CGL Gencon

[Whisper721]

Has there been any releases on what if anything, besides books, will be avail. at Gencon (dice, new pins, etc...)?   [drool]

[pheonixstorm]

In the new release thread and the GENCON!!!!!! thread

[Whisper721]

I only see Iron wind in those.   I was looking for the CGL booth stuff.

[pheonixstorm]

its in there before the IWM stuff, or at least one of the two threads. BMM and a few others I don't remember the names of. TRO Succession Wars is one I believe. I think there is also one or two other books Adrian mentioned.

[I am Belch II]

New books and new minis.

[Jaim Magnus]

A lance pack of some kind, I don't think the 'Mechs were specified (from IWM).
BattleMech Manual
Second Succession War
TRO Succession Wars
Legacy Anthology

I don't remember seeing anything listed about dice, pins, or other such products, but you never know.

[klarg1]

A lance pack of some kind, I don't think the 'Mechs were specified (from IWM).
BattleMech Manual
Second Succession War
TRO Succession Wars
Legacy Anthology

I don't remember seeing anything listed about dice, pins, or other such products, but you never know.

IWM has a list of their new releases and offerings on their web page.

[Doom]

CGL just posted a list of what they'll have at GenCon, along with a teaser pic of products yet to come. Check out those box sets...
http://www.catalystgamelabs.com/2017/08/12/catalyst-game-labs-at-gen-con-2017/

[jrvk777]

I hope they also display/disclose what the (possible) contents of those box sets would be...  8)

[Adrian Gideon]

I hope they also display/disclose what the (possible) contents of those box sets would be...  8)

Some, as they're still in development.

[Geont]

Some, as they're still in development.

If we get plastic minis in these boxes with at least quality of previous ones than I am pleased to wait these 6-12months. :)

[pheonixstorm]

Crap... and after my post in the new release thread...

As for the plastics, Randall spoke of that in a podcast I think that the quality would be the same or better than the AS Lance Packs

[GRUD]

Some, as they're still in development.

No pressure!   :D

[Geont]

Crap... and after my post in the new release thread...

As for the plastics, Randall spoke of that in a podcast I think that the quality would be the same or better than the AS Lance Packs

That is true. Another question is how many of them will be in boxes (Beginners box probably will have 2-4 minis) and which ones (for me I don't want anything new, I still need these from previous introboxes). And I am hoping for more AS lance packs or some sort of booster packs (House oriented?).

[pheonixstorm]

The way Adrian was talking 2 for the starter and probably the same 24 for the other box (Unknown which models yet though). One thing that was never mentioned that I can recall is if the bigger box will continue to have the extra 2 high quality multi-part mechs or not. Would be nice if they changed those out for a aero flight for a change.

[Geont]

Even some tanks/APC would be good. Or something like Hex pack with additional terrain (scenario objectives?).

[pheonixstorm]

Anything map related would probably cost more than the extra minis.

[I am Belch II]

The CGL and Battletech FB page both had updates on what will be at Gencon this year....and Cake!

[pheonixstorm]

 [drool]
Everything needs cake!

[.RL]

This was a great surprise to wake up to. I can't wait to see the contents of both Battletech boxes.

[Spaceman]

So I take it no new AS Card packs this year? Will last years CM packs be available this year with out the printing error?

[Valkerie]

Am I seeing two different box sets there for Battletech?  If so that would be awesome!   8)

[Geont]

Yes, two boxes. One with 2 minis and one with 2 lances. I don't know if this will change in future but for now it seems like good idea.

[pheonixstorm]

Where do you get 2 lances from?? Even the the popular Alpha Strike box that hasn't happened was to have 12 on 10

[Adrian Gideon]

Where do you get 2 lances from??

2 lances, yup.

[pheonixstorm]

Why so few?? And if it shrank from 24 to 8 what is the new price for it? The starter box with 2 minis was 20 (or did something change) and originally the renamed intro box was to stay the same. What happened??????

[Scotty]

Maybe, and I'm just spitballing here, those details will be revealed when they're closer to release.

[Cache]

n/m... misread some info.

[Adrian Gideon]

Maybe, and I'm just spitballing here, those details will be revealed when they're closer to release.

Yup.

[Fat Guy]

Why so few?? And if it shrank from 24 to 8 what is the new price for it? The starter box with 2 minis was 20 (or did something change) and originally the renamed intro box was to stay the same. What happened??????

With everything we get in the current 24 'Mech box for $60, I'd be willing to bet it's so expensive to produce Catalyst may actually lose money on it.

[pheonixstorm]

No, not true. Look at the Zombiecide boxes or Kings of War. Those boxes have tons of detailed plastic minis at a decent price. The molds might be the expensive part, but once those are done the actual cost of each box is very very small. So lets say the mold cost $5,000 and the contents plus packaging cost $3. If you only produce 1,000 units your total cost is $8,000 or $8 per box. You then sell the box to the distributor for $12 who sells it to the game stores for $24 who then sells it to you for $48. Your profit is only $4 per box at this point. For a larger profit you have to sell a higher volume to increase your profit per box. Producing 2,000 units at the same price point increases profit per box to $6.50 per box.

Remember though BattleTech isn't as popular as it used to be so the VOLUME isn't there. The actual cost to produce for the most part is tiny even though the molds are the most expensive aspect. Overall it is not the production that is expensive but the volume of production. If you are unwilling to invest in the production then yes it will end up losing money, but thats more of a marketing/management issue.

[RoundTop]

With everything we get in the current 24 'Mech box for $60, I'd be willing to bet it's so expensive to produce Catalyst may actually lose money on it.

Not quite. I spoke to Randall about this at PAX Prime 2016.

The Intro Box Set (Out of Print) cost pretty much the entire amount. There is a small margin for retailers/distributors to make some money from it at $60, but it isn't a large amount.

So Catalyst did not make any money from selling the IBS (Except at Con, and any con discounts ate into that).

[Valkerie]

Seems kind of like selling power tools.  The tools themselves have next to no margin on them.  You make all your money on selling the accessories for them.

[Fat Guy]

Same with printers. They're sold at a loss. The money is made on ink/toner.


Also notice that Total Warfare is priced lower than the other core rulebooks, and TRO 3039 is less than other TROs.

[Wrangler]

They will likely need switch over to Print-on-demand if they can to save money.  If that's a doable thing,

[I am Belch II]

Im  sure if you sold the Minis separate from the box set or the ability to get more, it might sold more.

[Alex Keller]

Is there any additional detail to the postponement of the ilClan sourcebook?

[Wrangler]

Is there any additional detail to the postponement of the ilClan sourcebook?

Only what Brent mentioned in the video. Revamp of the format.  I guess that hybrid sourcebook/scenario book wasn't working out when he took over.  I'd think it was going to be like the Wars of Reaving book and companion.

Given that the Combat books weren't sell so well, i guess they wanted make sure it would sell. :/

[Adrian Gideon]

The format has nothing to do with it. Nor do the Combat Manuals. Doesn't want the story told via sourcebook.

[NeonKnight]

Adrain, odd question, but has any thought been put into making a larger format Combat Manual, say INNER SPHERE COMBAT MANUAL which would have most of the details as put forth in the individual manuals instead? I.E. A chapter on Capellan Confederation, Another on Free Worlds, etc? so, instead of 5 small books, one larger book with less fluff and more crunch?

[Sartris]

the omnibus format is certainly the direction they've gone with Field Manuals since FM: Updates

[Adrian Gideon]

Not interested.

[Doom]

Not interested.

Hear, hear.

[Scotty]

I am interested in whatever book format ends up with actually getting Marik covered in some fashion similar to a Combat Manual.  That's my stake in this.

[NeonKnight]

Not interested.

Sorry, was that answer aimed at my question?

[Doom]

I think it was in response to this:

the omnibus format is certainly the direction they've gone with Field Manuals since FM: Updates

[Adrian Gideon]

Sorry, was that answer aimed at my question?

Yup.
Not interested in taking what a CM is supposed to be trying to condense it to 20 pages a piece. Not for the sake of completeness.

[YingJanshi]

Hey Adrian, just a quick question for you: since ilClan is getting retweaked, could we see the release of the Milestones PDFs to build up to it? (I think that had been the original plan, but I could be mistaken.) Or are they still on indefinite hold? (After ilClan, those are the products I'm most eager for. :D)

[Adrian Gideon]

They're tied to ilclan. If ilclan is pushed back then so are they.

[YingJanshi]

They're tied to ilclan. If ilclan is pushed back then so are they.

Okay, I understand. Thanks for answering.

[pheonixstorm]

Was there any mention of more Touring the Stars or Spot Light series?

[NeonKnight]

Yup.
Not interested in taking what a CM is supposed to be trying to condense it to 20 pages a piece. Not for the sake of completeness.

Cool, and completely understandable. I know I personally want all the CMs but if I can't get them I'm not gonna get mad, sad maybe but not mad.

[mbear]

Even some tanks/APC would be good. Or something like Hex pack with additional terrain (scenario objectives?).

Well GHQ Miniatures has a lot of 1/285th scale armor that you can use. Their M113s are perfect tracked APCs.

[Weirdo]

I am interested in whatever book format ends up with actually getting Marik covered in some fashion similar to a Combat Manual.  That's my stake in this.

Seconded, thirded, fourthed, fifthed, N+1ed, you get the picture.

[NeonKnight]

Seconded, thirded, fourthed, fifthed, N+1ed, you get the picture.

Add me to the list please!

[Wrangler]

@Adrian Gideon.  I know your restricted what you can talk about.  I like to know, since IlClan and it's associated pdfs attached to it are delayed.  What is coming out book/pdf wise?

[Pat Payne]

I am interested in whatever book format ends up with actually getting Marik covered in some fashion similar to a Combat Manual.  That's my stake in this.

Same here, just plus Davion as well.

[sadlerbw]

@Adrian Gideon.  I know your restricted what you can talk about.  I like to know, since IlClan and it's associated pdfs attached to it are delayed.  What is coming out book/pdf wise?

Dragonfire?  :)) :)) :))

[Tyler Jorgensson]

Dragonfire?  :)) :)) :))

Dragonfire dragonfire dragonfire..... dragonfire.... dragonfire. Oh and Dragonfire.

[Pat Payne]

Dragonfire dragonfire dragonfire..... dragonfire.... dragonfire. Oh and Dragonfire.

I think you forgot Dragonfire.

[I am Belch II]

Put me on that list.

[YingJanshi]

I think you forgot Dragonfire.

Dragonfire? Is that something to do with Shadowrun? It's not ringing a bell...

[Sartris]

CGL is developing a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast.

[wantec]

CGL is developing a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast.

...which is called Dragonfire and has taken up a lot of the time & resources of Randall in particular, and possibly some others.

[Weirdo]

Dragonfire?  :)) :)) :))

Dragonfire dragonfire dragonfire..... dragonfire.... dragonfire. Oh and Dragonfire.

I think you forgot Dragonfire.

Would someone stop that man from saying Dragonfire?!

[sadlerbw]

Drag....just kidding!

Anyway, I think the serious answer of what is coming out is probably more of the small PDF's and the two new game boxes. It seemed like the BattleTech team is putting a lot of effort into getting the Intro and GoAC boxes finished and pushed into the production pipeline. While they may not be out much sooner than ilClan, I'd bet there is a lot of effort being spent on them at the moment. I think those, along with ilClan and any supporting items that go with it, are the 'next big things' right now. I'm guessing they will push through some of the smaller PDF products and keep cranking out the Legends novels (which I personally enjoy as I haven't read most of them!). I'm personally hoping that some of the smaller PDF stuff starts to ramp up to an ilClan release, but no one actually promised that.

[Force of Nature]

CGL is developing a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast.

Why is CGL making a deckbuilding game for another company? It will most likely not do well, even the Battletech CCG didn't do well, like sooooo many other CCGs. Many companies have tried and failed against Pokeymon and M:tG.

Apparently Richard Garfield was not available to make a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast. Even he knows it will not do well against M:tG... if that is not a red flag, what is?

Shouldn't it be: Battletech, Battletech, Battletech ...... Battletech...... Battletech. Oh and Battletech.

It is a sad day when CGL is focusing on and pushing another companies product and not on their own new products for their fans/customers/gamers.

[Danger UXO]

Why is CGL making a deckbuilding game for another company? It will most likely not do well, even the Battletech CCG didn't do well, like sooooo many other CCGs. Many companies have tried and failed against Pokeymon and M:tG.

Apparently Richard Garfield was not available to make a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast. Even he knows it will not do well against M:tG... if that is not a red flag, what is?

Shouldn't it be: Battletech, Battletech, Battletech ...... Battletech...... Battletech. Oh and Battletech.

It is a sad day when CGL is focusing on and pushing another companies product and not on their own new products for their fans/customers/gamers.

Dunno, seemed like they were selling the crap out of it.  Every time I stopped by the booth somebody was having to go get more Dragonfire.

[Scotty]

Wizards of the Coast wanted to use the Shadowrun: Crossfire system.  This is a Catalyst produced game using the D&D license, not Catalyst producing a game for another company.  It sold very well at GenCon, and was excellently received critically and popularly.  "Deckbuilding" is not what you think it means, if you're comparing it to Magic: the Gathering at any phase.

[William J. Pennington]

Why is CGL making a deckbuilding game for another company?

Because they had the game engine someone liked, and someone obviously liked the idea of the partnership, and it probably worked like this:  you do the work, we supply the costly art and enormously popular IP and tie ins, and together, we make sweet, sweet money.

It will most likely not do well, even the Battletech CCG didn't do well,

Its not a CCG, but a co op card game. Those are really popular now. and D&D has more recognition that Battletech. As they improved the crossfire game rules with the release, so I expect it to sell well, and its expansions.

Shouldn't it be: Battletech, Battletech, Battletech ...... Battletech...... Battletech. Oh and Battletech.

No. Catalyst makes quite a few products other than Battletech. Making a big selling, cash producing game is good for Catalyst..which, in turn, is good ultimately, in the long run, for Battletech.

It is a sad day when CGL is focusing on and pushing another companies product and not on their own new products for their fans/customers/gamers.

I call it a good day when Catalyst releases a popular product that sells well and is well received. They did produce a product for their customers. Everyone who buys a set of Dragonfire is their customer. They make money. Keeps the developers in ramen noodles. Keeps money in the bank. Gives them the money needed to do things like..make new box sets, or make other new products for release. Keeps the lights on.

They have produced many other products not Battletech. Shadowrun. Valiant RPG. Crossfire. Duke. Wrath of Dragons. Balance of Power. The Masters of Orion game. The Shadowrun Encounter (and the push your luck dice game) released at Gencon. The Vikings game. Other things I'm forgetting. More in the pipe most likely.

[ColBosch]

Why is CGL making a deckbuilding game for another company?

This is very common in the modern games industry. There are a LOT of crossover titles out there these days, and the public loves them. Some companies even specialize in matching IP owners to games publishers. As has been pointed out, the smaller company gets access to the bigger company's fanbase, and the bigger company doesn't have to develop their own mechanics. It's really a very cool thing and is part of why the tabletop gaming market expanded an impressive 21% last year alone.

It will most likely not do well, even the Battletech CCG didn't do well, like sooooo many other CCGs. Many companies have tried and failed against Pokeymon and M:tG.

The BattleTech CCG was a huge success, with millions of cards printed and several years of releases. It still has an active player community. There have been many CCGs that have done quite well for themselves, even if they never reach Pokemon or Magic sales numbers.

But Dragonfire is not a CCG. Non-collectible deckbuilding games are very popular right now.

Apparently Richard Garfield was not available to make a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast. Even he knows it will not do well against M:tG... if that is not a red flag, what is?

This makes no sense. Richard Garfield didn't design the Crossfire system, so why would he be involved at all?

Shouldn't it be: Battletech, Battletech, Battletech ...... Battletech...... Battletech. Oh and Battletech.

Hell no. At the very least, there's Shadowrun, which is experiencing a major surge in popularity. CGL also publishes, or has published, a number of other games, from entire RPG systems to casual games like The Duke. If anything, BattleTech is a bit of an albatross around CGL's neck, due to its limited fanbase and expensive (to produce) products.

It is a sad day when CGL is focusing on and pushing another companies product and not on their own new products for their fans/customers/gamers.

Dragonfire is a CGL product. Just because it uses D&D imagery doesn't make it any less of a Catalyst game. And you know what other property CGL is licensing? BattleTech.

It's a sad day when a fan calls out a company for producing something popular just because it's not something they personally want.

[Sharpnel]

Why is CGL making a deckbuilding game for another company? It will most likely not do well, even the Battletech CCG didn't do well, like sooooo many other CCGs. Many companies have tried and failed against Pokeymon and M:tG.

Apparently Richard Garfield was not available to make a D&D-themed deckbuilding game for Wizards of the Coast. Even he knows it will not do well against M:tG... if that is not a red flag, what is?

Shouldn't it be: Battletech, Battletech, Battletech ...... Battletech...... Battletech. Oh and Battletech.

It is a sad day when CGL is focusing on and pushing another companies product and not on their own new products for their fans/customers/gamers.

Actually, it's probably more like Shadowrun, Shadowrun, Shadowrun and let's not forget Battletech.

[ANS Kamas P81]

It's a sad day when a fan calls out a company for producing something popular just because it's not something they personally want.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ButForMeItWasTuesday

[sadlerbw]

I have never really managed to get my gaming group into BattleTech, but they do like Shadowrun Crossfire, and were all pretty excited to see Dragonfire. I bought a copy because I enjoy Crossfire as well, and was able to demo Dragonfire at Origins. In fact, one of my buddies in the gaming group went out and bought it as well because he had heard about and enjoyed his demo at GenCon enough to pick up a copy. Honestly, it's a fun game and I hope it does well enough that they can keep producing the little expansions for it. I still want BattleTech as well, but I'm not at all unhappy they made Dragonfire.

[YingJanshi]

Actually, it's probably more like Shadowrun, Shadowrun, Shadowrun and let's not forget Battletech.

What he said. As far as I'm aware, since CGL took over both properties, Shadowrun has by far been the most viable property. It simply makes more money than BattleTech does.

As for Dragonfire, if it sells well and adds more to the company coffers I'm all for it. (Even if I may not get it anytime soon). The only way any company can grow is to diversify. So the more ways CGL finds to make money, the better it is, even if that means my personal interest in their products has to wait on other products.

And I'm certainly not going to insult fans of Shadowrun or the Valiant RPG or Cosmic Patrol by demanding that CGL ignore them just to please me. That's just not...cool at all.

[GRUD]

Well GHQ Miniatures has a lot of 1/285th scale armor that you can use. Their M113s are perfect tracked APCs.

OR, you can point players to IWM's tracked, hover and wheeled APCs.  8)  You know IWM, the company that makes the Official BT minis?   O0

[cpip]

OR, you can point players to IWM's tracked, hover and wheeled APCs.  8)  You know IWM, the company that makes the Official BT minis?   O0

I must note that one can acquire micro armor APCs in packs of 5 or more for less than a price for a pair of IWM tracked APCs.

[GRUD]

I must note that one can acquire micro armor APCs in packs of 5 or more for less than a price for a pair of IWM tracked APCs.

I must note that I can't understand why people don't want to support the company that makes the Official BT minis.   ???

[ColBosch]

I must note that I can't understand why people don't want to support the company that makes the Official BT minis.   ???

Because nobody should feel forced to buy something they feel is overpriced.

[Pat Payne]

I must note that I can't understand why people don't want to support the company that makes the Official BT minis.   ???

And I must note this is a game whose TPTB have told us that if we want to we can use bottlecaps, slips of paper or dead cockroaches as tokens. While wanting to send money IWM's way is admirable (and I'm in no way saying we shouldn't), it's not absolutely required to play -- this ain't 40K...  ;)

[Sellsword]

And I must note this is a game whose TPTB have told us that if we want to we can use bottlecaps, slips of paper or dead cockroaches as tokens. While wanting to send money IWM's way is admirable (and I'm in no way saying we shouldn't), it's not absolutely required to play -- this ain't 40K...  ;)

Of course TPTB say that. They don't make any money off of IWM sales.

[GreyWolfActual]

Of course TPTB say that. They don't make any money off of IWM sales.

"They've" been saying it since Ral Partha was part of FASA and before that even.

[Sellsword]

"They've" been saying it since Ral Partha was part of FASA and before that even.

True enough.  My snark about CGL motives was brought about more from my current disgust with them than with any sort of internal policy on their part. Apologies.

[DarkSpade]

There are two things that get me excited about Dragonfire.

1) what they learned from developing it is being passed over to Crossfire and word has it they'll be great changes to an already great game.

2) It brings us one step closer to a Shadowrun Reskin of Lords of Waterdeep.   I mean we're looking at the distance between here and the sun, but still, it is one step closer.

[Phobos101]

Dragonfire, if succesful, will do the following:
  - Raise awareness among D+D's huge fanbase for CGL, bringing in new players for Shadowrun and Battletech
  - Open up a revenue stream leading to more staffing, better online store facilities, and a better development cycle for all CGL titles
  - Provide something of a cushion against certain legal proceedings taking longer than expected or even going against CGL.

I don't see how, even if you aren't interested in Dragonfire yourself, any of these things are bad outcomes for Battletech fans.

[Captain of C-21]

So was there any big gaming event for Battletech this year?  Like 2015's battle of Terra?

[DarkSpade]

Dragonfire, if succesful, will do the following:
  - Raise awareness among D+D's huge fanbase for CGL, bringing in new players for Shadowrun and Battletech
  - Open up a revenue stream leading to more staffing, better online store facilities, and a better development cycle for all CGL titles
  - Provide something of a cushion against certain legal proceedings taking longer than expected or even going against CGL.

I don't see how, even if you aren't interested in Dragonfire yourself, any of these things are bad outcomes for Battletech fans.

We're talking about a card game, not an act of god.   ;)

[sadlerbw]

So was there any big gaming event for Battletech this year?  Like 2015's battle of Terra?

This year was, I believe, a battle from the Capellan Crusades. I think it was the Hastatis Sentinels vs. the Red Lancers on Liao. I KNOW this is what the event was for Alpha Strike, and I think it was the same general battle that was being run in Total War, but I'm not sure since I only played the AS version.

[faithless]

It was Capellan Crusades using TW rules too. I played in two sessions on Friday of Gencon and it was a great time.

[I am Belch II]

IT was the Capellan Crusades. It started Thurs and went all the way until Saturday. 9 sessions, thru he whole con.   

I played 2 of them.

Don't really know who won.

[Wrangler]

@faithless.  What was the game like? Was big 30 mechs/vehicles vs each other time of fight? Are they on Victoria for the final battle to push Liao off planet?

[GreyWolfActual]

Are they on Victoria for the final battle to push Liao off planet?

Victoria was not part of the Capellan Crusades. The Capellan Crusades were Rots vs. CC, the FedSuns had no part in them.

[Scotty]

There were several scenarios that took place during different parts of the Crusades.  I know at least two took place on Liao, but couldn't tell you for sure what the rest of them were.

[Maniac Actual]

IT was the Capellan Crusades. It started Thurs and went all the way until Saturday. 9 sessions, thru he whole con.   

I played 2 of them.

Don't really know who won.

Nobody "wins."  TPTB keep feeding in reinforcements - first on side, then the other, so that the game keeps going all four days.  Yeah, it's fun, but it is in no way a "cannon" event.

[Scotty]

There were multiple distinct scenarios during each convention.  The Demo Team does not continually pour in reinforcements to keep playing the game for four days.  Different scenarios very much had winners and losers.

[Revanche]

...but it is in no way a "cannon" event.

I think you've just created the definition of a "cannon" event: one where reinforcements keep being shot on to the field, in order to keep the battle going.

[GreyWolfActual]

Nobody "wins."  TPTB keep feeding in reinforcements - first on side, then the other, so that the game keeps going all four days.  Yeah, it's fun, but it is in no way a "cannon" event.

A few points to clarify:

1: Even when the events were called the canon events and did, in some way, influence the storyline they did not last all four days. At first they were two day events and then were expanded to three days. They never were four days.

2: In that time frame reinforcements were, in fact, added in an almost perpetual wave like deployment. So canon events were very much reliant upon reinforcements. The current feature events do not utilize such reinforcement styles. They do use them, but nowhere near the extent that previous canon events used them.

3: With the shift to feature events from canon events there is most definitely a "winning" side. Daily objectives are in play and influence the score quite heavily. If your sole definition of winning is wiping every unit of the other side off the board then, yes, you are correct in that there isn't a winner.

[Captain of C-21]

This year was, I believe, a battle from the Capellan Crusades. I think it was the Hastatis Sentinels vs. the Red Lancers on Liao. I KNOW this is what the event was for Alpha Strike, and I think it was the same general battle that was being run in Total War, but I'm not sure since I only played the AS version.

So then has CGL kind of given up on letting players try out important events that have yet to be written about?  I remember hearing about games such as Clan Wolf vs ROTS on Terra, a Nova Cat vs. CGB Naval battle (That was later written very differently in the fiction than it happened in the actual game).

It makes sense I guess, if the developers want the story to go a certain way but the players take it a completely different way, it only upsets people more when they see that their effect is ignored.

[GreyWolfActual]

So then has CGL kind of given up on letting players try out important events that have yet to be written about?

There hasn't been either a WorldWideEvent or convention "Feature Event" which affected future events in nine years since Operation Kabutomushi. It's not really a new policy.

Clan Wolf vs ROTS on Terra

That was only a couple years ago but had no actual bearing on the universe. It was also just a convention "Feature Event," not a WorldWideEvent.

Nova Cat vs. CGB Naval battle (That was later written very differently in the fiction than it happened in the actual game).

That was the first WorldWideEvent of the FanPro era, run back in February/March of 2002. The reason it was written about very differently than your game was that it was an average of all the global events that were run for it. Your game, the games I partook it, all of the FanPro Commandos who ran them submitted their results and what was written was what came out. But again, that was fifteen years ago and was so damaging to the arcs the writers had that nothing after it had anywhere close to as much significance.

[Colt Ward]

Nova Cat vs Ghost Bear naval battle tallied the results for world wide participation to get a average of what happened.  But the story was going to go a certain way- warships would be lost- though they did IIRC ask for stories of anything crazy that happened.  Its why the Horses had a pair of hero Mars tanks in their invasion of the Wolf OZ, because someone playing the Wolf side (not Wolves) left a pair of assault tanks ALONE back during BMR rules . . . which shows why leaving Gauss Rifle, ERLL, LB-10X and LRM15 in a fragile shell alone is a BAD idea.

[Wrangler]

Nova Cat vs Ghost Bear naval battle tallied the results for world wide participation to get a average of what happened.  But the story was going to go a certain way- warships would be lost- though they did IIRC ask for stories of anything crazy that happened. 

The event has a problem, because the Shuttle disaster happened at same time it was scheduled.  The initial games i played was amazing.  However we found out how nasty the squadron of Clan Fighters (10 fighters v 6) were.  The players began not to deploy the dropship since they kept popping within turns due to the rules leaning heavily for Warships over dropships, but the Stars of fighter were popping the Warships just the same.

[Daemion]

Adrain, odd question, but has any thought been put into making a larger format Combat Manual, say INNER SPHERE COMBAT MANUAL which would have most of the details as put forth in the individual manuals instead? I.E. A chapter on Capellan Confederation, Another on Free Worlds, etc? so, instead of 5 small books, one larger book with less fluff and more crunch?

Yeah, and once it's finishe, put the different house specific sections out in PDF only format for players to use a la carte.

[Daemion]

A few points to clarify:

1: Even when the events were called the canon events and did, in some way, influence the storyline they did not last all four days. At first they were two day events and then were expanded to three days. They never were four days.

2: In that time frame reinforcements were, in fact, added in an almost perpetual wave like deployment. So canon events were very much reliant upon reinforcements. The current feature events do not utilize such reinforcement styles. They do use them, but nowhere near the extent that previous canon events used them.

3: With the shift to feature events from canon events there is most definitely a "winning" side. Daily objectives are in play and influence the score quite heavily. If your sole definition of winning is wiping every unit of the other side off the board then, yes, you are correct in that there isn't a winner.

I recall objectives in the few I played in. For instance, in a WoB versus Dragoons game, one of the Word's goals was decapitating the regiment by destroying the command star/lance.

[mbear]

I must note that I can't understand why people don't want to support the company that makes the Official BT minis.   ???

Honestly it's not about not wanting to support IWM. It's that I didn't know they made APCs. my bad.  :-[