Yan'drassi Invasion Kickstarter Launched

Click image to go to Kickstarter

Hey folks,

We here at Loud Ninja Games are happy to announce our second Kickstarter project - The Yan'Drassi Invasion. This project will bring a second force to our catalog and to your gaming tables and depicts an alien force made up of several species, each filling a role determined by their natural characteristics and strengths.

Check it out and help us bring another cool alien force to the hobby.

-Eli

Loud Ninja Games Open for Business!

Today marked the opening of our LNG store page at the 15mm.co.uk site. Our partners have set us up with a lovely little home there from which we can provide our products to both sides of the Atlantic with incredible service.

From here on out, this will be the place to find all your LNG product needs, Chuhuac and otherwise. 

-Eli

Tomorrow is the Day!

Tomorrow, March 10th, we open for business on the LNG page at the 15mm.co.uk site. Please feel free to stop by and look over the entire range of Chuhuac miniatures available for regular purchase for the very first time. 

Looking forward to having you there!

-Eli

Space Raptors Spring on the Scene Soon!

We are happy to announce that the Chuhuac will soon be available for sale. It's been a long haul but that amazing time is upon us. Our partners at 15mm.co.uk will be opening the Loud Ninja Games page on their site, Monday March 10th 2014!

Here is a listing of the codes we will be putting up on Monday:

RAP001 Chuhuac Troopers (6)

RAP002 Chuhuac Leaders and Support Weapons (6)

RAP003 Chuhuac Command Section (4)

RAP004 Chuhuac Herdmaster (1)

RAP005 Chuhuac Spec Ops (6)

RAP006 Chuhuac Assault Troopers (6)

RAP007 Chuhuac Battlesuits (2)

RAP008 Sirrus APC (1)

RAP009 Chuhuac Grav Bikes (3)

RAP010 28mm Chuhuac Alphas (3)

RAP011 28mm Chuhuac Troopers (3)

There are also bigger packs that offer savings and ready made platoons and wings:

RAP007P Chuhuac Battlesuit Section (6)

RAP008P Sirrus APC Platoon (3)

RAP009P Chuhuac Grav Bike Wing (9)

RAP001P Chuhuac Platoon (28)

RAP004P Chulhuac Herd (75)

Wow! That's eleven codes and five unit pack offers right out the gate!

We're super excited to finally have made it to this point. Thanks to each and every one of the Kickstarter backers, friends, family and our partners at 15mm.co.uk for all the support and faith in Loud Ninja Games and the Chuhuac. This is just the beginning!

Sincerely,

Eli & The LNG Crew

At Last!

ALL PLEDGES HAVE BEEN SHIPPED!

I am happy to report that each and every pledge has been shipped.

This brings to an end a very long and winding journey. I almost feel like I should be throwing a ring into a volcano or something right now. Fortunately, I had 100+ Sam Wises to keep me company along the way. You have all been great and I think you, dare I say it, from the bottom of my heart.

So, following the greatest adventure analogy, where do we go from here?

Well, there are other journeys, other adventures. The first order of business will be getting the Chuhuac into general release. Gavin already has the LNG retail website in place, but so far it is empty and waiting for me to tell him that all packages are away. I am hoping that the Chuhuac will have been released for general sales by the time Salute comes around. While I cannot be there, it is a HUGE convention and having my creations there will be so cool.

Next there will be the Ikwen. These already got leaked in a previous comment by a backer, but they will be the second alien species released by LNG. Sculpted by Roderick Campbell of Highlander Studios, these will be a very different sort of alien from the Chuhuac. I was hoping to have these ready by Salute, but that may be pushing it.

After that, who knows what I'll get up to. I have some of my own sculpting to throw into the mix, including some post-apocalyptic mutants, some new aliens and I will continue to work with other talented artists bringing to life more of my designs. Andreas Udby and I have been working on finishing the 3D Designs for Chuhuac air units and a light attack vehicle and so there are some future releases for the Chuhuac in store.

Again, thank you all for your endurance and I hope to see each and every scythe-toed, scaly bastard painted up and on a table someplace.

ScrreeeeeeEeeeeee!!!

-Eli Arndt

The Future of LNG

I realize, with the Chuhuac Kickstarter yet to be fulfilled and the range's retail release still pending, that it may seem odd to discuss the future of Loud Ninja Games, but there is a future and I would like to talk about that. 

Despite the stumbles and slumps in getting things going, the mindset here has always been for us to turn Loud Ninja Games into another place you can find new and interesting miniatures in an ever-expanding product line. To this end, we have been working to develop future ranges and expansions on the Chuhuac. I have also given thought to the best way for me to present our products to the public and to make sure they are available across the widest area possible. 

So, let's take a look at some of what is in store. 

RETAIL FUTURE 

Before there was a Loud Ninja Games, I had established a working and friendly relation with Gavin Syme ate 15mm.co.uk.. In many ways Gavin has been a major influence in my growth as a sculptor and my development into a miniatures entrepreneur. When it came to considering how I wanted to go about selling my line of figures to the gaming public, he was the obvious person to turn to. The end result is an agreement between Loud Ninja Games and 15mm.co.uk in which Gavin and crew will become the retail source for my line in 2014. 

Why did I go this route?

It comes down to simple resources and customer service. 15mm.co.uk is an established company with myriad ranges across a number of subjects and scales. They have in-house mold-making, casting, packaging and retail facilities. Add to this my trust and existing working relationship as well as their knack for serving worldwide customers with quick and fair shipping and it really wasn't much of a decision.

Why not do it myself?

As much as I'd like to, I really cannot and would rather not have to mire myself and my family down trying to manage inventory, sales, packaging and shipping. 15mm.co.uk will be able to keep stock on the shelves, shipping going smooth and a clean and well-managed retail site. I'll still maintain creative control as well as marketing and promotional interests and in return I'll collect a percentage of the sales. Loud ninja Games is still a brand and I'm still in control of that brand, but I've got a big brother (so to speak) in the industry that can help me make it work.

FUTURE OF THE CHUHUAC
The Chuhuac are a range of minis I have wanted to make forever. I have a host of ideas for them, most of which came to fruition in the Kickstarter. Still, there are more troop types and vehicles I would like to add to this range.

Now, allow me to be a bit tentative here, if I may. Just because I would like to make something, doesn't mean the opportunity will present itself or that it would be a good idea. I'll have to see where the market goes with these dino dudes before making any final decisions. Of all the designs I am sure would be well-received, a flying vehicle like a dropship or gunship and a light tank are at the top of the list. After this, new troop types may be in the future and even more vehicles, but that really comes down to how things shape up for the Chuhuac.

Here are a couple of WIP images of what we are planning for our vehicles...

The light attack vehicle in its most basic shape.

And, the gunship/dropship in some very early WIP renders.

FUTURE RANGES
My vision for the LNG brand has never been about a one-shot with the Chuhuac and then let it ride. I've had host of new species ready in my notebooks for ages and all of them are at least runners up for inclusion in this line as miniatures. The exact order in which they will be released, really depends on how things shape up for the company. Smaller, easier to release ranges and one-offs are always doable while larger, more involved ranges will absolutely have to bide their time or wait for a windfall. I can, however, show you the NEXT release, already in early development.

Meet the Ikwen...

I don't want to say too much about these odd alien humanoids, but these images show off some of their more interesting features. Please, don't pay too much attention to the weapons as they are really just placeholders for the final weapons. More on them as they develop, but they will be released in 2014, hopefully in the first half of the year.

So, there you have it. LNG is definitely thinking forward and the new year will bring new shiny toys from us to you.

Thanks,

-Eli

Space Raptors Invade Scotland!

I have been informed by, 15mm.co.uk, that all the metal masters have arrived and that the production molding for all the metal Chuhuac has begun. The details of the packs are set and we're discussing the retail future of the range.

At the same time, Ravenstar informs me that the molding on the resin APCs is nearly done and ready to deliver to me.

Once I have these two elements in hand, I will be able to set to the task of putting together the pledges and getting them out to your eager and VERY patient hands.

I am very excited to have finally reached this point in the project. It is long overdue and it's getting real fast!

Take care,

-Eli

Space Raptors Funded!!!

Alright, at the risk of sounding like a big softy, I really have to say that I love you guys.

There is nothing more gratifying than to see an outpouring of support from all corners of the the hobby, the industry, heck even the world for my dream child.

To think that I one time entertained running the campaign for 60 days because I thought it would need time to grow legs and here it's reached its goal in under 24 hours.

To all of you who have pledged the project and to those who have supported the project through spreading the world across your blogs, forums and the various dark and interesting corners of the interwebs a huge THANK YOU.

To those who have yet to pledge or who are having to wait to do so. I thank you as well. This project still has 29 days of life left on Kickstarter. There is plenty of time.

What I think gets me the most, is not just the financial backing, but the wonderful comments and energy you have all brought to this project. Your loyalty and faith in the Space Raptors as a thing is absolutely invigorating and has wiped away all doubts and fears.

Gaming is an amazing hobby and the people in it really are some of the best people out there.

Thank you,

-Eli

Chuhuac - Space Raptor Kickstarter Campaign Ikimasu!!!

In true anime flair we would  like to announce that the Kickstarter campaign for the Chuhuac-Space Raptors is a go.

Chuchuac - Space Raptors Kickstarter Campaign

It's been a bit getting to this point and I'd like to thank everyone who was patient enough to sit and bite nails while we trundled through this process. Thankfully, we'll have even better, flesh-tearing nails in your hands to replace those you lost waiting and will likely continue to shred as we all watch this campaign unfold.

If I can take a moment to address you on a personal level, I'd also like to take a brief moment to explain what my "angle" was on this campaign. It's pretty simple and I had to fight to find ways to get snazzy with the rewards because really what I want to do it get you miniatures to play with. To that end, most of the rewards are structured as what are essentially pre-orders. You help the dream become a reality and you get nifty shinies to play with. The more esoteric rewards come in the form of painted figures and for those of you who really love to live the hobby, a chance to get your creativity into the mix.

Every Kickstarter campaign has had that sweet spot. This is the place where you get a mountain of stuff and you qualify for stretch goals. As a taste of things to come, I have decided to post a short blurb about what will be available to you in our sweet spot.

The goal with the Chuhuac - Space Raptors campaign sweet spot was to give you as complete a fighting force as possible with the items being presented in the campaign. for me, this meant something like a company of minis. To this end, this is what I have come up with -

Chuhuac Battle Force (67 minis total)

1 x Herdmaster (Commander)

Command Element (1 x Revered Leader (Officer), 1 x Data/Comms Tech, 1 x Medic, 1 x Recon Drone

Command Security Element (6 x Trooper w/ Assault Rifle)

2 x Combat Platoons each with Platoon Command Element (4 figures) and 4 x 6-man squads.

Each squad is made up of the following: 1 x Alpha Leader, 3 x Troopers with Assault Rifles, 1 x SAW Gunner, 1 x Plasma Gunner.

In addition to the above miniatures you will also gain access to stretch goals which will add to this force. Everything from spec ops to grav bikes are planned for stretch goals. There could even be an APC and power armor troops.

I am excited to see where this goes and thanks all in advance!

-Eli

Would You Support a Kickstarter Project For LNG?

Howdy folks,

I tried to post a simple poll for this but for some reason Blogger feels that LNG does not need polls.

So, here the deal. As you all know, Loud Ninja Games is my dream to bring to miniatures gamers some cool ideas of my own that are not what everyone else is doing. I want to bring to the gaming tables some new things that pop and are fun and might not be the best sellers of all time, but will makes somebody's imagination happy. You also know that this project has been problematic.

Putting all the cards out on the table, I am committed to getting the Chuhuac out and hope that they will catapult me in a direction of a cycle of new creations and production. This however has turned out to be more difficult than I had originally planned. Everything that goes into this company has come out of my own pocket without partners or investors. I had a bit of a slingshot but then reality got in the way and my family and household needed a bit more priority. This set me back financially. The financial setback was on top of the time setback that occurred as a result of my losing Pedro on this project.

Anyhow, I am recovering, but at a slower pace than I had hoped. What it comes down to is money and right now, money will take time. And that is where Kickstarter comes in.

A successful Kickstarter project would allow me, with the help of those who believe in this company's potential, to push the release of the Chuhuac space raptors into high gear, possibly expand them and maybe even kick off a second release. The needed capital is not that great to get the beginning 12 poses out there. It would take just a little more to add more weapons options, high command, possibly even vehicles. I've got all the resources lined up. I just need to fund it.

So, let me ask you all, would you be willing to help me help you and support a creative endeavor that will release a wave of new creative juices onto the 15mm miniatures world and beyond?

Thanks for taking the time to consider this,

-Eli

Chuhuac - Proof of Life

Just a little update to show you the new direction that the Chuhuac are moving toward. The new sculptor is working on the new dollies which will then be turned into the full Chuhuac range. He sent me the image below so I could verify the scale and style of the dollies he's working on.



I think he's nailed it and okayed him to continue based on this. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed dollies and hope to be able to give him the okay to get the starting sculpts going in the next couple of months.

Keep your eyes pealed for speeding raptors, everyone!

-Eli

New Developments

Hey folks,

Feedback has been pretty consistent and adamant concerning the desire to see the Chuhuac completed. To this end I have given it some thought, crunched the numbers and it looks like, with a few adjustments, I can get the Chuhuac made for the same as any alternate wargaming force project.

I am currently discussing the project with a new sculptor. It's gong to take some more time but the end result with be Chuhuac in the metal. The byproduct of this new plan will also leave me in a better position to expand the line if there is a demand.

So, I am happy to report that the Chuhuac will not have to wait for better days and that I'll still be working toward making them the flagship line for Loud Ninja Games.

Thanks for all you patience and interest.

-Eli

Changing Tack

As you all know, the Chuhuac are greatly delayed beyond my initial release estimates. I do apologize for this and am very sorry to have kept you waiting. Unfortunately, this project seems to be on a long-term stall with little to no progress since the last update. Pedro has not done anything wrong or questionable and this really is a case of life getting in the way of those things we would rather be doing. I am currently working with him to try to resolve these issues and want to make it clear that this is really a no fault situation.

With all of this in mind, I want to make it clear that this is not the end for LNG and though it seems that things got worse before they got better, there was no way to foresee this particular circumstance. I have no doubt that the Chuhuac will see the light of day, by whatever means, but until I can get them sorted out properly I will be pursuing other projects that I hope you will also enjoy.

My imagination is full of weird and fantastic aliens and I hope to bring them all to your table!

Once again, I do apologize for any frustration or disappointment I may have caused and hope that you will revisit LNG at another time when I can show you what we're truly capable of.

Thank you,

-Eli

Welcome to Loud Ninja Games

Greetings and welcome to my little corner of the miniatures industry.

Loud Ninja Games is the culmination of years of thinking, wishing, planning and hoping. Like many gamers out there, I have always dreamed of going into business for myself and leaving a mark on the hobby. Over the years, I have transitioned from player, to hobbyist, then on to designer and sculptor. Now, I hope to add producer to that list.

Loud Ninja Games (LNG) comes to you with a very definite mission - to make minis that are different and fun.

My hope is to be able to bring a few new things to the hobby, taking on subject matter that I haven't seen out there and avoiding those things that have already been made available so nicely by other companies. You'll not likely see future warrior humans from LNG or another set of alien Greys. These have already been done quite well by others and I feel that I'd be taking away from their work and diverting my efforts needlessly in doing so. I don't want to make a laundry list of what I DO plan to make, but I hope you will come along on this ride with me and see where this little venture takes us.

Thanks for checking out Loud Ninja Games,

-Eli