The Pre-Order Era
The Pre-Order Era is a defined phase in the life of Cipher: Every Word Counts. It exists to mark the period between final development and first release.
During this time, Cipher is available for Pre-Order. The rules are locked, the art is finalized and the first print quantity is being prepared.
Why a Pre-Order Era?
Cipher: Every Word Counts is being published deliberately and at a human scale. Rather than manufacturing in excess or obscuring timelines, the Pre-Order Era makes the process visible
This phase allows early supporters to:
- Understand when the experience will be made available
- Know how the first print run is determined
- Decide whether to participate at the earliest stage
Pre-orders do not merely reserve copies. They serve the critical purpose of defining the size of the first print.
What You Can Expect Right Now
- Final rules are complete
- Final artwork is complete
- Manufacturing and logistics are being finalized thanks to your support!
- Updates are published regularly as milestones are reached: here
What you will not find during the Pre-Order Era:
- artificial scarcity
- vague promises
Dates are shared only when they are reliable
The First Print Run
The First Print Run of Cipher: Every Word Counts is defined by the Pre-Order Era.
It reflects early supporters, early assumptions and early constraints.
Future editions may evolve in presentation, packaging, or structure. The first print represents the game as it enters the world for the first time.
Participation in the Pre-Order Era means owning a copy that belongs to that origin and a unique piece of social deduction game history.
How Pre-Ordering will work
When the Pre-Order window opens:
- Orders will be received on the Cipher Game Studios WooCommerce storefront page and processed securely by Clover and/or Stripe.
- Payment will be captured at the time of order (you will be charged immediately). For details please see our pre-order refund policy
- Delivery Timelines are contingent on manufacturing production times
- Pre-Order Window will close on May 31st (31 days after the Pre-Order window opened)
- Closing date will be clearly posted
Where We Are Now
- Rules – Complete
- Artwork Delivery – Complete
- Pre-Orders WIndow – Open
- Manufacturing Confirmation – Pending
This page will post milestones as they move from pending to complete, but for a comprehensive list of updates see specifically the Updates page.
How to Participate Now
If you are here early, the simplest way to participate is to stay informed.
Cipher: Every Word Counts is a game about meaning, timing and restraint. The way it is released reflects the way it is played.
If you are here during the Pre-Order Era, you are early and that matters.