James Buckley

Games | Sapper Studio share.google/VRRfy3Cf3BMC...

So many things to remember launching a game first time as a completely solo endeavour. I just clocked I need a copyright for Battlegroup Clash. Inspired by @colewehrle.bsky.social I went for a Creative Commons licence. Share and adapt, but acknowledge the source, and no commercial gain. Back cover.

UK-based Pats fan here. Fine by me 👍

Nice!

Highly recommended based on my bit of play-testing. I love the movement system, the perils of leaving too large an electronic footprint, and innovative order mechanism.

Also, great to have the game printed in the Czech Republic, not China, as a protest at China's support of Russian aggression.

Battlegroup Clash: Baltics is up for pre-order with a nice discount. If you are interested in modern tactical #wargaming from a professional or recreational point of view don't miss out on this one. I highly recommend it! #PME

I'm very much looking forward to this game. It has a platoon level system with drone and EW. It accounts for planning using Sync Matrices. It has huge educational value. Finally, it's set in the Baltics, making the game very relevant for our context. So, yes, I'm definitely pre-ordering.

But better if you do pre-order 😉

Pre-orders now open for Battlegroup Clash: Baltics www.sapperstudio.com/battlegr
This tactical land combat game covers a Russian invasion of Estonia in the present day. It is unique: a game for professionals, but also designed to be accessible to, and played by, hobby gamers.
Order now for 30% off!

Back at the Cardboard Emperors club in London for the first time in ages. We completed our Purple Haze campaign! Also being played: Struggle of Empires, Imperial Struggle and Pax Renaissance.

Me too!

Great article! I would add though most professional wargames have an umpire and emphasise the importance of military judgement and discussion as part of analytical exercise/learning. And they can culminate early and still be valuable. In short, they are easier to make than a good hobby wargame.

How is Combat Power defined? It's 'interesting' to see a T72 above a Challenger. No Challenger 2?

Looks similar to a yacht racing game I've been designing in my head. Do you need to leave the trail (previously placed lanes) on the table for a mechanical reason?

Vietnam in a Big Box – First impressions of Purple Haze https://armchairdragoons.com/rev-purplehaze/

Hey @fortcircle.bsky.social how can a ship's cat get hold of a copy of Hunt for Blackbeard in Blighty?

Zorro

Fantastic to see a prototype copy of my forthcoming game Battlegroup Clash Baltics being used by the Bundeswehr for wargaming exercises!
More details here: www.sapperstudio.com/battlegr

The final map for Battlegroup Clash: Baltics is now ready, see below. All the maps are grid based, and replicate satellite imagery of Estonia. Blind playtesting is underway. I plan to open up the game for pre-orders at the start of next month. Sign up for updates here www.sapperstudio.com/games

Hamilcar is coming soon! (Don't quote me, but trust me)

Unleash Napoleon's genius or defy him! Our new Napoleonic wargame, "1806: The Elbe Campaign," is coming to the P-300. Experience intense, asymmetric warfare in under 120 mins. Wishlist now & join playtesting on Discord!
https://f.mtr.cool/qodsfplojj

YouTube video by Homo Ludens Stalingrad Roads - Wargame Teach & Play

Massive thanks to @jsbuckley.bsky.social fir the teach and play of Stalingrad Roads by @nutspublishing.bsky.social - an excellent entry in the series.
youtu.be/gbsjj7wXcD8

CO-OPS by Nuts worth looking at.

Tom Mouat is working on the UK expansion for Littoral Commander and is looking at adding in a sub-game where you can commission/acquire new tech (JCC cards) that can be used in the game. Something like that. Was that it?

The pies are nice it's true! I also like mushy peas, esp with fish and chips

You are doing more for British tourism than Charles and Camilla combined!

The campaign scenario of Liberty Roads begins. I really enjoyed playing Stalingrad Roads solo, so I'm looking forward to this. Recommended reading: Monty's Men by John Buckley (no relation). A great book re-examining the British Army's performance post D-Day, h/t @charlesvasey.bsky.social

What I feel the new edition offers is more paths to victory; a greater capacity for players to make a clever killer move. The Heroes present another layer of opportunity and dilemma. I can't imagine playing the old edition now. We played Inis the same day, it was enjoyable, but more predictable.

The just published PunchedCON wrap-up newsletter for 2025 includes an article on other great UK wargame events you can attend this year, reviews of this year's con, and dates for 26/27
mailchi.mp/5b30e1d7d356...
TLDR:
PCON26 - 1st to 3rd May 2026.
PCON27 - 7th to 9th May 2027.

Rolling Seas - A 1 to 6-Player Roll & Write Game Explore the monster-ridden, stormy seas. Use the wind to sail through adventures, tell the greatest tale, and build your reputation.

Our KS for Rolling Seas is now live. Please have a look at the page below and help us bring this project to life! Roll and write. Pirates and sea monsters. Up to six players. What's not to like?
www.kickstarter.com/projects/nut...