Don't forget to check out the related announcement if you haven't already! http://www.theskjaldborg.com/index.php?threads/skjaldborgs-modular-campaign-tracker-mocat.12813/ Similar in spirit to our grand Battletech/Megamek and Steel Division campaigns of years past, I would like to do another, albeit simplified version that can be easily managed by myself or anyone willing to help me. Much of this will be accomplished by incorporating Roll20 which can be used to track player progress stats as well as "overworld" movement to add more RPG and grand strategy elements in games that otherwise lack those mechanics. Some notable examples: My end goal is to create a "Modular Campaign Tracker" system that can be reasonably applied to any game without much effort. I will greatly appreciate any assistance and feedback in this effort. I encourage you all to ask questions and discuss details in this here thread.
Current Game Options Classic/Alpha Strike Battletech (via Megamek/TTS) A double-edged sword: Arguably the most difficult to develop and manage. Most flexibility in creative options for campaign structure. Requires more consistent involvement from players, but for your trouble you will get back a (hopefully) more rewarding experience. Player capacity only limited by GM's capacity to stay on top of it. A popular choice, but will be the most difficult to get started first without significant help from the community. Battletech (PC) PvE possible now through Steam Remote Play: Full campaign cooperative play! does NOT require owning the game to play remotely! players can support each other through coordinated actions on the campaign map. missions and rewards could be tracked via Roll 20. A more basic PvP option would be limited to 1v1 deathmatch, but would be very easily implemented. Could be a good middle ground between tabletop/Megamek and Mechwarrior players. Company of Heroes 2 Total War-like strategic map movement (via Roll 20) with battles resolved as in-game skirmishes. Additional persistent upgrades to player forces thanks to added mod controls. "Hero units" and other upgrades can be tracked via Roll20. Up to 4 players on one team per battle, but more than 4 players can take part over the course of multiple battles. Very easy to spectate thanks to in-game features. No mods required, although custom maps and gameplay options are easy to download via UI. Probably the strongest contender for RTS choices. War Thunder Total War-like strategic map movement (via Roll 20) with battles resolved as in-game skirmishes. Resources could be defined at the strategic level that could impact battles at the tactical level. Some ways to make things more interesting: asymmetrical forces variable Battle Rating limits based on map positions or captured regions vehicle selection based on map movement and position Player vehicle upgrades persistent and tracked via Roll20. Practically unlimited player cap possible. No mods required, although custom maps and gameplay options are easy to download via UI. FREE, but players would be limited in vehicle choices based on what they have unlocked. Mechwarrior 5 Postponed until after full release (December). Limited 4 player PvE is possible through the in-game campaign; could be expanded at the strategic level to incorporate more than 4 people with all player stats tracked via Roll20. Random mission generator available in game as alternative to using the campaign. May require some mods to streamline certain issues. Probably the single game on this list that MOST people are excited for. M&B2: Bannerlord Postponed until after full release (TBA). Total War-like strategic map movement (via Roll 20) with battles resolved as in-game skirmishes. Player characters and equipment can be tracked via Roll20. Practically unlimited player cap possible. May require some mods to streamline certain issues. Potentially easy to manage, but uncertain until multiplayer gets more polish. Age of Empires 2 Total War-like strategic map movement (via Roll 20) with battles resolved as in-game skirmishes. Full potential as an option still under review (I have limited experience with this game). May require some mods to streamline certain issues. Will require the "Definitive Edition".
I voted Magnusmeks / Battletech PC / MW5. I would love to play some War Thunder with the Borg in general, but did not vote for it because I just can't picture how that might be made to work in a campaign.
Check the update I made in the second post. Think "Total War" but with tanks and planes instead of infantry and horses. Strategic movement and logistics would be handled via Roll20 using a region map (like a Risk map board) while combat would be resolved in-game. The goal would be to sprinkle in a little added complexity at the strategic level into an otherwise very mundane team deathmatch experience. And just FYI to everyone, you can change your vote at any time. Poll will also stay open indefinitely.
Just a taste of things to come: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tth8hBNu58-s4Eeoe0LWeq3XTqe6kjBtvamTKK_zQE4/edit?usp=sharing
Merged all projects onto a single website (thanks to Tzeentch for the suggestion): https://sites.google.com/view/skjaldborgproject/home
Updated a lot more, but most specifically the MW5 stuff: https://sites.google.com/view/skjaldborgproject/home/mechwarrior-5-mercs?authuser=0
They said large-scale multiplayer for Battletech (PC) couldn't be done... They were wrong... https://www.reddit.com/r/Battletech...i_you_can_now_play_battletech_coop_via_steam/ My body is soooo ready. Who else here wants to get some hot mech action going?
Now with official announcement: https://www.theskjaldborg.com/index.php?threads/dynamic-battletech-pc-campaign-sign-up.12836/
BATTLETECH NEWSLETTER HAS BEEN SENT OUT TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES! If you want to be included, please let me or another officer know!