My preparations for this year's Conference of Wargamers (COW2018) are well underway.
My two PowerPoint presentations about self-publishing are finished (although they may need a little polishing before I go to the conference) and the map I will be using for my Matrix Game (SAVE GORDON!) is ready to be taken to the local printer for enlargement.
I have found the figures that I used when I first took the Matrix Game to COW many years ago, and although they have not all stood up to the ravages of time that well, it will not take long to repair any damage. I still have the original player briefings and the turn display, and as far as I can see it will only take a couple of hours to get everything put together in a box and ready to take to the conference.
A history of the Matrix Game is going to be published in the very near future by the 'History of Wargaming' Project. I wrote the chapter about the early days of Matrix Gaming in the UK and SAVE GORDON! is one of the games I mentioned.
It is interesting to note that when Matrix Games were first demonstrated in the UK, they were met with a mixture of interest, incredulity, and downright scorn. Now they are accepted as a valid type of wargame design and are being used by hobby wargamers and government organisations across the world, in the latter instance for research, training, and other purposes.
My two PowerPoint presentations about self-publishing are finished (although they may need a little polishing before I go to the conference) and the map I will be using for my Matrix Game (SAVE GORDON!) is ready to be taken to the local printer for enlargement.
I have found the figures that I used when I first took the Matrix Game to COW many years ago, and although they have not all stood up to the ravages of time that well, it will not take long to repair any damage. I still have the original player briefings and the turn display, and as far as I can see it will only take a couple of hours to get everything put together in a box and ready to take to the conference.
A history of the Matrix Game is going to be published in the very near future by the 'History of Wargaming' Project. I wrote the chapter about the early days of Matrix Gaming in the UK and SAVE GORDON! is one of the games I mentioned.
It is interesting to note that when Matrix Games were first demonstrated in the UK, they were met with a mixture of interest, incredulity, and downright scorn. Now they are accepted as a valid type of wargame design and are being used by hobby wargamers and government organisations across the world, in the latter instance for research, training, and other purposes.
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Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteThat is a very useful looking map and I reckon it could easily be used for a stylised Portable Wargame campaign.
All the best,
DC
David Crook,
DeleteThe map is very elegant and very simple ... and I have given serious thought to using it for.a PW campaign-in-a-day.
All the best,
Bob
Sadly, I'm yet to try my hand at a Matrix game. Hope your sessions go well though.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteTo get a flavour of a Matrix Game, listen to the most recent WSS Podcast. It includes an interview with the original designer of the Matrix Game concept - Chris Engle - and a move being played out in an Ancient campaign game.
All the best,
Bob
Thanks Bob- that is post lunch entertainment sorted.
DeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteI hope that you enjoy listening to the podcast. I certainly did.
All the best,
Bob
I've listened to the podcast Bob- makes a lot more sense, at least how I expected it would work seemed to be born out in that example.
DeleteI look forward to my first game... just have to find someone to run one for me now.
Cheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteOne of the best ways to understand how a Matrix Game works is to either take part in one or to watch one. It is one of the few wargames where spectators can get as much enjoyment out of the game as the players do.
All the best,
Bob