Gorilla Games Battlestations: Dirtside

Character Cards are nearing completion
about 3 years ago – Sun, Mar 07, 2021 at 08:18:42 AM

I know I promised 45 characters but I wanted to include all the species and have some car cards and etc. Long story short, I'm increasing the deck size to 110 cards.

If you would like to see the full deck and help me find typos (like Silicoids with a target number of 11) send me a message and I'll send you a link.

I know this is taking a long time. I'm still working on it and it is moving.

Thank you for your patience.

Jeff

Big January Update
over 3 years ago – Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 01:10:55 PM

The writing of the book is done. When I actually publish and have the game in my hands is a fantastic feeling. The satisfaction of getting the rules complete is a dim shadow of that elation but it is still awesome. I want to thank all of you who patiently waited and all who impatiently demanded I get it done. It is getting done thanks to you and the playtesters on tabletop simulator. We play on Thursday nights in the room GorillaGames with the password Battlestations.

Being able to share my vision with people who appreciate it is the highlight of my professional life. I am eternally grateful to each of you who read this.

I've got pdfs available if anybody wants to weigh in on the typo-fest that is my mad ramblings. Please message me directly and I'll send you a link.

Here are some pics of the book in near finished condition.

I will be launching kickstarters for other projects before this ships. I know it might be frustrating for you to see that I'm doing other stuff before fulfilling my promise to you. I haven't forgotten about Dirtside but I need to keep the cash flow going. My convention sales in 2020 were non-existent and the other projects don't detract from my commitment to Battlestations.

In personal news, my father-in-law broke his hip and needs care. I'm doing my part by sleeping over there as the night attendant. This shouldn't impact my work much but it is a general drain on the family. I tell you this as sort of an admission that I am just a guy in his garage doing his best and life gets in the way a bit but nothing will stop me from delivering this great game to you!

The next project is "Who Would Win?" I've updated my hit party-debating game from 2009 for re-release. I'll keep you posted.

Insubstantial Update
over 3 years ago – Wed, Dec 16, 2020 at 11:06:49 PM

This is an insubstantial update because I don't have hard numbers about when it will be done and when it will ship.

I know that a lame update is better than no update at all so I'm checking in here just to let you all know that I'm not slinking off to hide somewhere.

I am procrastinating about the final release of the book because I want it to be perfect and, of course, it can't be.  The art and all of that is fine. I just have to get the book fine tuned.

To add to the difficulty, I had an epiphany about how cannons should work in Dirtside that changes the game somewhat so I've had to revisit it. I also have to contend with wondering if my epiphany is just an attempt to push off publication longer.

I will have a substantial update on January 5th.

CALL FOR PLAYTESTER NOTES
over 3 years ago – Tue, Nov 10, 2020 at 10:36:42 AM

I have put everything I have into this game. Now I'm asking for your insights and input.

I've got about 2 pages left for FAQ stuff and notes and I am calling on the power of crowdsourcing to bring it home.

Please send me your questions, thoughts, advice for new players, favorite builds, comments on the differences between Battlestations and Dirtside etc. Basically, I want to give new players some idea of what is going on but the view of the ground from up here in my ivory tower is too obscured by distance.

You can message me directly or leave your notes in the comments below if you dare risk the flame war.

Miniatures are at the printer and Q&A on Discord
over 3 years ago – Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 02:38:16 AM

I've got the miniatures files off to the printer and Dan is putting the final touches on the rulebook.

This project is marching along. I'm anxious to see it get done as well. We've been playing on Tabletop Simulator but I want to hold the final game in my hands more than anybody.

Speaking of Tabletop Simulator, I've been discussing some big picture questions there and I want to hear the community weigh in on them.  I'm not talking about changing the physical components of the game but how the game works. Crowdsourcing of ideas is every bit as important to this process as crowdfunding the capital.

Specifically, I've been considering the balance between boarding combat and ship to ship combat in both Battlestations and Dirtside.  It seems like any time there was an enemy ship, the go-to move is to board it because blasting away at it just takes too long. Ships that can take 50 or 60 points of hull damage before having to make a hull check require a full round of max guns blasts. Even a crew that isn't designed for boarding combat can usually take out an enemy crew in less than a round.

I've got some thoughts on how to balance this so I've scheduled a roundtable discussion on discord for Sunday October 25th at 2 pm Pacific time to discuss this and other stuff. You all are welcome to attend. I have no idea if, who or how many people will be there but I appreciate the input.