In a year that marks the golden anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, Waypoint embarks on a special journey with Wizards of the Coast, aiming to create a holiday mailer that not only celebrates the rich legacy of the iconic tabletop roleplaying game but also looks forward to the exciting future that awaits in 2024.
The primary objective of this holiday mailer is clear – to express gratitude to the dedicated fans who have been part of the Dungeons & Dragons journey over the past 50 years. We aimed to create a kit of game collectibles that would allow fans to celebrate along with the brand – paying homage to the game’s illustrious history and marking the brand’s continued impact into 2024 and beyond.
At Waypoint, our creative journey begins with a collaborative effort from our talented teams of producers and designers. As a first approach to this kit, we proposed three initial concepts to showcase our vision and provide a starting point for discussions with the client. This process is crucial in developing a video game custom product that aligns with the client’s vision and ensures a successful outcome.
In our inaugural concept, "Roll the Ice," we invited fans to let the good times roll as we welcomed the new year. Housed in a dual-gated special box adorned with an all-over-print marble and gold embellishment, this kit promises a memorable experience. Opening the golden "50" latch reveals a custom metal ice bucket personalized for the recipient, accompanied by a set of diamond tumblers, a foldable leather dice tray, and wooden coasters.
In the "Searing Light" concept, we aimed to illuminate the dark with an anniversary LED light featuring the 50th logo. The kit is elegantly housed in a 3-tier drawer box, creating anticipation for the light-up sign, engraved charcuterie board, rustic scented candle, "new year's" glasses, and confetti.
"Behold the Tradition" was our third concept, inviting everyone to celebrate the 50th anniversary with a themed set designed for long hours of play and enjoyment. This kit includes a themed box inspired by the original D&D books, an anniversary decanter, two wine tumblers, golden wine stoppers featuring famous characters, themed cocktail picks, a twisted spoon, a double-sided jigger, a wall-mountable bottle opener, and a Mimic plushie.
After several rounds of feedback with the client, we arrived at the final chosen concept. It represents a harmonious blend of the three initial concepts, incorporating additional details that align with the client's preferences. The curated items for the kit are as follows:
This collaborative process ensures that the final concept not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients, resulting in a unique and celebratory Dungeons & Dragons 50 Years Anniversary Holiday Mailer.
Our creative journey begins with immersive brainstorming sessions, fueled by a passion for gaming and a keen understanding of industry trends. Collaborating with our talented designers, we conceptualize various kit variations, ensuring each promises a unique and memorable experience for fans. The iterative process involves dynamic feedback loops with clients, leading to the selection of top concepts that align with their vision.
Moving from conceptualization to 3D rendered beauty shots, we provide visual previews of the collector's edition. Digital proofs are meticulously crafted, reviewing die-lines, print areas, sizing, and color palettes to ensure a seamless transition from concept to product. This phase is a symphony of creativity, where ideas evolve into tangible forms that capture the essence of Dungeons & Dragons.
With matured designs, we transition to turning concepts into tangible prototypes. Concurrently, physical samples are crafted for packaging, blister, and supporting items, allowing hands-on evaluations of size, quality, and aesthetics. The iterative nature of this process facilitates prompt adjustments based on feedback.
Moving from prototypes to pre-production samples, we conduct final checks before mass production begins. These samples represent color-accurate, final materials, ensuring a meticulous review of every detail, from electronic components to blister packaging. This phase ensures that our vision is translated faithfully into tangible, high-quality video game custom products.
Mass production marks the realization of meticulously crafted concepts. We monitor the assembly line, ensuring precision and quality at every step. Casting, molding, painting, metal plating, spot UV application, printing, and finishing converge to bring our collector's editions and Influencer Kits to life.
Our production capabilities are flexible, allowing us to scale operations based on quantity. Multiple lines of production can be opened to meet demand, ensuring each collector's edition receives the attention to detail it deserves. We remain committed to upholding the creative integrity of the initial concept, ensuring the final product aligns seamlessly with our client's vision.
Assembling kits ready for shipment takes place at our facilities, where each item is inspected for quality by the production manager. To account for any potential damage during shipping, we produce approximately 10% in overages. Partnering with experienced global freight forwarders, we ensure secure shipment from our facilities to destinations worldwide.
In the intricate journey from ideation to mass production, Waypoint combines creativity, a passion for games, and craftsmanship. With these physical gaming collectibles, Wizards of the Coast was able to provide key media channels and fans with a one-of-a-kind, elegant, and fun celebration of Dungeons & Dragons' 50-year history and legacy.
