Introduction by ACEA Co-Designer, Fred Schachter: This article’s Part 1 of 2 provided Designer Chris Vorder Bruegge’s general overview, with historical references, of how Ancient Civilizations of East Asia was designed. This included video links readers may find of interest in gaining appreciation of the game’s historical context. In Part 2 of 2, Author Chris […]
Meet the Zhou: A Civilization of GMT’s Ancient Civilizations of East Asia By Mark McLaughlin & Fred Schachter The Zhou were one of the key civilizations which helped define China and its culture. They endured for some 789 years, from c. 1046 BC until 256 BC, the longest span of any dynasty in Chinese history. Their core source of power was
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Designer Blogs
Although the Battle of Verdun was truly unique in so many ways, it was also a prototypically brutal First World War slugfest. Characterized by pulverizing “rain of steel” artillery barrages, murderous trench assaults across No Man’s Land, vicious close quarter fighting utilizing everything from entrenching tools to flamethrowers, and all other aspects of this primeval
Streamlining World War I Combat and Logistics in A Hell So Terrible Read Post »
Designer Blogs
Introduction by ACEA Co-Designer, Fred Schachter: What a journey it’s been with my buddies Chris Vorder Bruegge and Mark Mclaughlin in creating the “Ancient Civs” Game Series! It started with Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea (ACIS), then Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East (ACME) and now we’re pleased to offer through GMT the next
GBACW “The Great Battles of the American Civil War (GBACW) system allows gamers to simulate American Civil War era battles on a regimental level, using mechanics that concentrate on the use, effects and personalities of battlefield command, as well as the tactical difficulty in maneuvering such large numbers of troops and bringing them to bear
Introducing Simple Great Battles of the American Civil War Read Post »
Designer Blogs
The Shang are the earliest recorded dynasty of ancient China. For far more detail than this summary can convey, see: Shang dynasty – Wikipedia. There are also numerous YouTube videos regarding them. The Shang are credited with giving China its first written language – as found on oracle bones used by their priests for divination.
Meet the Shang: A Civilization of GMT’s Ancient Civilizations of East Asia Read Post »
Designer Blogs
The Chu were one of the strongest, most persistent, and most influential civilizations of Chinese history. They were a major force in politics and culture for over 800 years. Their armies were famed – and feared – for their chariots and their importation and mastery of war elephants in battle. These traits are reflected both
Meet the Chu: A Civilization of GMT’s Ancient Civilizations of East Asia Read Post »
Designer Blogs
Mark (Ukraine) and Doc (acting as a NATO observer) vs YOGI (Russian bot) Note: We played against the Russian bot (YOGI) that Mark designed for Defiance. TURN 1A: Battle of Hostomel Airbase Battle of Vasylkiv Airbase: Part 1: Airbridge Established Invasion: VDV AND 36TH Army VDV forces advance into Ukraine, clear main avenue of advance.
Defiance Standard Campaign Session Report: OCTOBER 2025 AAR Read Post »
Designer Blogs
As the game has started reaching the first backers as I am writing this book of the Chronicles, it is probably time to look in detail at what is an essential part of every wargame: waging war itself… In the previous book, we have looked at what it means to engage in war and peace,
The Hubris Histories – Book 5: Making War in the Hellenistic World Read Post »
Designer Blogs
The Battle of Verdun has fascinated me since I was a teenager, especially after reading the book “The Price of Glory” by Alistair Horne. Such an iconic battle with so much strategic significance for the future conduct of the First World War, littered with heroic moments, disastrous decisions, and commanders who rose to the occasion
A Hell So Terrible: Capturing the Flavor of Verdun Through Cards and Mechanics Read Post »
Designer Blogs