Special Note: there are 4 days left in the Kickstarter campaign, so now is your chance to make a difference.
I recently had a chance to ask Game Designer AJ Porfirio a few questions about his upcoming game If I’m Going Down.
Hey AJ tell us how you got started creating games.
Well honestly the genesis of it was with the concept of “If I’m Going Down…”! I wanted to play a zombie board game, and even though I had just gotten one for Christmas no one would play! My family in town were non-gamers so I was stuck holding the bag (or box in this case). I found myself wishing that the game could be played solo. Thus the idea had sparked in my head and I began conceiving the game. In the meantime I designed another couple games to get familiar with what goes into designing a game. Then I set out to create my passion, a compelling Zombie game that could be played solo!
Tell us a bit about If I’m Going Down.
“If I’m Going Down…” (IIGD) is a Dying Card Game. What that means is that during the course of the game it is a certainty that the character(s) WILL die. This makes the game different from pretty much every other Zombie game out there because it isn’t about surviving. It’s about taking as many of the Zombies down with you when you go! I encourage your readers to check out the Kickstarter page for more information.
Why zombies?
I know there are those who think Zombies are so overdone at this point, but not me! The intrigue and uncertainty that comes with the setting of a world overrun by zombies is extremely interesting and a great backdrop for a game I want to be highly thematic and also to tell a story. Not only the official story, but those created by the hopefully hundreds or dare I say it thousands that might one day play the game.
Can you explain the concept of a DCG
I knew I needed the game to be something different. Something people would cause people to do a double take. Now there are some out there who will always feel like they lose because there character dies. But hopefully most realize the character is just connecting one small piece of the puzzle that is the IIGD world. But as I explained before, the characters WILL die. There is the real potential of a future game from Van Ryder Games that is a Dying Card Game, but totally different both mechanically and thematically (think sharks, dinosaurs, even Japanese Kamikazes). The definition of the term is very broad and can be applied in many different ways!
Why did you choose KickStarter?
Well simply put it was the best way to get the game out there and let folks decide if it was something they wanted to see produced. Kickstarter is amazing for folks like myself who might not otherwise be able to produce a product otherwise. Now it is my job to deliver the product as promised and provide the backers with a great experience.
How has the response been so far?
I am ecstatic so far! The project has been funded and still has a few days to go. Ultimately I would like to hit $10k to really produce the best possible product that I can and also deliver some bonuses to the loyal backers.
I really like the your promos that you’ve come up with, any other goodies you have planned?
I’ve been pulling out all the stops! I really think a lot of backers have enjoyed being able to vote and collectively have a say in the promo cards and the Custom game scenario. I am extremely open to backer comments and feedback and the campaign has evolved because of some of the great ideas from backers such as yourself. Among the bonuses backers will received are promo cards, a custom scenario, and potentially custom punchboard tokens, and 2 custom Lizzy (IIGD’s Icon Zombie) scoring dice.
Give us the best reason why we should support IIGD
The best reason would be if you think it is a game you will enjoy. I’d like to say to help me make my dream come true of producing a quality game, but if you don’t think you’ll enjoy it I wouldn’t want you to back fr my sake. Hopefully you will find value in your experience beyond the money pledged.
Where can people find out more about IIGD, and the rest of your games?
Our website www.vanrydergames.com it may be a little bare while we’re busy with the campaign, but it will be getting some updates soon. Also visit the Kickstarter page for LOTS of good information and videos.
What games are you playing these days?
Several sessions of Arkham Horror of late, some Red Dragon Inn, Eaten By Zombies, and of course, IF I’M GOING DOWN…!
