Recently, we made the following updates to Fantasy Map Maker!

1.  Rulebook Clarification

In the rulebook, we have added a rule clarification regarding the end of game condition: your game ends either when you cannot draw any more features or you choose to stop. If you have already printed the rulebook, it is not worth re-printing just for the sake of this minor clarification.

2. Re-formatted Cards

All game cards have been re-formatted to a more standard size: 63 x 88mm (almost the same size as Magic the Gathering and many other game cards). This will allow the cards to be sleeved easily as almost all card sleeve companies offer sleeves in this size. This BoardGameGeek page contains a list of sleeves available, listed in the first section: 63.5 x 88mm (2 1/2" x 3 1/2" ). 

Previously the card dimensions were just too big to sleeve in a standard card sleeve when printed at 100%. In the end, it was relatively straightforward to make the change to alter the size, and I am glad we did it. Before trying out card sleeves for myself, I didn't really see the point in sleeving cards for print-and-play games; mostly, because when I print cards myself I want to have as little work to do as possible. (This is also why print-and-play games I make usually don't have "bleed" in order to limit the amount of cuts you need to make when making the cards.)

However, now that I have started sleeving cards, I am converted! I find that the sleeves help bridge the gap between home printing quality and professionally printed cards. There is minimal shuffling - if any at all - in Fantasy Map Maker, but the sleeved cards are much nicer to shuffle, so I recommend it, particularly if you are going to go to the trouble of printing the cards in colour card stock.

Fantasy Map Maker cards, sleeved in glory.

3.  Spanish Translation! 

I'm delighted to say that the game now has a Spanish version, hopefully making it accessible to more folks around the world. Gracias to Pedro Román for his excellent work with the translation. 

Some cards from the Spanish version.

4. Map Pack Update

Strictly speaking, this is not an update about Fantasy Map Maker, but I did want to mention that 2 more maps have been added to the Fantasy Map Maker Map Pack, bringing the total number of maps included to 12. A number of different map-drawing styles were used in the map pack to try to show a variety of techniques. If you are using the game as a means to create maps for world-building or role-playing adventures or feel stuck in your art style, then consider checking it out!

A finished map from the Map Pack.

Thanks for reading!

Harry