Ta-Da! We’re Live!

If you’ve ever visited a house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, you know the trick: he squeezes you down a narrow hallway so your shoulders brush the walls. Then, suddenly the room opens up and everything feels big and bright.

That’s what the past few months have been like. Tight fits. Odd angles. Strange processes. A lot of shouting into the wind that something is coming.

This week we finally turned the corner into the big room.

Our game is officially available on Steam. You can buy it, play it, review it — it’s real. Ta-Da!

Here’s what would help us most today:

• Buy it (if you’re planning to): Steam appreciates that kind of enthusiasm.
• Review it after you’ve tried it: Reviews matter enormously for small studios.
• Celebrate with us by telling someone who might enjoy it: We’re hoping you’ll lend your voice to a rousing chorus of “Ta-Da!”s.

If you want to share, here are links you can copy and paste:

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6mIvIgpjGU

Demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3680420/Green_Ember_Helmer_in_the_Dragon_Tomb/

Longtreader on X: https://x.com/longtreadergame

The Art of Promotion

“I don’t mind spreading the word, but I don’t want to be salesy,” you say. Totally fair. Here’s a script you can use to gently bring the Green Ember Game into the conversation.

Scenario: You’re at dinner with acquaintances. Someone notes something surprising.

You respond:

“You know what else is surprising, [Name]? Raising $250k from 2,655 backers for a video game based on a book series!”

[Stare at them wide-eyed until they smile or nod.]

Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is releasing as a novel AND a game … [pause for dramatic effect] … AT THE SAME TIME [Place hands triumphantly in the air as you shout this, but keep eye contact]! Let’s all buy it [Try to start a chant in the room ‘The Green Ember Rises!’ say this over and over until people join in]. ”

That kind of subtly lets you nudge people toward the Green Ember* without being too forceful.

But in all sincerity, if you’ve supported us—financially, creatively, emotionally—thank you.

This is a huge week. Thanks for stepping into the big room with us.

Till next time,

Zach Franzen

*For the record—in case anyone is confused—don’t do this. I’m joking. It’s a terrible idea (but if you try it, let me know how it goes).