OSG Blog

central map detail of 3-map Katzbach Campaign setup

Preview: Napoleon’s Counterstrike

Five maps, three of which go together to create one 66” x 34” playing area for the Katzbach Campaign. One of our playtesters remarked: “I tell ya, ...

How Lawyer-Proof Should Rules Be?

In this post, Kevin discusses how striving for air-tight rules can be counter-productive.

Designer's Notes

At Arcis sur Aube, the last gasp of Napoleon’s Empire, the French Army is a sock puppet, and his campaign is running on fumes. By this time he’s a...

On Morale

The term "Morale" covers more than one concept. In designing a game, you need to distinguish exactly what you are modeling, and how best to do it. ...

The Designer Proposes, the Developer Disposes

What may seem like a good rule isn't always a playable one. See Kevin's thoughts on that here.

Misconceptions of Design

Kevin Zucker discusses how creating a game differs from creating an historical document. Read his post here.

The Meat Grinder Syndrome

The focus of Napoleonic warfare was on maneuver, not mass casualty. Download the article here.

What are we trying to accomplish here?

OSG ARCHIVES I ran across this writing about OSG from 2003. It still rings true, I think... KZ ...

Design Files: Scenario Design

A large and vocal minority think our games should run according to history, and are willing to put up with special rules that force the game into a...

Napoleon Invades Spain: Notes from Gabriel

I have played boardgames (mostly wargames) since 1978. Some games stand the passage of time better than others, as taste and life evolve. What h...

NAB Expansion Kit: Designer's Notes

In 2015, shortly after the publication of OSG's Special Study Nr. 7, "1814: The Fall of Empire," I received an email from Dick Vohlers, pointing...

Napoleon Retreats: Designer's Notes

In early March 1814 Napoleon consistently under-estimated his opponents and over-estimated his own potential. That was all about to change at Lao...