The Role Playing Public Radio Forums
General Category => RPGs => : Cthuluzord May 13, 2015, 05:01:20 PM
-
Red Markets is ready to play. We are six sessions into the macro playtest, and I've got 115 pages of rules ready to go. Things are going well with the RPPR crew, and I’m psyched to run some games for fans. It looks like GenCon scheduling is solidifying, so here’s what I’m thinking:
I’m doing panel talks at 11am and 1pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at GenCon (please come!). I need to keep evenings free for the RPPR meet-up, the Posthuman Freelancer meeting, traditional Glancy game, and the off-chance I could convince some experienced designers to try it out. That means Red Markets playtests will start about 2:30 pm and end around 6:30 pm. That will give me time to leave the Crown Plaza, make it to an open play-space coordinated through GroupMe (I feel shitty selling tickets to an unfinished game, and tables might all be taken when we arrive somewhere), and run the game before shuttling off to wherever I need to be that evening. I could also run games Wednesday night (depending on when we get in), or after the RPPR meet up (depending on my GenCon endurance roll).
So Red Markets playtests will be unofficial games, played where space is available, from 2:30-6:30 Thurs-Sat. If you are attending the con and want a spot, let me know. I will offer space as available.
Meanwhile, in the future...
If you want to rules to playtest with your own group, I've been filing away every request. I know who you are if you've already told me. I have the “Playing Red Markets” rules done (well, ready to edit, at least), but I’m writing the GM section as we continue recording the RPPR campaign. Additionally, there are no scenarios written outside of my chicken-scratch notebooks. The full workings of a beta playtest won’t be done until I get the school-year wrapped up, but it will certainly be done before GenCon. So if you’re one of those noble souls and want to try the game with some rando’s at the con, you’ll have the ability to do so. Ross might also be running some after-hours Red Markets adventure, to make sure I’m selling a game and not me as a GM.
Fair warning for those looking to playtest at home: I am asking for some dedication. I don’t have time to parse the rules down into the condensed nuggets offered as betas by big studios, and I don’t want to delay the start of the KS any longer by trying to do so. Running the game will basically require reading 2/3rds of the book in a draft format, having your group make characters or copy pregens, and giving one or two example scenarios a shot. It’ll be a big packet for a playtest, bigger so if you’re group is beautiful enough to try one of the campaign modes.
That said, we've got a bitching character sheet done, along with a bunch of helpful handouts, cheat-sheets, manipulatives, and hard-won advice. I also want to see about distributing a preview AP to playtesters, so they can at least hear the game as I envision it as they parse the text. You should all be able to have fun with at least a session or two before something breaks, and I’m eager to get finished so I can hear everyone’s experiences. More on the closed RPPR forum beta as it develops.
Alright, that’s all. Let me know in the thread if you want A) to play at GenCon or B) copy of a future beta and haven’t messaged me yet.
Thanks!
-
2 for playing at GenCon please!
-
I'd be interested in both options A and B!
My group just finished an Apoc World campaign and we're trying to decide what to do next so that's 5 dedicated people (2 of whom have years of experience as freelance writers for a tabletop RPG) that play every weekend.
-
I'd love a copy of the beta. Won't be at Gen Con, sadly.
-
I would certainly be interested in the playtest document.
-
I'd like to playtest with you. Unfortunately I can only be there Friday afternoon.
Please note me down for playtesting in the future; I have a pair of chuckle heads perfectly suited to playtesting this stuff.
-
Definitely volunteering for A), Wed, after the meetup Thur, and Sat are my best times.
I would like to volunteer for B), but I don't know if I'll really get a chance to run it. I have a couple of potential online groups, but my schedule is pretty hectic.
-
As soon as school lets out (officially, the kids have already stopped giving a damn) I should have the time. I'd be down to playtest.
-
So my schedule appears to be clearing up a bit, which is good and bad. Bad because it could mean less money, but good in that I'll have more time to read and playtest Red Markets! I've one group in the wings and another hopefully brewing, so sign me up!
-
1 for whatever playtest has room in it please. My schedule is pretty clear right now as I have never even been to Gencon so most of it is just penciled in as "Gawk at all the nerds".
-
I could easily do Wednesday.
-
I am interested in the playtest document.
I cannot playtest it.
I can return it with opinions in 72 hours.
-
I'd like to try out the GenCon playtest - Friday will be best.
I'd also like to do a playtest with my group, but it would probably be only a session or two.
-
Hey, I would very much like to sign up for one B.
-
Gonna be at the Con this year! Would definitely like to try it out if there's a spot.
-
I would love a copy of the beta play test rules. I'm sure I can convince one of the groups I game with to play it.
-
I would love a copy of the beta playtest when it's ready! Just listened to the latest Game Designer Workshop. Got a couple groups that like the sound of it
-
I registered an account here just to get in on play testing Red Markets with my group.
Also, I have Scribner, if that somehow makes sending this thing out any easier.
-
I would like a playtest copy as well. I have Scrivener, if that helps. I can also playtest on GenCon, preferably on Thursday.
-
Sadly, I won't be able to make it to GenCon this year (again), but I would love to jump in on the beta test, if possible. I've been following Game Designer's Workshop since the beginning, and the game sounds like a lot of fun. I'm not usually too active here, but I'll keep an eye out for updates.
-
yaay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_luhn7TLfWU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_luhn7TLfWU)
go little robot
go
-
yaay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_luhn7TLfWU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_luhn7TLfWU)
go little robot
go
Adorable! I'm so glad Dronkeys are in Red Markets, they're so cool!
-
Fair warning for those looking to playtest at home: I am asking for some dedication. I don’t have time to parse the rules down into the condensed nuggets offered as betas by big studios, and I don’t want to delay the start of the KS any longer by trying to do so. Running the game will basically require reading 2/3rds of the book in a draft format, having your group make characters or copy pregens, and giving one or two example scenarios a shot. It’ll be a big packet for a playtest, bigger so if you’re group is beautiful enough to try one of the campaign modes.
You have my sword.
-
Fair warning for those looking to playtest at home: I am asking for some dedication. I don’t have time to parse the rules down into the condensed nuggets offered as betas by big studios, and I don’t want to delay the start of the KS any longer by trying to do so. Running the game will basically require reading 2/3rds of the book in a draft format, having your group make characters or copy pregens, and giving one or two example scenarios a shot. It’ll be a big packet for a playtest, bigger so if you’re group is beautiful enough to try one of the campaign modes.
You have my sword.
And my bow. I had to cancel the two chuckleheads but I will be replacing them with a group of four.
-
Are we sure we want to go with the metaphor that ends with throwing the object of our quest in a volcano?
-
Also because I only just realized my post was kind of vague, I would very much like a playtest packet for my home group. A couple of us are avid RPPR listeners and all of us are now finished with college and looking for work so we have plenty of time on our hands to run something new.
-
I will be at Gencon this year. Should be free on Thursday but the rest of the days are filled with events for our show.
I will also be interested in getting a playtest draft and have several players who have expressed interest in playing it.
-
Dronkey disguises!
(http://i.imgur.com/IALapa2.jpg?1)
-
stretch goal: art book of various taker groups with their customized dronkeys - the deer one is obviously for hillbilly takers
-
I'm blowing minds over here with the wide array of RPGs that aren't d20Fantasy. I'd be down for a playtest and proofing other sections, if you are amenable.
-
stretch goal: art book of various taker groups with their customized dronkeys - the deer one is obviously for hillbilly takers
SOLD!
-
Dronkey disguises!
(http://i.imgur.com/IALapa2.jpg?1)
This is super cool. The legs hit that uncanny valley of expecting an animal but encountering a robot.
Suggestions!
-Give the deer dronkey six legs for added stability and spookyness!
-Upon the hillbilly suggestion, my first thought was "where is the beer holder". Clearly any taker group worth their salt is going to jury rig a refrigeration unit to a dronkey for a cold one after a long day of zombie killing.
-Maybe the antlers can hold beer cans, or someone slapped a baseball cap/beer holder on their favorite dronkey.
-
I'd like a copy of the playtest rules.
-
I think we're watching taker society/traditions form.
Also, googling "dronkey" just pulls up images of a donkey/dragon hybrid... along with some diagrams of how that might happen.
-
Shrek slash fics?
-
I am down to help playtest. I will be in indy sometime Wednesday (yay for only being 2 hours away) and will likely get a hotel... somewhere in Indiana <_< My Saturday is kinda full as ill be participating in a tourny but I dont think ill last long, im just there for the shiny promos. Hope to see ya there -Titan brofist
-
I had a weird dream about playing Red Markets last night. We were supposed to be fighting animatronic crocodiles at a crappy amusement park, but instead we spent all our time arguing about how we could fake the success of our mission and rob our employer when he tried to pay us. Caleb was getting more and more irritated as we refused to complete the mission.
So there's some early playtest feedback if you want it, Caleb.
-
Is this the creepy part where Caleb looks at his notes about the animatronic crocodiles job being planned for the GenCon playtest and wonders if reality is truly just a dream?
Also, NPC set piece: warlord who keep a pit of animatronic animals "gone feral" in a pit that the tribe throws criminals into.
Farther consideration: At some point in the future it will become more cost efficient to use robots for interactable taskes. Which means at some point the cartoon characters we encounter in theme parks will be machines rather than actors or college students. Such a place would be really interesting to explore in Red Markets, especially if someone is maintaining the robots in the park because they control the flow of infected within the park, like they would have directed and controlled human traffic previously.
-
I'm in for the playtest (Friday afternoon is free, as is Sunday afternoon), and for the playtest rules. I can't promise my group will run a campaign, but we'll certainly do a few one-shots.
-
I have an idea for a Base Raiders character or group themed after modding animatronics with alien tech and deathbot parts but that's probably for another thread.
-
My group is open for anything and is too lazy to play anything other than what our two GMs put in front of them. They have the patience and obsession to spend years on a campaign. The lack the assertion to demand we present them with a game not of our choosing.
We volunteer for campaign testing. May Augustine have mercy.
-
I'd love to playtest Red Markets. I'm so excited for that game!
-
I'd like to playtest Red Markets with my group if possible.
-
I'd like in on the Beta testing.
-
I'd really like to playtest, but I don't have a group to play with. Do you think there'll be a pbp/skype group of Red Markets?
-
My gaming group and I have been talking about Red Markets ever since it's been mentioned, so yea, we'd be up to playtest it. Hell, we can even start translating it if that's something you're looking for as well.
-
I'd love to run a playtest with my local guys. (And back your Kickstarter when it happens. #shutupandtakemymoney)
-
I'm just wrapping up a long term campaign and digging around for what to run next, Red Markets would suit my gang very well indeed (because I am excited about it and they have no choice).
-
I am so down to beta test. I have a good gaming group for the first time in my life! Please let me exploit them!
-Dan
P.S.: Played End of the World: Zombie Apocalypse a few weeks ago. Did not like.
-
I saw on twitter that beta links were going out. I am interested and should be able to run at least a session or two - while not right away, within the 3/4 month timeframe mentioned on the last podcast.
-
I would love a copy of the beta play test rules.
-
Check your personal messages!
-
My group just finished a campaign and Id love to get a hold of this to run for them.
-
Finished reading the Red Market Beta, writing up my preliminarily report at the moment. I should be able to run a one-shot for my group this Sunday, can't wait!
-
I won't be at Gen-Con, but I would love to play test the game with my group.
-
I would also like to place a request for a Beta copy.
-
Hey guys! So I'm a forum newbie but a podcast veteran. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't any spots left for this being last minute, but I'd love to help playtest at Gencon if there are. I didn't know I was attending until recently so I didn't get to sign up for anything, so I'm quite free from Friday on :p Thanks regardless!
-
I also registered here simply to ask to be allowed to playtest with my group at home or to just beg for the documents. I've been excited about Red Markets since GDW started.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
-
After listening in on a playtest, I want to run this for my group. I would love a beta copy to playtest for you.
-
Getting to play Red Markets at GenCon was alot of fun. We did pretty poorly and for a bit after the game I felt a real sense of failure.after about ten minutes I became overjoyed because I realized a game had gotten a real emotional reaction out of me. Well done Caleb, I look forward to making my players depressed in the beta testing.
-
Well gentlemen, you got me to join the forums. Well played.
I would love access to the beta please and thank you. I have a group of miscreants who would greatly enjoy killing zombies for fun and profit..
-
Getting to play Red Markets at GenCon was alot of fun. We did pretty poorly and for a bit after the game I felt a real sense of failure.after about ten minutes I became overjoyed because I realized a game had gotten a real emotional reaction out of me. Well done Caleb, I look forward to making my players depressed in the beta testing.
It was a blast! Getting to play in that game was an absolute treat and definitely helps me get into the mindset for running playtest games in the near future. And let's not forget, Tad, while it may have to shit near the end there it was certainly memorable. ALL HAIL THE TOOLKIT!
-
Had a great time playtesting Red Markets at the Con with Caleb and company (I forget the names of the people I played with cus I suck with names) I played Hodor, a former blue-collar worker who sufferd some brain brain damage during the crash. Good in a fight but dosnt talk much and gets easily distraced by shiny things or weird things that dont belong...Like say... a tower but out of filing cabinets. I climed that thing like a boss though! :D In the end we broke even due to bad deception rolls and our group got labeled as Untrustworthy. ALso locusts... so many locusts -shudder-
-
At least one of those was me bro. Hodor kicked ass against the Casualties... too bad we couldn't figure out how to cheat our client properly.
-
I've Been listening for a little while, and have finally discovered the forums and am excited to poke around.
I would really like to be a part of the Red Markets play test. I'm very excited to run a game with economic criticism underpinnings.
-
At least one of those was me bro. Hodor kicked ass against the Casualties... too bad we couldn't figure out how to cheat our client properly.
Well I said I was bad with nams! D: Also I think we cheated our client fairly well, we just got caught in a lie and couldnt figure out how to spin it very well. Im sure all those deathbots wont bea problem. Caleb isnt that evil. Right guys? Guys?
-
Yeah, if we'd made some of those skill rolls then we might've done better. Caleb, if you read this, what clue would you have given me if I'd made that Foresight roll to try and come up with a way to bullshit the client?
-
If you are still interested in more play testers, I think my group would be interested in trying Red Markets and giving feedback.
Thanks!
-
@ Tad
I ran the game twice, so it is a bit hard to remember. I'm thinking I would have told you to fake an altercation and ramp up the stakes. It's not your fault if you were under fire and the guys program didn't work. Something like that.
-
I'm joining up with the mass of people who want in on the beta.
But I'm slightly better than all of them because I will actually record them! So you will hear how I'm not actally that good at GMing and Caleb can laugh at me.
-
@ Tad
I ran the game twice, so it is a bit hard to remember. I'm thinking I would have told you to fake an altercation and ramp up the stakes. It's not your fault if you were under fire and the guys program didn't work. Something like that.
Oh, yeah, that could've worked. Oh well, we got paid in the end, so what if my half my team thinks I'm a sleaze who would betray morals for money and I shot my brother in cold blood. God this game can be rough. But we got paid. And because one of us died we made a profit.
-
I'd love to get in on the playtest. I host the actual play podcast "Of Steam, Steel and Murder" and we have a sizable stable of players of which many would be interested. Since we record our session it might be of use to you to hear how a group handles the rules straight from copy. I need not release said recordings into the wild if you prefer. Thanks for the consideration!
-
I'd love a copy of the beta. Unfortunately, I can only proofread & create characters & enclaves. My group only meets once or twice a month and I'm not sure I can convince them to beta test the game. That being said; if anybody would be interested in Skyping / Google Hangouts...ing a game or two or even a playtest campaign, I'd be down to try.
-
I'd be up for a google hangout (I'm US EST)
-
I've been looking forward to this since G.A.M.E. and would like to run a few sessions of this game to assist in the playtest for my local group? Can I get in on the beta?
-
EDIT We're all set, but if you want to make up a group there's hopefully more people who'd be willing to play with.
-
I'd love a copy of the beta. Unfortunately, I can only proofread & create characters & enclaves. My group only meets once or twice a month and I'm not sure I can convince them to beta test the game. That being said; if anybody would be interested in Skyping / Google Hangouts...ing a game or two or even a playtest campaign, I'd be down to try.
I'd be interested in that.
-
I would be interested in getting a copy of the Red Market Beta. Mostly to read as I don't think I could get my players to play.
-
My group has enjoyed the No Security scenarios, so I think I'll be able to convince them to give Red Markets a shot.
It would be great to get a copy of the Red Markets Beta. I don't usually go in for zombie stuff, but I'm pumped for a players vs capitalism game :P
-
I'd love a chance to review the Red Markets Rules. I have been avidly following develpment through GDW episodes even though I never post to forums. If the stars allign I may even be able to convince my group to a session or 2. Failing that I can at least be one of many many proofreaders...
-
So unless it's already too chock full of volunteers, I've discussed it with my group and they seem down to playtest out some Red Markets. I also record our games on a fairly decent mic and can send you recordings of the games we play, discussions about it, character creation struggles et al.
I may or may not have made a forum ID for this exact purpose.
-
Would it be a good idea to start a recruitment thread to see if we have enough online players for a group?
-
I just wanted to take some time to say that the outpouring of enthusiasm and support for the Beta I've seen on the forums is really heartening. Thank you all so much! I'm working on the game every spare moment; my only wish is that I could get it out to everyone sooner.
Thanks again...and keep it up!
-
Just played an in-person one-shot with my wife and our roommate. It went great! They had a super exciting time with Pre-gen contract #1, plus a few tweaks that I threw in (tomatoes injected with Blight juice!). And an old woman got killed with a sledgehammer. Surveys being filled out right now!
-
I'm not sure if I wasn't sent a PM, or it's filled up, or I was just skipped accidentally.
But I would love to have the beta :(
-
I'd love to preview the Red Markets rules, and my friends are excited for the "player vs capitalism" game. Great times are to be had!
-
I'd also be interested in trying the game out. I have a small group of people who are somewhat new to the system as well, and I can try to see what their initial thoughts of the game are--if that's a thing that draws interest?
-
Unfortunately my gaming group has blown up (new job and new geography) so I can't playtest ... but happy to read and feedback on that basis!
-
Probably a bit late to this party, but my home group seemed interested in the Red Markets playtest. Can I haz beta docs plz?
-
I'm not sure if I was supposed to request here or in the main RPPR thread, but my tax groupies and I would love to playtest the game if you are still accepting applicants. It sounds fun!
-
I played a two-fer last night: played one session with The Reformers, then ran one for friends. We didn't get the second game started until about 9:00 pm, so we hand-waved negotiation and cut to the chase. I had one new player and the two from my last playtest run. Ran the second playtest pregen scenario, Freedom Isn't Free. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Did one leg (the one with the supermarket and the Wailing Wall), and then cut to the jobsite. Mal (my housemate) burned a massive contact favor to know a hacker who could get them a bunch of inside info on StopLoss's facility. They spent a whole bunch of time collecting data on the site and constructing an elaborate plan for a diversion and a jailbreak.
It was a good thing the new player (my sister in law) was playing Zuzak, and could use her stealth and criminality to take out the guard and sabotage all but one of the facility's vehicles, which she hot-wired to prepare their escape. Banhammer (my wife) burned Will to sneak across the roof, encountering an oblivious techie working on an antenna and getting some Trauma from killing him. She planted some grenade clusters rigged to blow out the exterior wall of the Casualty pens. Meanwhile Mal tied to get a read on the situation inside the Immune holding-room, but didn't manage it. When the grenades blew, Mal and Zuzak threw the door open and mowed down the only guard left inside, then Mal proceeded to extract the Immunes from the pool and lead them to the truck while Zuzak went to barricade the doors into the Main Street area. She got surprised by a Vector crashing right into the door in front of her, fortunately *after* she had barricaded it. But it was going to break through soon, so she gave it a full-auto burst through the door that crippled its leg, and ran for the truck. Meanwhile, Banhammer had made it back over the roof to join them. They pulled away as a final sniper made it to the roof, who managed to kill one of the Immunes as they closed up the truck. Then off they went, as their standard credits music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIpfWORQWhU) played.
They had a really great time, especially the new player. She found the character sheet pretty easy to understand. They all love the setting, love the heist-style missions, hate the damage rules, and wish the Ubiq specs had more clearly-defined capabilities.
-
If you're still looking for play-testers, Caleb, I'd love to give Red Markets a spin. My group's main campaign is on hiatus while the GM writes future stories, and I'm quite certain RM would be a big hit.
-
Playtest Update and Reminders
Hello everyone,
I’ll start by saying thank you. The amount of time and dedication you’ve spent reading, critiquing, and playing Red Markets is one of the most encouraging things to happen in my short game design career. I’m so grateful for everyone that’s taken the time to write up their sessions on the forums. It’s really great to see, and witnessing how you guys are interacting in-character online has given me a dozen more ideas for future products and features.
We are entering November, meaning there is little over a month left in the beta. I’m already compiling playtest reports and my own notes into a master change log. Here’s a reminder of the plan:
• Get all the playtests in by the Dec. 20th deadline
• Use Christmas break and (hopefully) snow days to do a massive revision of the rules text
• Run a second playtest campaign with the RPPR crew in late Winter/Spring to test the post-Beta revisions. Revise the book as I go and plan the Kickstarter campaign.
• Ross posts the first playtest campaign as we start playing the second, hopefully building up some hype.
• Kickstarter launches in early Summer, sometime after school lets out and man the comments section full time.
• If the book doesn’t fund: cry forever.
• If it does fund: do a jig. Perhaps even a “Carlton.”
• After my jig, distribute Beta 2 to backers.
• Complete the setting stuff, edit, layout, art, etc.
But all of this hinges upon you – the noble playtesters – turning in the playtest reports. I’ve noticed more participation in the game than I’ve received feedback…by a much larger margin than expected. I understand some of this is inevitable, and many of you are merely waiting to get more games under your belt in order to make an informed decision, but we are quickly approaching the point at which I need those reports back.
The audio is priceless, and listening to you guys play my game every day on the ride to work has deeply informed my revision plans already. But whenever possible, I still need as many detailed playtest surveys as I can get. The audio is great for in-depth analysis, but Red Markets is a big book in need of big changes. In short, I need breadth as well as depth, and while I can drop a hundred playtest reports on my office floor and collate revisions all at once, I can’t listen to a dozen AP’s simultaneously.
So as we enter the final month, that’s what I wanted to say. Thank you to everyone that’s reported in so far. For everyone else, thank you and PLEASE email in November if you have not reported in yet. I need all of you if I’m going to help make the game better.
My address is stokes353@gmail.com.
Happy taking,
Caleb
-
The Red Markets Kickstarter is up!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/159466030/red-markets (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/159466030/red-markets)