Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Pendraken Rules! => Blitzkrieg Commander IV => BKC-III => Topic started by: Leon on 13 April 2018, 12:01:56 AM

Title: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Leon on 13 April 2018, 12:01:56 AM
Right then, with Salute almost upon us it's time for an update regarding Blitzkrieg Commander and it's both good and bad news.

The revision group have spent the past 3 months going through a 60-page document containing all of the issues and feedback we received when BKC-III launched.  For each problem they've examined and playtested to come up with a recommended fix, but unfortunately in most cases the advised resolution was to revert to BKC2 instead.  The overall concensus was that BKC2 was a better ruleset, more historically accurate and most importantly, more fun to play.

Now we could attempt to pull out sections of BKC-III and replace them with BKC2 but this would result in a potentially messy mashup of the two sets with a lot of clashes and no real flow.  This is too much of a risk to take at this point.

So, the end result, and the bad news, is that BKC-III is dead.  We don't want to take a gamble on something which might not be up to standard a second time, so we think it's better now to draw a line under BKC-III and move on.  I know a lot of people have had this same conclusion over the past 12 months but we had to make sure for ourselves before reaching this decision.

And so we move on to the good news.  We've spoken to the group and they're happy to work with us to create BKC-IV.  This will be a proper evolution of Blitzkrieg Commander, done by a group of players with over 10 years of experience with the Commander series of rules.  There won't be the same level of changes that we attempted with BKC-III, instead this will be more of a gentle progression to tidy up and clarify whilst retaining the identity of the original rules.  

Now we are extremely aware of how long this whole process has taken and we apologise to everyone that has been sat waiting for nearly a year now.  The playtest group have advised us that a 3-6 month timescale is definitely achievable to have a new BKC sorted out and ready to print, so we're looking at the end of September as a deadline.

For everyone who bought a copy of BKC-III, nothing has changed as regards our promise to you.  Everyone who has BKC-III will automatically get a copy of BKC-IV, whether it's a physical book or a pdf.  We'll also see what else we can do to thank you for your patience throughout this process.  However, if anyone doesn't want to wait any further then we will refund your original purchase, no problem.

No doubt there'll be some questions on this, so let us know and we'll get them answered as best we can.  We're away at the Salute show from Friday to Sunday night, so we might not be able to reply to you until we're back.  Also, we won't have any information on BKC-IV at this time, we'll need to give the revision group a little time to start formulating a plan for moving forward.  We'll advise on that process as much as we can along the way.

And finally, thanks to everyone for their understanding and patience with all of this.  We take a huge amount of pride in our products, our service and our reputation and we're going to keep our word and make this right for everyone.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Rubenmegido on 13 April 2018, 12:37:40 AM
This are suprising news but I guess it´s wiser to call it a day rather than forcing changes into a system that was already quite good. I would prefer BKC4 to be a more polished BKC2 so please, go ahead. We could wait a few months more :)

As a suggestion I would say that that you should try to keep a similar layout as the one used in BKC2 book. Reading BKC3 was a bit disorienting as the fonts, layout and look of the tables was very different to previous books and that, apart from the changes, give me the feeling that I was reading a totally different ruleset.If you plan BKC4 to be a gentle evolution, the layout of the book should be similar to previous one. That would make it part of the same family :)
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: petercooman on 13 April 2018, 04:30:06 AM
Didn't see that coming!

Anyway, good luck with bkc IV !
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: fsn on 13 April 2018, 07:47:12 AM
I'm sad to hear this, after all the efforts you've put in to BKCIII. I think it shows great character to have taken the decision you have, and consideration of the customers. You could just have put out addendums (at £5 per pop) as some other rule purveyors undoubtedly would have done, or just ignore the comments (as is the practice of one rule merchant of my ken).

I do hope this nobility won't come at too high a financial cost. Dammit, I may even break my own law about not buying any more rules and buy a set of BKCIV myself.

I'm sure members of the forum would be pleased, nay eager, to assist in any way possible. I will start the line and offer to review lists of vehicles etc for completeness.

Good luck.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Zbigniew on 13 April 2018, 08:11:33 AM
Good decision.

The good news is that BCK IV will be what I hoped for BCK III to be. Just polished BCK II with enriched army lists.

Bad news is obviously the delay.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Genom on 13 April 2018, 08:39:39 AM
This is what most of the community I think was expecting to begin with so all good news there, but likewise I think most are willing to wait for the right product so all good there as well as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: slugbalancer on 13 April 2018, 08:44:25 AM
A brave & good call.

Are you still up to taking in my copies of BKC3 at Salute tomorrow?
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: smallchild139 on 13 April 2018, 09:08:23 AM
I agree with the general consensus on here that this will be a good thing in the long term, and I must say that this is what I was really expecting BKC 3 to be in the first place.  Happy to wait and well done again to Pendraken for taking another difficult decision.  Really looking forward even more to BKC 4 now.

Mark
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 April 2018, 09:34:17 AM
 >:<
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: T13A on 13 April 2018, 10:23:14 AM
Hi

Just wanted to say that I think this is the best news I have heard for some time (wargaming wise at least). Well done for coming to what must have been a difficult and painful decision. However, I am sure it is the right one.

Already looking forward to BKCIV, now exactly what extra figures do I need.......

Cheers Paul
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Ithoriel on 13 April 2018, 10:57:05 AM
Sounds like BKC-IV will be what I'd hoped/ expected BKC-III would be so I'm looking forward to the next iteration and grateful for the time and effort being put into this.

As the sign at work used to say "Cheap, Quick, Good - Choose One!" Happy to wait for good :)
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Norm on 13 April 2018, 11:03:45 AM
Brave, understandable and ultimately sensible decision - though the hit that project has caused the Pendraken coffers is regretable.

Hopefully the project can now tread an easier path and please a wider audience.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 13 April 2018, 03:20:13 PM
Well you cant say you wernt told that all wuz needed was a tidy up of the writing !
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: paulr on 13 April 2018, 09:29:18 PM
A brave and bold decision totally focused on your customers, well done Pendraken =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: sunjester on 14 April 2018, 08:28:03 AM
I echo the above sentiments.  =D> =D> =D>
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Womble67 on 14 April 2018, 11:09:48 AM
Quote from: petercooman on 13 April 2018, 04:30:06 AM
Didn't see that coming!


Yep totally agree with you mate.

Anyway good luck with the new version I hope everything goes ok for you

Take care

Andy
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: ronan on 14 April 2018, 05:41:20 PM
Quote from: paulr on 13 April 2018, 09:29:18 PM
A brave and bold decision totally focused on your customers, well done Pendraken =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

I agree !
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Dave Fielder on 15 April 2018, 04:56:46 PM
I always prefer the Mark IV over the Mark III, much more punch and a greater chassis with versatility and reliability. Looking forward to it, send when ready, no rush as I have so many other projects to deal with. 
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Leon on 15 April 2018, 10:45:30 PM
Thanks for all the replies, the understanding and the patience, it's really appreciated while we work this out.  We had a lot of positive messages from people at Salute yesterday as well which was nice.

Quote from: Rubenmegido on 13 April 2018, 12:37:40 AM
As a suggestion I would say that that you should try to keep a similar layout as the one used in BKC2 book. Reading BKC3 was a bit disorienting as the fonts, layout and look of the tables was very different to previous books and that, apart from the changes, give me the feeling that I was reading a totally different ruleset.If you plan BKC4 to be a gentle evolution, the layout of the book should be similar to previous one. That would make it part of the same family :)

The layout will probably be somewhere between the two, as the more modern design of the rules was something that had positive feedback from the release.  We'll get a new cover made and change some of the fonts probably.

Quote from: fsn on 13 April 2018, 07:47:12 AM
I'm sure members of the forum would be pleased, nay eager, to assist in any way possible. I will start the line and offer to review lists of vehicles etc for completeness.

Thanks fsn, I'll pass the offer on to the group.

Quote from: slugbalancer on 13 April 2018, 08:44:25 AM
Are you still up to taking in my copies of BKC3 at Salute tomorrow?

This is probably a bit late but yes we were and I think we got yours at the show?


We'll update again as soon as there's any more info.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: slugbalancer on 15 April 2018, 11:34:12 PM
QuoteThis is probably a bit late but yes we were and I think we got yours at the show?
No, I didn't bring my copies, so I'll wait for the official re-call.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Leon on 15 April 2018, 11:46:24 PM
Quote from: slugbalancer on 15 April 2018, 11:34:12 PM
No, I didn't bring my copies, so I'll wait for the official re-call.

No worries, if you're at any other shows though, pop them along and we'll get them there.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Mauro59 on 17 April 2018, 10:52:49 AM
I agree with a new situation. So i'll be waiting for BKCIV. The only thing that i hope is to mantain all new army list. I have armies for all countries in WWII except Denmark and Bulgaria. Have a nice job
Mauro
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Itinerant Hobbyist on 17 April 2018, 09:34:59 PM
Said it on the FB group and will echo it here. Good decision and of course i'm Here to help proof, play-test, whatever.

I will definitely promote on the YT channel and FB.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Orcs on 18 April 2018, 11:38:30 AM
Quote from: T13A on 13 April 2018, 10:23:14 AM
Already looking forward to BKCIV, now exactly what extra figures do I need.......

Cheers Paul

I am not sure this is a sensible question to ask a figure manufacturer  :).

You will needs

50 packs of infantry  and a minimum of 100 vehicles per side  ;D ;D ;D

No seriously you can play a good game of BKC with about a dozen stands of infantry , 1 machine gun , 1 mortar and a troop or two of tanks per side.  After that you can add all you wish to buy

Please remember that by buying tanks and vehicles from Pendraken you enable Leon to feed his family, his children to have shoes to wear to school and M'lady can wear real stockings/ tights rather than draw lines down the back of her legs with eye pencil. :D
 
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 18 April 2018, 12:36:59 PM
No you need at least 100 28mm tanks, can only be played in 28mm after all.  Seriously I'd use a btn a side, any scale you like.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: lowlylowlycook on 22 April 2018, 12:10:30 AM
Any plans for a Korean war supplement for either BKCII or BKCIV?
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Leon on 22 April 2018, 02:58:22 AM
Quote from: lowlylowlycook on 22 April 2018, 12:10:30 AM
Any plans for a Korean war supplement for either BKCII or BKCIV?

Yep, once everything's sorted out we'd like to do a Korean supplement to go with our new ranges.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Dave Fielder on 20 May 2018, 05:53:28 PM
Don't forget 41 Commando Royal Marines in the Korean War supplement  ;)
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Shedman on 20 May 2018, 09:39:55 PM
I imagine that the Korean War supplement won't have that level of granularity in it. But then again you never know - a conflict specific supplement might be the place to add more granularity
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Dave Fielder on 26 May 2018, 10:47:50 PM
There needs to be something in there for the Commando Beret being worn ... it's a strategic capability
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: John Cook on 03 June 2018, 05:26:00 PM
A shame that all the time and effort put into BKC III has been, apparently, wasted but, to be honest, I never quite understood the need for a BKC III anyway.  Why fix something that isn't broken? 
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Shedman on 03 June 2018, 09:28:53 PM
Having spent a while looking at BKCIII it's a down step from BKCII but there are several goods bits in it . The step-by-step tables are really useful and I like the Recce Pathfinder rule.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Sandinista on 04 June 2018, 01:53:39 AM
I never got round to removing the plastic wrapper off mine, I bought them on holiday and never had time to look at them. When I got back from holiday they had been withdrawn, so I never bothered  :)

Cheers
Ian
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Womble67 on 05 July 2018, 12:38:03 AM
Any updates as to whats happening Leon I know you must be getting sick of being asked

Take care

Andy
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Leon on 05 July 2018, 12:45:15 AM
I'll be speaking to the guys before the weekend to see how we're getting on, so I'll get an update posted up soon.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Womble67 on 05 July 2018, 12:47:06 AM
Quote from: Leon on 05 July 2018, 12:45:15 AM
I'll be speaking to the guys before the weekend to see how we're getting on, so I'll get an update posted up soon.

Thanks for the quick reply

Take care

Andy
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: nheather on 09 October 2018, 09:50:27 AM
Hi,

Any update.  I asked at the stand at Colours and was told that it was almost ready, should be released October/November.

Are you still on track for that?

Cheers,

Nigel
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Leon on 09 October 2018, 11:39:49 AM
Quote from: nheather on 09 October 2018, 09:50:27 AM
Any update.  I asked at the stand at Colours and was told that it was almost ready, should be released October/November.

Are you still on track for that?

The plan is still to have the file complete by Nov and then off to the printers, so we can hopefully get them back and shipped out in time for Xmas.
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Womble67 on 10 October 2018, 09:16:52 AM
I think we're all looking forward to the release of this

Take care

Andy
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: paulr on 10 October 2018, 10:38:46 PM
Not as much as Leon ;)
Title: Re: BKC Update - April 2018
Post by: Womble67 on 11 October 2018, 09:34:13 AM
Quote from: paulr on 10 October 2018, 10:38:46 PM
Not as much as Leon ;)

Very true

Take care

Andy