What is this “ExpSim” and “Discord” that you speak of? Don’t tell me I have to sign up for another app?!
We hear you! We’re all a little saturated at this point.
First off, you can play Eyeball to Eyeball entirely without electronics or internet access. We know the digital divide is a real thing, so every teaching package comes with a detailed timeline of the game and pre-written injects that let you do everything in an analog fashion. However, that puts a lot of administrative burden on you, the Game Master, during a time when you’d probably rather be observing your students (if you’re a teacher) or watching your friends squirm (if you’re running a gaming group.)
To alleviate that burden, we offer Experiential Simulation (ExpSim), a bespoke online platform from Mustard Square in support of the game. ExpSim:
• Provides an automated 66-minute timeline that requires multiple-choice style decisions from key leaders (usually Kennedy & Khrushchev) at specific moments.
• Includes options that allow GMs to provide additional challenges (called “injects”) to increase the complexity of the environment.
• Structures formal communications between contingents, limiting communication options to those that were historically viable (e.g., Kennedy and Khrushchev cannot message each other directly.)
• Runs a Communications section that simulates national intelligence reporting, and a Newsfeed serves as the “global stage”.
• Is fully pausable, in case you just need to put on the brakes for a moment!
Each player runs ExpSim configured for their specific role on their own digital device. ExpSim runs on anything that can run a web browser: phone, tablet, laptop, etc. ExpSim works out of the box; there is no custom configuration or login creation required. If you back one of our classroom packages during our BackerKit, you get 5 years of access to ExpSim as part of your package. Considering that an individual ExpSim session normally costs $40 per game session, we think this is a pretty good deal! But again, you can absolutely choose to run the game without it.
So what about Discord? Our custom Discord server allows for real-time discussions within contingents in place of having them in the same physical room. It allows you to run a fully online version of the game if you can’t be face-to-face. Discord facilitates live audio chat within each contingent and provides a space for informal, backroom or secret meetings. It also allows you as instructor to move quickly between contingents to monitor the action and provide feedback.
Bottom line: We have carefully structured the supporting mechanisms of this game to support fully analog, partially automated, or fully remote play.
Last updated: June 26, 2024 10:11
How will shipping rates be calculated?
For domestic US shipping, we have worked to keep the weight of the final packages as low as possible in order to qualify for the lowest FedEx shipping rates for a retail package that we can obtain from our fulfillment partner. Beyond weight, the key variables for setting the final rates are: 1) distance from our fulfillment center in New York state (the farther you are from our fulfillment partner, the higher the shipping costs); and 2) our fulfillment partner’s pick fee structure. For international shipping, we are working with a fulfillment partner in the United Kingdom to organize the process, so that backers get the best rates possible that are also customs friendly where possible.
Last updated: September 09, 2024 07:44
What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.