Steve Jackson's Blog, page 342

July 18, 2016: Interview With Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist, Shane White

We sat down with Shane White, the man behind Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition , and picked his brain about drawing this limited edition version.



1. Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition looks amazing! Before doing this project, were you a Munchkin fan, or was this all new territory for you?



Thanks for the kind words. This was new territory for me. Oddly enough, about the same time I'd gotten the gig for the Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition, I started seeing ads for the games in a few of the comics I read. When I mentioned to a few people that I was working on the game, their eyes rolled back in their heads in exultation for the game. I had a strange feeling I was working on something rather popular.



2. Did you look at the previous version of Munchkin Pathfinder before doing your version, or did you prefer to go in without any preconceptions?



I was given the John Kovalic set to look at. I really had no concept of what was expected of me in terms of card games. I'd only done work on The Spoils , years ago (it's now defunct) as the layout artist, but I'd never gotten a chance to render anything. That job was done in Singapore.



3. This isn't your first foray into Pathfinder, though, as the artist for the Pathfinder: Goblins! comic series. How would you compare drawing for a comic versus drawing for a game? Were there any particular challenges for one as opposed to the other?



Like the card game, I was contacted out of the blue to work on an edition of the comic a few years back. Erik Mona, of Paizo, had written a pretty great script. Again, I wasn't even familiar with Pathfinder but I did what I could to get into the world-space to create my own take on it. I've drawn comics and worked in games since the 90s, so bouncing between sequential story-telling to single illustrations wasn't particularly challenging.



What can be challenging is getting the "tone" of the universe and the product that one is working on. I feel strongly about getting that part right so the client and audience are happy. While I enjoyed working on the comic and giving the goblins distinct personalities, I wasn't happy with the end result. Stylistically it could have been more on model for what fans were familiar with.



With the card game, following John's simple and direct approach gave me more room to interpret and I felt more comfortable with the end product. Hopefully fans will agree.



4. What is your favorite card from Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition?



Anti-Curse Purse. Mainly for the reason that I think the cartooning turned out better than I thought it would. Overall, the deck is full of funny gems. I'd find myself cackling with laughter in the concept stage because this game is just so nutty. Great hooks and funny ideas from the design team make for a fun gig every time.



5. If you could take any other Munchkin theme and re-illustrate it, which would it be?



Isn't there a sci-fi one? Anything sci-fi I'm pretty interested in. Anything weird I'm interested in, too. I never thought I was particularly good at fantasy because of my interest in challenging the norm and expectations overall. Years ago, I'd get comments from Art Directors telling me that it's not "Orc enough". And so I'd have to "Orc up" a particular illustration. And this was for Shadowrun . . .  so, not necessarily straight fantasy. I don't know what my problem was.



6. Where can people find you online and learn more about your other projects?



My site, shanewhite.com is probably best for painting, comics, writing and illustration. I'm updating my professional site studiowhite.com soon, which is geared more towards video games, commercials and film.



And then a plethora of social media sites (oh, the horror!): YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook (for painting/comics), Facebook (for visual studio), and Tumblr.



Thanks to Shane for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. Look for Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition in stores this September!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Get A Kick Out Of Feng Shui 2!



In honor of the myriad Ennies Awards nominations received by Feng Shui 2 , the PDF of that fine roleplaying game is on sale now for only $9.99. Download it today from Warehouse 23, and test its chops!

July 17, 2016: SJ Games Catches Pokémon GO Mania

I've been playing Pokémon since Christmas day, 1998. Thousands of my child and adult hours have been poured into the games, from Pokémon Blue all the way to the Pokémon X and Y . I played the Trading Card Game, and I own countless amounts of Pokémon  toys and swag. I even get into the math of stats and competitive battling (don't get me started about EVs and IVs). You could say I'm a big fan of the Pocket Monsters.



But not since the game originally hit North American shores have I seen such a surge in Poké-fans as I have with the release of Pokémon GO . We are at a very unique confluence of technology; smart phones are standard, GPS technology has evolved immensely, and social media has changed the way humans communicate. Niantic took advantage of all of this with a game that takes the simple concept of catching monsters by swiping, and amplifies it with aspects like Pokéstops and Gym battles. The game's ability to bring hundreds (and in some cases, thousands) of people together to catch digital monsters is amazing. I've personally met many new acquaintences simply wandering around my neighborhood, not to mention public spaces and the plethora of meetups. Local businesses are even getting a boost from the game, literally luring people into their store with in-game events.



The SJ Games office could not escape the pull, either! Employees are taking part during their lunch breaks and after work, catching and battling. Most of the marketing department has gone Team Mystic, but there are also a few members of Team Valor and Team Instinct in the building (but we're working on moving them to their own special work space). 



So while on your adventures, share pictures or screenshots with the hashtag #SJGym on our Various Social Media accounts! I love sharing pictures of trainers trying to be the very best! 



Train on, and maybe I'll see you on Victory Road . . .



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: If You Can't See Them, Watch Out!



Add special-ops combatants and intel to your roleplaying game, with GURPS Classic: Special Ops . It includes info on Delta Force, Spetsnaz, SEALs, Special Air Service, and more. It's no secret; it's just a download away from Warehouse 23!

July 16, 2016: Are We Playing Munchkin, Or Writing Code? We Just Don't Know

So this is pretty cool: The guy who designed X-Wing , Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Roleplaying Game , and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 3rd Edition wrote a blog post about how board gaming teaches core concepts of coding, and he mentions Munchkin !



Designer Jay Little says in his post, " Munchkin showcases two other important coding concepts. Syncing your data and writing clean code."



Hey, man, thanks for noticing. We try.



He explains that the many editions and expansions of Munchkin all work because they draw from a standardized language of terminology. Which is true. He also points out that this is why the general public can easily write and suggest Munchkin cards.



The article's an interesting read. Little points out how games make players think about concepts like conditional statements and order of operations, which are important in writing code. You should read it because it mentions Munchkin . (I have to say that. You should actually read it because Little is a unique figure in the gaming industry and he has interesting things to say. Don't tell anyone I said that.)



– Ariel Barkhurst



Warehouse 23 News: Munchkin Fun, Even If Your Name Isn't Matt



The Munchkin Playmat: Flower Cashes In can help organize your Munchkin hand. Its unique rule will aid you in making a name for yourself, and its Edwin Huang art will inspire you to get more loot. Pick up the Munchkin Playmat now from Warehouse 23!

July 15, 2016: Illuminati Journal Pack-In Promotion

Can you keep a secret? Sure you can, but you still need somewhere to write that secret down. Well, somewhere other than the internet. What you need is a secret journal. How secret? Secret enough to be in  Illuminati .



Starting soon, while supplies last and only at your Friendly Local Game Store, when you buy a copy of Illuminati  marked with a special "Secret Illuminati Journal Inside!" sticker, you will get one of two random journals! Show your devotion to the society with an Illuminati Journal , or eschew obfuscation with the Eye in the Pyramid Journal . 



Look for the sticker at your FLGS, buy the game, and get the journal. And remember, this is for your eyes only. 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: A Fighting Chance Against Enemies



Show the bad guys who's boss with a well-placed kick or karate chop, thanks to GURPS Martial Arts . Use one of over 100 fighting styles, almost 100 combat techniques (realistic or cinematic), dozens of weapons, and loads of new rules and options to customize your melee just how you like it. Download it today, only from Warehouse 23!

July 14, 2016: Ogre: Objective 218 Is Rolling Through A Retailer Near You

It's set in 2085 A.D., it's quick to play, and it's portable – it's Ogre: Objective 218 and it's in stores now!



We announced over a year ago that we would combine the world of Ogre with gameplay from modern classic The Battle for Hill 218 . Now, we've done it, and you can buy the result.



Place your units around a grid, keep your supply lines open, and use your Ogres and Cruise Missiles wisely to take out your opponent and win the day! You get all the staple units, like the G.E.V., Heavy Tank, Howitzer, and Ogre MK III in a package that takes about 30 minutes to play.



Plan your moves, and find  Ogre: Objective 218 at your Friendly Local Game Store today! 



– Ariel Barkhurst



Warehouse 23 News: Christmas In July, With Munchkin



It's 32 pages of Christmas-y fun with the Munchkin comic Deck the Dungeons #1 . In addition to the holiday-themed adventures of Spyke and Flower, this issue comes with a special Munchkin -themed card. Give yourself a gift and order today, from Warehouse 23!

July 13, 2016: Sign Up For Summer Guest Artist Edition Retailer Kit

Do you like Munchkin ? How about slick new promo bookmarks and cards? Well, all this could be yours . . . if your friendly local game store signs up to request our upcoming Summer Guest Artist Edition Retailer Kit! 



Continuing our celebration of 15 years of Munchkin,  and the limited  Guest Artist Edition line, we've created a kit for retail stores that is chock full of promo cards, bookmarks, and a new Play Games! poster with John Kovalic art! There's also a free demo copy of Katie Cook's Munchkin Cthulhu Guest Artist Edition ! We are producing a limited amount of these kits: only 200. That means the first 200 stores to request them will get a kit. Free. That's right, all this content, no charge! We want to help retailers hold the best Munchkin Guest Artist Edition events possible. Clear your calendar for August 13, and make sure your friendly local game store requests their kit so you can join the party!



We'll also be giving away prizes to folks playing at their local game stores during the events! Simply share a picture on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram of you and your friends enjoying our games with the hashtag #PlayMunchkin to enter. It's just another reason for your store to get involved! 



Retailers can sign up for a kit using this form. Players, ask your friendly local game store about running a Summer Guest Artist Edition event!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Sale Away With Tabletop Adventures!



July marks the 12th anniversary of Tabletop Adventures . . . but you get the presents! They're offering 25% off of all their digital offerings, from now until July 31, including system-neutral supplements and "Help for the Harried Game Master." Check out all their offerings at Warehouse 23!

July 12, 2016: Munchkin Cthulhu Guest Artist Edition Is Lying In Wait For You Now!

It has arrived.



And by "it" I mean "Katie Cook's Munchkin Cthulhu Guest Artist Edition ." It's in stores now.



There's probably a copy out there somewhere awaiting your arrival, all that Lovecraftian terror sealed up and dormant inside the box. Go find it. Open it. Let it out. Some things, men were not meant to see – but others, they definitely are meant to see. And Cook's drawings fall into the latter category.



As we've said on the Daily Illuminator before, Cook approached the Great Cthulhu, the Shog Goth, the Sluggoth, and the rest of the sanity-blasting squad with her iconic bent toward the adorable and the large-eyed. She's known for her work on My Little Pony comics, and for creating, writing, and drawing Gronk: A Monster's Story . So this limited-edition game is worth a look even if you've played the original Munchkin Cthulhu plenty. 



So whether you're in it for the Munchkin , the Great Old Ones, or the cute . . . it's waiting for you.



– Ariel Barkhurst



Warehouse 23 News: An All-New Classic Is In The Cards!



John Kovalic bursts through a brick wall and kicks butt – metaphorically – with the Munchkin Fu Guest Artist Edition . It's all the fun of Munchkin Fu with brand-new reimagined artwork from John Kovalic! Leap into action to get it now from Warehouse 23.

July 11, 2016: Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition: Monster Vs. Monster

You may think we're crazy here at Steve Jackson Games, since sometimes we make games where you play as cats competing for your owner's favor, or high school students kidnapping historical figures, or punny fantasy characters questing to become overpowered.



But there is a reason for, like, at least half the things we do.



And the reason we're doing Guest Artist Editions is that the cards in our Munchkin games lend themselves to cool, different illustrations based on who's drawing them.



Illustrator Shane White provided the art for us this time around: The game features the same number of jokes and goblins as the original, but White's weapons, heroes, and monsters give us a fresh take on the pun-fantasy fusion of Munchkin Pathfinder .



Case in point: Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition !



Here are a couple comparisons between the John Kovalic art (on the left) and White's new rendition (on the right).



Some of White's visions are similar concepts, with a different style, as you can see with the Red Mantis Assassin. Others are reinterpretations, like the Starscone or the Hobbes Goblin. Still others are of-the-moment visual gags, like the Blog Goblin hipster.



White is well-known for his work on comics including Pathfinder: Goblins! ,  Bad Karma , and Comic Book Tattoo .



Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition is due out in September, so watch for it here and in stores!



– Ariel Barkhurst



Warehouse 23 News: Get An Ally At Your Munchkin Table



Let Spyke stare at you from your desk, with the Munchkin Vinyl Figure . This awesome figure will keep you company while kicking down Doors and picking up Treasures. Plus it comes with an exclusive Munchkin card. Pick one of three varieties – or get 'em all at Warehouse 23!

July 10, 2016: Crowdfunding Focus - Mistborn: House War

It's time for another edition of "Crowdfunding Focus," the irregular blog feature in which we tell you about something neat and nerdy you can help fund on the internet! Because it's fun to fund neat and nerdy things on the internet!



This time, we'd like to bring your attention to a game based on popular fantasy novels, and designed by a brilliant guy whose games you've probably played, or at least heard of.



Kevin Wilson's Mistborn: House War will let you compete and cooperate at the same time when you play as the houses from Brandon Sanderson's popular Mistborn novels. You'll have to work together to keep the empire strong, while working individually to gain the most favor from the almighty Lord Ruler.



Credits for Wilson include Arkham Horror ,  The X-Files , and Descent: Journeys in the Dark – not to mention our own I Hate Zombies!  Right now he's working with us again, on our upcoming Munchkin Collectible Card Game .



The game has reached its minimum funding, but it's still on Kickstarter through July 20. Donate right now to help reach stretch goals for an 11th house to play, and an upgraded gamebox!



So go fund it, get cool stuff, and support the continuing creation of good games.



– Ariel Barkhurst



 



Warehouse 23 News: This Cthulhu Shirt Fits You To A Tee



With the Munchkin Cthulhu Guest Artist T-Shirt , the end times have never been so adorable! Don the delightful Katie Cook artwork with pride, and use its special rule to give you a Munchkin edge. Get it today, only from Warehouse 23!

July 9, 2016: Documenting Toy History

Over the past few years, both in book projects and at my site, battlegrip.com , I have used the exploration of toys and the toy industry as a way of unwinding from long days at the office. Games, as you know, are a subset of the larger toy market, and by studying the toy industry I often learn tricks and generate ideas that influence my decisions when working on new games and expansions. Whether it be distribution, project management, or the lifecycle of a toy or game, when reading newspaper articles, books – and especially when chatting with industry insiders of the seventies and eighties – I always take something with me after a few hours deep in toys.



Continuing education is important, even when you're fortunate enough to spend your days working on and playing games.



It's also important to relax and unwind at times, though, and that's what led to my current and completely unnecessary book project. Because, sometimes, fun is required and education can wait. If you're at all a fan of action figures of the seventies, eighties, and nineties, I think you'll enjoy my newest book. The project is as obscure as they come, and the last few months of collecting and documenting action figure carrying cases took me down a maze of rabbit holes from which I may never escape. Care to join me?



– Phil Reed



Warehouse 23 News: When Bad Things Happen, That's Good!



With the Gloom card game, you want your family to lead as miserable a life as possible while cheering up your opponents with happy events. Were you Mauled by a Manatee? Pursued by Poodles? Then you're doing great! Get Gloom -y today from Warehouse 23!