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The D6G starts 2011 off big with a MEGASODE! Up first it's an interview with Neil Fawcett, the man at the helm of Spartan Games. We get Neil's origin story, how Spartan got started, and what lead the company from Uncharted Seas to Firestorm Armada to Dystopain Wars and beyond.

Later, the hosts go into squad mode and give a detailed review of Deathwatch, Fantasy Flight Games' RPG that lets you take on the role of a Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine.

All that and our other not-too-horrible segments including:
- The Hollywood Minute
- What's in the News
- Do You Ever Notice
- Total Fan Girl
- & More


Episode: http://www.thed6generation.com/d6g-ep-71-spartan-games-interview-deathwatch-rpg-detailed-review

Please let us know what you think!

Please , please , please , can you post exactly what he said about Firestorm Armada ? between his connection,his throat and my ears I could only make out like maybe 10% of his entire interview. Did he mention any new races or ships by name ? Release schedules etc....

I will have to echo shinzuer...the interview with Mr. Fawcett was the "main attraction" for me but it was really difficult to make out what he was saying. I realize this isn't always easy, since the audio you get is better than the one we get, but sometimes it was difficult to hear what he was saying even when I was sitting in a quiet room...and I do most of my podcast listening while commuting. Would it be possible to sum up the main contents of the interview? Pretty please?

Unfortunately I have to agree with the previous two posters. I gave up on the interview after about 5 minutes - could not understand a word from Neil Fawcett. Not sure what the problem was - I don't think it was the accent befuddling my poor American ears - just the combination of a low/quiet talker and a bad Skype connection maybe?

I did enjoy hearing from some of your fellow gamers in the Hollywood Minute (nice going back to the old school "intro music") - although I think they all missed a golden opportunity to give us some "dirt" on the D6G

I've got to echo what has been said already. I desperately wanted to hear the Spartan Games interview but could only make out about 2/5 of the words...it was usually when you guys asked a question that you had the best chance to get a glimpse of what was actually going on!

I wonder if there is any kind of audio filter you could apply to it to try to bring up the levels somehow? Can you work on the guest's feed separately or is it all tied together as master audio?


Oh and I definitely like how you've broken up the ads. I always hated that I was so excited to hear a new episode and then would have to fast forward through about 20 minutes at the beginning to skip past the giant block of ads.


I'm sure I'll post more when I finish the ep in like a week...

The interview really needs something done to it. Either cleaned up audio or a transcript.

I'm on the fence about the paid content. Your pay-per-episode model is an innovative mechanic and lends itself towards at least trying it.

You've been upfront that the show was never meant to be a money maker so I was wondering what the extra funds would help the show to do. Will you take more road trips and go to more conventions? There's potential to make a fair amount of money and from what you've contributed to the gaming community I feel you more than deserve it. I don't know how many listeners you have, but if you figure somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 and maybe if 10% regularly buy the bonus content then you're looking at $500 to $1,000 an episode or $13k to $26k a year. My only concern would be if it does end up being sucessfull and then the show gets torn apart over splitting up the money...but I hope that's just a silly worry.

Anyway, I do hope it goes well for you.

I come from the UK, so I didn't have a problem with the accent (sounds like somewhere in the North-East, but I may be wrong). The quality of the line was poor, but that's the UK phone system for you (which I'm also used to). Even so, I did struggle with getting all of the goodness out of the interview; what shone through was Neil's love for the hobby and his sheer enthusiasm. That alone made me go and buy more Spartan stuff this very afternoon....

Hi Guys,

Sorry about the quality issue in the Neil interview. He's a quite talker, it was late for him, and it was obvious he was fighting a cold. Combine that with a trans-Atlantic call and it was tough.

The problem with very low level audio is that you can only do so much. I did what I could with the tools at hand but still...Silk purse, sow's ear, and all that.


After the Interview Neil did send along these key points... thought you might enjoy reading them:

1) FA has Alliance Books coming out – these are really cool for helping people build varied fleets

2) DW will have some free ground combat rules coming out as a PDF download. This doesn’t detract from the current rule book, and it is about helping folk play big ground engagements on the DW world.

3) Spartan has a Big Fleet set of rules designed for USeas and FA. Not sure what format these will take yet, but they’re huge fun.

4) Spartan designed small versions of the FA ships and also some of the USeas fleets. But no info on the roll out of these. [Small = Smaller scale, I think this has to do with #3 above, basically it will be possible to play VERY LARGE fleet actions in FA, and you can use your existing ships or get the smaller scale for even larger battles on the same table - Russ]

5) Death or Glory (DoG) is a great set of skirmish rules that we think people will very much enjoy. We’re expanding our 40mm Mythology range and we’ve also got a complete set of 28mm scale fantasy miniatures for USeas. But the fantasy minis will release with a great set of rules that are much more than just a set of skirmish rules.

6) He also said there would be 'character' decks for DW. Pick a deck for your faction based on a 'hero' and have special abilities on the card unique to the hero. A neat idea to customize the forces even more.



Regarding the new format and "The D6G Lost Chapters"

- Glad to hear you like the new ad format Yak. The intent was to reduce the amount of up front dialog about our sponsors. Our Sponsors all love this new idea, and it is now about 10-15 minutes quicker to get from the opening music to Achievements in Gaming, so we think it's a win for listeners too!

- Revenues from the D6G: Even with 4 hour episodes, we constantly have ideas of more things we'd like to do. But there's only so much 'hobby' time we can justify. However if there was a revenue stream, even a small one, it might be easier to justify MORE time on D6G projects (to say, our wives). Thus "The Lost Episodes" concept. Yes, listeners will pay for content, but they are getting more content than we could provide if they did not. So you can literally vote with your wallet and help decide just how much content we produce.

I wouldn't worry about the D6G 'breaking up' over money. I think if the show starts generating a small amount of compensation it would become increasingly difficult to ever walk away from it.

So I hope everyone understands that each time they contribute to the show, either by purchasing a shout out, clicking the donate button, or buying a Lost Chapter, they are helping to keep the show alive and growing.

What size area did he say his 6mm armies would need to fit in ? Unless I misheard that whole part of the conversation.

Another great episode, guys! I listened to it on the plane ride I took yesterday from Denver to Washington DC. I too thought the interview was a little difficult to make out, but I seem to have gotten more out of it than some. I'm willing to try and pass along some of the info I gleaned that I didn't see posted above.

shinzuer wrote:What size area did he say his 6mm armies would need to fit in ? Unless I misheard that whole part of the conversation.

From what I gathered, the idea was to play a game on a "normal" sized table using smaller models, so that you could fit in something like 100 ships per side. The models would basically be scaled down one "step"; for example, battleships would be the size of the cruisers in the current range, cruisers the size of frigates, and frigates would be 3-4 to a base (almost like the Tiny Flyer tokens in DW). Neil mentioned that the emphasis in these rules was on units of ships and less on the individual ships themselves.

One thing Russ forgot to mention is the juicy bits Neil passed along about Firestorm Invasion (FI). Neil mentioned that FI is designed to reflect a planetary invasion with hundreds of units on the table. The emphasis will be more on tactical maneuver than the stand up and fight style I've come to associate with 40k. He also mentioned that it would be designed such that linked games of FA and FI could be played, with ships being able to make reinforcing troop drops and the like. This is EXACTLY what I wanted from FI; while I can't say I have developed the man-crush on Neil that Russ seems to have, I am still very happy about this news! Also, there will be 168 models available for FI at release, which comes out to 28 models for each of the 6 factions.

On FA, Neil confirmed that the race-specific decks a la US are still on the way. Also, there are over 20 new races in development for the game, which will be released as part of the factions books. This goes along with what was mentioned on the Spartan forums previously, which is that 400 new FA models are in the works! In the interview, Neil mentioned that Spartan is set to double the total number of minis in its line over the next year .

I thought the info about their design process very interesting as well, although that was the toughest part of the interview for me to make anything out of. What I found most remarkable is that their setup allows for them to potentially go from design to full-scale production of a mini in as little as a week!

Oh, and I also want to echo what Yakface said about the new show format; I think it keeps things moving in the beginning of the show, and makes for a more professional presentation overall.

Great episode guys. I was a bit worried when last episode had the split in the game review and thought "please don't make this a regular style."
Funny that 70+ episodes and HD still has troubles understanding the D6 rating system (at least when Russ does his thing).
I have not been on the threads but just curious will we ever hear the lovely "Words from Wales" again.
As I said I have not been on the forums so maybe it's been discussed already.
Cheers

Thanks for all the kind words, guys, and sorry about the quality of the interview. Those that gave up, however, I urge you to give it one more try. I'm listening now (again . . . trying to get a transcript-like-substance together for dissemination somewhere), and I've got to say, it's bad, but I can make most of it out. If you can't, we should some day have most of the info for you somewhere.

As for all of Russ' responses: I concur.

We spoke with Owen about a month ago. He's had some medical issues, but would love to come back on the show again, and we've told him his spot is always open. Hopefully soon we'll hear his dulcet tones (unless you're British) again.

The split is actually something we've had to do several times for major mini game reviews, but usually when we've done it we've split it among two shows, rather than one. It's just such a meaty game!

~Craig

Episode 70 and 71 were great!

I wasn't suckered into Firestorm Armada back when you guys reviewed it but this time you got me. Your review was so good that I bought a Federated States of America starter box. I would have purchased more if my local store had more stuff in stock. Now I have to wait till my local store get carriers, rulebook and more ships in stock.


Excellent review!!

About your plan for audiobook style content, why not set up a subscription-based format? I know that microtransactions are a popular market form right now, but I'd rather pay a once a year subscription than have to decide what my dollar to minute purchase incentives will be.

Also, I've always thought that a bonus feature would be a great place for you guys to maybe record some of your RPG sessions for consumption, similar to how Penny Arcade and WotC did some DnD games.

Downloading the first lost chapter as I type. Going through PayLoadz option...the link to the Ambling option just brought me to the Ambling storefront - sure there's something wrong I did on my part, but there you have it. Regardless, looking forward to this. 4 hours every two weeks isn't enough. That's right, I said it, and I mean it.

You're one of the few gaming podcasts I still listen to after two or three years...this, despite not really playing many or most of the games that are discussed on the show. You all just seem very down to earth, like I could walk into Myriad games and feel perfectly at home playing a few games with you.

What's better, is what you've introduced me to: I'm here on Dakka, I've gotten into miniatures painting (the few examples in my gallery are thanks to listening to this show), am reading Boneshaker - excuse me, listening to Boneshaker - and have gotten into some 40k fluff (especially the Eisenhorn collection).

At the risk of gushing, thanks!

Hey guys. Great episode.

One question regarding Deathwatch: What do you think of using 40K models during your Deathwatch adventure? Would that work? We haven't role-played in over 15 years, but I think I may be able to get my friends into it if I could incorporate some plastic Space Marines, (everyone could paint up their own character model, with customized weapons, etc.). Plus I have a ton of "enemies" from my existing armies. I know the rules don't cover it, just wondering if you think it would be easy to design a scenario, or use existing scenarios, that could incorporate models when playing.

Thanks - Mez

Mezmaron wrote:Hey guys. Great episode.

One question regarding Deathwatch: What do you think of using 40K models during your Deathwatch adventure? Would that work? We haven't role-played in over 15 years, but I think I may be able to get my friends into it if I could incorporate some plastic Space Marines, (everyone could paint up their own character model, with customized weapons, etc.). Plus I have a ton of "enemies" from my existing armies. I know the rules don't cover it, just wondering if you think it would be easy to design a scenario, or use existing scenarios, that could incorporate models when playing.

Thanks - Mez

I actually got the sense that they used miniatures during their review game...when they talked about each Hormagant model counting as magnitude 2, for example.

I would actually be surprised if their WEREN'T rules (or at least suggestions) in Deathwatch for using miniatures, given the ready availability of them. And even if there aren't, I'm sure you could just utilize miniatures to help visualize the moment for your players whether there are exact rules or not!

yakface wrote:
I actually got the sense that they used miniatures during their review game...when they talked about each Hormagant model counting as magnitude 2, for example.

Yeah, I think Craig mentioned working up some models during the Modeling segment, also.

Well, another good episode, gents. Sound issues aside. It was still a good interview. Neil sounds like a very interesting person. Sounds like we might just be seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Spartan Games. I hope more gamers discover their product.

To Nicole...regarding the Angry Birds game from Mattel. I'm looking forward to it solely for the birds to display. I love the game, but the plush they came out with were a) too big and b) too expensive. The game looks like it'd bore my 6 year old...but I bet I'm gonna have to fight her off from playing with the plastic birds! ;-)

As always, looking forward to the next episode and hope to hear about the Wakelin trip to Disneyworld, 'cause I'm jealous and want to live vicariously.

Pelgrane wrote:I come from the UK, so I didn't have a problem with the accent (sounds like somewhere in the North-East, but I may be wrong).

Yeah, Neil is from the North. But now lives in Somerset, so his accent may even be worse..... lol Not to difficult for us in the UK to follow.

Normally, Neil's very easy to understand, unless he's had a few ciders, but he was suffering from MAN FLU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at the time of the interview so wasn't that great, bless.

Good show guys, once again....

Ruckdog wrote:On FA, Neil confirmed that the race-specific decks a la US are still on the way. Also, there are over 20 new races in development for the game, which will be released as part of the factions books. This goes along with what was mentioned on the Spartan forums previously, which is that 400 new FA models are in the works! In the interview, Neil mentioned that Spartan is set to double the total number of minis in its line over the next year .

I just re-read my post and realized I made a significant typo... that should be 40, not 400, new models for FA . What's a factor of 10 among friends? Still, 40 models is quite a few!

Thanks again, guys. Let's see . . .

Chrispy: We actually had planned (or hoped) to record the Deathwatch session . . . but about 1/2 hour in, after the 10th or 20th filthy off-topic joke, we decided we were taking the right tack . . .

Mez, Yak and Jeff are correct. I actually went crazy fanboi and bought all the bits to make 6 Deathwatch marines of the correct chapters/equipment choices etc. In "The Palace", rather than use guardsmen or cultists the Palace Guard were all Star Wars Miniatures Rebel Soldiers/Officers/Scouts etc., but the Tyranids were all the real Tyranid models. I don't think it's included in the book, but you would be silly not to use all those minis! They're perfect!

~Craig

I think my first game of Dark Heresy we didn't use models and after that, I converted and painted a model for each character. One, you get to flex your creative muscles and paint something a little unique for a change and, two, the game is much easier to play and follow when you have models helping you visualize what's going on.

Great episode as usual. I like the new format and while I've never sponsored a segment, spending roughly $2 a month for the bonus episodes is a nice small way to help support the show and get some more content!

loved the episode and absolutely loved the last one with the in depth review of dystopian war, i am starting 3 fleets, one for me and one for each of my older two sons.

I would love if y'all could do a review of infinity the game, was looking for a good mini skirmish game, getting tired of 40k , played too many years and it gets old, want something smaller and a little more in depth and infinity looks pretty good, the minis are what really caught me they are incredible, would love to hear y'alls take on the game

Are the Lost Chapters going to be available via iTunes?

Hey there, I literally just made this account so I could comment here

I usually just listen through my PC speakers, but I noticed the slightly lower sound than usual and just plugged in my headphones for the remainder of the interview and it was fine.

It would be remiss of me if I didn't turn total fanboi now and worship at the altar of the D6 Generation!

I only started listening about two months ago because I heard about the in depth Malifaux and Flames of War stuff you guys did. I skipped to the parts I wanted and really enjoyed them, so I thought I'd listen in from the start and see how it went. I. Loved. It!

From the opening music all the way to the end I thought it was great! So great in fact that I started listening to the episodes in reverse from the current ones all the way back. I'm back to episode 38 and I'm really enjoying it, though I have to say this is possibly not the ideal way to listen, hearing you guys announce winners and then on the next podcast I listen to you announce the competition

Each of your individual segments are amazing, from the hilarity of what's in the news and Rapid Fire(love "WRONG!" and the news caster and Russ talking to one another!), to the epic interview skills of Total Fan Girl, to the often thought provoking and touching Hollywood minute and You ever notice. Some of the episodes you guys really open up to the mic and it really shows through, congratulations for having the courage to talk so openly. Please never change the way you guys do these segments, they're my favourite part and each one is equally as great as the other.

All this is further brought together when all three of you are together, there are times you really crack me up, and as I love to paint with you guys in the background, there have been more than a few occasions I've messed up what I was just about to touch with the brush and then nearly fell of my chair laughing only to find out the eye I was painting was all the way accross the models face!

Even when you guys are reviewing a game I never see myself playing, it's still great fun to listen along. Thanks so much for making painting more fun!

You guys are really Jimmy Jango, so please keep doing what you do, and all the best for the future!

James.

Wow! That post made me all smiley...thank you so much for the kind words! Glad you are enjoying the show!

Thanks again, guys. And glad you found us, James!It really is nice to hear comments like yours, believe me!

As for iTunes, there's an issue with iTunes that forced us to look elsewhere for The Lost Chapters. We tried, though. We're still tweaking the delivery and content aspects of this new endeavor, though, so nothing is ever completely certain.

Stocke2: We did a quick bit on Infinity a couple episodes back, as we played in a demo Shifty ran at Myriad. I'm afraid for the time being that's probably the most we'll be able to do, since although we were all impressed with the game's potential, and models are beautiful, it didn't really ring any bells, and there were a lot of bits that lend themselves far more to one off scenario games rather than casual competitive play.

But like I said, nothing's ever carved in stone. You never really can tell what the future holds.

Although I should warn you: I've made an oath not to get wrapped up in any new miniature games until I feel I've wrung every last ounce of fun out of Dystopian Wars, or until I'm the very last person playing it locally. Hopefully that will be quite awhile.

We'll see though . . . look, a string!

~Craig

Haven't had a chance to listen to this ep. yet, but you guys have been pumping out some great episodes as of late.

I've avoided Spartan Games for reasons other than the games or miniatures themselves. It's been tough but I have a lot of self-control... or at least I did. I now have a rulebook and Britannia starter on the way.

Also, I'd like to second the option of a yearly fee for unlimited access to the pay-per content.

First: lost chapter is awesome. Really enjoying it.

Second: how is everyone transporting their DW models? I have a Pack 216 that I was going to use for WM, but that never worked out (never got to playing, that is) - it's currently loaded with pluck foam.

So I don't know if this will resonate with anyone else, but I noticed a slight;y different tone for the DW review. It felt like I was sitting at the table up at the shop talking about the game rather than some of the more "technical" reviews. It was nice for a change. Not there isn't a time and a place for technical reviews, but I really enjoyed the banter back and forth. I don't know if it was because you 3 were in the same room or simply the topic at hand. Either way I enjoyed it and though I'd share. Keep up the good work!

Jon

PS Looks like I'm going to play Craig this year as our kiddo is due Aug. 10th! Makes it tough leave the previous week for GenCon...