Steve Jackson's Blog, page 302

September 4, 2017: Conspiracy Theory, Coming To Kickstarter September 13!

The moon landing was faked by Bigfoot. Evolution proves the earth is flat. Area 51 houses the chupacabra. 



All this and more can be exposed in Conspiracy Theory , the game of making the funniest, or most convincing, conspiracy theory. Each player has a chance to be the Judge, and proposes a new theory. The other players fill in the blank with their funniest theory, or the one that hits closest to home. The Judge decides which theory they deem the best, or most plausible! It's that simple to spread misinformation . . . sorry, "real news." If you want to see it in play, we hosted a not-so-secret playtest at Gen Con 50 that you can check out on Facebook. 

Conspiracy Theory, designed by Steve Jackson himself, is coming to Kickstarter on Wednesday, September 13. Follow our Kickstarter page to get an alert when we go live, and make sure you like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter to keep up-to-date with game announcements and previews as well. 



There's one thing the government can't take from you: Freedom from information. 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Deep Dungeons And Even Deeper Despair



When tragedy strikes, it could be a great thing . . . in Munchkin Gloom! Delve deep and lose your loot, plummet down pits, and be backstabbed by your buddies. The worse it gets for you, the closer you get to winning. Pick it up at Warehouse 23 today!

September 3, 2017: It's A Convention Weekend At Fan Expo And PAX West!

We've got boots on the ground at two different shows this weekend: PAX West in Seattle, and Fan Expo Canada in Toronto! 



Munchkin Czar Andrew Hackard is a special guest at Fan Expo, and if you're lucky, you can find him in the gaming area, with secret Munchkin demos! Make sure you bring him some Canadian snacks!

Guy and Andreas are running PAX West, ready to hand out free swag at our gaming corral. From now until Monday, we have a ton of games to demo, including the upcoming Port Royal, Muertoons, Munchkin Shakespeare, Super Kitty Bug Slap, and Dungeon Fantasy RPG! If you know the secret password, you may even get to play Munchkin Magical Mess and Conspiracy Theory. (The secret password is "please.") We've also got the USAopoly release Munchkin: Rick and Morty! Get your schmeckles over to our retail partner, Uncle's Games, and pick up some Munchkin loot. 



We hope you can spend your long weekend with us in Toronto or Seattle! Have a great Labor Day!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: My Heart. My Dreary Heart.



When you're goth and still living with a bunch of roommates, there's a lot you can do. Work at your dreary job, spend your hard-earned money and precious time to accumulate Slack points . . . or collect Gloom when life turns against you. Chez Goth is your new favorite game that puts black polish on your nails and black eyeliner on your face. Pick up your copy at Warehouse 23 today!

September 2, 2017: Illuminated Site of the Week: Going But Not Forgotten

Who says history professors have no sense of humor? To be fair, they probably didn't provide the Graffiti from Pompeii resource just to tickle the funny bone of anyone looking for some scatological laughs, but even serious research has to go to the bathroom sooner or later. Scientists felt obliged to preserve some of our ancient ancestors' scribblings for future generations (especially since thick ash from the eruption of Vesuvius got the ball rolling), and it's all collected herein. Keep in mind, some of it is racy - even harsh. But it just goes to show you, folks are alike all over.



– Andy



Warehouse 23 News: You Can't Be Too Prepared For The Robot Apocalypse



You're among humanity's last hope in GURPS Reign of Steel: Will to Live , an update of the classic Reign of Steel setting where robots have conquered the world. With both volumes, you have a complete setting that offers all the GURPS Fourth Edition intel you need to ensure you survive another day . . . or die trying to overthrow your overlords. Download them today, only from Warehouse 23!

September 1, 2017: Beta Testers Wanted For The Ogre Video Game

Hello, everyone!



Jake from Auroch Digital here! We're hard at work on our upcoming video game of Ogre , a digital adaptation of the classic tabletop warfare game from Steve Jackson Games.



Things are coming along really well with the development of the game, and we've reached a point where we need your input: beta testing!



In a beta test, we provide you with an unreleased version of the game to take out for a spin ­– try out the systems we've implemented, see what we've built ­– and then give us feedback. You might encounter the odd bug here or there, so we'll expect you to send us bug reports as well.



It's an exciting opportunity to see a game before it's released, as well as providing meaningful criticism to help shape this very special digital adaptation of Ogre .



Want to get involved? Fantastic. Please read the following instructions carefully . . . 



With your application to become an official Ogre beta tester, it's crucial that you tell us:



Your full name.


Which Ogre games (and related expansions) you've played.


How long, in years, you've been playing Ogre .


The last three video games you played.


Which platforms (Mac, PlayStation 4, Android tablet, etc.) you currently own and regularly use for gaming.


Which Ogre unit is your favorite (Mark IV, G.E.V.s, Infantry, etc.) and why.
Send all of that information to us via our sign-up form by the closing date of September 6, at 5 p.m. UK time. We'll be in touch via email sometime after that date to let you know if you've been chosen.



Please note:



To participate in this beta, you must have Steam, on a Windows PC, running Windows 7 or later.


Application to the beta does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the beta program, and we have the right to revoke access to it at any time, either on an individual or group basis. Access to the beta does not include access to the full game when it is released on Steam, so if you wish to continue playing after the beta ends, you'll need to purchase the game.


No screenshots, video footage, or written editorial of this beta may be shared publicly online or in print. The reason for this is simple: things could change quite dramatically between beta and release, and we don't want anyone outside of this beta to see an unrepresentative version of the game. (If you're a YouTuber, streamer, or blogger, please get in touch with me by email to ensure you're first in line for preview and review builds.)


The game is very much in development and you should be aware that going into the beta program is an active part of that development. We will expect testers to answer questions and send us information when requested. If you don't want to do those things, then this beta isn't for you.


Applying for the beta will also automatically sign you up for the Auroch Digital newsletter. It's completely free and you can opt out at any time.
Got all that? Ace! Any questions about joining the beta? Feel free to email me.



Thanks!



– Jake, Community Manager at Auroch Digital



Warehouse 23 News: Don Your Armor, Hone Your Sword, And Prepare For Adventure!



The Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game is coming soon . . . are you ready? Become better prepared with Pyramid #3/106: Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game II . It includes new traps, monsters, equipment options, dungeon-design insight, and much more. Download it individually, or subscribe today for this issue and many more monthly installments of legendary loot - only from Warehouse 23!

August 31, 2017: SJ Games Is At PAX West!

We've hardly gotten our bearings after the last convention, but we're off to the next one! This time, it's PAX West in Seattle, September 1-4, for a weekend of new and upcoming games!  



Visit us at the SJ Games corral under the escalators for a huge gaming zone, full of some of our recent reveals. Be the fastest furrball in the west in a demo of Super Kitty Bug Slap ! Recruit the best crew in Port Royal , and man your ship in Munchkin Booty Guest Artist Edition ! Or maybe you'll be one of the lucky few who get to play Munchkin Magical Mess , coming out in January 2018. Perhaps you'll want to try out Munchkin: Rick And Morty before you spend your hard-earned schmeckles on it. Whatever you end up playing, we're happy to teach you how so you can jump in a game!



Plus, we'll have awesome swag! Just swing by and grab promo cards and bookmarks to add to your game.



Come out and game with us at the biggest PAX convention around! We'll see you in Seattle.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Blackmail! Threaten! Bribe! Welcome To Revolution!



In this game of bluff, counter-bluff, and surprise . . . we dare you to gain the support of the people by secretly bidding against your opponents.  Revolution!  is the game that dares you to collect more gold as you blackmail, force, and bribe your way to victory. Pick up your copy at Warehouse 23 today!

August 30, 2017: Andrew Hackard At Fan Expo!

This Labor Day, Munchkin Czar Andrew Hackard is invading Canada at Fan Expo Canada in Toronto, August 31 to September 3. If you're a Munchkin fan, this is the show for you!
 
Andrew will be attending multiple panels, and if you're lucky, he may have some upcoming 2018 Munchkin sets to playtest as well. Look for him in the open-gaming area between panels. 
 
I've also heard that if you bring Andrew some Canadian snacks, he'll be super nice to you. So just bring some ketchup chips to be safe. [Ed. note: Don't do this. Ketchup chips are evil. -AH] He also likes to be called Andrew "Tundra" Hackard.* Hopefully, he'll see you at Fan Expo! 



– Hunter Shelburne


Warning: This is not true. Call him "Tundra" at your own peril. 



 



Warehouse 23 News: You've Probably Never Heard Of It



While everyone else waits in line to see that underground band that's slowly becoming too cool to listen to, you'll be playing  Hipster Dice  at the nearest farm-to-table cafe. Based on the underground German phenomenon  Nichteinechteswürfelspiel ,  Hipster Dice  is the perfect game to pick up today at Warehouse 23. Get it before it's cool.

August 29, 2017: Announcements For December

It's over 100 degrees here in Austin, so we're looking toward December, where it will be a chilly 70 degrees. Here are some of the releases coming this winter to keep you warm and indoors during the cool months!

Super Kitty Bug Slap



May the fastest paws win!



Grab the coolest cats you can find for some bug-slappin' action in this speedy card game of swift thinking and quick paws! Super Kitty Bug Slap is a fast-paced game that lets 3 to 5 players see who has the most skills. When the game ends, the quickest kitty with the most cards wins! 



At only $6.95, Super Kitty Bug Slap will make the perfect stocking-stuffer for anyone in your family!

Munchkin Valentine's Day Monster Box



More storage than a box of chocolates!



Do you and your sweetheart have lots of Munchkin stuff? Do you want a way to bring it on your romantic picnic? Then this Monster Box holds the answer to all your heart's desires! You'll have room to lovingly care for more than 2,000 Munchkin cards, a Level Playing Field , some Seals and Dungeons, and all your other alluring Munchkin swag – all with adorable art by Katie Cook.

Munchkin Playmat: The Flower of Love



In Munchkin, as in love, if you play your cards right, you'll get ahead.



Munchkin Playmat: The Flower of Love makes it easy by providing a special spot on the table for each of your cards . . . much like you have a special spot in your heart for the one you love. (There may even be space for all the chocolates and roses you get for Valentine's Day!) You will be smitten with this playmat as soon as it catches your eye – and it might just save your life with its bonus rule!



BONUS RULE: Once per game, you may play a monster from your hand to add its Level to your side in combat by discarding the number of Treasures printed on its card.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: How About A Raise



True  Munchkin  fans will often search far and wide for our limited-run promo cards . . . but look no further! Promote your Munchkin game with  Munchkin Gets Promoted 2,  which offers 15 hard-to-find Door and Treasure promo cards! Pick yours up today at  Warehouse 23!

August 28, 2017: My Favorite Munchkin Spell Skool Cards

I often get asked what my favorite Munchkin card is. That's not a question I can answer intelligently; with thousands of cards, picking just one is impossible. (Although if you absolutely pinned me to the wall, right now my favorite card is one from Munchkin Magical Mess , because the art is exactly what I asked for and far, far more creepy than I could possibly have imagined.)



However, picking three favorite cards from a single set is something I can do, and I've chosen Munchkin Spell Skool . Note that this is a snapshot in time, and my favorite cards will probably change down the road. But for now, here are my thoughts.



Favorite Effect: The Chess Club card has two abilities. The first is "Check," which lets you see what you'll get if you Loot The Room, and the second is "And Mate," which lets you take a bit of a hit to add a Mate to any combat. Both of them are useful ("And Mate" is nasty in the wrong hands!) and it makes me secretly happy that the members of the Chess Club are badasses.



Favorite Art: Katie Cook's illustrations for this set are spectacular, so picking just one card is really tough. But I'm going to go with the art on Gross Candy because we gave Katie the opportunity to be creative and she ran with it. I wouldn't have thought of bags of candy called "Booger Lumps" and "Actual Rocks," so I'm glad I left it up to her!







Favorite Card: I'm proud of all the cards in this set, but the one I'm probably proudest of, because of the perfect collision of title and joke, is Rapscallions. You can see why.



You can find Munchkin Spell Skool at your local Walgreens. If it's not on the shelf, ask if they have copies in the back!



– Andrew Hackard



Warehouse 23 News: You've Got The Power!



Gain an edge in your dungeon-delving endeavors by bending reality to your will! It's easier than you think, thanks to GURPS Dungeon Fantasy 18: Power Items . An extra bit of power goes a long way toward bringing loot home - and the secrets are just a download away, only from Warehouse 23!

August 27, 2017: Fall Convention Schedule

We're smack dab in the heat of summer conventions, but don't worry - when the temperature cools off, we'll still be working up a sweat on the show floor! You'll find us at these shows through the rest of the year. Get your hotels booked, buy your tickets, and stare angrily at tree leaves in anticipation of fall's arrival.


Fan Expo Canada - August 31 - September 3, Toronto, Canada


PAX West - September 1-4, Seattle, WA


Alliance Open House - September 8-10, Fort Wayne, IN


GTS Business Conference - September 22-24, St. Louis, MO


BrickCON - October 7-8, Seattle, WA


SJ Games Retailer Open House - October 16, Austin, TX


Essen Spiel - October 26-29, Essen, Germany


Unrivaled Finals - October 27-28, Las Vegas, NV


Southern Hobby Retail Expo - November 5-7, Nashville, TN


BGG.Con Fall - November 15-19, D/FW Airport, TX


PAX Unplugged - November 17-19, Philadelphia, PA


Chicago Toy and Game Fair - November 16-19, Chicago, IL
We're all over the place this fall. And we've never been more eager to play games with you at upcoming shows! Thanks in advance for coming to see us!
 



– Andrew McMillian



Warehouse 23 News: Arm Yourself In The Fight Against Darkness



Don't fear the bloodthirsty evil slavering in the shadows - be prepared! Use GURPS Loadouts: Monster Hunters to speed up the battle preparations with packages of gear - including weapons, armor, and equipment - with their prices and weights all calculated and ready to add to your character sheet. Whether you're a GURPS Monster Hunters champion, a GURPS Horror survivor, or a hero in other near-modern campaigns, these loadouts can help ensure that your might makes light. It's just a download away, and only from Warehouse 23!

August 26, 2017: Illuminated Site of the Week: It's All Ancient History

You've probably heard of the show of the same name, but The Ancient Aliens aren't limited to cable TV. If this site is to be believed, these creatures from beyond the stars have been visiting us for millennia. That's why you can find them depicted in cave paintings, helping build early stone architecture, and more. Providing a comprehensive database of our friends(?) from far away, The Ancient Aliens is your one-stop shop for illuminated knowledge, enough to fill up the most voluminous cone-head skull.



– Andy



Warehouse 23 News: Come To Grips With The Competition



The tactical richness of non-lethal hand-to-hand combat comes to life with GURPS Martial Arts: Technical Grappling . Whether you're a mixed-martial-arts master, a bouncer trying to subdue an unruly patron, or a gladiatorial powerhouse, this supplement is sure to grab you. Download it today, only from Warehouse 23!