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 ...

My Year at Avalon Hill

Kevin Zucker looks back at the year he worked for Avalon Hill. Read about it here.

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...

Historical Arguments

Designers and authors need to be careful not to let personal biases affect their interpretation of historical events. Read more here.

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. ...

Remembering John Prados

Kevin Zucker remembers the late John Prados. Read Part I here. Read Part II, "Prados in NY" here. Read Part III, "John Prados -- Archive Rat" here.

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Kevin Zucker discusses how creating a game differs from creating an historical document.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.

Does This Look Familiar?

This box was used by Napoleon to maintain the orbat information on the Austrian armies in Germany and Italy in 1805. It blew me away when I saw it ...

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.