Hey gang,

Things quieted down a bit over the course of what turned out to be a very chaotic summer. Now that we are nearing the winter months I thought that this would be a good time to give you an official update.

WorldWorksGames Master Terrain System

Probably the biggest news item is the ongoing development of a new “WWG Master Terrain System”. This has been in the works for a better part of the year, although really this is the culmination of our 6 years of our experience in the terrain biz. This new system will offer very unique flexibility, superior structural strength and anti-warp safeguards. Better yet, you will be able to mix and match items from other model sets in the series without destroying them or having to kitbash. The system will be easily understood by both novice and pro terrain builder.

Perhaps best of all from a production standpoint, once we get the bugs worked out, the new system will speed up project completions as we don't have to reinvent the wheel with each new model set. Basic build instructions will follow a formula that will translate to all model sets in the line (excluding one-off prop type items that is). What that means is that we can concentrate on texture design and re-skinning elements to create entirely new sets instead of worrying about how to deal with complex geometry and associated custom instructions. Although this may sound like a “cookie cutter” approach the system offers amazing flexibility.

It is likely that this new system will represent our path forward from here on out and I am incredibly excited to get this out to you. The system would also lend itself very well to a tangible product, so we have our lingering hopes that perhaps someday an interested publisher or investor will help us out in that regard.

Himmelveil

To even speak the name can get you killed in certain dark alleyways within the WWG forums Yes, it's been talked about for ages and we've had many starts/stops on the project but it is moving forward (whether you want it to or not). Ultimately Himmelveil represents a reboot of our fantasy line of products. While those old classics such as Pubs & Inns or Villageworks still do the job, we have a much more ambitious vision of where fantasy can be taken. We will be rethinking almost every vital fantasy “zone” in order to push the genre as far as possible. We've all seen incredible hand painted, plaster terrain of medieval towns and as audacious as it may sound we want Himmelveil to set a completely new standard in gaming terrain surpassing everything that has gone before it. Something that will force large numbers of people to finally take a serious look at what we are doing.

Himmelveil isn't just one thing, it's a series of components which will fit together to create a rich, living breathing world from rooftop to sewer. Everything will be accessible, everything playable. You'll see core infrastructure sets released along with individual building sets. It's a big project which will likely occupy much of the rest of the year and well into 2009. You should see the first bit of these efforts spilling forward in coming months.

WWG Gaming Mats

Another long time coming item is WWG's unique line of commercial, tangible gaming mats. I've really been through the wringer with these things, talked until I was blue in the face with various publishers/printers and did a mountain of materials research. News Flash to Denny...getting a tangible product to market is damn hard. Loooooong story short, we found an excellent partner to make these happen. The mats are created using a double lamination and photoprint process which makes them uniquely tear, spill and scratch proof. Image quality is extremely sharp and high resolution due to this large format photoprint process (unlike vinyl mats). The added bonus here is that they are dry-eraser friendly which means you can mark them up to show area FX and other real-time game data.

These will come in a variety of popular genre, grid sizes and mat sizes, shipped in a tough white tube for storage. Still working out ordering/shipping logistics but it's getting there.

DungeonRise

A new dungeon crawl-ish game is in the works and we are excited to take this in a totally new direction. The new game makes a rather unique use of WWG terrain. More I can't say other than the focus is on evolving the game board This will likely be in Beta for some time but hopefully we'll have a good bloat of work done over a 5-6 month period. Bob is starting up a new Beta for this here: http://www.worldworksgames.com/forum/vi ... php?t=6543 so jump in if you're interested BUT READ THE TERMS CARFULLY BEFORE ASKING TO BE INVOLVED.

WWG Forge
We are remaining mum on this one until it is further along. This is an experimental project that we feel will appeal uniquely to the kinds of gamers that come to us for terrain. Although it isn't “terrain” it is something that will add to your gaming experience and look damn cool at the same time. Collect one, collect them all


Mayhem Mega Mall

This is Paul's baby and having seen the completed work the other day in person I can honestly say this rivals many of his past submissions. Zombie nuts are going to completely freak out when they see the Mall. I can't wait to see what people do with this thing. Still working on post production so don't give Paul too tough of a time. He lost a few key photos the other day while transferring info so that put things behind slightly on the instruction front.

WildWood Grove

Scott Reid's next set is slowly coming to a close. This multi-genre graveyard is sure to delight a few of you out there. Bob Cooper stepped in to help out and get it out the door.

Thoumont's

Peter Giffords medieval building for Himmelveil is nearly complete as well. Peter was terribly busy towards the end of this project but once again we have Bob to thank for stepping in and helping polish off some post production elements. Still picking at it but close to complete. This also has an adventure tie-in “Under the Veil” which features this location. Under the Veil is complete and awaiting some minor post production.

Urban Grind

This model sets proceeds will go directly to the Chase Ripper trust fund. My nephew Chase was struck with Leukemia last year and it really devastated my family. To help the Ripper's find balance again the crew here at WWG put together this Mayhem based skate park to help the cause. Chase is doing much better btw and we are just holding our breath putting a few positive thoughts out there while he undergoes maintenance. This project is in post production and should be out the door very soon.

Matt Lyon...Matt Lyon

The ever prolific Matt Lyon has another model set well on its way but I can't really tell you much just yet. Maybe Matt can break that to you in his own words or maybe you can drag him into the street and get it out of him yourselves

New Website

There is a new WWG website in the works which fixes and streamlines a few issues. This was backburnered a few months ago as life became too chaotic but it is back on the radar. Hopefully we'll get some movement there in the not too distant future.

Anyway, lots going on right now as you can see and I know for a fact I'm missing a few items. Should be a really interesting 4th quarter and new year. Can't wait to share it with all of you who have stuck with us!

-D

I would love if you produced some material for Battlefield Evolution and Starship Troopers.

Mongoose Publishing is producing a series of game books called world at war.
It is the award winning SST rules with the battlefield evolution modifications to allow people to use the one set of rules for basically any setting.
They have released world war II and modern rule sets along with the SST rules for free.
The big thing is, they are out of the Mini business.
So, we have the rules, but, finding models is a real pain.

Matt Sprang of Mongoose is saying that they are going to open license the creation of the models - ie you can use their logo etc for authorized models, without a license fee.

With your existing model sets, you could produce a complete terrain and army combination that would appeal to a very large, established audience.

The beauty of this is that you do not have to create or playtest your own games and you can concentrate on doing what you are really good at.

best regards

Dalton

I am so looking forward to the new stuff being planned, especially Mayhem Mega Mall. I'm one of the zombie nuts you mentioned, Denny and from what I already know of your products I'm sure I will "freak out."
Bring it on!

This all looks brilliant. I will have to set some money aside for sets and printer ink. I'm also clearing off an area of my studio for completed buildings.
The Mega Mall seems like a lot of fun. I don't do as much Heroclix anymore, but I do use the minis for my Champions campaign.

I'm very excited to see so many fantasy sets in the future.

Interesting....

WIP meter just totally changed again.
And from the title, it looks like Matt's new set is going to be offering a wealth of new options for your Mayhem builds....

Hi Denny

This is all fabulous news. Can't wait for the fantasy sets. Just wish I had enough spare time to build everything I want.

Frank

Somebody beat me to it, but I'll chime in and say that I am looking forward to an expansion for Wormhole.

And Wildwood's slipped again

*cries*

Well, since no one else is asking, whats the deal with the two sets that are suddenly on the WIP board at 95 percent? Neither was mentioned in your run down.