Steve Jackson's Blog, page 346

June 8, 2016: Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame At PHD

SJ Games visited Peachstate Hobby Distributor Speed Gaming recently, and our very own Rhea sat down with the team at Roll For Crit to talk about Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame!



As Rhea explains, Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame is about guiding your own version of the duo through time and space, collecting historical dudes. She also details a few of our other upcoming releases, like Simon's Cat Card Game , I Hate Zombies , Ogre: Objective 218 , and Moop's Monster Mashup !



Thanks to PHD for having us, and to the Roll For Crit folks for the video!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: There's Power In Allies



With GURPS Dungeon Fantasy 17: Guilds , your GURPS Dungeon Fantasy heroes can reap the benefits that come from joining a group. Get aid, social clout, power-ups, leads on future adventures, and much more. The benefits of friendship are just a download away, from your pals at Warehouse 23!

June 7, 2016: Munchkin Comic Posters Free While Supplies Last!

Have you been cutting pages out of your


Adorn your bedroom, cubicle, sitting room, veranda, or even aviary with the art of Mike Luckas. When they're gone, they're gone, so order soon! 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: A Revolutionary Expansion!



Expanding the fun of Revolution! is a recipe for anarchy . . . or is it the other way around? With Revolution! Anarchy , you'll get a board overlay, new bidding boards and components, plus the ability to play with up to six people. Don't delay; expand your Revolution! options to Anarchy today!

June 6, 2016: The End Of The World As You've Never Known It

Part of the fun of working on all things Munchkin is getting to create secret projects, from time to time. As part of our overall Guest Artist Edition celebration, we asked our pal Len Peralta to re-illustrate Munchkin Apocalypse . Len isn't one to stint, so we also got his take on Munchkin Apocalypse 2 – Sheep Impact .



Both the Munchkin Apocalypse Guest Artist Edition (with a super-funky ROUND gameboard!) and Munchkin Apocalypse 2 Guest Artist Edition are available at Barnes & Noble – ask at your local store or order online. They should be in every survival bunker!



– Andrew Hackard



Warehouse 23 News: Unleash Your Barbarian Nature



The untamed warriors of your GURPS Dungeon Fantasy world just got more fantastic, with GURPS Dungeon Fantasy Denizens: Barbarians . Get variant templates, new lenses, mighty power-ups, exotic gear, and much more. When you download it today from Warehouse 23, you'll get all the answers you could ever axe!

June 5, 2016: Why Did It Have To Be Ducks?!

Our event coordinator, Guy Himber, has always had a burning desire for the ducks of Munchkin . But one thing kept bugging him: why ducks? So he went straight to the source, and interviewed John Kovalic on the subject. John told Guy he'd tell him, but he'd have to kill him. Or at least maim him. Thanks Guy!



Assuming the Duck of Doom card was the genesis/first Munchkin duck, what started the Ducks tradition?



Honestly, I have no idea. It was one of the first classic Munchkin cards, and one of the few from the original set I don't ache to redraw. It was a fan-favorite from the get-go, so we needed to give more ducks. Fortunately, it's quick and easy to draw - and I try and draw something for everyone, when I do signings. So that's a very useful quality for a beloved Munchkin character to have!







How many duck cards do you think are out there? Do you have a favorite one?



Again - no idea how many there are in the game. I'm closing in on 5,500 Munchkin cards drawn, and to be frank, I lose track of them. But I'm very fond of Duck Season, from Munchkin Apocalypse . And I think the original Duck of Doom has to be my favorite from the first Munchkin set. It spawned a legend!







What do you see as the future of ducks in Munchkin? Would you like to see an all Ducks expansion one day?



I've proposed a full Duck expansion - as a Marx Brothers fan, how could I not want a set called  Why a Duck?  I'm not sure if it would ever happen. Munchkin scheduling is pretty insane. But I do love drawing me some ducks!



Are there any special duck facts or funny duck-related trivia you have discovered in your feathered research you would like to share with the Munchkin fans?



Apart from the fact that I ride with a duck on my helmet for a charity bike ride every year, and it's raised more than $25,000 to help feed local families? Probably that some people think the Duck of Doom was inspired by (or rips off) Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus , but it predates Pigeon by two or three years.



– Guy Himber



Warehouse 23 News: Build The Best Castle You Can, With Castellan



With Castellan , you use the detailed interlocking walls and towers to construct a castle – while your opponent is trying to do the same! Strategy and luck combine in a game you can play in an hour. Get it from Warehouse 23 in red and blue or yellow and green; pick up both for four-player fun!

June 4, 2016: Welcome Jacob Lederfine - Web Designer!

Hey, my name is Jacob Lederfine and I'm the new Web Designer for SJ Games. I was born and raised in Lancaster, CA and moved to Texas in 2011. I graduated from the Art Institute of Austin in March 2016 with a degree in Web Design & Interactive Media. For pretty much all of my life I've been playing console games and a few PC games. I haven't played much table top games and look forward to learning and playing the games that SJ Games has to offer. I've already enjoyed a few of them during our Game Day, like Car Wars , the  Simon's Cat Card Game , and Bill & Ted's Excellent Boardgame . Since this is my first job in the web field I'm excited to bring my skills to the team and also pick up some new skills along the way!



– Jacob Lederfine



Warehouse 23 News: The Perfect Pal For Your Lapel!



Wear your Munchkin devotion with pride, thanks to the Munchkin Pin . Not only does it look snazzy anywhere you'd don a pin, but it also gives a bonus Munchkin game rule! Six different colors available – collect 'em all . . . but only from Warehouse 23!

June 3, 2016: Announcements For August

Beat the Summer heat with our upcoming releases for August! Add  Munchkin  flavor to any card game, and draw outside the lines with a new coloring book!

The Munchkin Alphabet Coloring Book



What are the most important letters to a munchkin? L-O-O-T.



Perfect for children (or the young at heart), The Munchkin Alphabet Coloring Book is a wonderful introduction to the world of Munchkin . With drawings by John Kovalic and 26 alphabet verses written by Steve Jackson himself, this is the ultimate crayon canvas. And of course, you'll get 10 promo Munchkin cards! You'll be a modern day Michelangelo. Or maybe Spyke-elangelo.






Munchkin Playing Cards



Shuffle up and deal!



Munchkin Playing Cards give players a whole new way to enjoy the artwork of Munchkin ! Ian McGinty, illustrator of Munchkin Guest Artist Edition and Munchkin Knights , is back with a set of 54 classic playing cards with traditional suits. Take a break from your game of epic Munchkin  with a quick round of poker, or a munchkin's true favorite: 52 card pickup.



These are standard playing cards; a copy of Munchkin is not required to play.



Preorder today at your Friendly Local Game Store!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Make Your GURPS Games More Magical



The power of GURPS comes alive with a new magic system designed for tinkerers: GURPS Thaumatology: Sorcery , a balanced, simple look at creating and casting spells you want in a clear and consistent framework. Download it today, only from Warehouse 23!

June 2, 2016: Andrew Writes About The Munchkin Survey

You may recall we asked for Munchkin players feedback in a recent survey. Well we asked, and you answered! Munchkin Czar Andrew Hackard has been hard at work collating data, and wrote an article over on Medium about the findings.



Some responses were surprising, both positively and negatively, and some questions turned out exactly as expected. Ultimately though, regardless of the findings, we want to thank everyone that participated in the survey. Munchkin has grown as a game over the years, and it's in large part due to the fans. Suggestions, house rules, and general feedback have helped influence more than many people would think.



Check out his findings and comment on the article on Medium.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Get The Munchkin Promos You Need!



Are you looking for specific Munchkin bookmarks and promo cards for your collection? Warehouse 23 may be able to help! Now you can order select Munchkin promotional bookmarks and promo cards. Pick up a Hipster Hireling, the Bookmark of Nefarious Necromancy, and many more!

June 1, 2016: Crowdfunding Focus: Skin Horse Volume 6

Skin Horse is one of my favorite webcomics.* It has the Art, it has the Story, it has the Secret Government Organization With Foul-Mouthed Cyborg Helicopter. Veritably, the trifecta of modern serial adventure.



The Kickstarter for a print edition of Volume 6 of Skin Horse is in its final days. It's already made its goal three times over, and I really think you should support it just to see if they announce a stretch goal, because:

The book is awesome.
I got to write the intro to the awesome book!
There's a level that gets you ALL the previous books, and since I unaccountably didn't own them . . . muahaha, now I will .
Okay, that last bullet point was actually an anecdote rather than a reason you should support. But whatever.
– Steve Jackson



* If you're not already reading Skin Horse, this would be an excellent time to go on an archive binge.



Warehouse 23 News: More "Gear" For Munchkin Steampunk!



What's a game of Munchkin Steampunk without dials? With Munchkin Steampunk Kill-O-Meter , munchkins and enemies alike can keep track of totals, making it a snap to figure out who won. It comes with two bonus cards as well, for even more fun! Get it today from Warehouse 23!

May 31, 2016: New Releases For May

You follow up April showers with May flowers, and Flower takes that very seriously. As such, we had a lot of Munchkin goodies come out this month, as well as a GURPS supplement! Whether you are looking for a new Guest Artist Edition, more expansions, Munchkin accessories, or a nuclear disaster for your tabletop, these new releases are for you.

Munchkin Meeples



Any game can have Munchkin flair with Munchkin Meeples!



Have you ever played a game and thought "I wish there were more tiny Gazebos in this game?" Well wish no longer! Munchkin Meeples lets you take your favorite monsters and put them in any game you want. There are six designs in different colors, with one Mega-Meeple and four Non-Mega-Meeples each. Add them to anything, even non- Munchkin games. Throw a Plutonium Dragon into  Revolution! , or some Net Trolls in Munchkin Treasure Hunt ; it's up to you!

Munchkin 6.5 - Terrible Tombs



Get a double dose of dungeon diving!



Ever since the release of Munchkin 6 - Demented Dungeons , players have clamored for more . . . well, dungeons! Finally, their pleas have been answered, with brand new dungeon cards! Munchkin 6.5 - Terrible Tombs can combine with Demented Dungeons (or any Munchkin game with Dungeon cards) to create an insane looting experience.

Munchkin Fu Guest Artist Edition



HI-YAAAAAA!



When John Kovalic missed the chance to draw Munchkin Fu , who could have guessed this would lead to him being a guest in his own series! Munchkin Fu Guest Artist Edition features brand new art from John, with full color board and standies. It's a new take on the karate-chopping humor of Munchkin Fu , dubbed with the signature Kovalic style.



Remember: the Guest Artist Editions are limited quantities, so get yours soon!

Munchkin Knights



Anytime is the right time for Knight time!



The royal  Munchkin Knights are here to defend princesses against dragons and other pillaging baddies. The roundtable has never been squarer, and the collecting loot has never been this chivalrous. Ian McGinty returns for more incredible art in this 15 card booster.



The Knights were even featured in the recently released Munchkin comics #17!

GURPS Disasters: Meltdown and Fallout



Radiation poisoning is serious business.



Radiation can be scary. You can't see it, smell it, or fight it by any conventional means, but it can be deadly just the same. GURPS Disasters: Meltdown and Fallout helps you bring this invisible threat to your gaming table, and gives adventurers the tools they need to deal with it. Inside you'll find common types of reactors, primers on what radiation is and how it affects the game, rules for before, during, and after meltdown, and tons of perks and quirks of infected beings.



Get your lead suit and geiger counter, and prepare for the fallout!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Prepare For The End With GURPS!



It may be dangerous in the post-apocalyptic badlands, but with GURPS , it's easier than ever to survive, thanks to the GURPS After the End series! Create characters with GURPS After the End 1: Wastelanders , then get into the action with GURPS After the End 2: The New World . Adventure awaits, only at Warehouse 23!

May 30, 2016: Interview With Guest Artist Greg Hyland

Greg Hyland, original artist for Munchkin Fu and for the upcoming Munchkin Zombies Guest Artist Edition , took the time to answer a few questions for us. I didn't even have to kidnap him, and he definitely wasn't tied to a chair during the interview.





Technically, you are our first Guest Artist in Munchkin history, being the original illustrator for Munchkin Fu. Was it a pretty big deal at the time, or another project for you?



It was a big deal to me because I had always wanted to get into game illustration! I remember people telling me that "you are the new Munchkin guy!" which didn't turn out to be true (I forgot to break Kovalic's hands!), but it led to doing other great projects for Steve Jackson Games.



Did you think this whole Munchkin thing would get as big as it's gotten?



I didn't, but I didn't really know much about the game industry. Or how popular Munchkin was already. I had to have other people tell me what a big deal it was and what a big deal it was to work with Steve Jackson, and not just Steve Jackson Games. I realized it was like doing your first comic book, but with Stan Lee writing it. I'm glad it's blown up because it's a super fun game and deserves the fame.







Your own guest appearance has allowed John to be a Guest Artist in a series he is known for. What is it like seeing a new take on your own art?



I haven't really seen much of it yet, and the few cards I've seen seem new to me . . . or just can't remember what I did for them. I can't wait to see the whole thing! Pretty much since day one after Munchkin Fu came out people would come up to me and say "you know, they're getting John Kovalic to redraw the whole game." Turns out to be true . . . just took 12 years for it to happen! I've had a lot of people tell me " Munchkin Fu is my favorite Munchkin game, but I just wish John Kovalic drew it." Now their dreams have come true!



You have your own  Munchkin Zombies  Guest Artist Edition later this year. How different is the experience drawing a set now versus when you originally drew Munchkin Fu?



Actually not too much different. I go through the card specs in order and think "Wow! I get to draw something as crazy as that!?!" I asked them to send me a written list of the card specs, even though I was sent a copy of the original game to work from. I didn't want to look at the original and be influenced by what was done already. I actually still haven't looked at the original . . . maybe I should now!









The own comic Lethargic Lad is going strong! Do you have any other projects you are working on at the moment?




I actually do a lot of work for LEGO. Right now I storyboard a lot of their TV commercials and online cartoons. If you've seen a LEGO TV commercial for a licensed property (like Star Wars or Super Heroes), I probably storyboarded it! I also might have a secret project going with Steve Jackson that I hope sees the light of day sometime.



Thank you for letting us bug you. Where can fans find you online?



Lethargiclad.com, @Lethargic_Lad on the Twitter Machine, and Lethargic Lad has a Facebook page, but you have to search for it because some punk who isn't even a fan took LethargicLad!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Memorial Day



It is Memorial Day here in the United States. In honor of those in the military who have given their lives in service to our country, Warehouse 23 is closed today. Regular operations will resume tomorrow. (Digital items will, of course, continue to be available for instantaneous ordering.)