Any Speculation on what "The Project" Jason Bulmahn mentions on Facebook?


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Dark Archive

So I saw that Jason posted that he's made a lot of progress on "The Project". Any thoughts on what it might be?

Liberty's Edge

Based on a very recent post from the "Ask James Jacobs ANYTHING" thread, it's very likely to be the Pathfinder Introductory (or Basic) game.

Scarab Sages

A while back Jason said he'd do up a bunch of free content if he got X number of FB fans, with the word count increasing at intervals. That's likely the 'project' he mentioned on his FB page.


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Jeremiziah wrote:
Based on a very recent post from the "Ask James Jacobs ANYTHING" thread, it's very likely to be the Pathfinder Introductory (or Basic) game.

Pretty sure is buried in the design of the intro game.


So what's the status/timeline for that intro game anyway? Anyone know? Mr. Jason, care to share?

Liberty's Edge

archmagi1 wrote:
A while back Jason said he'd do up a bunch of free content if he got X number of FB fans, with the word count increasing at intervals. That's likely the 'project' he mentioned on his FB page.

You know, when he said that, I said to myself, "Self, Jason is never going to get the spare time needed to write X amount of words of material outside the scope of his regular responsibilities, and being a stand-up guy, he's never going to shirk his responsibilities in order to do it, so this will never happen".

I don't mind, following Jason on FB is something I'd do anyway. I'm just not holding my breath.


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Billzabub wrote:
So what's the status/timeline for that intro game anyway? Anyone know? Mr. Jason, care to share?

Since the intro game isn't officially announced it doesn't have a release date. I would however guess late this year or early next year.


I think we know what it is: the intro boxed set. I say he and SKR are working on it. I hope the box will be colored magenta, unlike Wotci's recent red box.

The Exchange RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.


Paizo Golem Purple would seem appropriate, and I would think something like that calls for a Gen Con release. No?


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens Subscriber

I just recently picked up the Dragon Age box, and I think it is a fairly well done RPG in a small package. I'm curious what a first time gamer would make of it.

My guess for the target date on an intro game: Either they are going to try and sneak in a GenCon release, or they are planning on releasing it just before the winter holidays.


Billzabub wrote:
Paizo Golem Purple would seem appropriate, and I would think something like that calls for a Gen Con release. No?

Good point. It's close enough to magenta, too.

Dark Archive

Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

Dragon Age Set 1 is rather nice; despite some faults it seems to me a really good example of what should be an intro set.

On a completely different ballpark and pricetag, the Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (3E) big box is what I think sets the bar of excellence in boxed sets.


Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

As an intro to PnP RPGs, the old edition of WEG Star Wars (1st edition I think). Simple, clear, can be read quickly, explained in 60 seconds, and works. Furthermore you don't have to buy special dices, miniatures or use grid maps, so it lacks the geek stuff.

Scarab Sages

I'd like to think it's a source book on all things Zombie, since we're cool.

Dark Archive

Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Look at Heroquest.

Also, a more recent stumble accross, look at the plans for the Mouse Guard boxed set, and definitely the Mouse Guard RPG (the PDF of which is $15). Mouse guard does an amazing job of introducing role playing, without front loading it with char gen. It's very much, "sit down, start playing, then once you know what you are doing, work the complex stuff in later."

Dark Archive

IkeDoe wrote:
Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

As an intro to PnP RPGs, the old edition of WEG Star Wars (1st edition I think). Simple, clear, can be read quickly, explained in 60 seconds, and works. Furthermore you don't have to buy special dices, miniatures or use grid maps, so it lacks the geek stuff.

Except they want it to lead into the main game, so the mechanics have to be the same. I think it's been mentioned already that keeping the same mechanics (just presenting a subset) is a non-negotiable constraint.


Nevynxxx wrote:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Look at Heroquest.

Absolutely. That's how I got into the hobby, as did a number of my friends and my original gaming group.


Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

Just as a question, do you mean "intro to" to mean that it is a product which introduces someone to a given PnP system (e.g. Vampire the Requiem for Dummies), or do you mean what is a good product (or system) for introducing someone to PnP?

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

I have it on good authority that Jason has jumped ship and is now heading up DnD 5e, which will be a board, collectable card, computer game. Trust me I'm a succubus. :)

The Exchange RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

E I wrote:
Just as a question, do you mean "intro to" to mean that it is a product which introduces someone to a given PnP system (e.g. Vampire the Requiem for Dummies), or do you mean what is a good product (or system) for introducing someone to PnP?

Probably the former, although with the dominance of the d20 game engine, I don't imagine there's much difference. There might well be a few people out there who are thorough mavens of some game system or another, who are unfamiliar with anything using the d20 engine, but who are open to learning it. But I'll bet they're a pretty narrow niche.

Incidentally, I concur with the STAR WARS (WEG) game, but I think the clarity of its instructions was matched by that of the auxilliary "Star Warriors" space-dogfighting miniatures game. If anybody remembers the two STAR FRONTIERS boxed sets, they had a terrific pedagogy, too, without a well-known setting to fall back on.


dm4hire wrote:
... "The Project". Any thoughts on what it might be?

I think it involves reaching 88 miles per hour.


I know, but I ain't tellin'. :D

All I will say is that it's awesome. Easily one of the most innovative things we've ever done. Massive props to Jason and Sean and Sarah and everyone else working on it. I can't wait to begin spreading the word on The Secret Project.

Hyrum.

Dark Archive

Hyrum Savage wrote:

I know, but I ain't tellin'. :D

All I will say is that it's awesome. Easily one of the most innovative things we've ever done. Massive props to Jason and Sean and Sarah and everyone else working on it. I can't wait to begin spreading the word on The Secret Project.

Hyrum.

Ack!!! You taunt us! May a goblin eat your best boxers or something like that! Now I really want to know. Any time frame as to when we might learn this Secret?


Hyrum Savage wrote:
I can't wait to begin spreading the word on The Secret Project.

I can't imagine how difficult it would be for a marketing manager to obey a hush hush rule... :)


Hyrum Savage wrote:

I know, but I ain't tellin'. :D

All I will say is that it's awesome. Easily one of the most innovative things we've ever done. Massive props to Jason and Sean and Sarah and everyone else working on it. I can't wait to begin spreading the word on The Secret Project.

Hyrum.

You are a very mean man taunting us like that =D (j/k)

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.

The Exchange

Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.

Not even fair.


Dark_Mistress wrote:
I have it on good authority that Jason has jumped ship and is now heading up DnD 5e, which will be a board, collectable card, computer game. Trust me I'm a succubus. :)

I've been wondering about 5th since all the other major sites are conspiracy theories in forum form about 5th edition. Now this!

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Crimson Jester wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.
Not even fair.

Did I mention tickets are still available?


Dark_Mistress wrote:
I have it on good authority that Jason has jumped ship and is now heading up DnD 5e, which will be a board, collectable card, computer game. Trust me I'm a succubus. :)

That sounds more reasonable than the new version of Monopoly, where there are no dice, cards, or paper money. Instead, an electronic tower in the middle of the game board tells the players what they rolled, uses infrared technology to make sure noone cheats, and players use ATM cards to purchase property..


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Crimson Jester wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.
Not even fair.

Woot!!! PaizoCon!!!;)


Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.

Steeples tentacles...

Exxxxcellent....


Hyrum Savage wrote:

I know, but I ain't tellin'. :D

All I will say is that it's awesome. Easily one of the most innovative things we've ever done. Massive props to Jason and Sean and Sarah and everyone else working on it. I can't wait to begin spreading the word on The Secret Project.

Hyrum.

Awesome. Few are the things I love as much as being right.

Dark Archive

Mairkurion {tm} wrote:
Hyrum Savage wrote:

I know, but I ain't tellin'. :D

All I will say is that it's awesome. Easily one of the most innovative things we've ever done. Massive props to Jason and Sean and Sarah and everyone else working on it. I can't wait to begin spreading the word on The Secret Project.

Hyrum.

Awesome. Few are the things I love as much as being right.

Honestly, I can't recall the last time you were right about something...


Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.

I guess someone will tell the uninformed masses afterwards... There is no way that I can spend upwards of 1000 Euro to attend that con, as much as I would like. (Flight ~800, hotel about 80/day and so on. The con itself is cheap, compared to that.) Besides, I hate long-distance flights - I´m too tall to sit comfortably.

Stefan


Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Vic Wertz wrote:
Crimson Jester wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.
Not even fair.
Did I mention tickets are still available?

That's nice and all, but there is no way it is worth it for me to spend the vacation time and all the money it will cost me to fly all the way up there and not attend the banquet where the secrets are going to be told.

Honestly, I would go, but work and finances make it iffy already without thinking I couldn't be there when things get revealed anyway. I couldn't stand it if I were to be so close and yet so very far away. As much as I really want to go, I may as well save myself the time and money and learn about it here on the forums; even if it means waiting a few days for someone to post the information.


Asgetrion wrote:
Honestly, I can't recall the last time you were right about something...

I see neuroscience continues to fail. Well, neurology and psychiatry are still quite young disciplines...maybe they will turn up something someday.


Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

I cut my teeth on the OD&D intro boxed set that was published by TSR around 1990 or 1991 - the board game-sized black box with the big red dragon on the front. It came with a full set of dice, foldout map, several sheets of folding paper miniatures, a basic rulebook taking characters to level 5, and a set of index cards with colored tabs in a folder called "Dragon Cards". The idea was that if you worked through the cards one by one, each one had an activity that introduced a new aspect of the game in a logical progression. It unfolded as one big interconnected story, too. I basically taught myself to play with this set at the age of 8 or 9 with no help from any adults.

If memory serves, this intro was reused when the "Classic Dungeons & Dragons" boxed set came out a few years later (circa 1994/1995) - they abandoned the index cards for a bound book format, and shortened the length of the tutorial, but it was still a good learning resource for the game - immersive, broken up into easily digestible chunks, and simple enough for a youth gamer to learn on his or her own.

I'd like to see the Pathfinder intro set be as much fun as that one was; I got rid of that boxed set years ago (except the dice - I've ALWAYS kept those, since they're the first ones I ever owned). The format of it, though, was such that I could use it to teach my nieces and nephews the game today (or my own kids if I ever have any) and STILL have fun playing through it as an adult. If Pathfinder comes up with a product that good, they could definitely bring a whole new generation to the gaming table.

(Oh, and HeroQuest is pretty badass, too.)


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens Subscriber
Stebehil wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.
I guess someone will tell the uninformed masses afterwards.

This is a new era of information exchange. Someone will twitter it during the announcement. News filters to the messageboards same day.


deinol wrote:
Stebehil wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.
I guess someone will tell the uninformed masses afterwards.
This is a new era of information exchange. Someone will twitter it during the announcement. News filters to the messageboards same day.

And here was I thinking that by using messageboards and email, I would be up to date... Seems I´m getting old - no - I am old.

Stefan


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens Subscriber
Stebehil wrote:

And here was I thinking that by using messageboards and email, I would be up to date... Seems I´m getting old - no - I am old.

Depends on how "up to date" you really want to be. There will be threads on the messageboards fast enough.

I avoid twitter for the most part, but sometimes I "listen" in to convention chatter.

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber
Power Word Unzip wrote:
Chris Mortika wrote:

If it is a beginner's game, this is relevant...

What's the best "intro to" gaming product you've seen, and what did it do right? As a former technical writer, and a former classroom teacher, I have my opinions, but I'd like to know what products other people have found and liked.

I cut my teeth on the OD&D intro boxed set that was published by TSR around 1990 or 1991 - the board game-sized black box with the big red dragon on the front. It came with a full set of dice, foldout map, several sheets of folding paper miniatures, a basic rulebook taking characters to level 5, and a set of index cards with colored tabs in a folder called "Dragon Cards". The idea was that if you worked through the cards one by one, each one had an activity that introduced a new aspect of the game in a logical progression. It unfolded as one big interconnected story, too. I basically taught myself to play with this set at the age of 8 or 9 with no help from any adults.

If memory serves, this intro was reused when the "Classic Dungeons & Dragons" boxed set came out a few years later (circa 1994/1995) - they abandoned the index cards for a bound book format, and shortened the length of the tutorial, but it was still a good learning resource for the game - immersive, broken up into easily digestible chunks, and simple enough for a youth gamer to learn on his or her own.

I'd like to see the Pathfinder intro set be as much fun as that one was; I got rid of that boxed set years ago (except the dice - I've ALWAYS kept those, since they're the first ones I ever owned). The format of it, though, was such that I could use it to teach my nieces and nephews the game today (or my own kids if I ever have any) and STILL have fun playing through it as an adult. If Pathfinder comes up with a product that good, they could definitely bring a whole new generation to the gaming table.

(Oh, and HeroQuest is pretty badass, too.)

'Sup, fellow Black Box convert? This was what got me hooked, too, at least for tabletop (I was a big fan of console RPGs like Final Fantasy I and IV/II, and Dragon Warrior, before that.)

I'd say make sure you have the equivalent to my next step after this, but there's already a Rules Cyclopedia out, ie, the Core Rulebook.


Kvantum wrote:

'Sup, fellow Black Box convert? This was what got me hooked, too, at least for tabletop (I was a big fan of console RPGs like Final Fantasy I and IV/II, and Dragon Warrior, before that.)

I'd say make sure you have the equivalent to my next step after this, but there's already a Rules Cyclopedia out, ie, the Core Rulebook.

Black Box Kids represent! Did you play around in Thunder Rift as well? =]

Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy were my "gateway drugs" as well - in fact, I may try running a 4E game set in one of the Final Fantasy worlds (I'm thinking FFIV would be ideal, though FFVI has that lovely steampunk feel...).

The Core Rulebook would definitely be the logical progression for anyone who gets hooked by the starter set. The only truly crucial thing it's missing that the OD&D RC had is monster stats, but I'm guessing the PFRPG intro game would offer enough basic monsters for most creative users to, at minimum, extrapolate higher CR monsters by adding class levels to humanoid creatures.

The Exchange RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

Power Word Unzip wrote:
I cut my teeth on the OD&D intro boxed set that was published by TSR around 1990 or 1991 - the board game-sized black box with the big red dragon on the front.

There's all sorts or reasons that set is famous. I'm not sure it's the best at teaching D&D, but it's certainly the high-waer mark for trying hard! (And the cards proved useful, too, for veteran players who sort-of-but-not-quite understood some of the trickier aspects of the game.)

Liberty's Edge

deinol wrote:
Stebehil wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
I hear all the best secrets get told at PaizoCon.
I guess someone will tell the uninformed masses afterwards.
This is a new era of information exchange. Someone will twitter it during the announcement. News filters to the messageboards same day.

Follow @mill5je, as long as I'm not under an NDA, I will do that very thing. If I am under an NDA, I'll tweet it as soon as I'm not under an NDA. :-)

Paizo Employee Director of Game Design

Ah, I do like my secrets...

So yeah, not going to confirm or deny anything here.

As for my side content for my FB fan page, it is actually coming along. I am about half way done, but got a little sidetracked. Dammit though, I am going to get that content done.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

Dark Archive

Jason Bulmahn wrote:

Ah, I do like my secrets...

So yeah, not going to confirm or deny anything here.

As for my side content for my FB fan page, it is actually coming along. I am about half way done, but got a little sidetracked. Dammit though, I am going to get that content done.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

Well, that does narrow down some of the speculation as to what the actual secret is.

If it's an intro PF box set (or some other super-secret weapon for gaming) I wish you guys & gals at Paizo the best of luck and success.


Well, I think James Jacobs mentioned that next year is the big 5 year Golarion anniversary and 10 year Paizo anniversary - and that they'd have some really crazy and cool things for that year. Whatever it is - they need to be working on that stuff now already.

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber
Power Word Unzip wrote:
Kvantum wrote:

'Sup, fellow Black Box convert? This was what got me hooked, too, at least for tabletop (I was a big fan of console RPGs like Final Fantasy I and IV/II, and Dragon Warrior, before that.)

I'd say make sure you have the equivalent to my next step after this, but there's already a Rules Cyclopedia out, ie, the Core Rulebook.

Black Box Kids represent! Did you play around in Thunder Rift as well? =]

Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy were my "gateway drugs" as well - in fact, I may try running a 4E game set in one of the Final Fantasy worlds (I'm thinking FFIV would be ideal, though FFVI has that lovely steampunk feel...).

The Core Rulebook would definitely be the logical progression for anyone who gets hooked by the starter set. The only truly crucial thing it's missing that the OD&D RC had is monster stats, but I'm guessing the PFRPG intro game would offer enough basic monsters for most creative users to, at minimum, extrapolate higher CR monsters by adding class levels to humanoid creatures.

Thunder Rift? Oh yeah, I had the other two box sets set there, too, as well as the gazetteer and whatnot. Still have those lying around somewhere in my parents' basement, too, I suppose.

And there is one thing that Pathfinder has that the RC never did - spectacular color art. The 2 Bestiaries alone are enough to get a lot of would-be gamers that age to turn into full-on fanatics.

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