Pre-Order Update: May 2025
by My Store AdminThis update, directly from founder, Jean Simonet, has been adapted from the communication shared with our Kickstarter Backers and contains transparent, detailed information about Pixels production. Some details may have been adjusted to focus on Pre-order info vs Backer Rewards. These updates are published at the end of each month and will continue to be re-published on the Pixels Blog with information relevant to Pre-order customers.
Hey everyone,
The ongoing tariff situation continues to impact operations and our ability to plan. Just this week a federal court blocked the tariffs entirely, only to be overruled by the Court of Appeals the very next day, bringing them back to the previous value of 30%, which itself was the result of a 90-day pause that Trump announced earlier this month from the 135% that he had installed back in April.
This constant change and uncertainty makes it totally impossible for us and our partners to plan ahead. It has slowed us down, forced us to scale back some efforts (temporarily), and made the path ahead less predictable.
We know we are not alone, many others in the TTRPG space are feeling it too. But to be clear: operations have not halted. We’re still here, working through these challenges step-by-step, and still making progress where we can. Here's the latest:
🛠️ Manufacturing Status: Still Progressing
Despite current uncertainties, production continues. Challenges persist, and we're being careful to balance caution and action. Unfortunately, one of the many ripple effects of the tariffs is that a lot of our stock is simply sitting on factory floors...
❄️ Midnight Frost Colorway Variant
We've had a batch of incorrectly tinted Midnight Galaxy percentile dice. The difference doesn't look that important in picture but it is very noticeable when part of a set. We actually ran into a similar issue with some D12s previously, and decided to give them a new ink color and name. We're going to do the same here, so say hello to our new, limited edition, "Midnight Frost D12s and Percentile". 🙃
Typically, we would take these one-offs with us to conventions (like the White Aurora D20s) but unfortunately these are going to be stuck in China for a bit longer.
♻️ Scrap rate, rework and recycling
Unfortunately, our scrap rate is still high, and we spend a lot of manpower trying to fix dice. In the long term, some of our process will have to change, but for now we're just pushing through.
Unfortunately, the time-consuming rework doesn't always pay off. Below is an example: in order to fix light leakage on the D8 (left), the worker tried to drill and re-fill that section of the die (right).
This was done using the same resin and same pigment. Yet even though the fixed face is perfectly smooth (it was re-polished), you can absolutely see the reworked area. In this case, the die will be put aside until we figure out what to try next. For now, it's scrap.
Sometimes we have better luck. When we detect an issue before final casting, we can usually save some of the components. When a circuit board breaks for instance, we can reuse some of the components.
These components have been pulled off defective cores and will be reused in future ones. They are the most expensive parts of a Pixel's innards: The battery, charging coil, microcontroller, accelerometer and battery charger. The 3 integrated circuits (right side) will then be put back on reels so they can be used by the pick-and-place machine again. Sadly, the remaining 50+ components used in a core are not worth putting back on reels, as the re-reeling process is also done by hand. I hate it but it is just cheaper to buy new components. Even the RGB LEDs are too much trouble to try and save.
Note: once again, having this many defective boards in the first place is not good, and we will need to make some updates for future products but for now we're just biting the bullet.
🔋 Large Charging Case issues being worked on
For the lucky few that do have sets in hand, we are aware of ongoing issues with the large charging case. I appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we fix those. The good news is that most of the issues will be resolved with firmware updates.
🎲 Tariff Flash Sale Extended
We have extended our tariff flash sale for customers in the U.S. As mentioned last month, we still have a limited number of D20 dice at our U.S. Amazon warehouse—dice imported before tariffs took hold.:
- Price: $39.99 each (+ shipping)
- Limited Colors: Clear, Midnight Galaxy, Aurora Sky
- Location: U.S. only (2–3 day immediate shipping)
Again, if you're still waiting for your dice, we're not asking you to buy more, you’ve already done your part, and your support means everything.
🎟️ Support Desk: Catching Up (Please Don’t Panic)
To better handle the ongoing backlog, we’ve contracted a dedicated team of four support specialists, so you should start seeing a drastic change in our response speed.
In the meantime, let me reiterate some of my previous points:
➡️ Submitting multiple tickets slows responses down.
➡️ Address Changes: You can update your shipping address in the "Orders" section of your account. If your dice shipped before your address change, we’ll fix it—on us—once we get to your ticket.
➡️ Defective Dice: Replacements will be honored, but please expect delays. If your die won’t “wake up”:
- Charge it overnight.
- Try placing it in the freezer overnight while charging (odd, but it often works!).
- If it's still unresponsive, email support@gamewithpixels.com with a short video or photo.
➡️ “Any Updates?” Tickets: Unfortunately, we can't individually answer these right now. You'll receive a notification when your order ships. Monthly updates remain the best source of information.
➡️ Most "Order Not Showing" or "Payment Due" issues should be resolved, but if you are still seeing something wrong and have already submitted a ticket, please do not submit another one. We will get to it, we promise.
We know some of you haven’t heard from us in a while—but we're committed to resolving every outstanding issue. Your continued patience and support are deeply appreciated.
Warm regards,
Jean