like the name on the box to be Hunter Cadman thank you"

      Bronwyn Anderson
      13/07/2017 at 4:33pm

      "All the best Jill with a wonderful vision. "

      Rae
      12/07/2017 at 10:47pm
      Valerie Adams
      12/07/2017 at 7:31pm

      "Good luck. Loved Cloak of Protection. "

      Gretchen Kivell
      12/07/2017 at 10:18am
      Otari Wilton's Bush Trust
      10/07/2017 at 12:44pm

      "Look forward to seeing this progress and we could help with testing potentially."

      Heather Graham
      07/07/2017 at 12:13pm
      Melissa
      07/07/2017 at 8:33am

      "Yay Jill. Making your difference in the world. First 'Cloak of Protection' now 'Re Pollinators' Love your work! Sending a hug. Xxx Mel"

      Jean Fleming
      05/07/2017 at 12:40pm
      Margaret McGregor
      02/07/2017 at 1:37pm
      Lyneke Onderwater
      01/07/2017 at 1:39am
      Janet bayly
      29/06/2017 at 9:21pm
      Sandy jeffs
      28/06/2017 at 10:36pm
      Elizabeth Thompson
      28/06/2017 at 2:59pm

      "Debit Card number supplied. I have no credit card."

      Jan Alley
      26/06/2017 at 8:38pm

      "Ready to take flight"

      Jodi Pinfold
      24/06/2017 at 8:11pm

      "We love cloak of protection and we're sure this game will be just as fun especially for kiwi kids to learn more about our environment "

      Angus Napier
      24/06/2017 at 10:59am
      Hana Craig
      24/06/2017 at 12:32am
      Addy Irion
      23/06/2017 at 4:17pm

      "Congratulations Jil"

      S.Kate Devitt
      22/06/2017 at 10:35pm

      "An exciting, educational and beautiful game. I can't wait!"

      Ed Mares
      21/06/2017 at 10:25pm

      "Good Luck Jill!"

      Lynley
      21/06/2017 at 4:50pm

      "This is the kind of game that inspires and informs kids to be more aware of environmental issues that impact n the future of humanity."

      Larry Purchas
      20/06/2017 at 8:45pm
      Christine Sallis
      20/06/2017 at 7:34pm

      "I am so incredibly excited this new game is about to take flight! Well done Jill on producing another stunning game! Much love Chrissie!"

      Jane
      20/06/2017 at 7:23pm

      "Fingers crossed and solstice energy be with you xx"

      Verity Forbes
      20/06/2017 at 10:09am

      "great initiative! looking forward to playing this with my kids"

      Kathryn Banks
      19/06/2017 at 9:30pm
      Anonymous pledger
      19/06/2017 at 9:13pm

      Followers of Flight of Pollen

      This campaign was unsuccessful and finished on 19/07/2017 at 12:00 AM.