Region Control

Isn't it irritating when you thrash the French and the Bulgarians end up seizing the capital right from under your German nostrils? It's not only annoying, it also feels like a cheat. I often rationalize the results by thinking of these pockets as "Zones of Control" and to some degree that's valid. But would the Germans conquer all France and then allow their minor ally to reap the booty of Paris?

As I've mentioned several times on the Forum, we have discussed alternative rules for determining post-combat region control. Unfortunately, the quick & seemingly easy solutions all had potential downsides. They felt like we'd just be moving sideways rather than forward. Right now the rule is "first come, first serve". In the majority of situations that ends up working fine, but not always. Of course some undesirable outcomes are due to poor decision making and we must remember that accepting an alliance has pros & cons. I actually like that your allies do not always do things in your interest... just consider real history. Any rule changes that we make should not remove this aspect of the gameplay.

When we get around to it, I think we'll implement a system that takes into account military power as well as supply. If for example Hungary attacks a Polish region from German territory, they would be expanding German borders since they are relying on German lines of supply. There are different situations that would need to be considered. Some disputes could be settle through military dominance like when two sides enter from their own supply path. The rules should still be simple & transparent so the player understands why they failed to achieve control.

Part of the challenge is to also not screw up the game as it currently stands. Even small rule tweaks can have unintended consequences that we just can't always foresee. Kind of like when Bulgaria stealthy slips through your front to take your booty.

New website for Making History

Please check out the new Making History Gaming Head Quarters website. HQ will function as a repository for user-generated scenarios & content, strategy guides and other MH specific information. It's also a community space where players & scenario developers can work together, share ideas and help shape the future of this game as a strategy platform. Over the next few months we plan to improve & expand the site features as well as the modding options for our users.

There's lots of other stuff in the works too. I'll try to update to this space when I 'm at liberty to divulge more information. In the mean time, upload & download.

The First Post

This blog will be dedicated to discussing the Making History game from the designer's perspective. It's not meant to replace or replicate the MH Forums' Game Suggestions area. That section is where our user base sets the agenda. In this space I will be sharing my personal thoughts & insights into the design and production process as well as responding to forum activity that I find interesting. Comments are encouraged.

I expect the mission of this blog will evolve as we go forward. Hopefully it will mutate into something worthy.

Welcome all,

Ralph