🏗 July 2026 – Development Update

July has been a decisive month for Steam Cities as we move from development into final prototype production. With the campaign approaching, we are working carefully to make sure every component, visual, and production detail is ready for the next stage.

Prototype Files Sent to Production

All files for the prototype have now been sent to final production.

This marks an important milestone for Steam Cities. The latest files include the refined artwork, updated miniatures, game components, and the newly designed inserts intended to keep everything organised and protected inside the box.

However, during the insert development process, we identified an important issue: the miniatures did not fit correctly within the original box dimensions.

A Bigger Box for a Better Fit

To ensure that the miniatures and inserts fit safely and comfortably, the box size will need to increase.

The original box dimensions were:

280 × 280 × 78 mm

The new box dimensions will be:

340 × 340 × 80 mm

This change will give the miniatures and inserts the space they need while helping us maintain a practical and well-organised final product. Although changing the box size at this stage creates additional work, it is the right decision to protect the quality and usability of the game.

We would rather make this adjustment now than compromise the component storage or risk damage during transport and gameplay.

Refined Animations Complete

The new and refined animations for Steam Cities are now finished.

These animations will be used in future campaigns and promotional materials to present the game more clearly and dynamically. They are designed to show the atmosphere, scale, and character of Steam Cities in a way that still images alone cannot fully capture.

From this point forward, new campaigns will include these improved animations as part of our visual identity and marketing approach.

Preparing for Reviews

We are still aiming to send Steam Cities to reviewers during September.

This is an important step in preparing the Kickstarter campaign, as reviews and previews will help players understand how the game works and what makes it different. Our goal is to use the feedback and exposure from this stage to help ensure that the campaign is ready to launch in October.

We are working towards having the Kickstarter campaign go live in October, on the day of Essen. We will be attending Essen ourselves, although Seven Castles Games will not have a stand at the event this year.

A Short Schedule, but a Clear Goal

We are fully aware that this is a tight schedule.

There is still a considerable amount to complete before the campaign can go live, including final production coordination, reviewer preparation, campaign setup, marketing, and administrative requirements. Nevertheless, we are doing everything possible to keep the October launch on track.

Our aim remains clear: to launch the Steam Cities Kickstarter campaign in October and make the most of the visibility and excitement surrounding Essen.

VAT Registration Still in Progress

We are continuing to work on obtaining the VAT registration required for the Kickstarter campaign.

Unfortunately, the bureaucracy is taking longer than expected, and this process is dependent on government administration. We hope that the delay will not affect the campaign launch date, but this is one area where the final timing is not entirely within our control.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further information as soon as we have a confirmed update.

Where We Stand

All prototype files have been sent to final production.
The box dimensions are being changed from 280 × 280 × 78 mm to 340 × 340 × 80 mm.
Inserts have been designed to organise and protect the components.
New and refined campaign animations are complete.
Reviewer copies are still planned for September.
We are working towards a Kickstarter launch in October, on the day of Essen.
We will attend Essen without a stand.
VAT registration is still in progress and may affect the schedule if government processing takes longer than expected.

The schedule is short, but Steam Cities is moving forward. Every decision we are making now is focused on delivering a stronger, more complete, and better-presented game when the campaign begins.