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England Song with Pictures Come On England |
The Nags Head and Smithy Restaurant Haughton Moss CW6 9RN Tel: 01829-260265 |
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CASH TRAP
Debbie's Family Board Game
Growing up as an only child, and in the days before computers, I spent most of my free time playing games. I would rope in everyone, to play all the old favourites. Monopoly, Cluedo, Chess, Sorry, Frustration, any game would do, and if I couldn't find a gaming partner, I pretended. Sad though it may seem, one weekend while away at my grandparents, I made up the entire game of Monopoly from memory, I was 11 years old at the time. The passion continued throughout my youth. I still have today a game of Charades I made, back in1982, well before someone actually produced it as a boxed game on shop shelves.
Outside my working life I still wanted to play board games, but as I grew older less people would play, and with time and work commitments this pastime faded - but never left.
In 1985/86, being pregnant, my work eased, I found myself with more "me time". I decided to make my own board game, my idea was to make a simple strategy game like draughts - but playable for up to 4 people instead of 2. So for months, day after day, test after test, I developed my idea. Eventually is was in a playable state to show friends and family, more trial games, meant more tweaks. Once complete the game was always well received, it required a combination of luck, skill and competative disorientation. By pure chance, the game always has a close finish, so anyone could win,- no dropouts or uniterested players.
I originally called the game “Breakout”, and asked artists from my old school to design a box. At 19 I tried to promote the prototype. Not seeking say parental advice first, that is wanting to prove I could do it, I arranged for a consultant to help me, …..was I taken for a ride. Lessons were learnt however.
Having naively invested money in the wrong way, “Breakout” was banished to my own cupboard, occasionally making an appearance, when anyone wanted to play it. When the game was played in 2003 by Rory’s sister and her children, they gave me the encouragement to try again. Rory, in full support agreed to help and together we produced the game now know as “Cash Trap”
The format never changed from those early days, but we changed the name, had the playing pieces made to our design, we also designed the box and board ourselves with the help of a graphic designer friend, arranged manufacture and finally delivery.
Taking control of every aspect was not something I could have done in my earlier years, and Rory’s attention to detail, definitely complimented my drive. It was a lifetime ambition achieved.
People are driven by many different things, for me, “if it’s remotely possible, DO IT, use whatever resources you can, get a buzz from the experience, but don’t cut corners, the end result must be good.
Will We make any money from it, unlikely, the game is great, but neither of us have any salesmanship skills. We have been able to get excellent reviews from many different sources, but at the end of the day, it’s a hobby, and as they sit out on the shelf for all to see, I know when anyone buys one, they will have a great time.
Lots more ideas and prototypes have been made, and I still think up games now, but I don’t think we will every fully produce another, for me that box has been ticked.
To buy a copy of the Cash Trap game call 01829 260265 or email nags@ournagshead.co.uk or stop by and visit.
BUT WHAT IS NEXT!! ----For some unknown reason, with no musical background a song came into my head, so with the same dedication we have produced a demo CD. A team of young individuals, seeing potential and keen to promote themselves in the music industry, have given up their free time to work on the project. The result is pretty amazing all things considered. Read the story on our England Song Page, hopefully you will listen to it on “youtube” it is free. If you like it please let others know, you may help further the careers and dreams of these young individuals.