Tabletop wargaming is a fun hobby, but it’s often prohibitively expensive. If you don’t quite have the cash to field a real-life army, Warpforged Games’ upcoming Kickstarter project Mark of War might just be the answer.
The newly founded indie studio has teamed up with author and Warhammer Fantasy designer Gav Thorpe to create a virtual tabletop battle game that allows you to battle fellow players in a dark fantasy setting without worrying about how bad your miniature painting is.
The Kickstarter doesn’t start up until August 25, but Warpforged have already revealed a few details about the game. ”Mark of War is a turn-based PC/MAC Wargame where you collect, build, customize, and command armies playing head-to-head battles online,” the team explains. ”Being on the PC you will finally be able to see your army march upon the battlefield, hear your heroes issue commands, and watch the animated brutality of clashing swords and shields.”
I won’t go into the finer details here, but there’s already a brief overview of how combat will work - fans of Warhammer will find the game’s turn-based strategy with distinct phases of play (movement, shooting, magic then combat resolution) fairly familiar. You’ll also have to contend with a variety of terrain types and environmental challenges. Check the official website for a more in-depth look.
Of course the main draw of tabletop gaming is the ability to really personalise your force, and Warpforged promise the ability to choose between several fantasy factions, selecting your army colours and personalising your banners. You’ll be able to pick and choose your units, loadouts and magical items, so every player’s army should look and feel distinct.
In terms of game modes Warpforged are planning standard multiplayer battles, ranked play seasons, locally hosted tournaments and more. There will also be a story-focused solo campaign and larger-scale multiplayer campaigns. In short, a lot of ways to play.
I’m sure we’ll find out more when the Kickstarter launches this August 25. It’s an interesting concept, but will it attract tabletop gamers who love having a real, physical collection of miniatures that they’ve spent hours lovingly assembling and painting? We’ll see.
