Indie/free wargames (and I want to make one).

[bluebugs]

It has, for a while - been an aspiration of mine to create a wargame. I've got most of the 'fluff' and factions sorted out - but one thing that always makes me take a break from rules writing/general game development is the daunting idea that the rules book won't be published, no one will willing sculpt the models, and I will have a hard time keeping my business alive due to a (possibly) small player base.

Then, like a sock full of pewter minis, it hit me. Why do I need to turn it into a business? Why not distribute the rules for free and give players complete creative control over their minis? The game will, ideally, only involve a handful of miniatures. The rules are still under heavy construction. My question is; would you play it? If you found a set of rules for free (guilt free, too) online and had to convert max 10 models to play it, would you? The site would also include some forum to receive feed-back, and alter the rules ASAP if something is broken, instead of waiting years for an official errata/rulebook.

I just want to hear some feed back from fellow gamers. This will be a slow-progress project and will probably not even get a site until I have an almost complete rules-set. Another question I have is; has this been done before? If so, could you point out a few examples. Thanks in advance.

[Bingo the Fun Monkey]

Yep, you don't need to make a business out of it. However, mailing it to yourself to copyright it wouldn't hurt. I've been working on a sci-fi rpg skirmish game for almost two years (it's evolved) and plan to distribute it freely online and at my FLGS. It'll be able to use any sci-fi human model (25-32mm) although vehicles will be a little harder to do. I've been thinking of making some "mail order" plasticard and brass kits for these.

[Pacorko]

Well, I'll always try any game once... as my game closet clearly shows. So, yes I'd take alook and see if I have a few models that could be used to play with said rules set---Heaven knows I have lots and lots of conversions and silly projects that could be used or modified just a little more.

I say: Full speed ahead and publish your rules under your own terms.

You can go to this place and see for yourself just how many people have done it before and in just how many periods and styles.

[Hairy Norseman]

I'm always interested to see what others have come up with for game ideas. Personally though, I would only get around to trying out new rules if the system drew me in, for example if the fluff sparked my interest or the layout of the rules was clear etc; I don't mean I'd want to see lots of swish illustrations but rather a clear and concise layout which can be achieved without flashy programs.

HN

[Pacorko]

Exactly as Hairy so aptly points it out!

As you will notice when you go to the website I mentioned above, the degrees of quality vary greatly and making a "just html" version is likely to take away many potential players as the format is messy most of the time and click, all of the time. Not to mention forever meant to be digital.

While there are many solutions available by now, the best way to present your work is define exactly what kind of twist you are putting in terms of fluff (many a wargamer's "selling" point) and the overall feel of the game: Skirmish--most likely by your initial description--, Platoon, Company, GT (Grand Tactical), whatever...

That will also make potential reader more or less interested depending on their specific gaming preferences. But all we really need are PDFs. You are free to use the most incredible Prepress and Design platforms to create that incredible looking file, but if you want to reach the widest possible audience... PDF is the way to go. Should anyone prefer to print it, they can do so without problems. Me? I'd just cram it into my iPad and use it as needed.

With that in mind, the other suggestion I have is: be clear about your focus.

I am past going for the fluff as initial approach. Last night I downloaded many Napoleonic rulesets I didn't have already to see if I could find something not overly complicated or with lots of tables--boy, Nappies do seem to love those!--to check after almost every action. I looking for solid rules or tidbits to incorporate to my list of nice rulings in order to have a nice, detailed SOCIAL game--I'm also a bit past the typical 1-vs-1 IGOUGO format as the most common form of game, now--which suits my needs and allows for a good afternoon of fun with my ALL of my mates at the same time and on the same table.

Still, skirmish is pretty doable and if presented right, something that will get people to read your rules.

But if what you are more interested in is for people to like your fluff or if fluff alone will be the selling point for your rules... maybe you really want to tell stories under the pretext of having a game.

Nothing bad about it, but that will also determine the kind of audience you are likely to reach.

All in all, just go for it and let us know when its ready!

[bluebugs]

@ Bingo the Fun Monkey - that sounds great. If you wanted to pm me and tell me a bit more about your wargame, I would be happy to tell you about mine. I've been toying with my universe (fluff) for about 3 years now, only recently putting any real thought into rules.

@Hairy Norseman - Thank you for your insight. I like to think that my fluff is pretty creative, I steered away from the typical Tokien-esque races as well as any sci-fi I know of. As far as rules are concerned my goals are to make them simple, easy to learn, giving the player a lot of options (other then just move, shoot, charge, ect), No dice (I'm using playing cards), as well as trying to keep both players on their toes at all times. I'm also not one for flashy programs, but I do want some cool art, if I can get someone to do it for me.

@ Pacorko - thank you for the website, when my game is complete - I will post it on there. I like your point about keeping the rules un-complicated and allowing an all-out-brawl as well as the typical one on one. I plan on making a multiplayer (2+ players) system as well as a campaigning system. So one can have a nice beer-and-pretzels wargame to kill some time here and there, and if they want to get more involved - they can. On that note, I tried playing a 3-way mordheim game the other day and it was a mess. The rules simply aren't written to do so. On top of that I want to add more 'goals' for the game - other then annihilate your opponent. Maybe I could design a scenario where no models have to die at all.

And your point on Skirmish vs Fluff is a good one. I want to (in the VERY far future) make an RPG. The wargame comes first, but it would also be more fun on people with little to no money - and hopefully some good friends, to enjoy my gaming universe and just have a little 'adventure'.

Thank you all so much for your input.

[bosky]

Creating games is a ton of fun and I consider it a large part of the hobby and a natural progression for a lot of gamers (especially those who house rule a lot).

I'd recommend just throwing your ideas up on a Wordpress blog. Follow the mantra of open source: "Release early and release often". Having the basic mechanics playable asap with figures and dice will help a lot for adoption early on.

I find that creating a game helps understand a lot about the games you already play. What mechanics work? What mechanics do you like or dislike? I sometimes find pulling from numerous game designs helps with the finished product.

Don't worry about negative feedback, just make a game that's fun for YOU to play. Gamers know when a game was created with love and care and when the developer had fun, or when they just slogged through the rules because they ended up hating their project.

For my own personal example I made a simple and fun team based Zombie shooting game called "Brains". I threw the rules together for use with Mordheim terrain, grabbed a few sci-fi figures, and refined it from there.
http://brainsgame.wordpress.com/

Similarly "Dinosaur Cowboys" was my light RPG / skirmish game that I'm currently evolving towards just skirmish:
http://dinosaurcowboys.wordpress.com/

As you can see it doesn't take much to put rules in a PDF, and certainly helps a person grow as a gamer.

[Daniel36]

Hey Bluebugs, just go for it man. I have done too. You can check my sig for the link to my project (called Chronicles), and I just decided to throw it on a forum for open discussion. Things are still slow on the receiving part, but that's the holidays.

I am, however, going to change things around a slight but, because what Bosky has done with wordpress.com seems like a very good medium for me at present time.

[therevolutioncat]

My mind is boggling with all RPG/wargame ideas. Will wanna make a post of one soon - but writers block not helping when writing a rulebook.