The New Anchor Games

[larry marak]

Where we stand today: using the in print list of Avalanche and the Game list of PG-HQ, adding the few titles not separately listed in the Library (Edelweis 2 and Edelweiss 3), and subtracting the boxed games schedualed for final sale and bonfire, we get the following in-print stats for PG. In Print 28, out of Print 45. Mike's job is keeping the PG system fresh and abundant for gamers, not in print for completists (guilty as charged).

Compare this with the publishing history of the two squad-level games out there, ASL and ATS. ASL required the purchase of core modules to allow system wide play, rapidly became so expensive that it could never be kept with all the core modules in stock at once, many licensees produced outside materials, and the rules burden became unbelievable.

ATS operated on a shoestring (like Avalanche the last 5 years) was rarely able to restock titles, and changed the core rules nearly a dozen times, culminating in a change in sequence of play, counter-size, and data display on counters that drove away almost all their long term players.

Avalanche managed to stay in business (just barely) for years, focused on new product to heal the books and strengthen the company, and most important, kept rules stability. 4th edition PG rules are virtually identical to 2nd and 3rd edition rules, just longer because of larger type and more pages of examples of play. By building era and enviornment anchor games for the series, you don't have to have any kind of a volume 1 to be able to play and master the game.

End of Soap Box mode.