Wild Bill Wilder

There is a discussion among those involved in producing CMBB just now. I posted a few thoughts on scenario design and thought I would pass them along to you for your reaction. Speak your mind. I always do ---------------------------- These are perhaps only my thoughts and you can take them or leave them. Having done quite a bit of scenario design, I have a few ideas based on public reaction. I have stated these before but let's do it again. Just my personal conclusions. 1. The majority of gamers are quiet. Many never visit a web site. They just play. Occasionally I get a letter from one of these good folks. It is 98 percent good stuff. I appreciate those. They are the ones who keep gaming companies in business. The noise makers are usually a vocifercous minority 2. Many of these folks are not deep into history or are the authority on the subject that many of you are. They are not really greatly concerned whether or not it was No 3 Company or No 2. 3. They are busy folks. They have, like all of us, a hectic lifestyle, work, family, home, proglems. They, therefore, tend toward smaller, shorter, simpler battles. Keep those three "S" in mind when you design: short, simple, small. They like something they can play between coming in from work and supper, or a battle they can finish between kissing the kiddies goodnight and crashing themselves. 4. Many gamers are intimidated by LARGE scenarios. Show them 60 turns with 200 or more units and they'll probably pass it by. They look for a battle they can finish in one night. 5. With that in mind you must decide, "Do I want to impress a few with my monster scenario?" or..."Do I want a lot of people to try this battle?" You'll almost (I said almost) be certain to get one or the other, depending on how big your battle is. 6. As to historicity, a long, long standing argument. I've gone up and down with folks over this for years. Even with CMBO we got into a looong discussion on "What is historical?" To be absolutely historical, you'll need to know how many trees were in the area exactly! Also how much ammunition each unit had, the name of each leader you use, and a ton of other facts that you'll never find. So, best to aim for broadly historical, or semi-historical, or loosely based on history. That way you will not get gray hair or lose your mind trying to be so exact only to have someone post later, "But there were three Tigers in that battle, not four!" Or, "there were 8 men in that squad, not 6!" What I am trying to say is keep a balance. Make your battle "historical" with attention to detail, but make it FUN! If it ain't fun, people will have a bad taste in their mouth from playing it and will probably avoid any others on the CD with your name on it. Senseless jabberings of an old veteran wargamer. Do with it as you will. I wish you all great success in your design efforts! I really mean that! Wild Bill

You have a point! WB

Ah John! We'll have to one day sit down, enjoy some coffee, soda or beverage of your choice and discuss the horrors of war. "Saten of Scenario Design," huh? I was on a mean streak when I did these little heart-breakers and I feel encouraged by these and other choice comments, many of which cannot be used in mixed company Hang in there guys, we are headed for the home stretch! Seriously, I really appreciate the good spirit of play that exists here. That is what makes wargaming so much fun! Wild Bill

I have always been an ardent student of the Vietnam War and have done my share of creating battles on that them in more than one Wargame. I intend to do more. From the beginning I have urged BTS to consider using this fine game engine for combat beyond the frame of WW2. I don't know if I have been really heard on this issue. Small unit combat can easily be mirrored with this game in almost any combat situation of the 20th century. The story of the Ia Drang is one of the most moving in US history. It was the first major confrontation of US forces and the NVA. I've studied it extensively and written numerous articles on it. There were really five battles of importance in the Silver Bayonet Operationi. I'd love to see all five done. If any mods are available for this Nam project, please send them my way. I'm itching to do something with this. Love to have some choppers too. Is that possible? This is exciting! My congratulations to those working on this project. Wild Bill

Well, let us know how you came out with this one, Warrior! Any updates and criticisms are always appreciated. I can still learn from you guys! Wild Bill

You are right, CA! I got an early start, didn't watch a lot of TV and was busy making babies. My oldest son is almost 47! That is frightening! My youngest, the last of six (I think ) is 27.So cherish all those memories, Stoffel. I know I do! Today the only "creating" I do is wargaming and trying to keep up with a burgeoning family tree. My thanks to all of you for your heartfelt support, your good constructive criticism and the help in testing that so many have given. One thing about it - we ain't done yet! We still have CMBB to look forward to and you guys are gonna simply flip out when you see what is coming! Bigger, better, and even more fun than CMBO! The happiest of times in thie Holiday Season for so many of you. Be good to those you love and be good to yourselves! Nothing wrong with that! WB

Indeed I do. I have a few out there. :eek: Not to worry, with friends like these, enemies don't stand a chance. And as you all know, "Better is old age and treachery than youth and skill." Seriously, it has been a long road from even beyond SP back to the old "TANKS" days from SPI back in the early 90s. Who can remember that far back? But we look ahead, don't we, fellow warriors? So much before us. New games, new technology, new wargaming experiences. I rather envy you young combatants that will see marvelous innovations and new experiences in the wargaming community in the next 50 years. Good hunting to all of you! Wild Bill

While I am here, much of the information I had on this theme came from John Keegan's book, Six Armies in Normandy, pages 269ff and Greandiers, pages 170-172 for those who want to do some more reading on it. WB

The briefing is correct. The name on the map is wrong. I appreciate you catching this. I'm surprised that it was not noticed before, including me. I'll send you a copy with the correct name on the map so you won't have to stare at it anymore. As for me losing my mind, that is history. It is a given. Why else would I be doing this Thanks Herder. Scenario should be in your e-mail now.

Hey Herder! Thanks for the note. I'll have to look up my references for that one, but the basis of it was the fact that the Poles got the names mixed up and ended up in Chambois, as I remember. They had an unexpected encounter with German armor on the move. But of course, the intro says all that. What makes you think that it should be the other. DO you have a reference I might have missed? It is possible, of course, and any light you have on the matter would be much appreciated. Don't stare too long. Those Polish guys are ready to kill something. They'll grow impatient with you WB

This is not a plug, but an attempt to help based on my limited knowledge. Play the tutorial scenario once from each side. Read the manual as you play. Get a feel for move and shoot. Then, try two simple scenarios to get a feel for urban and country fighting that are on the CD. Wiltz and Aachen are two small, simple and easy to play scenarios. I designed them with beginners in mind. They will give you a good feel for the game. Another little help is to let the AI take one side as the attacker and leave fog of war turned off and see how the computer plays. Wild Bill

I'll drink to that, Speedy! Shoot, I'll drink to anything. I think I know why your callsign is "Speedy" now Running for the bathroom!

My diabolical side is limited to design, not play, Doug. I'd be "easy pickings" for pros like you guys. You'd shoot me to pieces! WB

You know, I feel that this fine group of gamers is my family too. We've covered a lot of ground in these two years. I've conversed with many of you via the infamous electric mail and some I have worked with quite closely in one project or another. Every one of these notes has been read and reread by me. They talk about "pay for gaming." There is no pay that could ever compete with these valued messages. It DOES make it all worthwhile. Thank you, every single one of you!

60 years ago today the free world was galvanized into united action with the hellish sneak attack on American installations on Oahu and other points in the Pacific Ocean. Thousands died, a somber echo from the past to what has transpired this year. Freedom is never free. I'm thankful for what so many have given to pay for my freedom today. If you are free, no matter where you are in the world,it is a wonderful feeling. But it costs something.

Bump me to general discussion but I gotta say this. 60 years ago today the free world was galvanized into united action with the hellish sneak attack on American installations on Oahu and other points in the Pacific Ocean. Thousands died, a somber echo from the past to what has transpired this year. Freedom is never free. I'm thankful for what so many have given to pay for my freedom today. If you are free, no matter where you are in the world,it is a wonderful feeling. But it costs something.

Its on my "to do" list. Now if I don't lose my "to do" list... Absolutely, Ryan. Drop me a note via e-mail. It will be a couple of weeks. I'm working on another project, plus CMBB, and trying to keep my household intact. But I will get it done. Some reading first, of course, based on these excellent sites you've provided. WB

Many thanks to all you great gamers. I am just very glad I've lasted this long to come to know and enjoy such fine companionship in the hobby from folks all over the world. You are a grand bunch of guys! I'll give little Brandon a wargamer hug soon as I get to see him!

Wow! This is great stuff, buddy. Thanks so much for passing these along. I could use you for a researcher, for sure! WB

I'm definitely a candidate for more info that will make the scenario more realistic. My sources were quite limited so I had to fill in the gaps. I'm trying to remember the books I used. One was by Quarrie, Airborne Assault and there was one other. Quarrie is usually right on the money. But I thank you Ryan for this information. I'll look it over and see what we can do to make it better. Feel free, any of you, if you find something that disputes some of my work, to share it with me. In fact, write me directly. I might miss it here. Wild Bill

Yes, I'm covered by that clause, Lopaka. Nice to have legal counsel for this sort of thing Many thanks to all you great gamers. I am just very glad I've lasted this long to come to know and enjoy such fine companionship in the hobby from folks all over the world. You are a grand bunch of guys!

Thank you gentlemen. It is a wonderful experience. I hope you can all enjoy it one day. It is rather sobering too. Time is passing and so are we. And new life replenishes the earth as we turn to dust, or at least our bodies do. I never realized so many burned the midnight oil as I do. Nice to know i have good company! Wild Bill

Well, gentlemen and ladies, get my rocking chair ready! I received word tonight that my Grandaughter Amber just had her first baby. That means now I am a Great-Grandfather twice over, with two beautiful Grandsons, Jeremy (1 year old) and Brandon (2 days old). Madmatt will cremate me alive for this, but you only live once and I got less time than he does, all things considered :eek: Let's see, six kids, 13 grandkids and now ...unbelievable! Wow, that is hard to believe. Its going to seriously hurt my flirting when I confess I am a Great Grandfather! I'm old, Gaming buddies! Old! (But you'd never know it if you were around me ). I'm fighting it till its over...burn out, not rust out...that is my motto!

Well, gentlemen and ladies, get my rocking chair ready! I received word tonight that my Grandaughter Amber just had her first baby. That means now I am a Great-Grandfather twice over, with two beautiful Grandsons, Jeremy (1 year old) and Brandon (2 days old). Madmatt will cremate me alive for this, but you only live once and I got less time than he does, all things considered :eek: Let's see, six kids, 13 grandkids and now ...unbelievable! Wow, that is hard to believe. Its going to seriously hurt my flirting when I confess I am a Great Grandfather! I'm old, Gaming buddies! Old! (But you'd never know it if you were around me ). I'm fighting it till its over...burn out, not rust out...that is my motto!

You've nearly all been very good about reporting the battles and your thoughts about them. I appreciate that information...and the rather colorful way you present it :eek: This does not mean I will always agree with you, nor does it mean that I will incorporate every change you suggest. But I will listen. I will consider your points of view. They do help me a lot for further fine tuning. Tourneys are rough on everyone, even though a lot of fun. It hurts to lose. It is natural to think that if this or that, it might have been different. It might have. It might have been too much. There is only so much designers and testers can do to insure balance. There still must be an element of the fortunes of war...no guarantees, no certainties. It can't be 2 + 2 = 4 in a battle. There must be elements that can twist a battle even for the best of players. Otherwise, it becomes a battle of wits, of who knows the system best and can work around it. I'm not saying this about anyone in the campaign. You've all had a good healthy attitude, win or lose. But even winners lose. Thanks for all the comments and ideas. I'm keeping track of it all on a growing results sheet of my own. WB