Battletech Gothic: Good or Bad Idea?

Is the Batteltech community over reacting?

#gamesworkshop #warhammerageofsigmar #tabletopwargaming #warhammer40k #battletech

[SethMathes]

I feel like the community outrage might be better explained by stating that this is kind of like doing a new Star Trek project where captain Picard has a lightsaber and force powers. Hope everyone can still keep it under control, but do kind of understand why so many people are upset about it.

[QuemadorDeCromo]

They should've done the anime one first, the reception would have been much better.

[millefune]

I’m old enough to remember when people were upset about the Clan Invasion, and the changes it brought.

That’s just how fandoms work. When there’s a little bit of change, or something different comes along, they get angry and have knee-jerk overreactions.

[lanceo]

Me and my two brothers in law are really excited for BTG. Im also excited to see different takes on battletech in the future. I've seen some people suggest like a diesel or ww2 tek. As I'm sitting here I just thought I'd like magic tech; imagine a Warhammer but like an Ent or something. Things like these just make my imagination go

[MadMax-elel]

Let me offer the perspective from a gaming group that has been playing Battletech since the early 90s.

I have played with the same 12 metal mechs since the 90s, using all sorts of proxies for vehicles, troops. So I picked up 3d printing for expanding our Battletech experience and terrain/kitbashing. Not for infinity or 40k or kings of war.

I didn't know about the Battletech being back until I saw a Clan invasion box on the shelf at a store I don't normally visit. Then I also found out that Battletech had a thriving local scene and community. I was confused because neither LGS I game at, had even a whisper of a Battletech resurgence. So I asked why. I got basically a one word answer, kickstarter, making carrying it as a stock product was not viable, but they would order anything we want.

So.... Battletech Gothic...
1. I don't care what CGL does, CGL is not Battletech. I don't even own a cgl book.
2. We don't do kickstarters because they undermine our LGS's... they need to be there for the next generation of gamers.
3. My inner big mek aka my kitbashing/kustom building spirit is offended by people's laziness, modify your toys.
4. I like the Marauder as a black Marauder model base, I like the rest as a pirate or Gladiator lance. It inspired me to Kit bash up a lance, ahead of getting the box for the Marauder...
5. I don't think the multi-verse thing is a good thing. But more mechs is a good thing
6. But I cannot deny that CGL has done a great job growing the table top game... but... almost all of the people I have talked with credited video games not CGL with them getting I to Battletech.

[Cointelpronoun]

Honestly people paint their battlemechs like Arizona green tea cans and pride flags and NASCAR and hello kitty. It's probably fine. It's really not a big deal. I look forward to seeing other themes.

[Subject_Keter]

I think it funny how they are "WE ARE THE UNITY! WE MUST BE ONE MIND, ONE PEOPLE" 😂

[AAhmou]

It'd have been mostly fine if CGL were in a better place with their main products. The problem is that we have the company lagging behind their kickstarter promises, Mechs that have yet to receive new models, the lack of product distribution outside the US, and the perceived failure of advancing the setting into the Il-Clan Era. All of these factors combined would add salt to the wound when it comes to people's expectations. Instead of using the company's already stretched thin limited resources to solving some of these problems, they use them to make what would have been perceived, in a better situation, as an inoffensive one off joke product.

[theRemyLuna]

The big problem is that most people that arent upset are not voicing their opinions as often or as loudly as the people that seem to hate most everything in battletech already.

I'm more hopeful for this idea than the current 3152 era they are continuing with. And I am one of those silly people that tries to remain positive before crucifying EVERYONE at CGL.

[calebhebert]

Fairly balanced and nuanced take. My problems with cgl are many, and you listed most of them, but basically they are a bad company.

My particular issue with Gothic is that they stole pardoes idea (the guy they fired) and dressed it up like they stole 40ks drip.

They Kickstart everything. They don't finish anything, and they frequently play politics. I don't like it. I can't in good conscious, give them my money.

They look cool though. I'm sure people will make up some sweet 3d prints after this, so that's something.

[timunderbakke]

So here’s my beef: they have years of content they already told us about for a retail store rolling schedule, but they instead devote resources to this while they are delayed on the retail products. The “q2 2024” releases JUST made it to stores. And yes, the model designers would be working on those new SKUs but went ahead and did this.

If they had done this while maintaining their schedule, I’d be a heck of a lot more forgiving.

[Cointelpronoun]

Not my first choice for an alternate universe but I think it's still pretty good idea. I hope they do other alternate universes that have other themes. They went with Gothic (really 40K) for this one but I can see other ideas like sleek iPhone looking designs for some kind of solar punk version. Or maybe a cyberpunk BattleTech

[griphere]

Have they changed all the existing rules and sent the previous models to ‘legends’?

[redkaladin]

I'm going to give them a pass on the kickstarter thing. They sent all the supplies to QML ages ago, but international shipping and warehousing is a nightmare. I got my mechs last summer, but places like Australia I think are still waiting. As far as LGS goes, mine has been adding more battletech stock, which has been awesome. We have a thriving primarily Alpha Strike community here. As far as company finances, CGL is basically a books company that makes minis too. Minis will never be their priority because people buying the novels and accessory books for tabletop is how they pay the bills.

[deepstrike]

I am so ready for it
I'm ready to crush some abominations
I'm even working on a doom slayer inspired battle Mech
Of course I'm using the charger as the basis
But more chainsaw! !!

[ciscoytube]

7:40 bro, it's not like they have infinite resources. Nobody would have a problem with this if they were keeping up with current orders and adding playability to the current game. But they're not doing any of that. That's why people are pissed. GW can expand because they're meeting current player requirements. You don't start building a Starbucks across the street when you're currently taking 20mins to make a lousy frappuccino. Get a clue.

[CDMJDMHHC]

You made some good points, but your to forgiving of CGL missteps.

[veisticon]

Completely understand the fans outrage tbh

[weirdguy]

As much as people want to attack Catalyst for making a spin-off game they don't way, there is actual official content I don't want.

I feel BattleTech is getting pretty bloated. There are lots of eras to play in, and I couldn't care less. I don't like The Jihad, or the Dark Ages, or even the Clan Invasion and FedCom civil war. Their rulebooks are so full of weapons, lots of gear that I don't used it irritates me to find what I do use. It is so bad that I actually went and bought old, used rulebooks just to get a version without all that stupid stuff removed. I like the original setting of the year 3025 A.D. with the five great houses trying to take over the other four.

In fact, I've started looking at alternative rules that are BattleTech copycat games so I can just play how I want. MechaForce Tactical Combat is one I like.

There is supposed to be 8 of these spin-off games, and the only one I think may be good is one set in World War 2. The few ones they have announced will be a pass from me.

[BwfVid]

I have been playing BT since 1987 and I am looking forward to getting this! I think the miniatures are wonderful. I also am not a "fluff" guy so new lore doesn't matter to me. I just want to smash up robots!