Monday, October 20, 2025

That's me!

 

Het Lookit!

The full rules for Clash of Rhyfles is finally out...


and there on Page 4, is my name...

That's Me!
(I wonder who those other people are..)



It's kinda fun to see your name in print.   I've had my name in print before in Psychology Articles... as one of the authors mind you. not one of the subjects.  But this is for something that Actually Matters and is fun.

This is my first experience with being a playtester, so I don't have anything to compare it to.  I think I wormed my way into Official-ness just by being a persistent but polite pest to the rules author.  A combination of being available and eager when the rules were being developed anyway.  I didn't find it onerous in any way.  How hard is it to spout off opinions about game mechanics while having zero responsibility about the final product?  Turns out, not hard at all.  

I'll flatter myself and say that I had some good ideas, mixed in with all my stinkers.  Thanks Zombiesmith for the good experience.  

Now that the main rulebook is done, what's next?  I was invited to be contributor to other projects that Zombiesmith has in the works.  Though, I don't know if it's more like "Dream Team Assemble!" or "Cheap Help is Hard it Find and We'll Take What We Can get!"   

Thanks for Reading.
Double Thanks for Writing a Comment.
Till Next time.

38 comments:

  1. Good playtesters that stick with the project and report back regularly are very hard for designers / authors to find, your time and feedback will certainly have been appreciated, nice to see you getting their recognition and an invite to do more says much.

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    1. Thanks Norm. It's been a fun relationship so far that keeps me engaged. The recognition is fun as well. 😁
      feeds my ego nicely.

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  2. Congratulations Stew! Actually, playtesters who feedback stuff are rare - lots just like a free set of rules or are just fanboys who only say "great" and "super"- what's needed is critical feedback.
    Neil

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    1. Thanks Neil. I would not have thought so but perhaps you're right. 😁

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  3. Fame at last....your parents must be very proud!

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    1. Thanks Keith. Not for nothing, but if my parents were still alive, this would certainly be something I show them. As a "little extra fun bit about my life" among the more important stuff.😁

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  4. Definitely one to show the kids, over and over again. Congratulations Stew.

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    1. Thanks Lawrence. But kids don't appreciate this stuff. That's why I have to bother you about it... 😁

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  5. Congrats! I'm looking forward to getting a copy in the new boxset, hopefully soon...

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    1. Thanks Brian. I *think* the new box set will be coming soon-ish. I might have to get one as well...😁

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  6. That is awesome Stew. Well done and something to add to your resume!

    "I've had my name in print before in Psychology Articles... as one of the authors mind you. not one of the subjects. " this made me laugh! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

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    1. Thanks Ben. Glad the jokes actually make someone laugh once in a while. 😁

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  7. Congratulations Stew, I need to pick the new version and get some games in

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    1. Thanks Neil. The full rules are quite extensive and well written, if I do say so myself. 😁

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  8. Well done Stew:)! I've playtested a few Osprey titles and it is rather nice to see one's name in print and to know you have helped develop the game, even if only in a minor degree.

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    1. Thanks Steve. Yes, exactly. it's just a bit of fun. I probably overestimate my contributions....😁🀣

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  9. Well done mate. I’m going to tell my wife that I knew you BEFORE you were an official playtester. Lol.

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    1. Thanks Mark. Now that I'm a super star, I'll try to remember the little people I knew along the way...πŸ˜πŸ˜†

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  10. Congrats!

    What is added in the "complete" version vs. the pamphlet in the original box?

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    1. thanks David. All that will be covered in the next post. 😁

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  11. I think "persistent but polite pest" is the perfect definition of a playtester--congrats on the publication credit!

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    1. Thanks Ed. It's also how I married. 😁

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  12. Congrats Stew...how could they not honour a Quar evangelist such as you?

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    1. Thanks Mark. Me and everyone else. 😁

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  13. Nice to feel you have contributes to the rules ….but it means you can’t complain in the future !

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    1. Thanks Matt. That's kinda true. Or at least not without sounding like a jerk. "I told them it ougtha be this way but did they listen to me? Nope." 😁

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  14. Congratulations Stew! Now you are forever famous in Zombiesmith circles. Very cool that!

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    1. Thanks Vol. And far reaching are the edges of that circle..... LOL. 😁

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  15. That's great Stew. Nothing like being taken back into the kitchen to see how things are created. It made me realise, first, that wargame rules writers are gamers, just like us. Nothing mysterious or magical going on, just a collaborative creative process in action. It made me also realise that I do have something to contribute, all that time throwing dice and pushing around figures actually gave me some insights and it's great to share them (even if most end up on the cutting room floor).

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    1. Thanks TP. Yes it was a fun experience to see how the hotdog was made. And you're right, nothing magical about it. I'm glad I did it. 😁

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