Kickstarter survey shows 69% of Fetch My Blade backers are new to journaling roleplaying games

More than two-thirds of backers supporting the canine adventure game Fetch My Blade have never played a journaling roleplaying game before, according to poll data released by Canadian publisher Hit Point Press. Of 209 backer responses collected during the final week of the project’s crowdfunding run, 69% confirmed the project marked their first experience with the journaling format.

The figures reveal how an established fantasy publisher can draw mainstream tabletop players into a traditionally solitary corner of the hobby. By framing a prompt-driven adventure around animal companionship and introducing cooperative group rules, the Ottawa-based team has opened an entry path for general tabletop gamers, driving the wider campaign past $130,000 from 1,600 backers ahead of its 15 October 2026 finish.

Survey findings: The first-timer surge

Solo journaling roleplaying games typically attract a small community of dedicated writers and independent hobbyists. Hit Point Press poll results indicate that clear themes and lower complexity can attract an audience well beyond regular genre players.

Only 27% of respondents reported playing journaling titles previously, and just 3% identified as dedicated genre enthusiasts.

A companion survey on table preferences shows a similar shift away from solitary play. While journaling releases traditionally function as private creative exercises, 55% of 262 respondents plan to play Fetch My Blade both alone and with friends. Dedicated solo players make up 39%, while 4% intend to play only in groups.

Ricardo Evangelho, CEO and Founder at Hit Point Press, said in a statement:

We’re thrilled for Fetch My Blade to introduce people to the expansive world of journaling RPGs. If you’ve never played a journaling game before, Fetch My Blade is a wonderful point of entry.”

Story, mechanics, and group play

The original zine edition of Fetch My Blade, created by designers Kelly M. Tran and Ethan Yen, earned recognition in 2023 for its focused canine story. Players take the role of a retired sword master’s dog, embarking on a quest to retrieve their owner’s legendary weapon in time for an ultimate duel. Along the trail, prompts reveal the master’s hidden past and shape the animal’s loyalty.

The expanded edition from Hit Point Press features artwork by queer illustrator Nine Simpson and includes rules for 1 to 4 players, letting groups explore the countryside as a pack of dogs.

Animal rescue and production plans

Charity work forms a major element of the campaign. A portion of project profits will go to The Puppy Roll, an animal rescue venture run by actor Anjali Bhimani and Hit Point Press. The team confirmed that increased charitable donations became the campaign’s second-most-requested stretch target.

Ricardo Evangelho, added:

We’re big animal lovers at Hit Point Press, and many of us have pets of our own. We’re strong supporters of rescue work, and it was clear that the community agrees.”

Book writing and system design are already complete. Digital PDF copies are scheduled for release on 1 November 2026, while physical production targets July 2027 to allow for accessory manufacturing and shipping.

BackerKit will collect shipping fees separately closer to dispatch, and Hit Point Press cannot ship physical rewards to regions affected by conflict, including Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, and Israel.

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