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[moghopper]

Hey all, I was just wondering if I could get some opinions on an idea of mine.

As many of you are probably aware, tabletop gaming (like warhammer, hordes, and the like) tend to be pretty damn expensive. What I've been mulling over is to make a tabletop game with the same kind of gaming experience, but with a very low price.

Remember how some games would give you cardboard units for testing whether or not you like the game? Well, what if we had a game that used cardboard units exclusively? They are cheap, can look good, and take up little space.

So what I'm working on is a starship based wargame that uses laminated cardboard instead of expensive plastics, pewter, and resins.
With most games you have to buy several expensive packs of models to field the force you want. What I want to do is have it so you can buy an entire army for maybe 20 bucks, allowing you to play small to large games with one purchase.

What do you all think?

[FallacyofUrist]

If you get the rules and whatnot right: good idea.
I would just go with cardboard disks with faces on them, but cutouts could work too...

[moghopper]

If you get the rules and whatnot right: good idea.
I would just go with cardboard disks with faces on them, but cutouts could work too...

It would look something like this: http://www.spartangames.co.uk/images/firestorm/Dindrenzi_Cut_Out_Fleet.jpg

[Salsacookies]

I like the idea of the cardboard pieces, but starships themselves don't interest me too much. I hope your games gets going, though

[moghopper]

I like the idea of the cardboard pieces, but starships themselves don't interest me too much. I hope your games gets going, though

Well, Starships were my first idea, but I could do other things too.

This I just me throwing some ideas out right now. I don't have a team or anything.

[Talvara]

Before you get bogged down in logistics and physical considerations you should start with simple paper prototypes, Nothing has to be pretty, but it does have to be fun.

If you've got a shortage of reallife test subjects you could consider a virtual tabletop like: http://www.rptools.net/toolbox/maptool/

no need to have a team just start writing rules and pester people into playing with you.
Once you have something that is fun to play its time to start thinking about cosmetics.

edit:
Play often, change often, iterate alot. It doesn't have to be perfect from the get go

[moghopper]

Well, I'm still a long ways off from any testing. I'm still working out the basic system. I'm hoping to be able to have both large and small scale battles.

Hopefully I can get some work done this weekend.

[Diamond]

Meh, there is plenty of free/cheap stuff if you search around. Make it somewhat unique? Yes!

This being 2016, you should consider posing it as en eco-friendly game, making use of recycled paper and fully degradable materials instead of that plastic or polluting metals. Start kickstarter campaign, get money from hippies, hire up some freelancers to help you develop/test the system. Throw in some SJW and LBGT baits in and get enough money to hire a proper game / art designer for your team. You can also apply for "grant" from either Pentagon or Kremlin for including certain "ideas" in your game project (yes, it is an actual thing). The result might be a monstrosity, but hey, at least you get an experience and cool ideas. Damn it, I got carried away again.

Anyway, tell us something at least, maybe get a good idea as a reward for sharing.

[Virex]

You're putting the card before the horse here. "The figures are cheap" is not a good selling point for a table-top game. Sure, it's a nice bonus, but people are much more interested in gameplay and style.

[Harry Baldman]

You're putting the card before the horse here. "The figures are cheap" is not a good selling point for a table-top game. Sure, it's a nice bonus, but people are much more interested in gameplay and style.

Indeed, you may want to write the words "DON'T PANIC" on the cover of the rulebook as well. Then you'll be more than halfway to a bestseller.

[Pencil_Art]

You'd need an improbability drive, too.