Women in Gaming – Where We Stand
The short version:
We make hilarious movies for all gamers, regardless of their gender. This film will be no exception.
The longer version:
I love gaming. I started playing 1st and 2nd edition D&D in middle school and continued into my adult life. I also love board games, video games, card games, and even some party games.
I've also been lucky enough to get to game with some extraordinary people, from Brynan and the gang in middle school, to Eric, Scott, Jessica, and Michael in high school, and to the group that became the Dead Gentlemen in college.
But gaming wasn't the only thing that drew the Dead Gentlemen together. Many of us were also the guys who just couldn't get dates. We'd try to be nice, sympathetic, understanding—you know, the kind of guy women said they wanted—and then watched our crushes date hapless and often abusive jerks. What were we doing wrong? For one thing, most of us were too insecure to state our feelings and risk rejection, instead hoping that our crushes would somehow telepathically sense our longing and reciprocate. (See more about Nice Guy Syndrome here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice_guy and here: http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Nice_guy_syndrome)
Eventually, we all grew up a little bit and found amazing partners and now many of us are creating a new generation of geeks and nerds.
But given our background as dateless wonders, we (the DG and ZOE) haven't been entirely surprised by the emergence of some truly disturbing trends in gaming: after all, we were once pretty full of hate and misery about our many failures with women. Of course, I'm talking about the virulent sexism, misogyny, and outright meanness that certain male gamers have claimed as their entitled right: to abuse gamer girls and women cruelly and without remorse around the game table, at conventions, and anonymously online. "If they can't take the heat," they say, "they can always leave."
"The heat" tends to include death threats, rape threats, intense verbal abuse, and a jackal-like pack mentality when a woman dares to speak out publicly about how she has been treated. That's not heat—that's outright assault. To those who would rationalize this, please read http://www.designersnotebook.com/Columns/115_A_Call_to_Arms/body_115_a_call_to_arms.htm and this http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/05/15/straight-white-male-the-lowest-difficulty-setting-there-is/ . (Incidentally, both articles are by men who, while they have taken a certain amount of "heat" for their words, have not been threatened with rape and dismemberment.)
So what does this have to do with The Gamers and making cool movies?
Remember this scene from Dorkness Rising?
It's not an accident that Joanna is an awesome character. We spent a ton of time in script development making sure that she made sense as a real person, not just a token love interest, that she had a genuine role to play in the movie, and that we showed an alternative to the stereotypes and fantasies that people have about female gamers. Carol Roscoe then did a brilliant job of bringing her to life on the screen. Why did we do this? Because some (not all) male gamers often assume that women aren't interested in games, won't want to play, or will suck if they do. And that's absurd. Playing games is bigger than gender—it's something that we do as humans, in countries and cultures around the world. Joanna's character was our line in the sand: women deserve to play and enjoy games without abuse just as much as men do and if a certain class of gamer boy gave them a chance as people, rather treating them as empty receptacles for unfulfilled fantasies and desires, everyone might be just a little bit happier.
Did Joanna's character make Dorkness Rising less funny? Did we take time out to lecture people? Hell no! Some of the best gags in the movie originate with Daphne, the fighter with only 45 hit points. The entire movie is about how story trumps rules. We told the story we wanted to tell and people loved it.
And that brings us to Hands of Fate: one of our leads is Natalie, a competitive CCG player who happens to be a woman.
We had already seen (and despaired) at the growing tides of sexism that were roaring across the gaming community when Jackie Lee's story hit. http://www.dailydot.com/society/magic-the-gathering-sexism-misogyny-jackie-lee/ A competitive Magic player ranked in the top 100 worldwide, Jackie was faced with unacceptable abuse for daring to be a woman playing against (and winning against) men. Hands of Fate had already been in development for several years at that point, but Jackie's experiences—and how elegantly she addressed them publicly—helped us figure out what was missing from our movie.
In Hands of Fate, Natalie faces many of the same issues that Jackie and countless other women have had to deal with. Frankly (and sadly), it wouldn't be realistic to gaming culture if she didn't, but more importantly, we strongly believe that abuse doesn't hold up to having a light shone on it. As we did with Joanna at the game table—showing that she deserved respect as a player and a person—we intend to do with Natalie at the CCG tournament.
Cass is a strong, opinionated, and often offensive character. Putting him and Natalie head-to-head in the script has generated some extraordinary—and very funny—drama that we can't wait to shoot. After all, our goal is to make the funniest movies about gaming that exist. Hopefully we can also help change gaming culture a little bit for the better in the process as well.
Why? For one thing, we don't want our newborn sons and daughters to grow up in a nerd community that celebrates or condones violence against anybody, be it verbal or physical, in person or anonymously online. Yes, we all suffer. It's part of being human. But our suffering doesn't give us the freedom to make others miserable or to discount their suffering, no matter how sad or lonely we might find ourselves. Gaming brings us joy, gives us a community of fellow nerds, and is an extraordinary creative outlet. To remain silent as a vocal minority of male gamers insult, threaten, and assault woman gamers would be a crime against this hobby that we love.
Now let's go make an awesome movie!
Sincerely,
Ben Dobyns
Zombie Orpheus Entertainment
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Addendum: We welcome reasoned debate and discussion. We do not welcome logical fallacies and will respond to them solely with links to the relevant pages on http://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/. Please keep this discussion civil, respectful, and rational. It's okay with us if this turns into a 101 thread as long as everyone approaches it gently. Thanks!
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Jul 17, 2012 -
Sep 7, 2012
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- Website: zombieorpheus.com
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A buck in the TIP JAR - and makes you eligible to order some of the “extras” listed below (if, for instance, all you want is a shirt). Please share our campaign with ten friends!
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The BOOSTER PACK. Lifetime access to The Gamers: Hands of Fate Supporters group at www.zombieorpheus.com - which includes regular updates from the set, BTS exclusives, live streaming events, interactions with our cast and crew during production, merchandise exclusives, and more.
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The STARTER DECK. You will receive the $10 package, as well as an HD download of The Gamers: Hands of Fate, plus your name in the movie credits.
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The KINGDOM OF HOLDEN. You will receive the $25 package, as well as a signed limited edition of The Gamers: Hands of Fate DVD, featuring cover art by Wayne Reynolds, and a PDF of The Shadow’s Dungeon RPG module. (Upgrade your DVD to Blu-Ray for $10.)
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The TUATHA UNITED. You will receive the $50 package, as well as an annotated PDF of The Gamers: Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
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Option A: THE SEELIE COURT [EARLY BIRD REWARD]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a die used on screen as a prop in the filming of The Gamers: Hands of Fate, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
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Option B: THE UNSEELIE COURT [EARLY BIRD REWARD]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a CCG card used on screen as a prop in the filming of The Gamers: Hands of Fate, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
50 backers All gone!
Option D: BAG OF HOLDING [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a dice bag embroidered with the Dead Gentlemen hat logo, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
38 backers Limited (62 of 100 left)
Option J: VIDEO GAMER [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a digital download of Torchlight II (PC only) by Seattle developer Runic Games, as featured on-screen in Hands of Fate, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
50 backers All gone!
Option F: CAN YOU HEAR US NOW? [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also choose a cast member from the list in "Update 5" to record a custom in-character answering machine message for you, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
50 backers All gone!
Option G: GAMING GRAB BAG [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a grab bag of one or more screen-featured games and goodies from participating companies, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
174 backers Limited (76 of 250 left)
Option H: I'M READY FOR MY CLOSEUP [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a glossy signed photo of a cast member of your choice (we reserve the right to substitute if absolutely necessary), as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
49 backers All gone!
Option C: HOW MANY OF THOSE DID YOU MAKE? [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a genuine Flynn the Fine character sheet, numbered with method of death and signed by Scott C. Brown, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $100 or more
50 backers All gone!
Option E: BROTHERHOOD RECRUIT [LIMITED]. You will receive the $50 package. You will also receive a rare hardcover copy of Dead Gentlemen's Demon Hunters Roleplaying Game, as well as an annotated PDF of the Hands of Fate screenplay with the director's notes (and doodles), a Hands of Fate full-size poster featuring Wayne Reynolds’ art, a black and white soft cover edition of The Shadow's Dungeon RPG module, and if we achieve our first stretch goal, an exclusive miniature of The Shadow.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $250 or more
25 backers All gone!
The MAGOCRACY OF ARCANIX [RARE]. Name a card! We’ll send you a PDF of rules and mechanics and help you create and name a playable card used in the fictional collectible card game. We'll add your name and a fictional history of the story event you won to the side of the card, print it, and feature it on screen in the movie. You will also receive the $100 package with a color soft cover edition of The Shadow’s Dungeon RPG module.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $250 or more
54 backers
The MAGOCRACY OF ARCANIX. Name a card! We’ll send you a PDF of rules and mechanics and help you create and name a playable card used in the fictional collectible card game. We'll add your name and a fictional history of the story event you won to the side of the card and feature it in a DVD and online slideshow. You will also receive the $100 package with a color soft cover edition of the Shadow's Dungeon RPG module.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $250 or more
15 backers All gone!
THE SHADOW’S MINION - Name a minion! You will send us your idea for an encounter in The Shadow’s Dungeon or a specific NPC. We'll adapt and add your character or creature as one of The Shadow’s minions in The Shadow’s Dungeon RPG module. You will also receive the $100 package with a color-printed edition of The Shadow’s Dungeon RPG module, and your name listed as a contributor to the module.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $250 or more
4 backers Limited (6 of 10 left)
ONWARD, TO WAFFLES! [LIMITED] You and three friends will enjoy a night out celebrating Hands of Fate at AFK Tavern in Everett, Washington. You'll receive 4 1.5 pound steaks or any of their burgers, sodas as needed, and one +2 Tots to start everything off, plus cheese cake or Nyan cat ice cream sandwich for desert. Stay up until the wee hours playing games and nerding out with the community of the best (and most family friendly) gaming tavern west of the Mississippi, as featured in The Gamers: Hands of Fate. You will also receive the $100 Tuatha United Package. (Lodging and transportation not included.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $500 or more
14 backers
The PROTECTORATE OF MALCHIOR. You will receive the $250 MAGOCRACY OF ARCANIX package, as well as two tickets to the premiere screening of the movie in Seattle (transportation and lodging not included), and you will receive an official ZOE Red Card. During a shoot, screening, panel, or interview—whether present live or via the twitter feed—you may, if a member of the ZOE or Dead Gentlemen cast or crew performs an egregious infraction (such as saying something especially lewd or offensive, telling a stupid joke, making a painful pun, or committing an offense that denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity), blow a whistle and present said person with your Red Card. The offending player then must leave the screening, panel, or interview, having been sent off for foul play. If this happens during a shoot, we will record the Red Card’s presentation and release it to the world online.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer All gone!
The PROTECTORATE OF MALCHIOR + KICKSTARTER BANNER [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $250 MAGOCRACY OF ARCANIX package, the 6.5' x 2' vertical Kickstarter banner used to promote the film at conventions and signed to you by Christian Doyle (see update #26), as well as two tickets to the premiere screening of the movie in Seattle (transportation and lodging not included), and you will receive an official ZOE Red Card. During a shoot, screening, panel, or interview—whether present live or via the twitter feed—you may, if a member of the ZOE or Dead Gentlemen cast or crew performs an egregious infraction (such as saying something especially lewd or offensive, telling a stupid joke, making a painful pun, or committing an offense that denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity), blow a whistle and present said person with your Red Card. The offending player then must leave the screening, panel, or interview, having been sent off for foul play. If this happens during a shoot, we will record the Red Card’s presentation and release it to the world online.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer All gone!
The PROTECTORATE OF MALCHIOR + IXHASA BANNER [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $250 MAGOCRACY OF ARCANIX package, the 6.5' x 2' vertical IXHASA banner used on screen in Hands of Fate, as well as two tickets to the premiere screening of the movie in Seattle (transportation and lodging not included), and you will receive an official ZOE Red Card. During a shoot, screening, panel, or interview—whether present live or via the twitter feed—you may, if a member of the ZOE or Dead Gentlemen cast or crew performs an egregious infraction (such as saying something especially lewd or offensive, telling a stupid joke, making a painful pun, or committing an offense that denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity), blow a whistle and present said person with your Red Card. The offending player then must leave the screening, panel, or interview, having been sent off for foul play. If this happens during a shoot, we will record the Red Card’s presentation and release it to the world online.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $500 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
WAFFLES, HO! [LIMITED] You and two friends will enjoy a night out celebrating Hands of Fate with a member of the Gamers 3 team at AFK Tavern in Everett, Washington. You'll receive 4 1.5 pound steaks or any of their burgers, sodas as needed, and one +2 Tots to start everything off, plus cheese cake or Nyan cat ice cream sandwich for desert. Stay up until the wee hours playing games and nerding out with the community of the best (and most family friendly) gaming tavern west of the Mississippi, as featured in The Gamers: Hands of Fate. You will also receive the $100 Tuatha United Package. (Lodging and transportation not included.) Night out MUST be redeemed by the end of 2012.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Option C: FLOURESCENT [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive BROTHER SILENCE'S character sheet, as used on screen by Brian Lewis in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes signed (if you want), framed (if you want), and authenticated.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
1 backer All gone!
Option A: I'M A WILD MAGE… WILD! [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive LUSTER'S painted miniature, as used on screen by Christian Doyle in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Option B: FIRST STRIKE [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive DAPHNE'S painted miniature, as used on screen by Carol Roscoe in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
1 backer All gone!
Option D: WAFFLES OF INIQUITY [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive SIR OSRIC'S painted miniature, as used on screen by Nathan Rice in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Option E: BARDIC IMMUNITY [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive FLYNN THE FINE'S painted miniature, as used on screen by Scott C. Brown in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
1 backer All gone!
Option E: BARDIC IMMUNITY [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive FLYNN THE FINE'S character sheet, as used on screen by Scott C. Brown in Hands of Fate. There are 50 dead bards in the world, but only one who is still alive. Comes signed (if you want), framed (if you want), and authenticated.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
0 backers
Option B: FIRST STRIKE [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive DAPHNE'S character sheet, as used on screen by Carol Roscoe in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes signed (if you want), framed (if you want), and authenticated.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $999 or more
1 backer All gone!
Option D: WAFFLES OF INIQUITY [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive SIR OSRIC'S character sheet, as used on screen by Nathan Rice in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes signed (if you want), framed (if you want), and authenticated.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $999 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Option A: I'M A WILD MAGE… WILD! [UNIQUE]. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive LUSTER'S character sheet, as used on screen by Christian Doyle in Hands of Fate. There is only one in the world. Comes signed (if you want), framed (if you want), and authenticated.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
2 backers All gone!
Option A: THE FLOATING ISLE OF THE ORD. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive VIP seating for two at the Gen Con Indianapolis 2013 premiere of The Gamers: Hands of Fate, with four-day badges provided by project co-sponsor Gen Con Indy: The Best Four Days in Gaming. (Lodging and transportation not provided.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
5 backers Limited (45 of 50 left)
Option B: VANGUARD OF THE ORD. You will receive the $500 package. You will also be cast in a featured non-speaking walk-on role in The Gamers: Hands of Fate, in which you will be a player in a massive LARP. You will also be invited to the wrap party in Seattle – after all, you’re a member of the cast. (Transportation and lodging not included).
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
The MERCHANTS OF ESH. Sponsor Option! You will receive the $500 package, minus the Red Card. You will also have your game featured somewhere in the movie – as a poster, placed on a table, or on a store shelf. Please negotiate placement with us prior to reserving this package.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
Option A: THE HUJEM CRUSADE. You will receive the $500 package. You will also sponsor a piece of original card art and receive an exclusive print of the art you made possible.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
2 backers Limited (2 of 4 left)
Option B: THE CULT OF SHAD-HUJEM. You will receive the $500 package. You will also get to spend a day gaming with the cast in one of our locations in Washington! Matt Vancil will GM a Pathfinder session set in the world of Countermay with you and several cast members in a luxurious gaming dungeon. (Transportation and lodging not included).
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
10 backers All gone!
Option A: THE DISPLACED ARMY. You will receive the $500 package. You will also play a speaking role in The Gamers: Hands of Fate. You will be on screen—in costume, forevermore a member of the Gamers 3 cast—and will be credited as such on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Your day on set, including lunch with the cast and crew, will be photographed and chronicled. As this scene will take place during a massive LARP, you may have the option of bringing your own costume, pending approval from Matt Vancil. You will also receive an invitation to the wrap party in Seattle. (Transportation and lodging not included.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers Limited (8 of 8 left)
The HOME STATES OF THE DISPLACED. Sponsor Option! You will receive the $500 package, minus the Red Card. You will also be one of our online sponsors. In the credits for the episodes, you will be presented as a sponsor with your logo taking ¼ of the screen under the words "This Episode Brought to You in Part by"
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
5 backers All gone!
Option B: THE DISPLACED ARMY. You will receive the $500 package. You will also play a speaking role in The Gamers: Hands of Fate. You will be on screen—in costume, forevermore a member of the Gamers 3 cast—and will be credited as such on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Your day on set, including lunch with the cast and crew, will be photographed and chronicled. Your scene will take place in the real world portion of the movie: in a game store, the convention hotel, a tournament, or AFK Tavern. You will also receive an invitation to the wrap party in Seattle. (Transportation and lodging not included.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
The SUNKEN PYRAMID OF IXHASA. You will receive the $500 package. You will also become a character in our fantasy world with a corresponding card in the CCG. You will work with Matt Vancil to create a character and card, submit a photo of yourself, and we will develop a painting of your character for use in the game and the movie. You will also receive an original, exclusive print of the art you made possible and join us on set to appear in the movie as the character you created. (Lodging and transportation not provided.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
The ETERNAL EMPIRE OF IXHASA [UNIQUE ITEM]. Sponsor Option! You will receive the $500 package, minus the Red Card. You will also have your game featured prominently in the movie, being played in a scene by the main characters. Please negotiate placement with us prior to reserving this package.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
The DREAD ARMY OF IXHASA. Sponsor Option! You will receive the $500 package, minus the Red Card. You will also be one of our online sponsors. In the credits for the episodes, you will be presented as a sponsor with your logo taking 1/2 of the screen under the words "This Episode Brought to You in Part by"
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $7,000 or more
2 backers Limited (1 of 3 left)
THE COMBO PACK, v1.0. You will receive the THE CULT OF SHAD-HUJEM, THE DISPLACED ARMY Option A, and THE DISPLACED ARMY Option B. Also, Trin Miller (Natalie) will bring you a plate of her fresh-baked cookies on set.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
DEFENDER OF COUNTERMAY. Sponsor Option! You will receive the $500 package, minus the Red Card. You will also be one of our primary online sponsors. In the credits for the episodes, you will be presented as a sponsor with a full-screen credit under the words "This Episode Brought to You in Part by"
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
Option B: GRANDMASTER OF MILITARY. You will receive the $500 package. You will be listed as a Co-Producer in the end credits of each episode, and on IMDB. You are welcome to visit the set and hang out during the filming. You will receive an invitation +4 to the wrap party in Seattle, and you have a standing invitation to appear at any and all screenings and festival events. You will also join us in Seattle to record an official DVD commentary track for Hands of Fate with several members of our cast. (We will do our best to schedule cast members of your choice, but reserve the right to choose the final participants.) Lodging and transportation not included.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
Option C: GRANDMASTER OF PROSPERITY. Your Own Gamers Convention! You will receive the $500 package. Matt Vancil will attend your 2-day Gamers event anywhere in the US or Canada. You’ll cover Matt’s hotel and travel costs, and dates will need to fit his existing commitments, so factor that in, and please talk to Matt directly before you pledge! Matt will bring a large stack of giveaways, run events, talk about upcoming projects, sign things, and other general convention stuff. Or you can do it as a house party and only invite a few people. Your call.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)
Option D: GRANDMASTER OF RENOWN. You will receive the $500 package. You will be listed as a Co-Producer in the end credits of each episode, and on IMDB. You are welcome to visit the set and hang out during the filming. You will receive an invitation +4 to the wrap party in Seattle, and you have a standing invitation to appear at any and all screenings and festival events. You will also become a character in our fantasy world with a corresponding card. You will work with Matt Vancil to create a character and card, submit a photo of yourself, and we will develop a painting of your character for use in the game and the movie. Additionally, we will shoot a five minute short film with your character—played by you!—to be featured on the DVD release of The Gamers: Hands of Fate. (Lodging and transportation not included.) You will also receive an original, exclusive print of the art you made possible.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
HERO OF COUNTERMAY. Sponsor Option! You will receive the $500 package, minus the Red Card. You will also be one of our DVD sponsors. Your logo will appear on the back of the DVD case. Please negotiate placement with us prior to reserving this package.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
1 backer All gone!
HISTORIAN OF COUNTERMAY. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive the original Wayne Reynolds poster painting—there is only one in the world! Matt or Ben will hand-deliver it to any location in the United States, screen the movie for you and your friends, and make terrible puns at your expense.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
1 backer All gone!
Option A: CHAMPION OF COUNTERMAY. You will receive the $500 package. You will also receive an Executive Producer credit. You will be listed as an Executive Producer in the end credits of the movie, and on IMDB. You are welcome to visit the set during filming, attend rehearsals, hang out with the cast and crew, and review cuts of the film as it progresses through post production. You will receive eight tickets to the premiere in Seattle, an invitation +4 to the wrap, and you have a standing invitation to attend any and all screenings and festival events, and accompany the director to premieres. Whatever you want—you’re an executive producer! (Transportation and lodging not included.)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013
Comments
Creator Vickey & Bob Beaver/Obatron Productions on July 29, 2012
This update and being pointed to it by the Gaming as Women blog not only made me aware of the film, which I had not been, but incited me to back the project. I'm pretty sure we have Dorkness Rising laying around here somewhere, and I now feel the urge (thanks to the snippet in the update) to put it on.
Creator Glynis Mitchell on July 28, 2012
Social justice commentary, which are probably TL;DR for most, but if you can, please bear with me. This is a lot more in-depth than I get in general conversation as well.
I have a few problems with the articles that you cite as examples of allied men. Let me preface that with saying: self-identified allies of traditionally marginalized groups* are a nearly always a good thing. It helps to know that men/hetero/white/cis/abled/etc have critical thinkers among them, which gives us all hope that the world can change through a thoughtful dialogue and can be applied to most non-gaming arenas.
http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Elementary_mistakes_in_feminist_discussion
1) "Women cannot solve this problem [of misogynist culture]." 100% untrue. All you have to do is look back at global history to see that women can fix shit. Suffrage, anyone? Not to mention Iranian, Chilean, etc feminist activists in similar positions. But since he's specifically talking about parenting: "A boy who hates girls and women simply isn't going to pay attention to a woman's opinion". Ask any single mother how they feel about that. You can start with my best friend, who trained that (and homophobia) out of her son when his father trained it in. Now a teenager, that young man is great at listening and respecting me and his mom and gramma. It doesn't always turn out that way, but let's give moms some credit here.
2) A friend pointed out that the first article could be worded better to deal with some over-protective language, particularly in the first few paragraphs. Contrary to the writer's beliefs, I still find it somewhat "protective"/"chivalrous" of women (oh god one of my biggest frustrations, I get it all the damn time). However he is really trying to eliminate that from this thinking and I believe he'll have a realization along those lines at some point. He does do a pretty good job of "hey the patriarchy insults men on a certain lower level, so deal with that if nothing else".
3) Racial minority lesbians are the highest "difficulty setting"? Hm. No, I'd have to argue that being some flavor of transperson/genderqueer is harder. These articles (as are most re: gender roles in in the Geek Ghetto) are both heavily reliant on the gender binary. Keep in mind that the World Health Organization defines gender as a cultural concept and sex as biologial fact, so when it comes to gender men/women might be replaced by male-identified/female-identified/other.** Cisgender vs transgender is an incredibly complicated issue. But that's advanced social justice thinking re: intersectionality due to the vast (even more vast than women/race/sexuality!) cultural invisibility of gender issues. Anyway, this is basically a comment about privilege: don't do it! http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Privilege
Again, generally these are generally positive articles and can be reduced to: if you see something, say something. Being a true ally of a marginalized group makes us all stronger, and remember that we all screw up with that sometimes.
*For various reasons, many SJ activists don't call men (for instance) feminists. We call them feminist allies.
** "Female" is both uncomfortably clinical for many activists and preferably used (and primarily described by the Oxford dictionary) as an adjective, not a noun. I hate being called a "female"; it feels reductionary. But this circles the wagons back to trans and other gender identification issues. If you're unsure what to comfortably call someone (female/male/woman/man/other), then by all means ask!
Creator Céline .S. Sauvé on July 28, 2012
@Nichole Brunk I echo your post almost completely. The only change I would make is to add that I do wish I'd get less people assuming that I'll play a character of the same gender as I am. I'm one of the lucky ones, though. I can't remember anyone in an RPG tabletop setting giving me trouble for my gender. Though I do stay clear of many online gaming hubs because of it...
Creator Mark Delsing on July 27, 2012
Fantastic update, ZO. I cannot wait to see this film.
Creator Jacob Spangler on July 27, 2012
As a male who has had a 50-50 gender split on most of his RPG session I must say that I agree with everything that has been said above. Not only have my experiences taught me that women are just as good as men at gaming, but they bring fresh perspectives to all the games I've played allowing the party to bounce an idea back and forth to strengthen it like a forge. The only problems I had with females gaming is that it is hard to get some to contribute and this is solely because of how they are treated in the gaming community. I can tell that female gamers have already had a wonderful affect on the gaming community and I believe that the gaming community would be enhanced even further if women didn't feel like they were unwelcome in the arena.
Creator Grant Larson on July 27, 2012
As a dungeon master, I have found that, without fail, my female players are the my best players. They may not have the most powerful or min/maxed characters, but they bring to the table an interesting character and roleplay that character faithfully, interacting with the game world in a very fun and exciting way. The different way of thinking is refreshing, and makes for a more dynamic party experience. In short, they make what is fun even more fun. And that is what is the most important thing in gaming. That anyone would treat anyone differently for trying to partake of this joy is appalling, and I'm glad to see that there is such an outrage on the subject. Misogyny has no place anywhere, let alone where people go to escape the troubles of life by exploring fantastic adventures. Thank you, Ben for this update.
Creator Rebecca Quarles on July 27, 2012
Thank you all so, so much for this post. As a female gamer I cannot thank you enough.
Creator Natasha Ennis on July 26, 2012
As a woman who has gamed tabletop and others for nigh on 20 years (I lived the DnD is the Devil and my Mom making me watch Mazes and Monsters, because she was convinced that I was going to be a serial killer living in a sewer), I love Joanna, The part when she walks into the game store for the first time and all the guys pop out from everywhere make me laugh harder than anything else, because I've been that girl. I vividly remember a similar happening 15 years ago and feeling mildly creeped out because everyone was staring at me. They all seemed to think I was lost. Everything she's said I feel I've uttered at some point. When I look for character portraits, I look hoping I can find something with clothes on this time. So thanks, thanks for making women gamers shine not because of how we look, but because of how we game.
Creator Rowen Kade on July 26, 2012
Thank you guys, so much for putting this up! While I'm not really a 'gamer' (I don't tabletop, I almost completely play video games and do a free style of role play online that's more like collaborative story writing), I have got a TON of flack for daring to say I game as a chick. Either that or I get asked if I play cutesy games that insult my intelligence. I've known hardcore gamer chicks that have to pretend they're a 13 year old boy on Xbox live so they don't get picked apart. It's HARD being a chick who is into a predominantly 'male' activity. There's the disbelief and downright abuse and it is SO frustrating wanting to just sit back and have fun and instead have to defend yourself. If it's not 'omg you're a faker' or something, it's 'omg! you must be a butch lesbian!' or .. something just as odd.
So thank you, for creating Joanna, and for creating Natalie. I can't wait to see her in the next movie! Thank you for giving us 'gals' a fighting chance and a proper representation in your films, in your cast, AND in your company. May the gods (and goddesses! ) of the game always smile upon you and bless your rolls!
Creator Jonathan on July 26, 2012
Because of Joanna, every character I roll up takes Improved Initiative. :)
Thanks for all your brilliant work! Happy to give my support!
Creator Heather Hilton on July 26, 2012
Thank you, as always, for being a shining example of what a wonderful company and group of people should be like. Proud Girl Gamer and Steve Jackson representative here.
Creator Sarah Heile on July 26, 2012
And this why you are all so full of teh awesome.
Creator Anna Martelli Ravenscroft on July 26, 2012
My daughter (21 years old) now games with a group I played with while pregnant with her. Thanks for standing up for women gamers.
Creator Bertimus Prime on July 26, 2012
OK, maybe it is just Alaskans, but here in fairbanks, I don't think I have had an RP group that didn't include at least one girl. Most of us play with our wives, and as a GM I would rather have girl players, because they are better (in general) at playing the actual emotions and responses of their characters! Story trumps rules, by the way, always.
Creator Klarissa Davis on July 26, 2012
Joanna was my hero. I've been the girl walking through the game shop and had the boys popping out from behind the fixtures to stare or been the only woman in the 40k game room and catching the players staring at me while my husband played (I didn't play but I"m slowly working on a Blood Angel army). I very much appreciate the portrayal of female characters who ring true for me. I wish the boys (and they are boys, not men) who behave like pigs about females in games would grow up.
Creator Di Brown on July 26, 2012
THIS is why I am willing to give you money :) (Well, OK, and the outrageously funny movies).
~ a girl who met her (wonderful, Nice Guy) husband at a D&D game
Creator Jen Hilton on July 26, 2012
As a 40-something lifetime gamer girl (video games, card games, RPGs, etc) now raising a 12yo gamer daughter (who loves your movies), all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep up the good work, keep fighting the good fight.
Creator Peter Kristensen on July 26, 2012
When I started gaming I had the same attitude towards the Charisma ability of my characters as the guys around the table. And just as in the clip it took a girl to change my mind about the value of having a well-rounded character - including an appropriate Charisma score. Though it was more a quiet reflect-full realisation on my part than the drama between Joanna and Cass. That was when I stopped roll-playing and started role-playing - or "story trumps rules" as you put it.
Today, 15 years later, I couldn't imagine playing a campaign without a woman at the table, because it tends to result in a greater depth to our roleplaying experience. Even though I live in Denmark and our culture is a bit different, I think you nailed it with "Dorkness Rising". I see some of the same abuse of girl gamers going on in the Danish roleplaying community as you adress in this article. So, it seams to me that you are on the right track with "Hands of Fate".
Creator Moritz Schubert on July 26, 2012
Very nice post!
However, I'm not quite sure if the psychological reasons you give for why these guys are treating women (at least online) like crap are correct. I think that no one can tall what is going on in the heads of these peoples, so you shouldn't make assumption. Unless of course, if there is a scientific study you can cite about the psychological reasons for abuse against women (or other groups who have a disadvantages in our society when compared to healthy, white, straight males) ;)
Creator Steven Bartalamay on July 26, 2012
"Get back to the kitchen"? I mean, really, what are they thinking? The kitchen is where all the knives are kept... ;)
Huzzah to you for standing up to equality.
Creator Hannah W. on July 26, 2012
I know for a fact that woman can enjoy gaming! I'm currently playing in at an all female table (5 players and the DM.) Two of the girls hadn't even played before and we're bringing more in the fall.
So yeah this kind of BS is nice to have called out! Can't wait for the movie to see this thing :D
Creator Shannon Gisselberg on July 26, 2012
+ eleventy hundred internets, good sirs!
Creator Patricia J. Washburn on July 26, 2012
Y'all get Improved Initiative for doing it right.
Creator Angela Wiwczor on July 26, 2012
This is why am I am more than happy to part ways with my monies. Thanks so much DG & ZOE!
Not only for the laughs, but for the underlying message, that's close to my heart.
Creator Jessi on July 26, 2012
Would you guys mind turning the awesome down a bit... it's reaching ridiculous levels. Great update.
Creator Jim Wrench on July 26, 2012
A very well written piece! Gender, religion, sexual orientation are NOT factors in gaming. The only thing required is an interest in exploring a new world with your mind. I have gamed alongside female gamers and had them participate in campaigns I've run. I have not seen any difference in style or method at all, and they have been quite enjoyable to have at my table. To any gamer that would say, "No Girls Allowed!" you need to reread the manual. I assure you that you will find no such rule.
Creator Julie Haehn on July 26, 2012
And that is why you get my monies.
Creator Sean on July 26, 2012
Great stance. Couldn't agree more, and this only strengthens my resolve to throw money at you.
Creator Deidre Benton on July 26, 2012
Awesome post!
Creator Zombie Orpheus on July 26, 2012
Larry – We'll save the preaching for Kickstarter updates. ;)
Creator Larry Fine on July 26, 2012
Ok, cool, just please don't get too preachy or anything that would detract from the fun.
Creator Nichole Brunk on July 26, 2012
Thank you for taking a stand. As a gamer of the female type persuasion, these stories are the kind of thing I have nightmares about. All of the LacyGamers I know have experienced some kind of sexism or abuse - thankfully never as disturbing as I've seen reported in the last 6 months or so. But I have always said, and still do, that 99% of ManGamers are great guys (ladies, seriously, get yourself one). They may react out of ignorance but usually warm up fast when you get to know them. But, crikey, that 1%? They're toxic. They're making ALL of the rest of you look bad. Because they aren't challenged enough, they get away with it. Silence let's that cancer spread. Don't be silent- speak up when someone is intimidating or threatening any gamer. Because there so many more of you who are good guys out there, you can change this When the behavior isn't tolerated, it will stop. Thanks. Sorry for the rant. (PS - I thought you guys at DG did a perfect job with Joanna's character and experiences - I completely related to almost every moment she was on camera!).
Creator Steve Jackman on July 26, 2012
I'm actually in the Minority in my Current RP Group as a guy... there's me, the DM, and 3 Girls, all of which are seasoned Gamers (albeit one is new to Tabletop)
Creator Zlatko Perez-Luna Rafajlovski on July 26, 2012
Well said!
Creator Kelsey Rogers on July 26, 2012
What a breath of fresh air. Bravo!
Creator Sarah Corn on July 26, 2012
Thank you, Ben!
Creator Jay Shaffstall on July 26, 2012
Well put, Ben!
Creator Sarah Turner on July 26, 2012
/applaud
Creator David A Hill Jr on July 26, 2012
Thank you. That's refreshing to hear.