Countdown to Gen Con 1 day Left Today Heavy Gear Beta Rules

Blitz, Dream Pod 9, Featured, Flip Through, Gen Con 2014, Heavy Gear 1 Response »

Aug 122014

Well it’s the last day til Gen Con. It is going to be an amazing show. If you’re a Heavy Gear fan or interested in Heavy Gear I have one more thing to say. Today August 12th I will bring you a handful of videos on Heavy Gear including a Flip Through (4:00P.M. E.S.T.D. on YouTube) of the New Heavy Gear Blitz Beta Rules for Tabletop Wargaming. The Heavy Gear Blitz Beta Rules are the most anticipated event of the show for me.

Heavy Gear is a combined arms game that is set in the future, where humans pilot armored battle suits into battle. The settlers of Terra Nova have been cut off from earth and they struggle for political power. This often creates hostile actions that can lead to war.

The planet of Terra Nova isn’t too different from our Earth. It has jungles, forests, mountains, lakes, and a vast desert that runs through the center of planet that separates the north from the south.

Gen Con News Paizo, Syrinscape, and Warpo

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Aug 072014

Paizo Inc. returns as a co-sponsor of Gen Con 2014 with a slew of new releases for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, Pathfinder Tales, and exciting new licensed products! Members of the design team are available for interviews, including Publisher Erik Mona, Creative Director James Jacobs, Editor in Chief Wes Schneider, and Senior Editor James Sutter.

Countdown to Gen Con 11 Days Writer’s Symposium

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Aug 012014

The last 24 hours have been fun. I have been hard at work writing the frame work for our Through Gamer Goggles scavenger hunt. It was hard to get through all of that while thinking about all the cool things that the Writer’s Symposium will have going on for the 20th anniversary. Before I go any further I should really share some things with you about the symposium.

Let’s take a look at the program. It starts Thursday at 9:00 A.M. and runs until noon on Sunday, taking a break every night at 9:00 P.M. That is over 120 hours of events. The events come in a variety, panels, seminars, and hands on experience. I have found that they are all beneficial. There will be times when you come away with more knowledge than others. From my experience I believe the key is to participate – engage in discussion with the teachers and attendees. That is how you can get the most from the visit. I highly encourage you to participate in the critiques next year, they are probably sold out already this year. They are your chance to have face to face time with four editors, great elbow rubbing time!

If it were not for several of the friends I made at Gen Con in 2011 through the symposium, it is safe to say I wouldn’t be doing this today. I should also note that if it weren’t for Ryan Hale Through Gamer Goggles would not exist – that’s a different story though. When I first started attending Gen Con it was for the sole purpose of learning about the craft of writing. The symposium gave me so much more. It is a valuable community (most events are free), that gives well beyond the convention.

You meet these authors that are for the most part really easy to talk to and you find them on facebook and bam you get inspired. It works like this. The writers are all about self promotion so you see a great deal of what they accomplish. Which in turn is motivational, at least to me. I figure if they can do it I can too. As a result of the volunteer authors service, I’m currently working on a novel (have to develop the world first), a novella for a very cool game world, and some short fiction. After Gen Con I’m going to pitch some adventures to Adventure a Week and Kobold Press. Oh and because Elizabeth Vaughan suggested I get into a writer’s guild, I ended up as the vice president here in Canton. See what I mean it’s a community that doesn’t end at Gen Con.

I’m indebted to the Writer’s Symposium, out of all of my convention experiences it has proven to be the most valuable. I really can’t say enough about the symposium and how deep it goes. I can tell you it has changed me forever.

Until tomorrow take care.

Matt

Countdown to Gen Con 12 (part 2) All Things Alien

Featured, Gen Con 2014 2 Responses »

Jul 312014

It occurred to me that my count might end up off. That isn’t because I can’t count, it’s much more likely that I might not have the time to make the posts once I arrive in Indy.

It has been a day since I shared my desire to explore The Amega Weapon. Today we will look at aliens. Is it a surprise that there will be aliens at Gen Con? I’m sure that I’m going to leave some out, but I’m really looking forward to checking Alien Uprising from Mr.B. Games, All quiet on the Martian Front, and Mars Attacks.

The Countdown to Gen Con 2014 Begins Now

Featured, Gen Con 2014 1 Response »

Jul 302014

13 …

Gen Con isn’t that far away and I can’t wait to start talking about it. We are getting to go and enjoy the show. This is largely because I was confused; I kind of thought I was nominated for an Ennie. When the reality of it was that they hadn’t started voting yet; we were only submitted. My ignorance got the better of me, and I plotted my path to Gen Con. Which, for brevity’s sake, included a Kickstarter to fund the media expedition. It was a long road.

But that is over and the time has come to start sharing with you why I’m truly looking forward to Gen Con this year. Because there are so many things going on at Gen Con I’m going to limit this list to one item a day and it is no way a complete list of what I intend on doing at Gen Con.

Today’s article might be little longer because it will include some tasks that will happen prior to the convention. I will be arriving Tuesday afternoon to get an early start on the convention. Wednesday I’ll be busy doing interviews and hanging with some friends. The beer tapping is going to be great, but all too short watch for the froth of Khan review on twitter while listening to Five Year Mission. Five Year Mission is the band trekking to write a song about every one of the Original Star Trek episodes. From there I’ll be heading over to the Diana Jones award.

The Diana Jones is very unique because it is awarded off of popularity. Voting is done by an anonymous committee, which prevents a manufacturer from influencing a vote. The award focuses on achievement, innovation, and anything that betters the hobby industry. At least that is how they describe “excellence in gaming”. Anyone or anything in the games industry is eligible to win. It’s even cooler that the secret society of voters doesn’t have to give the award. You can, and in my opinion should, check out the nominees here and be sure to thank the sponsors while at Gen Con this year.

Now that the pre-show stuff is out of the way, lets get down to business. These are games, or events that come to my mind frequently when I think of Gen Con this the year. We are going to start with The Amega Weapon from The Amega Weapon LLC. The Amega Weapon is a new board game that create a chaotic environment of change. Players attempt to gain complete control over the galaxy while stabbing each other in the back. It’s new, it’s different, and I want to look into it.

I have already talked with the game designer a couple of times about the game. It has an interesting story that starts nearly 30 years ago. Did I mention the art is by Greg Winters? You might not recognize his name but I bet you’ve seen his art, especially if you like Star Wars. You can find them in booth number 2928.

Well That is a lot longer than I thought it was going to be. For reading and I hope to see you at Gen Con. If you liked this please share or tweet it. Everyone in our community deserves to know about these awesome events.

Til tomorrow take care,

Matt

Final Hours for Through Gamer Goggles Gen Con Media Coverage on Kickstarter

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Jul 192014

Our relaunched Kickstarter has been funded largely because of what our first attempt taught us. Even though our first project was a complete bomb it has been a great ride. Gosh, I really don’t know how much to bore you here with our experience, so I’m just going to jump into the current project that is much more exciting. I may touch upon some of the lessons we experienced.

Our current project was funded in just under 24 hours. Why? Because we discarded all of the promotional items that inflated the funding goal. This was the secret to our success. We still have a T-shirt, but we felt the backers who were major contributors needed something more than just the media coverage. All of our backers are major supporters, by the way, the average daily contribution has been about $70. We can’t thank you enough for that!

For those of you that have backed this project, I’m not sure if you can see what you’re a part of. The effort you’ve put forth has opened so many doors and taught me so many things it’s not funny. Our blog and social media has increased nearly 30% in the last fourteen days, and that is because you have motivated me. My eyes have been opened, because of you, to what the essence of Through Gamer Goggles media truly is. Back to that in a minute.

I believe I will have published 300 videos before Gen Con 2015. That’s over 100 a year, plus reviews, radio shows, and release information. Through Gamer Goggles is a happening place. We offer a tremendous amount of content, but I have failed you. I have failed because the vision or essence of what is Through Gamer Goggles wasn’t realized until we attempted to fund this successful project. Through Gamer Goggles (TGG) was born with the vision of blending or balancing our gaming worlds with our real lives. Not only is that a monumental task but it has proven to be a very difficult one. Especially since very early on, I became nearly overwhelmed with the processing of game reviews. But this project has made me realize that I have failed at reflecting my personality in the content. I mean, I’m one of the most passionate gamers you’ll ever meet. I go out of my way for the gaming community as a whole by organizing events, judging, and blogging. I probably know hundreds if not thousands of gamers from such experiences. So where am I going with all this? The Gen Con Media project has kind of brought all of this to a head. I have realized that I want to take a very different approach to media. We have always been a part of the community and have run events for manufacturers (since 2000), but I don’t think it was enough to make me happy. Now, you are a part of what we do! That is the change that I was missing before. More than ever Through Gamer Goggles is about blending our lives with our gaming world. Which really means connecting with the gaming community in a unique way. We’re committed to bridging the gap from manufacturer to gamer by being involved with you! One of the results will be more of my super stunning personality as we continue to grow. This will include everything we have done in the past plus more demonstration content and regular radio shows. I might be rambling so onward to excitement!

The Project is all about going to Gen Con and having a blast with you. There are some really cool concepts we are trying to do.

The Photo Tier – every backer gets their picture taken and more.

The Coupon Book – Every backer of $20 or more will receive a coupon book (similar to the convention book but smaller). Currently we’re working with these great companies:

Academy Games – Kickstarter exclusive items available from Freedom, Rebellion, and Conflict of Heroes, more details to come. Priceless!
Adventure a Week – one month free. Worth about $10.
DGS Games – Details Pending
Hawk Wargames – Spend X dollars (amount to be determined) and receive a bonus mini.
Mr. B. Games
And the guys from Pure Steam are offering free music with the purchase of their alternate Pathfinder setting

This is easily worth the $20.

Coffee with the crew – just as it sounds.

The coolest goal is a backer party. Basically this will be a dinner where all are invited to have a meal at a yet to be determined location. I have my eyes set on a steak house. But we will see what happens. It would be great for all of us to be in the same place at the same time to share our experiences and just get to know each other.

To celebrate our last hours I have come up with some unique ideas.

The first is a backer give away. For every ten new backers we get from now until the end of the campaign we will give out prizes to a randomly chosen backer. We are currently at 17 backers, so the prize thresholds are 27, 37, and 47. I currently have 3 prizes to give away: Combat Barbarossa 1941 German Infantryman Versus Soviet Rifleman from Osprey Publishing, Scoundrels of Skullport from GF9, and a signed copy of Forged in Fire for Mage Wars.

Second, I have decided to add another stretch goal – a scavenger hunt. This will be a simple game. It will involve backers of any pledge level to run around the exhibitors hall and do things like play games and other neat things. How dumb is that? At the end of the day we will meet up and have a drawing to award a daily prize. So far we have two Mage Wars Core Set and a copy of Forged in Fire from Arcane Wonders. That is two days of dashing from game to game. Who knows, we may create some other wacky ideas beyond game hunting. In either case it will be a lot of fun.

Like I said the Kickstarter is a door opener. It has started several new friendships, given us new direction and realization. While we’ve focused on Box Breakings, Figure Forges, Flip Throughs, and written reviews, you’re going to see more engagement from us. Beyond that we are going to strive to connect the manufacturers with you in an engaging way, while we continue to push the pace into news and media in exciting ways. Will we be perfect? No, but we have already proven that we learn from our mistakes, and that result means we will see you at Gen Con 2014 AND at Gen Con 2015! My only question is will you be part of our future?

Thanks,

Matt Lemke

Words With Erik Mona from Paizo Publishing From Origins 2014

Featured, Origins 2014, Paizo Publishing, Pathfinder 2 Responses »

Jun 182014

I was fortunate enough to sit down with Erik Mona from Paizo and chat about things. I’m not sure where we started but we discuss, The Emerald Spire, Paizo Con, The massive Gen Con Role play session, and more. This interview is packed with juicy information.

With everything Erik has said I really can’t wait for Gen Con 2014 and my first, yet to be determined, trip to Paizo Con.

And check out our Kickstarter The Convention Experience.

Box Breaking 97 Hetairoi for Heavy Gear Blitz from Dream Pod 9

Blitz, Box Breaking, Dream Pod 9, Featured, Heavy Gear 3 Responses »

May 012014

In this episode Matt takes a look at the Hetaroi Spark for the Southern army in Heavy Gear Blitz. The Hetaroi Spark is a hover tank used by the Southern army. Watch and take a look at the detail this model has been given by Dream Pod 9

Check Back soon for the Figure Forge on this model. I may even use the Hetaroi for a painting tutorial, I will clearly demonstrate my lack of skill.

For more information you can always visit Dream Pod 9

Thanks to Music Alley for pod safe music

Paizo to release Pathfinder Adventure Card Game Skull & Shackles

Paizo Publishing, Pathfinder Comments Off

Nov 202013

PAIZO ANNOUNCES PATHFINDER ADVENTURE CARD GAME: SKULL & SHACKLES

Follow-Up to the Acclaimed New Card Game Slated for August 2014 Release

New Cover Art by Daryl Mandryk Debuted

REDMOND, WA (November 18, 2013): Paizo Publishing, LLC, leading publisher of fantasy roleplaying games, novels, game accessories and board games, announces today Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Skull & Shackles will be the follow-up to 2013’s wildly popular Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the Runelords. The game goes into private playtest in December, and is scheduled for release at Gen Con Indy, August 2014.

The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Skull & Shackles Base Set is based on and features the characters, locations, monsters, and villains from the pirate-themed Pathfinder RPG Adventure Path: Skull & Shackles, and offers seven character classes – including four all-new ones (Magus, Oracle, Gunslinger, and Swashbuckler) for players to choose from. The game will come packaged in a 13″ x 14″ box, featuring brand-new cover art from artist Daryl Mandryk, as well as dice, nearly 500 illustrated cards, and everything one to four players need to create characters and begin their adventures. The Skull & Shackles Character Add-On Deck expands the maximum number of players to six, and adds four more character classes, including three all-new ones (Alchemist, Warpriest, Witch). Players can expand their game play with monthly Skull & Shackles Adventure Decks containing 110 cards featuring new scenarios, villains, loot, weapons, items, and more.

Subscribers to the PACG receive 20% off the MSRP ($59.99 for the base set, $19.99 for the Character Add-On Deck and monthly Adventure Decks), as well as discounts on UltraPro PACG playmats and accessories.

The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (PACG), created by Mike Selinker and Lone Shark Games, translates the world’s best-selling Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (RPG) into an entirely new breed of card game, where players adventure, battle monsters and villains, and acquire new feats, items, weapons, and allies – all without a Game Master. The first game, PACG: Rise of the Runelords, made its debut at Gen Con Indy 2013, where it sold out in the first four hours, and has been receiving rave reviews from players, press, and the hobby game industry. Here’s what some partners have had to say:

“One of the most intriguing tabletop releases of the year!” – Game Informer

“The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game is something we rarely find in the business – something truly NEW. It has attracted card players, role players, and lapsed gamers with its accessibility and with the epic storyline Paizo so excels at creating. Gamers are already looking forward to other key Paizo adventure paths coming into the format.”

– Mike Webb, Vice President of Marketing & Data Services/Alliance Distribution

“The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game has been a tremendous seller for us. It helps bridge the gap between two markets: card games and roleplaying games.”

– Kuo-yu Liang, VP Sales & Marketing/Diamond Book Distributors

For more information, visit paizo.com/pacg.

The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game is based on the world’s best-selling Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, which was built on more than 10 years of system development and the largest open playtest in the history of tabletop gaming to create an unparalleled fantasy roleplaying experience. Players need only the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook to play, but Paizo Publishing produces a wide range of books and accessories to enhance your Pathfinder experience, from hardcover rules compendiums to complete campaigns to packets of beautiful full-color maps. For more information, visit paizo.com.

About Lone Shark Games

Lone Shark Games is a design studio in Seattle headed by designer Mike Selinker. They are responsible for the design of the games Lords of Vegas, Unspeakable Words, Pirates of the Spanish Main, and Harrow and the Titanic Games board game line for Paizo. Their game books include The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design, Dealer’s Choice, Puzzlecraft, and the upcoming puzzle novel The Maze of Games.

About Paizo Publishing

Paizo Publishing®, LLC is a leading publisher of fantasy roleplaying games, accessories, board games, and novels. Paizo’s Pathfinder® Roleplaying Game, the result of the largest open playtest in the history of tabletop gaming, is currently the best-selling tabletop roleplaying game in hobby stores. Pathfinder Adventure Path is the most popular and best-selling monthly product in the tabletop RPG industry. Paizo.com is the leading online hobby retail store, offering tens of thousands of products from a variety of publishers to customers all over the world. In the ten years since its founding, Paizo Publishing has received more than 50 major awards and has grown to become one of the most influential companies in the hobby games industry.

New Paizo Products at Gen Con 2013

Paizo Publishing, Pathfinder 1 Response »

Aug 162013

PAIZO PUBLISHING DEBUTS KEY PATHFINDER PRODUCTS AT GEN CON INDY

Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, Mythic Adventures and Visions of WAR: The Art of Wayne Reynolds Out Now

REDMOND, WA (August 15, 2013): From the exhibit hall of Gen Con Indy, Paizo Publishing, LLC, leading publisher of fantasy roleplaying games, novels, game accessories and board games, and the world’s best-selling Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, announces the release of three new Pathfinder products: the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, the new Pathfinder RPG hardcover Mythic Adventures, and Visions of WAR: The Art of Wayne Reynolds. All three released today at Gen Con Indy, and are available to purchase at Paizo’s booth in the exhibit hall (booth #203), on paizo.com, or at hobby game shops nationwide.

Designed by Mike Selinker and Lone Shark Games, the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (PACG) translates the most popular Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (RPG) into an entirely new breed of card game, where players adventure, battle monsters and villains, and acquire new feats, items, weapons, and allies—all without a Game Master! The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the Runelords Base Set, based on the award-winning Rise of the Runelords Adventure Path, includes dice, nearly 500 illustrated cards, and everything one to four players need to create characters and begin their adventures for an entirely new Pathfinder gaming experience. The base set has an MSRP of $59.99.

Mythic Adventures also offers a new way to play the Pathfinder RPG, using familiar rules but adding a new layer to the game. Mythic adventurers are elevated above their non-mythic counterparts, gaining powers and abilities beyond their reach that allow them to take on tougher foes and more daunting challenges. A Mythic character takes on the agents of deities, rushes headlong into the abyss, and strives to build a legend, all while facing-off against a wide variety of foes from common monsters to other mythic characters and legendary creatures. Mythic Adventures has an MSRP of $39.99.

Visions of WAR: The Art of Wayne Reynolds is a journey through the amazing worlds of master artist Wayne Reynolds, a 256-page hardcover retrospective of more than 10 years of work from today’s leading fantasy illustrator. Packed with full-color covers, interior art, and card art from award-winning work on brands like the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, Magic: The Gathering, and more, this book has an MSRP of $29.99.

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game puts you in the role of a brave adventurer fighting to survive in a world beset by magic and evil. Players take on the role of a canny fighter hacking through enemies with an enchanted sword, a powerful sorceress blessed with magic by the hint of demon blood in her veins, a wise cleric of gods benevolent or malign, a witty rogue ready to defuse even the deadliest of traps, or any of countless other heroes. The only limit is a player’s imagination.

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game builds on more than 10 years of system development and the largest open playtest in the history of tabletop gaming to create an unparalleled fantasy roleplaying experience. Players need only the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook to play, but Paizo Publishing produces a wide range of books and accessories to enhance your Pathfinder experience, from hardcover rules compendiums to complete campaigns to packets of beautiful full-color maps. For more information, visit paizo.com.

About Gen Con

Gen Con, LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction and adventure game convention in North America, Gen Con Indy, The Best Four Days In Gaming!™. Gen Con will return to the Indianapolis Convention Center on August 15-18, 2013. Acquired in 2002 by former CEO and founder of Wizards of the Coast Peter Adkison, the company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. This year’s Co-Sponsors include Paizo Publishing, Mayfair Games, and Wizards of the Coast. For more information, visit the website at gencon.com. For up-to-the minute details, check out facebook.com/genconindy.

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