OSG Blog

Simulating the Battle of Fère-Champenoise

In this post, Kevin discusses the design challenges posed when simulating the battle of Fère-Champenoise, which took place during the last days of ...

Assigning Victory Points

In this article, Kevin discusses the factors that need to be considered when assigning VPs for a game, using the upcoming Arcis-sur-Aube as an exam...

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Kevin Zucker discusses how creating a game differs from creating an historical document.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 Zen of Game Design

Kevin Zucker discusses his time working for SPI in New York City in an article you can download here.

Thunderstorms

Read about the design intent behind Thunderstorm effects in The Library of Napoleonic Battles series. Download the article 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 ...

What is Playability?

The term “Playability” is generally used without elaboration as if everyone knows what it means. This article looks at what constitutes Playability.

WARGAME DESIGN VOL. V, Nr. 2

In the next issue... Ricochet Fire and LOS: The Gunner's View In the article (click above to view/download) I explain why bombardment cannot be ef...