Received! That was super fast.

Thank you, @Cmartin1235!

I know what I'm doing tomorrow.

Sample 3 has been assembled! Waiting on a metal piece to be remanufactured, then I should be able to start wiring all three sample games.

Also the cabinet head art has been completed, and cabinet body will start tomorrow.

Today I am testing a few additions from the weekend's programming and mulling over the addition of a new (virtual) insert once the vampire battle has started.

With a LOT more playtime with the upper flippers enabled, I've determined that the game just won't work properly - long term - with them enabled.

Plastics could be redesigned and changes to the artwork, post placement, target placements, and more - but I think it's probably best to leave the game as it was originally designed.

I did have to scoop out a lot of custom handling of the upper flippers and messaging/scoring related to them, but I feel it's a better decision for the reliability/longevity of the game.

In completely unrelated news, I ordered myself a new plastic set...

Artwork is proceeding well, the lower cabinet artwork is on track to be finished this week. That means I can get the artwork over for quoting this week/end and have the artist focus on tightening up and creating the remaining digital assets. There's a final -physical- component that I have not yet begun to work on. That is the speaker panel artwork, which applies to new cabinet builds only. I feel that I can circle back around to this later on (closer to release).

I've also begun work on other promotional aspects. Some I know exactly what I'm doing, others I'll need to hire out. "Why start so early?", I hear you asking? Well, for a single creator/owner/operator, I want to make sure that any promotion fits within my budget and will show the game off well. I'm a text kinda person - if you've been following these updates, you know that's the case.

Not everyone is a text person. I need to hire someone with expertise in connecting with people through photos/video, with the equipment to do it well. That's going to require some conversation and time. I've been doing research into ballpark pricing and portfolios of several companies that I think could do the job.

Meanwhile... I have all of the electrical supplies either on order or received to start wiring. I can start laying out my final harnesses for almost all aspects of these samples this week!

The next unknown is packaging. For shipping the sample games, I will re-use the module boxes of games I've purchased from Multimorphic. But the unknown is how to adequately protect them in shipping without causing damage to plastics in the heat.

On the game front, in all the testing this past week, I found and fixed a variety of callout bugs in specific vampire battles, I found that I accidentally replaced one vampire callout's audio file (oops!), and found an incorrect handling of the bonus multiplier in one instance. The code feels really complete (aside from art+animations). I will be having a few local friends over to playtest and give opinions while I finish up the sample builds.

The largest piece of artwork in the game, the cabinet side art, will be complete today, and sent to the printer for review and scheduling.

Making several copies of the game has shaken out some supply chain issues, especially on the electrical side. As I mentioned in the last update, the final bits should be here this week, which will allow me to start testing the samples I've wired. I've found a few areas where dimples may need to be moved/added/removed. Still thinking about that.

I got the three samples all documented and wired in one day for switch commons, coils, and GI. The supplies arriving will allow for the 'switched' portion of the switches, and the RGB LEDs. The final module took much less than half the time of the first one.

I've added a new series of rules/animations/verbiage that impact the vampire battles and work really well (I think), and continue to polish the user experience.

Promotion work continues!

Thanks for confirming my suspicions... I may not know enough to make the determination on whether to change yet.

Wow, a lot has happened in a week:

1) Cabinet physical artwork is at the printer for testers. Should pick up tomorrow and I cannot wait.
2) First promo item came in from France and it's awesome (I'll post some info soon).
3) Some promo items for my company have started arriving (I'll post some photos soon).
4) Ordered bound manuals for testers. There are a few things that need tweaking before production on those, but I wanted feedback.
5) All samples are wired. The documentation portion was a LOT more intense than I thought it would be, but now I can really crank out builds.
6) All samples are in testing now. I want to ensure that they not only function 100% but that I can play a number of games on them before sending them out.
7) Some continued tweaks to the code. It's feeling really nice (to me). Hopefully testers enjoy.
8) Started looking at shipping material for the sample modules. I'm reusing some shipping boxes from modules I've received for these. One of the great things about the modules is how easily they ship. I'm hoping to have all the modules tested and boxed by the end of the weekend.
9) Reorganized my build stations last night and cleaned out any empty anti-static bags and the like.
10) Completed an interview about Quest For Glory to be incorporated into an upcoming book.
11) Other promo work has continued, and I've found folks to hire with solid portfolios and competent communication (and prices that fall in my budget-ish).
12) The attract mode still background is almost complete. Once this is done, there are a few other key digital assets, then it's animation time! I've got animations storyboarded, but I can't draw AT ALL. Thankfully my artist is very patient.
13) I guess this goes without saying, but the external artwork has all been approved by Multimorphic, and should be near-final if not final.

I've also confirmed that I'll be at the York show this October 6-8th. All of my other P3 work (including Quest For Glory, making its first public appearance!) will be there in free play, along with the Multi-Bingo and Multi-Races. By request, I am bringing the 20 hole playfield for the Multi-Bingo, so if you give that a shot (and if you want one of the very limited promo items, you'll want to do so), expect a lot of math! Don't worry, I'll coach you through it. Anyway, I hope to see everyone there!!

I'll post again once the samples are sent, and will update as changes are required to code.

There are some other things happening in the background on this, but more will be revealed in time.

Samples have shipped to beta testers, including full art packages. Assuming they all travel well, hopefully I will start receiving beta feedback at the end of this week.

Each module has been through a testing process that involves not only ensuring that all lamps, coils, and switches work properly, but playtesting a few dozen games in Drained and a handful each of Barnyard and Shoot n' Scoot to ensure that everything works appropriately.

Boxing up these samples involved reusing the boxes and packing foam (reshaped to fit Drained) from previous module purchases. The foam that worked best was that used for Cannon Lagoon. The shipping boxes for Multimorphic playfield modules are identically sized, so that, at least, was an easy decision.

In other news, we had visitors over yesterday, and the evening was spent playing the game - with players from 5 years old to their 70s. All had a great time and they all enjoyed the artwork, music, callouts, lighting effects and gameplay. The youngest players verbalized that a bit differently than the older ones (hitting the start button over and over to play just one more game).

The attract mode still background should be finished later this morning. Additional digital artwork will be updated throughout the week, and animation work will begin late this week or early next week. I'm also working on a few other game-related promo tasks.

Thank you! I can't wait to show you!

There are so many ducks to get in a row, and as I line up 10, I discover another 10 need wrangling. I'm sorry to keep serving this word salad to you.

One of the testers received their module today! A few lessons learned on the packaging, but nothing catastrophic (thankfully!). Just some shifting where it was not expected.

Curious to see how the next one looks out of the box.

I'm putting the finishing touches on the website design right now, then I expect I'll be head down working on integrating beta feedback and digital art direction. The attract mode screen is gorgeous... but part of my direction wasn't followed, and it's created a problem with visibility. I spent some time with the artist today and we came up with a plan to (relatively) quickly correct the issue. Hopefully it works well.

Once that is done, it will be time to focus on a few of the digital assets that I've created as placeholders.

More time passed, more progress:

1) Website complete.
2) Attract screen redrawn/replaced
3) Placeholder inserts redrawn
4) Tester feedback implemented (so far!).

The artist is now working on some of the assets related to one of the primary batches of animations.

This weekend, I also built a small series of displays (digital) with some simple animations and realtime countdown clocks to indicate when players should come back for the next game swap at shows.

It will go live when I've got an idea of when the game will be for sale or when I do a full art/game reveal (whichever comes first, but realistically those will go hand-in-hand).

Filming/photoing is really important, and I want the animations to be further along before that process begins.

I'll have a small teaser to post shortly... stay tuned!

Every year at the York show, I run a giveaway for those that do well in Bingo Row. In years past, I've given away books about bingo pinball signed by the author, t-shirts and limited art prints with the logo of Bingo Row, keychains with the Multi-Bingo logo, tokens from Multi-Races, and more.

This year, I wanted to do a little promo work for Drained and continue the streak of giving away something really limited and special. I commissioned a company in France to cut a record postcard that includes a medley/slice of several tracks from Drained! I'm really excited about these!

These are extremely limited. If anyone here would like one and cannot attend the York show, shoot me a PM and if there are any left over, I'll set one aside for you. No guarantees, and first come, first served.

Here's your first look at some of the game's art!

PXL_20220803_031806116 (1) (resized).jpg

https://photos.app.goo.gl/imuc6RTtmex5Jsus5

https://www.vinylpost.co/sounds/NB3TC/

Testing continues, I've continued to integrate feedback from the testers and continued to review my own work and attempt to improve and polish things to a mirror shine.

I have a list which grows shorter by the day.

Beta testing feedback has been very positive, which is really exciting (for me)!

Thank you! I look forward to hearing the reaction to the full reveal.

Thank you - I can't wait to show you!

I want to have the reveal materials complete before a public showing, though.
So if I'm able to get everything prepped and edited before York, it could happen. It's very unlikely, though.

I am bringing Quest for Glory, Flipper Foxtrot, Ranger In The Ruins, and Silver Falls on the P3, and the Multi-Bingo and Multi-Races, so lots of other Nick Baldridge games to try out while you wait for this one.

Beta feedback has continued, but thankfully nothing earth-shattering has been found.

I've started integrating more and more digital artwork into the game.

I also reached out to several operator friends to see what kind of audits they would like to see and have implemented some of these to make their lives easier if they choose to route this game at some point.

I've also added more clarity to the Drained owner's manual on certain points, particularly pertaining to the added/changed audits.

As things have progressed really well with the beta (way better than usual, actually), I'm almost to the point where I'm ready to send it off to Multimorphic for review. I would still like some more animations added before then, so it's a bit of a balancing act as it is difficult to pin down an exact delivery date on some items.

Thank you! I do have a list of potentially interested testers that I'll add you to.

Another week and more feedback integrated. I have added some more digital graphics and onscreen animations and interactive elements, more Twitch-connect functionality, and more easter eggs.

Things are progressing well and I suspect the attract animation (which should be the final animation) work will begin in a few weeks.

Things are still on track! More digital artwork is being integrated, some of which requires new programming, but all handled easily.

This coming week should include more of the remaining punchlist of artwork prior to the attract mode animation assets. I suspect that in two weeks I will have all of the remaining artwork complete and integrated in the game/animated.

Thank you so much @Pinball_Eddie! I'm hopeful that people like it once it is shown.

I hope you do the same!

Today the final pieces of art for the attract mode animation should be returned. Beta testing has been continuous since sample modules were received by testers. Once I have the final parts of the animation rigged, a 'final call' on beta testing will occur, then I'll move the software to release candidate status.

At that point, I'll send Multimorphic a copy of the module for review. The software will be as complete and polished as I believe it should be upon retail release.

I'm concurrently working on the marketing. I've begun work on a flyer, and have refined storyboards and angles needed for the video/photos.
Now that all assets are in the game, I can actually work on getting that video produced while I incorporate any suggestions/changes from Multimorphic.

You'll want to speak with Multimorphic for contractual details.

A review is needed before wide release. All of my commercial games have gone through the review process.

It will not make the York show this year. I want the game announcement/reveal marketing released prior to public showing. It should be getting over to Multimorphic for review about the time York starts.

However, the other games I've made will be there, and I will too! You'll still be able to win a vinyl postcard for Drained, if you like, which will hopefully tide you over until the game is officially announced.

Once Multimorphic has approved (fingers crossed!) the module and software, then we will review contractual terms, including specifics of sales.

A difference with full modules - the software is not built on demand or tied to specific hardware. Owning the module hardware is your 'key' to playing the game.

I look forward to meeting you! See you in... a couple weeks!

I've moved the software to release candidate status (as previously scheduled), and have been actively working on marketing since.

I'm just about ready to send the module to Multimorphic to review, but I've -also- been prepping for the York show!

Reminder that the White Rose Gameroom Show is happening in York, PA next week(!) October 7-8.

I will be on hand with all of my P3 games, homebrew and commercial, released so far, including:

(Homebrew) Quest For Glory in its first public appearance! Play, save your progress, come back and resume your game later! Earn achievements and try to finish the game with all three character classes!

(Commercial) Ranger In The Ruins - the popular pinball roguelike playable on the Cosmic Cart Racing playfield. Run through the ruins of a former civilization to find the sum of all knowledge, acquiring items from the ghosts of past players from all over the world!

(Commercial) Silver Falls - choose your avatar from dozens of choices, furnish rooms, and clear special modes to progress through your home! Play Team Games with other attendees to make more progress and hear more of the excellent Scott Danesi chillhop soundtrack!

(Commercial) Flipper Foxtrot Rhythm Explosion - sometimes the P3 just wants to dance! Choose a song, and one of five difficulties, then show me your skills! Happy to play a game against you and see how I stack up.

I will have a TV display (this is my first year trying this, so we'll see how it holds up) with a countdown timer showing when the game will be changed over. Come back often!

--Non-P3 Games--

I also work with bingo collectors and help maintain and teach people about bingo pinball machines in Bingo Row. As part of that I'll be bringing two custom games.

(Homebrew) Multi-Bingo - 142 playable games, total, this year with a 20 hole playfield installed (which limits the number of games to 15, but they are very unique).

(Homebrew) Multi-Races - 39 playable games, total, a mixture of payout and replay versions. This is the first year it will be shown with Joel de Guzman's excellent backglass artwork! Win a custom token that you can keep!

Earning a 4 or 5 in a line on any of the games in Bingo Row will allow you to win a unique promo item for Drained. This game will not make an appearance this year, but I'll be bringing a very limited number of vinyl postcards containing a medley of the songs from the game! These postcards can be played on a record player, and include a QR code for streaming.

Beyond all of the games, I'm looking forward to meeting more of you and hearing your thoughts about the games I've made. It's very rewarding to be able to share a creative work with many people. Please say hello!

It was great to meet some of you and share some of the games I've made with you at York!

Meanwhile, Drained work has continued apace! Prior to and after my return from York, I've been working to get additional promotional material completed (with professional assistance). I'm currently adding more photos to the website, and hope to have that editing complete this week.

I'll be sending the module out to Multimorphic for review as soon as I confirm that all promo material has been filmed and photoed to my satisfaction, and the satisfaction of the professionals working on those projects.

There are some dates which are a bit nebulous at the moment - as I get the final nails in the coffin, so to speak, I'll be sure to post here!

Happy Halloween, to those who celebrate.

Things are moving along, very quickly now, towards release.

https://foramusementonly.libsyn.com/episode-473-interview-with-charles-wolf-composer-for-drained

Drained is the latest game from For Amusement Only Games, and will be releasing soon.

I wanted to discuss the creation of the soundtrack for the game with the composer, Charles Wolf.

Charles has composed music in many different styles and types for a huge array of projects. He is a very positive and professional collaborator, and I had great fun working with him on the sound design for Drained! I can't wait for you all to hear it!

We discuss his background, method of composing for Drained, the difference between creating sound effects when compared to full musical tracks, and some of his other works.

Intro: Drained Attract music.

Outro: Drained High Score music.

Venturer One - Lofi Scifi Concept Album -
https://charleswolfmusic.bandcamp.com/album/venturer-one

Charles Wolf Music Website
https://charleswolfmusic.com/

Soundcloud Music Portfolio:
https://soundcloud.com/charles-wolf-composer

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CWolfMusic

Email: [email protected]