[Dev’Note #1] À la Mine

And here we are. A la Mine has just completed its first semester of development. Since the concept was born, the prototype has evolved a lot, and many things will continue to change.

This Dev’Note will complement the Portfolio section, which focuses on the concept and origins of the prototype, with updates on current and past work, and an analysis of what still lies ahead.

First and foremost, one of the most important things for us is to get the game in front of as many people as possible in order to gather diverse and comprehensive feedback essential to improving it. We’ve made multiple adjustments and balance changes, as well as some tests with new mechanics.

We are currently aware of one frustrating aspect of the game. We are trying to address it by changing the victory conditions. The goal is to keep the kingmaker aspect that many players enjoy, while adding options so that trailing players still have an objective and a chance at winning. The aim is not to undo the efforts of the leading players, but to shift the balance of power in a way that keeps galvanizing tension for a better experience at every level.

Change means a constant need for playtesting. So, nothing better than attending events and festivals to meet you. At the end of May, you could find us at the Zlup festival in Saint-Nazaire or on some evenings in Nantes at Zinc de Trefle, a community board game cafe.

We also submitted A la Mine to various creator competitions such as Ludocean and Flip. So far, neither has followed up, but it pushed us to put together presentation dossiers and gave us deadlines, which is always necessary to stay motivated and efficient over the long term.

The project is moving forward nicely, and we love the shape it’s taking and the adventures it brings us. Our next goals are resolving the end-game issues and presenting this version to industry professionals.

See you here or on our Instagram page to follow A la Mine’s journey!

Mid-game situation (6 players, turn 5)
1 – Event Cards (draw pile, played cards, current card)
2 – The bank
3 – Confrontation dice
4 – Yellow player’s Territory Marker and Gems
5 – Territory Tiles owned by the Yellow player
6 – Dwarf of the Day pawn