About this project
This my fourth Kickstarter project. The first was delivered on time, the second delivered EARLY, and the third is right on schedule. All of my coins have received great reviews from Kickstarter backers.
Battle Pogs is great for improving math & memory skills. Players battle each other by spinning brass coins that are used to add, subtract, or multiply their current points. You only need ONE coin to play.
You place the common side of the coin facing the playing surface and spin it like a top. Stop the coin by placing your finger at the bottom of the coin. The result is the first visible symbol or number to the left of your finger.
On the first spin of your turn, use the symbol (plus, minus, or multiply sign) to the left of your finger, to modify your current points with the result of your second spin. On your second spin, use the number to the left of your finger. For example, if you have 10 points to start your turn and your first spin is an X (multiplication sign) and your second spin is a 3, the result is 30 points (10 x 3 = 30).
Multiplication signs are usually good unless followed by a 0. If that happens, it takes you back to 0 and you must build your points again.
During a game, your points change since you are constantly adding, subtracting, and multiplying.
Every turn there is a chance of "busting." However, you can stop spinning before any turn and keep your points. You need to know when to quit spinning and hope your opponent does not beat your score.
There is no limit to the number of players. You can also play SOLO at your desk and try to attain your personal high score.
Battle Pogs is great to play with family, friends, and YOUNGER gamers. It is a quick and fun game that helps to improve math and memory skills!!!
The kickstarter video gives a basic overview on how to play. However, you can also view the official rules at battlepogs.net/how-to-play.
For those interested, you can read about the history behind the development of Battle Pogs and how it relates to the original Pogs at the end of the project page.
The master mold for the Battle Pogs has been created and as you can see by the video, the coins spin exceptionally well. However, each piece of artwork requires a separate set up fee. This kickstarter is being used to fund a variety of artwork in order to appeal to all ages and interests.
Backers can choose any of the artwork choices shown below. However, you don't have to decide now. After the project is funded, a survey will be sent asking for your choice of artwork. Choose any combination that you want. For example, if you order five coins you can choose five different ones, five of the same, or any combination.
Battle Pogs are made of solid brass, are two inches in diameter, and weigh about two ounces each. The artwork is covered by an epoxy coating.
Battle Pogs spin on semi-hard surfaces such as tables, play mats, notebooks, etc. They make more noise if spun on a hard surface like glass or metal. A table cloth, piece of paper, etc. eliminates the noise but they still spin just fine. They excel on gaming play mats.
The epoxy coating is like a clear coat on a car. The coins are striking when you look at them normally. However, if you hold the coin at certain angles in bright light you may see some striation marks and small imperfections in the epoxy. This is just the nature of an epoxy coating. In addition, when carrying them in your pocket, you should keep them in the plastic sleeves they come with so they don't rub against each other.
This is my fourth Kickstarter project. The first was delivered on time, the second delivered EARLY, and the third is right on schedule.
I own a small company that designs custom challenge coins. However, as a gamer for the last several years, I have been toying with the idea of a coin game that was easy to play, required no additional items, and could be carried in your pocket. I also wanted a game that had an educational component and could be played with younger gamers.
After some trial and error, the current game was developed and the result is a game that looks like a new version of the classic 90's game Pogs. For those who don't remember, Pogs were cardboard discs that were stacked in a pile and you threw a metal "slammer" pog at the stack to knock them down. You kept the ones that landed face up.
The game originated in Hawaii in the 1920's and 1930's. Further back, it possibly was inspired by the Japanese game Menko.
A teacher in Oahu, Blossom Galbiso, is credited with reviving the game in the 1990's. She believed the game helped teach simple math skills such as counting.
I believe that Battle Pogs pays homage to the original goal of teaching math and memory skills by utilizing addition, subtraction, and multiplication in a game that is fun to play.
During the development process, I discovered that the trademark Pogs had been abandoned and not used for many years. Without going into a lot of trademark law, it is doubtful that anyone could trademark the name "Pogs" itself anymore. Hasbro tried and failed.
However, I have trademarked the name "Battle Pogs" to represent a completely new game. A game that may have similarities to the original Pogs, but which no one could confuse with the original pieces of cardboard. I also have a patent pending for the spinning/game play mechanics used on Battle Pogs.
Risks and challenges
We own a small company that has been designing custom challenge coins since 2010. We have designed over 200 coins and have NEVER been late on a delivery. We have been using the same factory since 2010 and are very familiar with shipping and fulfillment.
While anything can happen, we see very little risk in this project.
Learn about accountability on Kickstarter