Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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This is part four in a my series of (largely fond, sometimes blurred) recollections about the games fair in Essen, which I attended as first time self-publishing designer. In summary: I walked into the boardgame equivalent of a man-made tornado. This story describes the second part of the first day: Thursday 23 October.
A quick disclaimer/request: in case you find yourself appearing in this story (which is entirely possible if you came within 7 feet of me), you may find yourself playing a starring/supporting role in this tale. If you do not like this for any reason, just drop me a line and I will change your name (I use first names only). If my story is inaccurate in any way (you did not wear earrings, did not use the word "sucked" and you certainly didn't buy that silly game of mine!), feel free to correct me (by personal email or openly in the thread).
Part Four Point One: Bag Men
As you recall from yesterday's chapter, even while the first playtest was going on, the amazing thing happened: people came to the stand to buy Kraków 1325 AD! This may seem obvious to you, since this is a games fair and this is where lots of guys, girls and geeks buy a whole lotta games. It was less obvious to me: I still wasn't too sure all the pre-order people would actually show up. After all, they had not paid, so no strings bound us together but the emailed "reservations". Whether my game would attract any real life customers during the fair: I expected some, but had no idea how many they could be. 5 ? 50 ? 500 ?
OK - I was pretty sure I had one very real customer: Mark from South Africa. He had strings attached by now - after his pre-order email we communicated in several long emails about how on earth we would get the game from Holland/Essen to South Africa at a reasonable cost. My wife is from Zimbabwe, I have visited South Africa many times and know some people, my former work colleagues travel there for work - so the range of options was tremendous.
Our plans had almost hatched to the complexity level of a minor bank heist (his uncle's off-duty night nurse would drive the green van to the back of the Nando's, where the workmate of my sister-in-law would hand her the ringer, while the real game would be hidden behind a blossoming Jacaranda tree in Melville by the former atomic scientist in the orange jumper). I could tell from those emails that this was a serious Customer. In the end, the plan was simplified: he somehow armtwisted his FLGS owner to drop by my stand on Saturday to pick up and pay for the game (and a t-shirt).
Anyway, that was not the topic of this chapter. During Thursday morning, I had a number of customers whom I can only describe as Bag Men. I will describe how to recognise them (or yourself, if you are one of them), because I found them quite a phenomenon.
The stand of Reiver Games, 10:24. Four guys are sitting at my table, nearing the end of my long and convoluted explanation of the game. One extra customer showed up and joined the three youngish middle aged gentlemen, so I did not have to play myself after all. They are about to start playing. Jack's two tables for It's Alive (and testing Carpe Astra) and most stands around us are still largely empty of customers. The fair has been open to the public for less than half an hour. I hand the cards to Blue Eyes and ask him to shuffle them.
Down the corridor of stands (row 4 in hall 4) strides an unusual figure. A young or not-so-young man, carrying or dragging a very large bag, which appears empty. The Bag Man acts agitated, stressed or in a large hurry. Sweat shines on his forehead and he is taking big steps - he must have run into these halls, because the show has just opened to the public and we are not too near to an entry point. His eyes dart and search along the lines of stands, focusing in and out of the Stand Numbers. One hand drags the Bag, the other holds a bundle of printed papers, which he is reading as he walks towards our stand. As I watch one of the demo players shuffle the cards, he approaches me. I am wearing a Kraków t-shirt, which is new and colourful, and the main line on my Promotional Budget.
The Bag Man looks at me, takes one last look at his papers (which appear to have an excel sheet on them) and says:
"I want two copies of Kraków." Bag Man is clear in his communication. He is the second person at my stand this morning who impresses me in this way.
"Okay, that is great. Super. Would you like to have a look at the box or at the game ?" I make conversation.
"No, that is ok. That is 35 Euro each, right ?" Bag Man knows his stuff.
"That is right, you can pay Jack, the tall friendly gentleman standing next to me." I smile.
Bag Man fumbles in a large wallet, colourful notes change hands, the two games boxes are handed to him. He barely looks at the box at all, but quickly unzips/unfolds/inflates or otherwise opens the Bag. I peep inside (I have read a bit of Pratchett, I know it is risky, but I need to see this)...there is already a pile of 5-6 boardgames inside. The Kraków boxes quickly join their fellow games at the Bag Man's skilled hands. Bag Man closes the bag, marks or crosses out some line on his excel sheet, bites his lip in thought and sets off at a trot down the corridor.
The whole thing lasted less than 30 seconds. I sold two boardgames to a complete stranger. He ran off with them, into an unknown future and towards unknown destinies. I can only guess which country he is from, which foreign lands he will travel, and where these two games might end up. Is the Bag Man someone's Associate, Helpmeet or Trusted Butler ? Is he a Civilian Contractor ?
We will never know. He is Bag Man. He Roams the Universe....
Part Four Point Two : An Essen Meeting
After my friend Chris arrives and starts of the second demo game at the day around 1200, it has become fairly busy at the fair. There are no real crowds, just a steady stream of people fill our part of hall 4. It is time for me to go and meet two Polish men I have only met by email: the owner of a group of Boardgame Shops (let's call him Martin) and one publisher (let's call him Przemyslaw). They have an interest in the game, which stems from some interesting previews on some Polish boardgaming sites. Before I started this business, I did not even know that Poland had a gaming community and produced such a variety and excellent selection of boardgames. When I visited Kraków and the surrounding countryside, I could imagine there were gamers out there. Long cold winters, wood fireplaces, people speaking English with heavy local accents: yes, this was their kind of environment.....
Anyway, Martin and Przemyslaw were seasoned campaigners who knew the lay of the land at Essen. They had suggested we meet at the Cafetaria in Hall 9 at 1230. On our agenda were distribution and possible potential partnership to produce a Polish language version of the game. During the first two hours, we had sold probably half a dozen games to Bag Men. With my confidence boosted, I set out for our meeting place at 1225. This cafetaria can not be far from here, just a few minutes walk. Leaving Chris speaking his happy Swiss-German to my second demo group, I try to focus on the meeting ahead.
The huge halls of the Messe were designed and built by Germans, probably the most efficient and practical bunch of people in the world. There are enormous signs everywhere, showing the floor plan of the place, with clearly numbered halls. Within those halls, it is a bit less straightforward, but there are Row numbers and Stand numbers, it appears. Finding any particular stand should be child's play.
Believe me, it is not. By 1235 I am still wandering desperately between the rows and stands, staring up at the floor plans. I can see I am getting close, but where is the **&& place ? The overwhelming sights and sounds of all the games, stands and people are disorienting me. Every few minutes, you almost bump into a 2-meter tall Stormtrooper or two very tall, very pretty girls dressed as aliens/elves (who can tell the difference when you are in a hurry), wearing very colourful outfits and very short skirts. Where was that door to hall 6 again ? Why is my heart racing like this ?
Finally, at 1240, I reach the cafetaria. I have taken 15 minutes to cover a distance of 100 metres, as the crow flies. It is a snack place, full of people... I am not sure how to find the Poles, but they spot my Krakow t-shirt and introduce themselves to me. I have brought a copy of the game to show them what the fuss (and the meeting) are all about. Martin and Przemyslaw say they would like to see the game first, of course. Now where to put it ? There is no spare table in sight and we are in a connecting corridor between two halls. I suggest they come with me to my stand. They can see the Germans play the demo there and we can maybe talk after they have had a look. So we set out together into the Essen terrain again.
On the way, we talk a bit about their travel, my travel and how nice it is to finally meet. Having the conversation is not so easy, because two or three people cannot walk through a crowd together and still talk, if they are also in a hurry. Again I almost lose my way many times, there are those legs (- eh I mean aliens) again, the crowds are all around us as if they were hired to block us and our conversation. By 1400, we are back at my stand.
The Polish guys explain that they would really like to play my game. I am not sure they are impressed by my one single table, but that is all I have in this universe and they know I am a first-time designer and publisher, so I guess they would not expect a capuccino and a foot massage at my stand. They then suggest I lend them a copy, they will play it at their hotel (see, see, see - they DO play at their hotels !), and we meet up again tomorrow or Saturday to talk about it. We all agree this is the best option and shake hands. They take their game and disappear into the crowd.
It is now 1410. I have had my first meeting at Essen. It is hard to say how long it lasted. Did the walking part count ? I hope my nice new Polish friends will like the game and come back for a real meeting. We always used to have real meetings when I had a normal job. My last job was Aid worker in the tsunami-devastated part of Aceh, Indonesia. Things were normal there, mostly. But this is one weird place, this Essen. I am starting to like it here.
Part Four Point Three: The Reviewers.
I am sorry to disappoint all of you, but I think this chapter is long enough. We will get to the three Reviewers, who have an appointment to play my game at 1430, first thing in the next chapter, OK?
There is one good thing: our appointment is at the Reiver Games stand 4-415. I can just sit down for a few minutes and don't have to go out into that din and noise and elves and everything again!
The game Chris has run with the Germans is coming to a close - they all seem to have enjoyed it so far, the board is fairly balanced and it is time for their Gold Allocation. I can still get a large coffee at the Italian coffee stand nearby, before the Reviewers rush onto the stage.
Don't go away now.
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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The previous chapters can be found here:
Chapter 3: Baptism of Fire
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/351368
Chapter 2: D-Day
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/351060
Chapter 1: Facts and Fable
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/350745
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Last year I was a 'bag man'. As I was the years before. Your description is quite accurate...
Thanks for the series of posts. It was quite an interesting read thus far.
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Doug Richardson
United States
Gresham
Oregon
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Peter-
This whole account of your experiences has me wishing for a copy of your game...
Good work, if that was your goal
Regards,
Doug
ps- Very subtle point in English: "lose" = to lose a game, or to lose one's way in a crowd; "loose" = like letting your dog off leash for a while, or letting down your moral standards.
Very subtle point, also missed by most people educated in America in the last thirty years.
All the best with your game,
Doug
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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richtoosoon wrote: Peter-
This whole account of your experiences has me wishing for a copy of your game...
Good work, if that was your goal
Regards,
Doug
ps- Very subtle point in English: "lose" = to lose a game, or to lose one's way in a crowd; "loose" = like letting your dog off leash for a while, or letting down your moral standards.
Very subtle point, also missed by most people educated in America in the last thirty years.
All the best with your game,
Doug
Hi Doug,
I am happy you enjoy reading the story! Thanks a lot for your writing tip - English is my second language, so I know I can not write it perfectly - but always willing to learn something. And I can edit my posts, too!
Let me assure you that I have no goals other than to tell my story and entertain my fellow boardgamegeeks. I have had an amazing and exciting experience going to this fair, with a lot of new and interesting stuff happening to me every hour of every day. I enjoy capturing this (who knows, my grandkids might be literate and enjoy reading this tale), but having an audience that responds to it is even better.
I know many people on BGG are very wary of anything that may be perceived as "blowing one's trumpet", "hyping" a game or "faking some ratings". I agree with those people and I have no intentions to engage in such actions, because I feel it would devalue the three years of work that Melchior and I put into this project.
My future in this industry is uncertain: I might be working with Oxfam in South Darfur in a year's time, and I am sure I would enjoy that very much. It will not be a loss to return to that life and I would still be very proud we took the risk and made the game, our own way. I can rent a sizeable storage space for decades at no exorbitant cost (although probably not in South Darfur, it's a bit short on indoor storage space).
The success of "Kraków 1325 AD" can be measured by sales, numbers and rankings. Others are free to do this and I am sure they will.
However, I am free to measure the success of this project using my own indicators: all the enjoyable and exciting experiences it provides to me. The numbers stuff will not feature in my own measurement - except that if more people play my game, more of them might send me an email just to tell me they had a great evening at their local gaming club playing the game Melchior and I made. Such things are just priceless.
Sorry if this sounded a little defensive, but I just would like to clear this up for everyone and anyone. It is great if you would buy the game. It would be much greater if you then played it and enjoyed it. But when I sit down in the middle of the night to write the next chapter, my head is full of great memories and a laugh. No space left there for ambitions or dollar signs. Those are ugly things, anyway.
Best regards,
Peter
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Matt Olson
Australia
Darlington
WA
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peterstruijf wrote: We will never know. He is Bag Man. He Roams the Universe....
This had me laughing out loud, great stuff :)
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Neil Cook
United Kingdom
Burton on Trent
Staffs
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I'm one of those people who generally balks at reading text of more than around 20 lines on a website - particularly when I'm at work and should be working.
But this little "mini-series" has me hooked. Each of the last 3 mornings when I log into BGG, I look for the next chapter straight away. Keep 'em coming...
Thanks. 
I have bought a copy of your game, have read the rules and am hoping to finally play it over the next week or so.
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M. B a d e r
Germany
d u e s s e l d o r f
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I was a Bag-Man, too.
30 or so printed pages of Spielbox Messe/booth overview, one large mega Ikea bag.
However, I retired from the Bag-Man business about three years ago, when the trend became more an more obvious: nearly all good games get a reprint, small publishers do the first edition (might be sold out on the first Spiel day), then a big company runs a second one or two years later. So no more need for hectic running around and following lists, I just walk around on the Spiel with my kids now, much more enjoyable.
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Hélio Andrade
Portugal
PORTUGAL
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Hello Peter,
I was one of those who preordered the game and i picked up the game on Friday through a very nice young lady at the stand who had a Krakow t-shirt? Who was she? I'm anxious to get that answer from your story.
You came right after and signed my copy (your pen didn't write so i lended mine) and Melchior also signed right after.
I now regret i didn't spent a little more time chatting with you at that moment, but i'm happy that i got to see you, so i can "put a face" into your story.
I just played your game for the 1st time yesterday, 2 boys against 2 girls. At first we (the boys had tons of cubes on the board, but they turned the game in the end and won by a large advantage. We had a lot of fun from it, especially from accusing the opposing team of being intriguists (sorry if i misspelled). Also, one the girls was new to gameboards, so i didn't knew if the game would be too complex for her and turned into a bad experience. No worries there, cause she quickly understood the mechanics and had fun while playing.
So it was a success! More friends saw our game going and want to play it too in the next meetings.
Well, best of luck to you, and i'll continue to read your story, waiting to know who was that girl...
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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crazygames wrote: I was a Bag-Man, too.
30 or so printed pages of Spielbox Messe/booth overview, one large mega Ikea bag.
However, I retired from the Bag-Man business about three years ago.
Hi Guys,
Bag Men are coming out of the closet and opening up, this is wonderful. We might be closer to solving the riddle of their origins, purposes and identities.
However, do you all notice how both Bag Men who have so bravely declared their roles claim to be "former" Bag Men ?
I believe there are Agencies in the world, which only employ Former Employees. The Illuminati probably use a similar system....
Intriguing stuff !
Peter
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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helioa wrote: Hello Peter,
I was one of those who preordered the game and i picked up the game on Friday through a very nice young lady at the stand who had a Krakow t-shirt? Who was she? I'm anxious to get that answer from your story.
You came right after and signed my copy (your pen didn't write so i lended mine) and Melchior also signed right after.
I now regret i didn't spent a little more time chatting with you at that moment, but i'm happy that i got to see you, so i can "put a face" into your story.
I just played your game for the 1st time yesterday, 2 boys against 2 girls. At first we (the boys :) had tons of cubes on the board, but they turned the game in the end and won by a large advantage. We had a lot of fun from it, especially from accusing the opposing team of being intriguists (sorry if i misspelled). Also, one the girls was new to gameboards, so i didn't knew if the game would be too complex for her and turned into a bad experience. No worries there, cause she quickly understood the mechanics and had fun while playing.
So it was a success! More friends saw our game going and want to play it too in the next meetings.
Well, best of luck to you, and i'll continue to read your story, waiting to know who was that girl...
Hi Helio,
I think that "girl" was my wife Liz! Eleven years of marriage to a man who mostly works abroad keep a lady young, you know ?
Oh, we did marry legally - before anyone phones the authorities. She was 19 at the time.....she like taking big risks, just like me.
Ciao,
Peter
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Mark Farr
South Africa
Sandton
Gauteng
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Hey! I've been mentioned in this incredible story! I feel honoured. That's some fantastic imagery again, Peter. You had me laughing at that vivid description of our initial plan. Nando's and Melville? You really do know this part of the world!
As you say, by virtue of our correspondence, I do indeed have strings attached. I hope that doesn't in any way devalue the admiration I have for your personal account of the Essen experience. Your writing is incredibly evocative. It's a facinating read.
I was more pleased than disappointed to see that you have left the reviewers for another chapter. Sure, I wanted to read more right now, but the delay means that we will get more detail. That's a good trade! 
Edit (I forgot to mention this):
peterstruijf wrote: ...
By 1235 I am still...
My brain kept trying to rearrange that 1235 to make 1325 for some reason. 
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McDog
United States
Saint Paul
Minnesota
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Nice series! I have to admit I'd have ordered your game because it sounds very interesting but I can rarely get 4 players. I'm looking forward to the rest.
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I always notice that as another day at Essen comes to an end, I myself slowly transform in a Bagman.
It starts when I realise that time is running out and that I still did not get all the games that were noted down on a piece of paper weeks before, stating "Wishlist" (A common artifact carried by Bagmen).
It involves getting whatever is still on the list before the halls close as efficiently as possible, limiting social interaction not to waste any precious time.
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Jacob
United States
Lexington
Kentucky
Go Pats!
My awesome son =)
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peterstruijf wrote: Our plans had almost hatched to the complexity level of a minor bank heist (his uncle's off-duty night nurse would drive the green van to the back of the Nando's, where the workmate of my sister-in-law would hand her the ringer, while the real game would be hidden behind a blossoming Jacaranda tree in Melville by the former atomic scientist in the orange jumper).
You were going to get a thumb from me no matter what, but, for the record, this is when you actually received it. =)
Also, I'm starting to get a little worried here. I have a limited amount of GeekGold and have been trying to save up for a geekbadge. I was planning to tip your last installment 1 GG, but at this point I have a feeling it will have to be at least 5. You are not even done with day one and if you keep up this level of detail and entertaining writing then you are going to exhaust my meagre supply of GG!
-Jacob
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Skip the boardgame-thing. Write a book!
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peterstruijf wrote: Bag Men are coming out of the closet and opening up, this is wonderful. We might be closer to solving the riddle of their origins, purposes and identities.
However, do you all notice how both Bag Men who have so bravely declared their roles claim to be "former" Bag Men ?
Had I been able to go, I would have been a 'bag man' again. So I'm not really a former 'bag man'. However, living in Tokyo, the plane ticket is a bit too much for an Essen trip nowadays. (I lived in The Hague before.)
Considering the 'why'. I used to go to Essen well-prepared. I read the rules and all other available information about the games I was interested in and marked their location on the map. So, arriving at Essen, the first thing I did was my planned shopping in the most efficient way possible. That usually took me about an hour. After that, I left my bag(s) at the 'garderobe' (don't know the English word) for one Euro and had my hands free the rest of the day to look around, try some games, and get surprised by interesting discoveries.
I'm not very sorry that I missed Essen this year, by the way, since almost every game that was high on my list ended up being postponed, and I didn't read about anything else that would have justified a visit yet.
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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Jayolas wrote: peterstruijf wrote: Our plans had almost hatched to the complexity level of a minor bank heist (his uncle's off-duty night nurse would drive the green van to the back of the Nando's, where the workmate of my sister-in-law would hand her the ringer, while the real game would be hidden behind a blossoming Jacaranda tree in Melville by the former atomic scientist in the orange jumper). You were going to get a thumb from me no matter what, but, for the record, this is when you actually received it. =) Also, I'm starting to get a little worried here. I have a limited amount of GeekGold and have been trying to save up for a geekbadge. I was planning to tip your last installment 1 GG, but at this point I have a feeling it will have to be at least 5. You are not even done with day one and if you keep up this level of detail and entertaining writing then you are going to exhaust my meagre supply of GG! -Jacob
Hi Jacob,
be careful with your Gold Placement, you can only spend it once you know!
Unless you own a bank, of course. Then you can spend it as many times as you like. And when the authorities find out you spent money in ways you couldn't afford, they do not send you to jail at all. They give you real money because they really need people like you to run the economy. It is in such safe hands, then.
Thanks a lot - I am afraid this series is going to last a little longer than I thought..... even more stuff happened than I at first realised..
Peter
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Werner Bär
Germany
Karlsruhe
Baden
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peterstruijf wrote: Bag Men are coming out of the closet and opening up, this is wonderful. We might be closer to solving the riddle of their origins, purposes and identities.
I think i know a bag man.
I'm a member of a larger gaming club. And one of us (the "Spielewart") buys a good number of new releases in Essen for the club, so we have them available at our local convention 4 weeks later. Not the games of the big publishers - they will be available at the FLGS or in online shops in time. But games like yours, by small publishers, and limited availability (he isn't the one in your story - he has no need to buy several copies of unknown games).
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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blobboh wrote: Skip the boardgame-thing. Write a book!
Great idea ! I can picture the text on the inside cover:
"This novel follows in excruciating detail five days in the life of a boardgame designer, who visits the largest trade fair in the world. This may sound painfully boring, but the plot twists and turns almost unnoticeably and sheds light on little known secrets such as the ways and purposes of Bag Men, compares boardgame publication to the Normandy landings in a shameless and unpatriotic fashion, while the game itself can only be played by four people and is considered fairly boring by some, including the entire editorial staff at Bantam Books."
I think I will stick to boardgames, thank you.
Peter
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Melissa
Australia
Melbourne
Victoria
Best wishes to you all for 2011. xxx
Mostly offline, but trying.
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NeonBlue wrote: I always notice that as another day at Essen comes to an end, I myself slowly transform in a Bagman.
It starts when I realise that time is running out and that I still did not get all the games that were noted down on a piece of paper weeks before, stating "Wishlist" (A common artifact carried by Bagmen).
It involves getting whatever is still on the list before the halls close as efficiently as possible, limiting social interaction not to waste any precious time.
Oh yes, I was definitely a Baglady as I zoomed around trying to make the most of what precious time I could (and chat with as many people as possible, too).
Sadly, my pieces of paper were all in my head. I will fix that for next year
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Robèr Boonmann
Netherlands
Geldrop
Noord-Brabant
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This story is a joy for me.
Reading it makes me sad that i missed your boot.
But it awoke my interest for your game.
Hopefully one day i can try it out at any other fair.
Keep up the good work and enjoy the experience
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Andy Leighton
England
Peterborough
Unspecified
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Lajos wrote: I left my bag(s) at the 'garderobe' (don't know the English word) for one Euro
Cloakroom? Actually garderobe is perfectly good English but usually used for a smaller wardrobe rather than a largish room for hanging coats and leaving bags etc. It is also somewhat posh.
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Patrick Korner
Canada
Coquitlam
British Columbia
Stop poking me! Ow! I mean it! That hurts!
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melissa wrote: Oh yes, I was definitely a Baglady as I zoomed around trying to make the most of what precious time I could (and chat with as many people as possible, too).
Amusingly enough, in my part of the world the phrases "Bag Man" and "Bag Lady" have very different meanings.
Excellent series, Peter - good to have been able to meet you! I'm sort of kind of looking forward to what your prose makes of the "Hi I'm Press can I have a free copy?" folks.
pk
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Michael Longdin
England
Crawley
West Sussex
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peterstruijf wrote: richtoosoon wrote: Peter-
This whole account of your experiences has me wishing for a copy of your game...
Good work, if that was your goal Let me assure you that I have no goals other than to tell my story and entertain my fellow boardgamegeeks. I have had an amazing and exciting experience going to this fair, with a lot of new and interesting stuff happening to me every hour of every day. I enjoy capturing this (who knows, my grandkids might be literate and enjoy reading this tale), but having an audience that responds to it is even better.
I believe you, not least because your enthusiasm comes across in bucket loads. None the less, a bit like, Doug, your story does make me want the game, or at least try it, & I'm kind of wishing I had stopped by at your stall while I was in Essen. Maybe next year....
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Posted Thu Oct 30, 2008 4:49 am
