by christopher cummins, alan emrich and rodger b. … origins report.pdf · by christopher cummins,...

By Christopher Cummins, Alan Emrich and Rodger B. MacGowan

HISTORY OFTHE ORIGINSCONVENTION1975-1989

Origins is theNational Strategyand AdventureGaming Conventionand Expositionsponsored by theGame Manufactur-er's Association(GAMA).

Origins'75Baltimore, MarylandHosted by InterestGroup Baltimoreand The Avalon HillGame Company.Held at John Hop-kins University with25 exhibitor boothsand an attendanceof 1500.

II

Origins'76Baltimore, MarylandHosted by InterestGroup Baltimoreand The Avalon HillGame Company.Held at John Hop-kins University with40 exhibitor boothsand an attendanceof 2,200.

III

Origins'77

New York, NewYorkHosted by Simula-tions Publications,Inc. Held at Wag-ner College, StatenIsland, with 60 ex-hibitor booths andand attendance of2,300.

IVOrigins'78Ann Arbor, Michi-ganHosted by MetroDetroit Garners.Held at the Universi-ty of Michigan withan attendance of3,600.

VOrigins'79Chester,

FIELD REPORTBy Christopher Cummins

This is the game convention, LosAngeles Origins'89.sunny that Thursday morningaswerolledsuccessfullyon theMorningTrafficEffects Table. Our case to solve (by Sunday) was to find out all we could aboutwhatnewgames made it to the convention and whatgames will be out shortly.

Origins'89 was well attended, though some said thisconvention had somewhat fewer attendees thanOrigins'86 (the previous Los Angelesconvention staff headed by Jeff Albanese (a.k.a. "God")should be awarded a commendation as this conventionwas the best run Originsable problems. The dealer room was constantly busy,but never packed. There were lines to get into everything (registration, tournaments, food), blously long waits. All in all, a very well run convention.

LOS ANGELES

Much activity in the Dealer Room and at the Australian Design Group's Booth with therelease of the 5th Edition of

32 Fire & Movement


FIELD REPORTBy Christopher Cummins

game convention, LosOrigins'89. It was mild and

sunny thatThursday morningaswerolledsuccessfullyontheMorningTrafficEffects Table. Our case to solve (by Sun-day) was to find out all we could aboutwhatnewgames made it to the conven-tion and what games will be out shortly.

well attended, though some said thisconvention had somewhat fewer attendees than

(the previous Los Angeles Origins). Theconvention staff headed by Jeff Albanese (a.k.a. "God")should be awarded a commendation as this convention

Origins with the least (read no) notice-able problems. The dealer room was constantly busy,but never packed. There were lines to get into every-thing (registration, tournaments, food), but no ridicu-lously long waits. All in all, a very well run convention.

A tour of the exhibitor room certainly suggested that3W is trying to reach their stated goal ofWest". They topped the list for most new releases thisyear and did a brisk business clearing out their warehouse with a convention special on Panther Games'(Australia) Trial of Strength, Shanghai Trader,Warlords for just $20. They sold out ofval Battles (designed by Daniel Verssen), a new cagame similar to TAHGC'sSight, but with many more wrinkles and nuances. Thegame has more realism than you might think.ern Naval Battlesval campaigns tying together several battle roundswhich include convoys, submarines, surface ships, andair power. Alan Emrich, proponent and developer ofModem Naval Battles,MNB Expansion Kit released in the future, addingmore ships, toys, and campaigns. New boardgame releases from 3W included Joe Balkoski and Austin Bay'sLight Division: Flashpoint in the Gulf,on the Rapid Deployment Force intervening in the Persian Gulf. Other than the laughable inclusion of the29th Infantry Division (Light), a reserve unit, as part ofthe R.D.F. (co-designer Joe Balkoski has written abook on the 29th andthis unit in WW2; the rest of us can think of it as the7th), this promises to be another i3W is planning to release a computer version as well

LOS ANGELES

Much activity in the Dealer Room and at the Australian Design Group's Booth with therelease of the 5th Edition of World in Flames and preview of Days of Decision.


A tour of the exhibitor room certainly suggested that3W is trying to reach their stated goal of "SPI of theWest". They topped the list for most new releases thisyear and did a brisk business clearing out their ware-house with a convention special on Panther Games'

Trial of Strength, Shanghai Trader, andfor just $20. They sold out of Modern Na-

(designed by Daniel Verssen), a new cardgame similar to TAHGC's Naval Battles/Enemy in

but with many more wrinkles and nuances. Thegame has more realism than you might think. Mod-ern Naval Battles depicts NATO vs. Warsaw Pact na-val campaigns tying together several battle roundswhich include convoys, submarines, surface ships, andair power. Alan Emrich, proponent and developer ofModem Naval Battles, indicates that there will be a

Expansion Kit released in the future, addingmore ships, toys, and campaigns. New boardgame re-leases from 3W included Joe Balkoski and Austin Bay's

Flashpoint in the Gulf, a gameon the Rapid Deployment Force intervening in the Per-sian Gulf. Other than the laughable inclusion of the29th Infantry Division (Light), a reserve unit, as part of

designer Joe Balkoski has written abook on the 29th and I understand his father served in

the rest of us can think of it as the7th), this promises to be another interesting game.3W is planning to release a computer version as well

LOS ANGELES

Much activity in the Dealer Room and at the Australian Design Group's Booth with the Convention Site LAX Hilton

"The convention staff headed by Jeff Albanese... should be awardeda commendation as this convention was the best run Origins ..."

ORIGINS'89

All Photos © RBM, 1989 The Open Gaming rooms were filled with players. The new releases were beingplayed as well as the "classics" like an enlarged version of

(Light Division will be the feature review iner #15). Danny Parker's Hitler's Last Gamble:Battle of the Bulge, an English translation versionof Hobby Japan's 1986 release The Last Gamble(background in F&M Nr.56, Game News) will be featured in a special "Bulge" issue of Wargamer #17 inDecember. Tomorrow The World:Nightmare (this issue's Close-up feature), an alternative history game where Germany and Japan have wonWW2 and then square off against each other. This appears to be the tip of the iceberg of WW2 alternativehistory games planned this year as rumor has it that3W will do the long (and I mean long) awaitedGeld game (retitled SS America, see anthe Scenes Report in this issue on this upcoming titleRBM). Engelmann Military Simulations (designers' ofthe Fall of Rome game Rise and Fall)to be planning a game in this area. Finally, those ofyou who had purchased International Simulations Import of Ad Technos's Red Sun/Black CrossJapan release), which was the first alternative historygame published on the above thesis, can now get anEnglish translated version of the rules direct from 3W/IS. There was only a small number of these games imported by International Simulations (110 to be exact)and they quickly "sold out". For a Behind the Sceneshistory on this game and the RSBCsee Rodger MacGowan's report in this issue.


ORIGINS'89

The Open Gaming rooms were filled with players. The new releases were beingplayed as well as the "classics" like an enlarged version of World in Flames

will be the feature review in Wargam-Hitler's Last Gamble: The

an English translation versionThe Last Gamble

Nr.56, Game News) will be fea-tured in a special "Bulge" issue of Wargamer #17 in

Tomorrow The World: The Ultimateup feature), an alterna-

tive history game where Germany and Japan have wonWW2 and then square off against each other. This ap-pears to be the tip of the iceberg of WW2 alternative

as rumor has it that3W will do the long (and I mean long) awaited Case

see an F&M Behindin this issue on this upcoming title -

RBM). Engelmann Military Simulations (designers' ofRise and Fall) is also rumored

to be planning a game in this area. Finally, those ofyou who had purchased International Simulations Im-

Red Sun/Black Cross (1985Japan release), which was the first alternative history

the above thesis, can now get anEnglish translated version of the rules direct from 3W/IS. There was only a small number of these games im-ported by International Simulations (110 to be exact)and they quickly "sold out". For a Behind the Scenes

RSBC Series of gamessee Rodger MacGowan's report in this issue.

As mentioned previously, 3W is moving into computergames with Light Division and KanevNr.59 for report on 1981 and 1987 board versions ofJohn Prados' Kanev design). Both computer gamesare clearly based on the board games of the samename. Dick Savage, project director, informs us thatthese games will feature neural networking,means that they should improve with play and willlearn all your dirty tricks so you won't be able to usethem more than once and might even pull them onyou!

Other new releases from 3W includea baseball card game and Operation Overlord,Twilight 2300 (Game Designers' Workshop) module.Nothing was being said about the two new magazines3W had promised (Computer Gamerer), so we'll have to wait and see. The rumor mill on3W is at high speed so rather than go into details aboutthe what if's, we'll get an interview with Ty Bombaand/or Wallace Poulter, whichever one is "in charge"the day we get there.

The Avalon Hill Game Company (TAHGC) brought outthree new releases. Turning Point: Stalingradwhich looks excellent and was getting play in the OpenGaming area. This game is based on the same systempopularized in Avalon Hill's Storm Over Arnhem


ORIGINS'89

The Open Gaming rooms were filled with players. The new releases were beingWorld in Flames (above).

As mentioned previously, 3W is moving into computerKanev (see F&M

Nr.59 for report on 1981 and 1987 board versions ofdesign). Both computer games

are clearly based on the board games of the samename. Dick Savage, project director, informs us that

neural networking, whichmeans that they should improve with play and willlearn all your dirty tricks so you won't be able to usethem more than once and might even pull them on

Other new releases from 3W include ASG Baseball,Operation Overlord, a

(Game Designers' Workshop) module.thing was being said about the two new magazines

(Computer Gamer and Sports Gam-so we'll have to wait and see. The rumor mill on

3W is at high speed so rather than go into details aboutthe what if's, we'll get an interview with Ty Bombaand/or Wallace Poulter, whichever one is "in charge"

The Avalon Hill Game Company (TAHGC) brought outTurning Point: Stalingrad

which looks excellent and was getting play in the OpenGaming area. This game is based on the same system

Storm Over Arnhem

PennsylvaniaHosted by the PennCon Group. Held atWidener Collegewith 71 exhibitorbooths.

VIOrigins'80Chester,PennsylvaniaHosted by PennCon Group. Held atWidener Collegewith an attendanceof 4650.

VII

Origins'81San Francisco,CaliforniaHosted by Pacifi-con. Held at theDunfey Hotel in SanMateo with 61 ex-hibitor booths.

VIIIOrigins'82Baltimore, MarylandHosted by Atlanti-con. Held at theUniversity of Mary-land with 130 exhib-itor booths and anattendance of 4500.

IXOrigins 83Detroit, MichiganHosted by MetroDetroit Gamers.Held at the down-town conventioncenter Cobo Hallwith 160 exhibitorbooths and an at-tendance of 3500.

X

Origins '84

Dallas, TexasHosted by the DFWGamesters. Held atthree different loca-tions in the city ofDallas: Market Cen-ter Hall, Regent Ho-tel, and BrookHol-low Hotel.

XIOrigins'85Baltimore, MarylandHeld at TowsonState University.Exhibitor boothsnumbered 150 andthe attendance was

Fire & Movement 33

XIIOrigins'86Los Angeles,CaliforniaHosted by Di-verse TalentsInc. StrategiconDivision. Heldat the Los An-geles AirportHilton Hotel.

XIII

Origins'87Baltimore, Mary-land

Held at foursites around thedowntown InnerHarbor area.The BaltimoreConvention Cen-ter housed the200 exhibitorbooths and theattendance was5000.

XIV

Origins'88Milwaukee, Wis-consinHosted by Gen-Con. Held atthe MilwaukeeExposition Cen-ter and Arenawith 240 exhibi-tor booths andan estimated at-tendance of10,000.

XV

Origins'89Los Angeles,CaliforniaHosted by WorldWide War-games. Held atthe Los AngelesAirport HiltonHotel with 90 ex-hibitor boothsand an estimat-ed attendance of3600.

XVI

Origins'90Atlanta, Georgia

XVII

Origins'91Baltimore, Mary-land

Modern Naval Battles

3W Game CompanyDesigner: Daniel Verssen

Developer:

Best selling game at Origins'89,out on 2nd day of Convention.

(see F&M Nr. 28) and Thunder at CassinoNr.60). Hollow LegionsAdvanced Squad Leaderthe Italian forces in WWII. Finally,Tank) is an entry into the modem

TAHGC also has several future releases planned. "Thelong awaited monster game"70 A.D. (see F&M Nr.25 for review of first ediappears to be an updated and revised edition ofHistorical Simulations title of the same name.Battles will be rules and charts for miniaBarricades will be the eighth module in

The story at Victory Games appeared to be that noreleases were going to be forthcoming and thatGames was shutting down. Yet, an announcenew, and possibly last release,at Origins'89. A sequel to theirAward winning game Central Americareleased back to the designer who is nowpublisher.

Omega Games is back on the wargaming scene rereleasing their old titles in much improved boxes andpromising some interesting new games.

34 Fire & Movement

On Point: L.A. Origins'89

Modern Naval Battles

Card Game3W Game Company

Daniel VerssenDeveloper: Alan Emrich

Best selling game at Origins'89, soldout on 2nd day of Convention.

Thunder at Cassino (see F&MHollow Legions is the seventh installment of the

Advanced Squad Leader Series, this time focusing onthe Italian forces in WWII. Finally, MBT (Main Battle

is an entry into the modem tactical arena.

TAHGC also has several future releases planned. "Thelong awaited monster game" The Siege of Jerusalem,

Nr.25 for review of first edition),appears to be an updated and revised edition of theHistorical Simulations title of the same name. Napoleon's

will be rules and charts for miniatures. Redwill be the eighth module in the ASL Series.

The story at Victory Games appeared to be that no newreleases were going to be forthcoming and that VictoryGames was shutting down. Yet, an announcement of anew, and possibly last release, 5th Fleet, was available

A sequel to their Charles S. RobertsCentral America (1987) was

released back to the designer who is now seeking another

Omega Games is back on the wargaming scene re-releasing their old titles in much improved boxes and

ing new games. Carrier War,

which will be featured in the next issue ofment, covers the War in the Pacific from 1941 to1944 and it's Expansion Kit extends the game to1946. Last Battle for Germanytional game set in Europe.sequel to Ranger with a downed pilot trying to make itback to friendly territory.

Game Designers' Workshop and Game Research/Design brought out The Urals,EUROPA series. However, $24 form maps, no counters, and no game seems just a little overpriced. Whatyou do get are off board movement charts and rules forconducting Russia's war behind the front. GDW promises Second Frontdo a feature issue on thelease. GRD will be releasing a complete Spanish CivilWar module, For Whom the Bell Tolls,Christmas,1989.

Strategic Simulations, Inc. hascoming out shortly for the C64 with conversions forBattles of Napoleonmany to Apple II this fall. We are planning to featureStorm Across Europebut that is not definite yet.

RMW games, a small, late comer to the hobby scene, is


which will be featured in the next issue of Fire & Move-covers the War in the Pacific from 1941 to

1944 and it's Expansion Kit extends the game toLast Battle for Germany is a modem opera-

tional game set in Europe. Escape and Evasion is awith a downed pilot trying to make it

back to friendly territory.

Game Designers' Workshop and Game Research/The Urals, the next module in the

series. However, $24 form maps, no coun-ters, and no game seems just a little overpriced. Whatyou do get are off board movement charts and rules forconducting Russia's war behind the front. GDW prom-

Second Front in late 1990 and Wargamer willdo a feature issue on the EUROPA Series upon its re-lease. GRD will be releasing a complete Spanish Civil

For Whom the Bell Tolls, hopefully by

Strategic Simulations, Inc. has Storm Across Europecoming out shortly for the C64 with conversions forBattles of Napoleon to IBM and First Over Ger-

to Apple II this fall. We are planning to featureStorm Across Europe in Fire and Movement #63,but that is not definite yet.

RMW games, a small, late comer to the hobby scene, is

branching out from his niche in dealing collectors itemsto publish The Great War in the Pacific.of the strategic Pacific crowd we have seen in recentyears, this one promises to be potentially even biggerthan SPI's 1978 release War in the PacificNr.15 for report). From the description flyer, it wouldappear to be a potential definitive game on the subjectwith rules, counters, and scenarios covering historicalas well as ahistorical events before, during, and afterthe war (an Operation Olympic/Coronet scenario ofthe planned invasion of Japan in 1945 as well as a'30s scenario with dirigibles) with both face-double-blind rules as well as thousands of counters andboth strategic and tactical maps. Advertised as a serialnumbered limited edition appearing in the Fall of1990, I don't think they have to worry about selling outsoon. At $99.95, it will probably have the highestprice tag for a new game for at least a year or two(maybe).

The Gamers Inc. will be releasing Bloody 110tharound August/September 1989. The game depictsthe U.S. 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division in action against the 2nd Panzer Division for control of themain road to Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.Each turn = 20 minutes and each hex = 125 yards.The game contains two 22x34 inch mapsheets,counters and numerous scenarios. Estimated retail

branching out from his niche in dealing collectors itemsThe Great War in the Pacific. Another

of the strategic Pacific crowd we have seen in recentyears, this one promises to be potentially even bigger

War in the Pacific (see F&MNr.15 for report). From the description flyer, it would

e on the subjectwith rules, counters, and scenarios covering historicalas well as ahistorical events before, during, and after

scenario ofthe planned invasion of Japan in 1945 as well as a

-to-face andblind rules as well as thousands of counters and

both strategic and tactical maps. Advertised as a serialnumbered limited edition appearing in the Fall of

rry about selling outsoon. At $99.95, it will probably have the highestprice tag for a new game for at least a year or two

Bloody 110tharound August/September 1989. The game depictsthe U.S. 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division in ac-tion against the 2nd Panzer Division for control of themain road to Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.Each turn = 20 minutes and each hex = 125 yards.The game contains two 22x34 inch mapsheets, 840counters and numerous scenarios. Estimated retail

price is $30.

Simulation Design Inc. (Richard Berg, designer andpublisher)released its American Civil War game theGuns of Cedar Creek to Origins'89 (with its ratherthin counters). SDI's First Blood: The 1st and 2ndBattles of Manassas will be released and featuredin Wargamer #16 this fall.

Australian Design Group teased us with their 5thEdition of World in Flames (see F&Mfeature on this multiple award winning grand strategygame). I hope they've got it right this time! They arealso promising Days of Decision (a prequel, 193639, geopolitical World in Flames game) and(a science fiction game at the speed of light).

Clash of Arms Games released their remake of Operational Studies Group's 1979 release Napoleon atLeipzig and are promising Edelweiss (in the WinterSturm Series; see feature in Wargamer Vol.2 Nr.12)shortly. I was fortunate to visit with Edelweisser John Schettler on my way to Origins'89look at Sicily, his next game in the West War Series(Pas de Calais was featured in WargamerWimble was uncharacteristically "off the record" aboutCOA's future releases although many are in the works.We'll have to wait and see which projects make it out of

Simulation Design Inc. (Richard Berg, designer andpublisher)released its American Civil War game the

(with its ratherThe 1st and 2nd

will be released and featured

Australian Design Group teased us with their 5thF&M Nr.47 for

feature on this multiple award winning grand strategygame). I hope they've got it right this time! They are

(a prequel, 1936-game) and Orion

(a science fiction game at the speed of light).

Clash of Arms Games released their remake of Opera-Napoleon at

(in the WinterSturm Series; see feature in Wargamer Vol.2 Nr.12)

Edelweiss design-Origins'89 and took a

his next game in the West War SeriesWargamer #6). Ed

Wimble was uncharacteristically "off the record" aboutCOA's future releases although many are in the works.We'll have to wait and see which projects make it out of

Fire & Movement 35

development first.

Pacific Rim Publishing continues to promise thatterattack and Grenadiertheir track record, who knows. What used to be a jokeis becoming sad reality. Irenewal to Grenadier may be a lifetime subscription atthe rate they are coming out.Grenadier were not in PRP's GAMA product listing putout at the convention, which bodes ill, however I amhoping this was an oversight. PRP'sANIMAG are reportedly doing tremendously well andso maybe some of the profits will go toward revitalizingPRP's wargaming division. PRP also introduced somebudget warcames starting at (and with only one exception so far) S7! From the titlesmyansk Pocket, and Remagen Bridgeheadavailable now) and the descriptions, these sound likefun little folio games.

Task Force Games released theirfor the 20th anniversary of man's landing on the moon.This game has already received one playing atmins Enterprises due to its ease of play and my favorite "cuteness" factor. Although it reminds me of Avalon Hill's Tobruk (1975) with all the dice rolling, it isan excellent game of strategy and planning, and quiteeducational as well. An excellent choice for startingthe kids on gaming.

36 Fire & Movement


Pacific Rim Publishing continues to promise that Coun-Grenadier will be out soon, but with

their track record, who knows. What used to be a jokeI used to say my "three-year"

may be a lifetime subscription atthe rate they are coming out. Counterattack and

were not in PRP's GAMA product listing putout at the convention, which bodes ill, however I amhoping this was an oversight. PRP's Battletech and

are reportedly doing tremendously well andso maybe some of the profits will go toward revitalizingPRP's wargaming division. PRP also introduced somebudget warcames starting at (and with only one excep-tion so far) S7! From the titles (Bastonge, De-

Remagen Bridgehead areavailable now) and the descriptions, these sound like

Task Force Games released their Liftoff game in timefor the 20th anniversary of man's landing on the moon.This game has already received one playing at Cum-

due to its ease of play and my favor-ite "cuteness" factor. Although it reminds me of Ava-

(1975) with all the dice rolling, it isan excellent game of strategy and planning, and quiteeducational as well. An excellent choice for starting


GAMA's ORIGINS AWARDS

Best Historical Figure Series:1200 AD Aztec Army, Ral Partha EnterprisesBest Fantasy or Science Fiction Figure Series:TSR's AD&D Series, Ral Partha EnterprisesBest Vehicular or Accessory Series:Battle Tech Mechs, Ral Partha EnterprisesBest Miniatures Rules:To The Sound of the Guns, Johnny Reb, GameDesigners' WorkshopBest Role-Playing Adventure:GURPS Basic Set, 3rd Edition, Steve JacksonGames Inc.Best Role-Playing Supplement:GURPS Space, GURPS, Steve Jackson Games Inc.Best Graphic Presentation of a Role-Game,Adventure or Supplement:Field Guide to Monsters, Cthulhu, Chaosium Inc.Best Pre-20th Century Boardgame:Gettysburg, The Avalon Hill Game CompanyBest Boardgame Covering the Period1900-1946:Kremlin, The Avalon Hill Game Company

GAMA's ORIGINS AWARDS(for 1988)

1200 AD Aztec Army, Ral Partha EnterprisesBest Fantasy or Science Fiction Figure Series:TSR's AD&D Series, Ral Partha Enterprises

s, Johnny Reb, Game

GURPS Basic Set, 3rd Edition, Steve Jackson

GURPS Space, GURPS, Steve Jackson Games Inc.-Playing

Field Guide to Monsters, Cthulhu, Chaosium Inc.

Gettysburg, The Avalon Hill Game CompanyBest Boardgame Covering the Period

Best Boardgame Covering the Period1947-present:The Hunt For Red October, TSR, Inc.Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame:Sky Galleons of Mars, Game Designers' WorkshopBest Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame:Sky Galleons of Mars, Game Designers' WorkshopBest Play-By-Mail Game:Kings & Things, Andon GamesBest Fantasy or Science FictionComputer Game:Pool of Radiance, Strategic Simulations Inc.Best Military or Strategy Computer Game:F-19, Stealth Fighter, Microprose Software Inc.Best Screen Graphics in a Home ComputerGame:F-19, Stealth Fighter, Microprose Software Inc.Best Professional Adventure Gaming Magazine:Strategy & TacticsBest Amateur Adventure Gaming Magazine:Sorcerer's Scroll, Tori BerquistHall of Fame:Rick Loomis

DESERT STEEL isthe latest game inthe Tank LeaderSeries from West

End Games. BattleTrack Sheet andsample counters(left) from thistactical WWIIarmored combatgame.

Turning Point:STALINGRAD,(left) new from TheAvalon Hill GameCompany usingthe Storm OverArnhem/Thunderat Cassino gamesystem. Detailingthe battle for thecity in WWII. Thisgame sold verywell at Origins'89.

Best Boardgame Covering the Period

Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Boardgame:Sky Galleons of Mars, Game Designers' WorkshopBest Graphic Presentation of a Boardgame:Sky Galleons of Mars, Game Designers' Workshop

Pool of Radiance, Strategic Simulations Inc.Best Military or Strategy Computer Game:

19, Stealth Fighter, Microprose Software Inc.Best Screen Graphics in a Home Computer

19, Stealth Fighter, Microprose Software Inc.Best Professional Adventure Gaming Magazine:

Best Amateur Adventure Gaming Magazine:

Fire & Movement 37

THE PEOPLE OFLA. ORIGINS'89:

Days of Decisiondesigner Harry Row-land (upper left) ofAustralian DesignGroup; RichardBerg (bearded)president of Simula-tion Design Inc., andgood friend MarkHerman founder ofVictory Games Inc.enjoy reading thelast two issues of

F&M (upper right);Dean Essig of TheGamers Inc. (lowerleft) standing in frontof playtest map forhis upcoming release

Bloody 110th; and(lower right) DanielVerssen, designer of

Modern NavalBattles, explainshis game to twoyoung ladies. OnDan's left is hisgirlfriend and on hisright is Kanoko Satoimport manager ofHobby Japan whowas considering thegame for theJapanese market.

All Photos©RBM 1989

AFTER ACTION REPORTBy Alan Emrich

L.A. Origins'89 seemed to be, from a gamer's perspective, a "nice, garden variety"There were plenty of events and exhibitors and goodfeelings throughout. This could be seen and felt.When compared with the previous Los AngelesOrigins Convention of 1986 (report inthe attendance was down. In part due to the fact thatthe 4th of July fell on a Tuesday this year. Yet, salestended to hold steady throughout.

One addition to this year'sintroduction of GAMA (Game Manufacturers' Association) sanctioned "Flea Market" tables. Located at theheart of the convention, these tables saw very briskbusiness for enterprising garners ready to depart withsome of the unwanted parts of their game collections.These tables were situated outside the Auction, Seminar and Computer Gaming rooms, and the flow of traffic there seemed to be fairly busy most of the time.

Of the new wargame releases,cess of products by whatarea. To me, this indicates what garners are trulyready to drop everything for and start playing. There'sno better purchase recommendation than to see a newgame spontaneously being played in the Open Gamingarea of a convention.

The most played new wargame was, by far, WorldWide Wargame's Modern NavalThey managed to sell-out of the two

38 Fire & Movement


AFTER ACTION REPORT

seemed to be, from a gamer's perspec-garden variety" Origins convention.

There were plenty of events and exhibitors and goodfeelings throughout. This could be seen and felt.When compared with the previous Los Angeles

Convention of 1986 (report in F&M Nr.51),the attendance was down. In part due to the fact thatthe 4th of July fell on a Tuesday this year. Yet, salestended to hold steady throughout.

One addition to this year's Origins was the re-introduction of GAMA (Game Manufacturers' Associa-tion) sanctioned "Flea Market" tables. Located at the

nvention, these tables saw very briskbusiness for enterprising garners ready to depart withsome of the unwanted parts of their game collections.These tables were situated outside the Auction, Semi-nar and Computer Gaming rooms, and the flow of traf-

there seemed to be fairly busy most of the time.

Of the new wargame releases, I always judge the suc-cess of products by what I see in the "Open Gaming"area. To me, this indicates what garners are trulyready to drop everything for and start playing. There'sno better purchase recommendation than to see a newgame spontaneously being played in the Open Gaming

The most played new wargame was, by far, WorldModern Naval Battles Card Game.

out of the two-hundred copies

(assembled by 3W at the show!) by the end of Saturday.None of the other new 3W games sold as well, but acouple of games ofin the Open Gaming area where curious onlookersstood fascinated and kibitzed with great fervor.

Also seen in the Open Gaming room was the newAvalon Hill game, Turning Point: Stalingrad.Storm Over Arnhem/Thunder at Cassino Game System seemed to be a real winner from what I saw. Twogarners from Japan were really getting into it (one wasreading the English rules and translating them to hisbuddy in Japanese!). Avalon Hill also had their latestAdvanced Squad Leader Module (#7)Legions featuring the Italian campaigns in WWII (theyannounced the next module, #8, will becades including seven scenarios and three campaigngames based on East Front action). They also releaseda Special Edition magazine featuring theSquad Leader Seriesgame on modern tactical ground combat.

I'll leave it for someone else to talk in detail about allthe other new wargames released at L.A.(see Christopher Cummins report). On behalf of theold wargames, though, I'll speak. The winner (and stillchampion) was certainly Australian Design Group'sWorld in Flamesone time, I saw six games of it being played in theOpen Gaming room! While ADG released a new set ofcharts and counters (5th Edition!), the true followers ofthis game didn't balk and instantly integrated them intotheir Origins play. Close behindwas the ever present EuropaDesign had Europa XIII


(assembled by 3W at the show!) by the end of Saturday.None of the other new 3W games sold as well, but acouple of games of Tomorrow the World sprang-upin the Open Gaming area where curious onlookersstood fascinated and kibitzed with great fervor.

Also seen in the Open Gaming room was the newTurning Point: Stalingrad. This

Storm Over Arnhem/Thunder at Cassino Game Sys-seemed to be a real winner from what I saw. Two

garners from Japan were really getting into it (one wasreading the English rules and translating them to hisbuddy in Japanese!). Avalon Hill also had their latestAdvanced Squad Leader Module (#7) entitled Hollow

featuring the Italian campaigns in WWII (theyannounced the next module, #8, will be Red Barri-

including seven scenarios and three campaigngames based on East Front action). They also releaseda Special Edition magazine featuring the AdvancedSquad Leader Series and MBT (Main Battle Tank), agame on modern tactical ground combat.

I'll leave it for someone else to talk in detail about allthe other new wargames released at L.A. Origins'89(see Christopher Cummins report). On behalf of the

though, I'll speak. The winner (and stillchampion) was certainly Australian Design Group'sWorld in Flames (see F&M Nr.47 for feature). Atone time, I saw six games of it being played in theOpen Gaming room! While ADG released a new set ofcharts and counters (5th Edition!), the true followers ofthis game didn't balk and instantly integrated them into

play. Close behind World in Flameswas the ever present Europa Series. Game Research/

Europa XIII The Urals on sale and had

"L.A. Origins'89 seemed to be, from a gamer's perspective,a 'nice, garden variety' Origins convention..."

the playtest map for Europa XIV For Whom the BellTolls (Spanish Civil War) on display (see F&Mfor report on this series).

On the GAMA Front, the next three Originstions will be held as follows: 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia;1991 in Baltimore, Maryland; and 1992 in Milwaukee,Wisconsin (again combined with GenConInc.). Rumor has it that a possibility that 1993 couldbe locked-up prior to Origins'90, with Los Angeles andDenver seeking to host.

The Game Manufacturer's Association re-elected FrankChadwick (Game Designers' Workshop) as President.Yours truly was voted-out as Vice President, whileKeith Poulter (World Wide Wargames) was elected to atwo-year term as a GAMA director. The Academy ofAdventure Gaming Arts and Design (who do thegins Awards) was redesignated as a "Special" committee of GAMA. Everyone who understands what thatmeans (and implies) is quite happy about it, but that isthe basis for another article entirely.

For the convention itself, the organizers found "DayZero" to be quite successful. This was the Wednesday,June 28th, just prior to the opening of the show onThursday, June 29th. Wednesday was a "free day" requiring no badges. It saw exhibitors set-up and OpenGaming going full blast, with registration also open forthose who hate waiting in lines. In fact, many exhibitors spent their evening incognito in the Open Gamingarea, playing with gamers from around the world andgetting their honest opinions at the game tables. It wasvery refreshing to see!

Attendance saw a total body count of 3,612 (downabout 20% from L.A. Origins'86). This figure is basedon every person who attended the show for whateverreason, counting persons one time each. There wereone-hundred-and-ten boardgame events, plus an increase in Miniatures and Computer Gaming events.There were slightly less Role-Playing sections, but Seminars, Demonstrations and Auctions also saw an increase. The most spectacular event of the show wasthe $500 cash prize tournament of Abalone,lent two-player abstract strategy game.

Finally, I'd like to close with a few personal comments.I will cease working full-time at 3W by the time this article sees publication. I will be beginning another careerselling California Real Estate on a full-time basis whilecontinuing on a part-time basis at 3W (as well as doingthe odd bit of freelance work for my friends throughoutthe gaming industry). Please, consider me only "down"and NOT "out". Rumors of my demise in this industryhave been greatly exaggerated! By the way, I wish tothank the Academy of Game Critics for voting me intothe Hall of Shame for their lizard Award.undeserving next to such greats as my good humoredfriend Michael Dobson (of Games Workshop, USA),but I will try to live down to the honor! I will be stayingactive in the Los Angeles game convention scene, aswell as with game development for 3W and other companies' products.

And now, my predictions...

"L.A. Origins'89 seemed to be, from a gamer's perspective,a 'nice, garden variety' Origins convention..."

For Whom the BellF&M Nr.54

Origins conven-tions will be held as follows: 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia;1991 in Baltimore, Maryland; and 1992 in Milwaukee,

GenCon by TSR,Inc.). Rumor has it that a possibility that 1993 could

with Los Angeles and

elected FrankChadwick (Game Designers' Workshop) as President.

Vice President, whileKeith Poulter (World Wide Wargames) was elected to a

year term as a GAMA director. The Academy ofAdventure Gaming Arts and Design (who do the Ori-

was redesignated as a "Special" commit-tee of GAMA. Everyone who understands what thatmeans (and implies) is quite happy about it, but that is

For the convention itself, the organizers found "DayZero" to be quite successful. This was the Wednesday,June 28th, just prior to the opening of the show onThursday, June 29th. Wednesday was a "free day" re-

up and Openo open for

those who hate waiting in lines. In fact, many exhibi-tors spent their evening incognito in the Open Gamingarea, playing with gamers from around the world andgetting their honest opinions at the game tables. It was

ndance saw a total body count of 3,612 (downThis figure is based

on every person who attended the show for whateverThere were

ten boardgame events, plus an in-in Miniatures and Computer Gaming events.

Playing sections, but Sem-inars, Demonstrations and Auctions also saw an in-crease. The most spectacular event of the show was

Abalone, an excel-

Finally, I'd like to close with a few personal comments.time at 3W by the time this arti-

will be beginning another careertime basis while

time basis at 3W (as well as doingthe odd bit of freelance work for my friends throughoutthe gaming industry). Please, consider me only "down"

se in this industryhave been greatly exaggerated! By the way, I wish tothank the Academy of Game Critics for voting me into

for their lizard Award. I feel a bitundeserving next to such greats as my good humoredfriend Michael Dobson (of Games Workshop, USA),but I will try to live down to the honor! I will be stayingactive in the Los Angeles game convention scene, aswell as with game development for 3W and other com-

GAMA has had to endure my presence on its governing board for the past three years. In polite terms, Ihave been called a gadfly (and in rude terms, and irritating S.O.B.). Well, GAMA has changed very muchfor the better in the past three years, and I would liketo think that my constantly stirring the pot and faithfully volunteering my efforts has been one of the drivingforces for change. Once again a voice crying out inthe wilderness (although a much wiser, better connected voice in the industry), I will still strive to make myself heard to keep improving my beloved hobby ofgaming.

I predict that GAMA will ultimately have to run twoigins conventions per year, as well as two trade shows.GAMA's growth and ability to outreach virtually requires this four-show format. This will bring GAMA ascomplete a success in its goals as GAMA will be ableto obtain unders its present "all volunteer" structure.GAMA's future funds will be ever increasingly spent onthese four conventions per year, with the profits beingplowed back into more and better "public realtions forthe gaming hobby." Some sort of advertising campaign bidding people to "come out of the g(so to speak) and enjoy games again will be in order.Also, look for GAMA to take a more active role in local game conventions, promoting them to grow wherethey can host Origins conventions (which will tie inwith running two Origins conventions per year).

All in all, watch these guys! They're moving in theright direction (but never fast enough for me). Important changes are afoot and the destiny of your hobby,to a great extent, hangs in the balance. If you want tocontribute your two-cents worth on these matters,write to Frank Chadwick (GAMA President), care ofGame Designers' Workshop, PO Box 1646, Bloomington, IL 61702-1646.

"L.A. Origins'89 seemed to be, from a gamer's perspective,

GAMA has had to endure my presence on its govern-ing board for the past three years. In polite terms, Ihave been called a gadfly (and in rude terms, and irri-tating S.O.B.). Well, GAMA has changed very muchfor the better in the past three years, and I would liketo think that my constantly stirring the pot and faithful-ly volunteering my efforts has been one of the driving

crying out inthe wilderness (although a much wiser, better connect-ed voice in the industry), I will still strive to make my-self heard to keep improving my beloved hobby of

I predict that GAMA will ultimately have to run two Or-per year, as well as two trade shows.

GAMA's growth and ability to outreach virtually re-show format. This will bring GAMA as

complete a success in its goals as GAMA will be ableto obtain unders its present "all volunteer" structure.GAMA's future funds will be ever increasingly spent onthese four conventions per year, with the profits beingplowed back into more and better "public realtions forthe gaming hobby." Some sort of advertising cam-paign bidding people to "come out of the game closet"(so to speak) and enjoy games again will be in order.Also, look for GAMA to take a more active role in lo-cal game conventions, promoting them to grow where

conventions (which will tie inconventions per year).

All in all, watch these guys! They're moving in theright direction (but never fast enough for me). Impor-tant changes are afoot and the destiny of your hobby,to a great extent, hangs in the balance. If you want to

cents worth on these matters,write to Frank Chadwick (GAMA President), care ofGame Designers' Workshop, PO Box 1646, Bloom-

THE AUTHORAND FRIENDS:

Alan Emrich(left) with FrankChadwick (center)current GAMApresident and co-founder of GameDesigners' Work-shop and (right)Mr. K. Sato,president of HobbyJapan Co., Ltd. ofTokyo, Japan atOrigins'89.

Fire & Movement 39

An AuctionPrimerBy Charles R. Dunn

In an earlier issue of Fire & Movement(Nr.51), Bill Jaffe wrote an interesting ar-ticle discussing the auction circuit. WithOrigins '89 just behind us, and withmany more conventions to come thisyear, I thought it appropriate that I sharesome of my experience, which I havegained attending auctions at Origins andother gaming conventions.

If you have never attended an auction, es-pecially an Origins auction, you are miss-ing an excellent opportunity for findingsome real bargains on old or used war-games. Furthermore, these auctions areusually free! It doesn't cost anything towalk in, sit down and watch the action.And ACTION is what you will see! I canassure you that your time will be wellspent, even if you're not interested in buy-ing or selling. An auction is a superbplace to get a feel for what's happeningin our hobby and meet some new friendsand potential opponents. The Originsauction is literally an overview of hun-dreds of games, magazines and othergaming items, a living history of wargam-ing. I do not consider myself an authorityon auctions, but what follows are sometips and hints that I have developed overthe years.

Like any important task, it helps to planin advance and do your homework. Asmall note pad and pencil would be veryuseful for this purpose. Depending uponyour interest, try and have an idea ofwhat you are looking for before the auc-tion starts. Doing so will assist at budget-ing your finances as well as your time. Ifthe particular game you are looking forhas several editions, decide on the editionyou want and know what it looks like andwhat makes it different from the othereditions (often the packaging design is dif-ferent or the maps and counters are print-ed in different color shades, etc.). Knowthe company that published the gameyou're looking for since the title can beused, changed or reused by another com-pany (for example Rand Game's VonManstein became Operational StudiesGroup's Panzerkrieg which then becameAvalon Hill's Panzerkrieg and each had adifferent piece of coverart, etc.).

Find out the original price. For out ofprint or collector's items, this could be dif-ficult. I always write down titles and pric-es of games that interest me wheneverI'm in a game or hobby store. I also col-lect old brochures and catalogs from

40 Fire & Movement

game companies, like the original SPIcatalog, which can give you an idea ofwhat an older or out of print game maybe worth. (Ed. Note: Another source isto get a catalog from the many distribu-tors of collector's games, such as Week-end Warrior.) I cannot stress enough theimportance of knowing what the game isworth. There is nothing worse than bid-ding twenty dollars for a game that maystill be available in the store, or evenworse, the exhibitor's room, for fifteendollars new. Using your note pad, list thegames you want and next to each oneplace the amount they are worth or whatyou are willing to spend for it. This fig-ure doesn't have to be exact, but shouldreflect your upper spending limit.

Once you are prepared, arrive early forthe auction. There are several advantag-es for doing so. First, you may have anopportunity to look over the games thatare being offered. This will depend onthe auctioneer, but if he or she allows it,you will have a chance to see if thegames you are looking for are there andpossibly check their condition. Anotherway to preview games is to simply go towhere the auctioneer is handling the reg-istration of games to be auctioned andask those who are waiting in line if youcan look through the games they plan tosell. Second, by being early, you may beallowed to establish a tab or account withthe auctioneer. These can be limited foradministrative reasons, although at Ori-gins'88, you could set up an account inadvance when you pre-registered for theconvention. A tab or account will allowyou to wait until the auction is over tosettle your bill. If you intend topurchase a large number of games orcome and go during the auction, this canbe very convenient. Again, at Origins'88,everyone had to have an account, whichwas how they kept track of bids andcollected their money (not to mention aslick way to charge everyone a buck ifthey wanted to bid on anything at theauction). At the other Originsconventions I have attended, accountsmay be limited but at least they were freeof surcharges.

The third and last advantage to comingearly is you will have a better choice ofseats. Pick a front row seat if at all possi-ble. Don't be shy about this because theauctioneer can see and hear you betterfrom this position and that is importantwhen the bidding is going fast. Evenmore importantly, you can see the itemsfor auction much better and judge theircondition up close.

Just as in any wargame, you need toknow and understand the rules of theauction. Fortunately, there are few andthey are easy to remember. Normally,

the convention will print the rules governing the auction in its program, and theauctioneer will also go over them brieflybefore startintions. The auctioneer will also let youknow how payment will be made (cash,check, etc.), and if you don't have a tab oraccount, you will be expected to pay forthe item immediately after you have wonthe bid. Most auctions will aand sometimes 25bids under ten dollars. Above ten dollars,they normally encourage one dollar increments only. Some games will have a minimum bid, which means no initial bid lower than the stated minimum will beaccepted. Lastly, there will be lots ofgames to be sold and not a lot of time, sothe auctioneer will be asking for your assistance in keeping the noise down so hecan be heard clearly.

Once the auction begins, stay alert, andmore importantly, be patientioneer will most likely randomly selectfrom the games to be auctioned off tomaintain a variety of items offered, sodon't count on things being done in an orderly fashion. For the past three years,Originsing special auctions or, as in the exampleof Origins'88,auction, in which only wargames or fantasy games, magazines or miniatures aregoing to be offered. These auctions ortime periods will be published in the program, or moreauction room. All of this has gone a longway toward letting you better plan yourtime and participation in the other eventsat the convention. It also makes it easierto be patient. Unless the game you arelooking for is very ragood that if you lose the bid the first time,another copy will eventually come upagain. And if you are patient, it mayeven be cheaper than the first time it wasup.

When it comes to bidding, I have one simple rule: bid intelligently! This is whereyour note pad and preparation come inhandy. Armed with your list of gamesand prices, always start your bid as closeto one dollar as possible and use yourprice marked beside the game as your"get serious" pointthing you really want (that copy of SPI'sWar inBut keep your bids low. Don't let the fiveand ten dollar jumps rattle you. Just adda dollar to the bid. That's all it takes towin, provided you are tsome point, you've got to draw the lineand drop out. There are those who mayhave more resources or they may simplywant the game more than you. My ruleof thumb is to stop when I reach fifty percent more than the limit I originally se

the convention will print the rules govern-ing the auction in its program, and theauctioneer will also go over them brieflybefore starting the auction. Ask ques-tions. The auctioneer will also let youknow how payment will be made (cash,check, etc.), and if you don't have a tab oraccount, you will be expected to pay forthe item immediately after you have wonthe bid. Most auctions will allow 50-centsand sometimes 25-cent increments onbids under ten dollars. Above ten dollars,they normally encourage one dollar incre-ments only. Some games will have a min-imum bid, which means no initial bid low-er than the stated minimum will beaccepted. Lastly, there will be lots ofgames to be sold and not a lot of time, sothe auctioneer will be asking for your as-sistance in keeping the noise down so hecan be heard clearly.

Once the auction begins, stay alert, andmore importantly, be patient. The auc-tioneer will most likely randomly selectfrom the games to be auctioned off tomaintain a variety of items offered, sodon't count on things being done in an or-derly fashion. For the past three years,Origins has adopted the concept of hav-ing special auctions or, as in the example

Origins'88, time periods within theauction, in which only wargames or fanta-sy games, magazines or miniatures aregoing to be offered. These auctions ortime periods will be published in the pro-gram, or more likely, at the door of theauction room. All of this has gone a longway toward letting you better plan yourtime and participation in the other eventsat the convention. It also makes it easierto be patient. Unless the game you arelooking for is very rare, the chances aregood that if you lose the bid the first time,another copy will eventually come upagain. And if you are patient, it mayeven be cheaper than the first time it was

When it comes to bidding, I have one sim-ple rule: bid intelligently! This is whereyour note pad and preparation come inhandy. Armed with your list of gamesand prices, always start your bid as closeto one dollar as possible and use yourprice marked beside the game as your"get serious" point. If the game is some-thing you really want (that copy of SPI'sWar in the Pacific), then keep bidding.But keep your bids low. Don't let the fiveand ten dollar jumps rattle you. Just adda dollar to the bid. That's all it takes towin, provided you are the last bidder. Atsome point, you've got to draw the lineand drop out. There are those who mayhave more resources or they may simplywant the game more than you. My ruleof thumb is to stop when I reach fifty per-cent more than the limit I originally set for

myself on that particular game or item.But don't give up. Many times, the gameI lost at thirty-five dollars came up laterduring the auction and I got it for twentydollars. Remember, be patient.

Also pay close attention to who you arebidding against. I've sat beside guys whohave games up for auction and if theythink they can boost the price, they'll bidon their own games. Your best defenseis to stick to your price list and gameplan.

Bidding at Origins'88 was quite differentthan at other auctions I have attendedand I did not particularly care for it. Nor-mally the auctioneer will ask for a bid andyou shout (sometimes yell) yours. Thelast bid given is the winner. At Ori-gins'88, everyone had a bidding card witha number (that cost a buck) and the auc-tioneer would start at the minimum bid ofthe item and raise the bid, usually a dollarat a time. If you were interested youwould raise your card and keep it raiseduntil the price was too high and you low-ered it or were the last card and thereforethe winner at whatever the last bid an-

nounced was. I was informed that hiswas the way Gen Con always did theirbidding and that it helped in keeping theauction moving along and selling every-thing that was registered. Personally, Iprefer to tell the auctioneer my bid and Iwas a bit upset at times when the auc-tioneer decided he would further "speedthings up" when he would start announc-ing five and ten dollar jumps in the bid-ding. There were also a lot of timeswhen there was doubt as to who was thelast bidder. When the last three or fivebidders all decide to drop out, who wins?It was confusing at times.

On the other hand, at Origins'88 theydid something I liked very much. Forthose games that did not sell and hadbee• designated by the seller, they wereplaced in a "bargain store" where theycould be bought for the minimum bidoriginally asked. I went through thereseveral times and picked up quite a few"bargains".

Before closing, my better half suggestedthat I provide you with some logisticalhints that she has picked up over the

years while sitting quietly beside me atthe auction. First, bring a cushion. Theseats can and will get hard!! Second, ifyou are there for the long haul or untilthe bitter end, bring a cooler with drinks,lunch if necessary, snacks, etc. You'llalso be surprised with the bids you canreceive for these items. Third, bring abook or game rules to read, for thosetimes when you are not interested inwhat's up for auction. Lastly, it alsohelps if you have a partner. When nature calls, its nice to know that there issomeone there to coveryou are gone. Just to be sure that he orshe is well aware of what you want andhow much you are willing to spend (remember the note pad?). Once, my heartwas caught in my throat when I returnedto my seat only to find my wife bidding inthe upper $90's for a game she knew Iwanted. But she did well because shehad been briefed and she successfully acquired the game I wanted, and at theright price!

I hope this information proves useful atyour next auction.

years while sitting quietly beside me atthe auction. First, bring a cushion. Theseats can and will get hard!! Second, ifyou are there for the long haul or untilthe bitter end, bring a cooler with drinks,lunch if necessary, snacks, etc. You'llalso be surprised with the bids you canreceive for these items. Third, bring abook or game rules to read, for thosetimes when you are not interested inwhat's up for auction. Lastly, it alsohelps if you have a partner. When na-ture calls, its nice to know that there issomeone there to cover for you whileyou are gone. Just to be sure that he orshe is well aware of what you want andhow much you are willing to spend (re-member the note pad?). Once, my heartwas caught in my throat when I returnedto my seat only to find my wife bidding in

e upper $90's for a game she knew Iwanted. But she did well because shehad been briefed and she successfully ac-quired the game I wanted, and at theright price!

I hope this information proves useful atyour next auction.

Fire & Movement 41

by christopher cummins, alan emrich and rodger b. … origins report.pdf · by christopher cummins,...

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