Dear Geographers,

It has come to our attention that it has been some time since our last update. In the past year we've assembled a mobile location based MMO with only three fulltimers and 3 "contractors". I put that in quotes because they were sorta just "interns" (interns is in quotes because they were really talented artists that we tricked into working with us for free).

To give you an idea of the shear magnitude of the game - Turf is comprised of...

- innumerable interface screens, many of which were designed over and over again to create a non-frustrating interaction experience. I also enjoy torturing myself

- 107 hand pixelated buildings for each foursquare category

- 106 hand pixelated trophies for your purchasing and earning needs

- 62 second floors for growing your monopoly

- 4 animated constructobots for, you guessed it, constructioning

- 4 bears illustrated and animated for mascot purposes

- 5 bear hand puppets illustrated and animated for hilarity

- tons and tons of lines of codes (written and re-written for good measure)

- our backend is designed to support your rugged gaming needs as handle all of your extra-social activities: tweeting/facebook/foursquaring

- the above mentions only cover the assets that make turf, there's also been bushels of weeks spent balancing and redesigning gameplay to ensure we've capture that elusive fun quotient.

To say this has been a monumental task would somewhat betray the totally cray gauntlet we've had to run to get this winged whale produced. In the beginning we had intended for it to take only 9 months. Along the way it took longer because we wanted to create something worthy of your dedication to helping get Turf off the ground.

With that in mind I understand the frustration in not yet having a finished product. I want to personally apologize for the long wait. We're insanely proud of everything we've put together and can't wait for you to get your paws on it! 

We intend to be in the app store this month.

Btw, we've set up a facebook community page. This is where I'll be posting frequent updates as we near the release of Turf. 

http://www.facebook.com/TurfGeographyClub

Please join us! 

Michael Tseng

Chief Geographer

Hello Hello Geographers,

It's time for a super rapid update. Today Turf HQ received a special package. One that was heavier than the average package... and flatter too! It was filled with paper - paper with peculiar markings. I've attached a photo, perhaps with our combined sleuthing we may make light of this random gift.

Cheers,

Michael Tseng

Chief Geographer!

Ello Geographers,

I know I know. The birthing of Turf Geography Club from the outset has been somewhat like a modern road trip with the family. Occasionally you stop to spy a tar pit or a rather large ball of yarn. Go ahead stretch your legs and snap a picture then it's right back in the wagon. Long stretches of nothing punctuated by my scintillating rants. You're welcome.

However... I'm here to tell you to wake up. Start moving your legs. Be ready to run quickly at a moments notice. There's something afoot and I'm not telling. I'll give you folks a clue; bears, lions, death pit 2012. That's right the Beta will be open soon, first to our more senior members then the rest of you lot. That's not all - we have a surprise in store for all of you whom are in the NYC area. We're extremely excited and giddy at the prospect of the next few months. Be excited too!

Stay hungry! Stay Foolish!

Michael Tseng

p.s. design work on the turf coin / poster are nearly complete. We'll have updates soon!

Dear Neophyte, Jr, Sr, Master, & GrandMaster Geographers,

There's been somewhat of a stir. Folks asking if we're still alive or something. Well, we are. Very much so. In fact, so much so that I'm here to write about it. Turf is working in pre-alpha form. Coins, checkins, takeovers, etc... all working. Please read the rest of this message in the voice of Morgan Freeman.

I want you all to look back on the kickstarter video fondly, because where the game has gone is many miles (kilometers to you rationalists out there) from where we started. When I set out to forge Turf I had a germ of an idea and from the mire that is design process the mighty 8bit kracken emerged! Thousands of feet (hectares) tall with jaws dappled by boat chunks and other such detritus.

As for the radio silence. *come in close*

Psst, over here in this tent filled with flashlights and everything wonderful... so we're trying to fly a bit below the radar. When the time comes to re-emerge, it's all POW!!!!

Jr Geographer Kyle Fletcher writes, "When do we get our cool shirts?" 

Shirts!?! Yes we have shirts. I'm wearing one right now. The shirts are our hostages until Turf is launched. I give you the shirts now you forget about me. :(

I'm posting things from time to time on dribbble. See here - http://dribbble.com/shots/266645

DON'T PANIC! Perhaps we'll meet again at a house party, bonfire, cookout, secret santa event, airport security screening, or finish line even...

Michael Tseng

Chief Geographer