"Hangtown is a great game that combines many mechanics I like, in a new way. Role selection with multiple possible outcomes, tableau building, combo building, worker placement, and more! I loved playing it and couldn't wait to play it again. "

- R.J. Adams, Highgrade "blind" play-tester

Game    Development    Story

Hangtown the board game has been in development for the last year or so. It was inspired by a fresh blend of contemporary game mechanics, behavioral decisions theory, and the Gold Rush history of Placerville, California, also known as Old Hangtown.

As the game designer and producer, I have pulled together a fantastic team of graphic artists, information designers, and rules editors. It has also been extensively play-tested by many gamers and groups of different interests and backgrounds. The testers provided invaluable feedback, which led to the solid game it is now—a game finely tuned which allows players to delve in without getting tied up with extraneous “fiddly” rules or tedious bookkeeping. In other words, the game has a natural sense of flow, and very little downtime, as many of the actions can be played simultaneously—even in a six-player game!

The game's mechanics and the Gold Rush history have been carefully woven together. By researching though the El Dorado County Historical Society, reading history books, city building records, and websites—as well as picking the brains of local experts—I found more than enough content to apply a strong theme to every bit of the game. Many of the actual historic places and events inspired additional features, which were added into the mix as well. (But have no worries—there is no trivia aspect involved actually playing the game.)

This is my first Kickstarter campaign. Because I have some good friends and connections in the gaming industry, I am aware that there are some trends in crowd-funding: gimmicks that come and go, dos and don’ts, black-swan potato salads, and so on. But I am coming to Kickstarter with a very straightforward attitude, which I hope appeals to those who believe in the heart of the platform.

I am a creative person with a strong vision for a product that I cannot afford to mass produce by my own financial means. It’s a true grassroots effort. I have put in countless hours, as have each of the other people involved—in addition to a good chunk of my own money to pay for the development expenses (prototypes, supplies, artwork, video production, business license, etc). The funds I hope to raise are to cover the game manufacturer's "minimum order quantity" costs + their setup fees, etc.

If the campaign succeeds, I hope to see Hangtown played for years to come by all those who supported it, and their friends and families—making it a timeless piece that can bring joy to those who love to gather around a table for a fun and interesting gaming experience.

~JonnyPac, Q3 2014

You can read a more in-depth and updated article here.

"Hangtown's fast pace and quick to grasp ruleset make it a fantastic addiction to any tabletop game collection. The game allows for multiple gaming skill levels with a variety of play options. Something my family and I discovered first hand! From my college fratboy brother to my grumpy dad we all found ourselves engaged and competing to claim victory. Even after multiple plays I constantly found myself reworking past strategies and discovering new ways to pull ahead. And the Gold Rush theme takes me right to the streets of 1800s Placerville a great addition for a displaced (and homesick) Californian. I can't wait to have a copy of Hangtown the Board Game to call my own."

~Jessica Scharff, play-tester, Dallas, TX