Armchair Dragoons Forums

Other Gaming => Designing and Creating => Topic started by: AllTim on April 08, 2022, 05:17:43 PM

Title: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 08, 2022, 05:17:43 PM
My day job is a librarian, but my night job is as a graphics designer for wargames.  I thought this might be a good spot to show off what I up-coming projects I am currently working on.  Right now I am nearly done with the counters, map, and cover art for a game from HFD called "Succeed or Die: The Battles of Rafa and El Arish June 5-6, 1967".  If all goes well, it will be released sometime in May.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: Barthheart on April 08, 2022, 06:50:11 PM
Looks cool!  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: Tolstoi on April 08, 2022, 09:06:10 PM
Hey! Happy to see another librarian join the Dragoons.  :2thumbs:

The map and counters look great. Can you tell us if this will be a 2 player game, or a solitaire game? I know Paul Rohrbaugh designs both, just curious to know what kind of game might be offered up in May. I'm curious, what tools do you use for your work?

Looking forward to whatever else you can share with us in the future.

Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: judgedredd on April 09, 2022, 02:58:16 AM
That looks cracking  :bigthumb: :notworthy:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 09, 2022, 08:54:54 AM
Thanks.  This will be a two player game.  Some of his games use a deck of cards to figure out who goes first and how many of your units to activate in a turn, but with this one you roll a die.  In terms of the graphic look, I was inspired (at least for the counters) by the old game Panzerblitz.  I always loved those black tank silhouettes.  The three numbers on the counters are (left to right) combat, range, movement.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: Tolstoi on April 09, 2022, 09:40:54 AM
Excellent, thank you for the info about the game.

Do you use a vector graphics editor, or a raster graphics editor? I've been thinking about learning how to use GIMP and Inkscape. I'm curious what you use to create such great maps and counters.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 09, 2022, 10:39:04 AM
I work in Photoshop, so its all pretty much raster based.  But fonts are of course vector and Photoshop has a "shapes" tool which also is vector.  I make as much use of military vector fonts and shapes as I can.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 09, 2022, 10:46:40 AM
I tried out Gimp for a while.  Its very powerful and very close to what Photoshop can do.  And I have heard good things about Inkscape.   But I also found Gimp to be as hard to learn as Photoshop was, and after 10+ years of learning I still feel I am barely scraping the surface of what it can do.  Actually a lot of the problem for me was trying to un-learn Photoshop so I could use Gimp.  I knew how Photoshop did things and was constantly frustrated when Gimp did it differently!  Somebody approaching Gimp with no knowledge at all of Photoshop would probably find it easier to learn.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: Tolstoi on April 09, 2022, 08:12:32 PM
Thank you for the info about the graphic tools you use and your experience with them. I've never used Photoshop, so I can approach Gimp without any expectations. Also, since Gimp is open source, that makes it very affordable.  :biggrin:

Looking forward to seeing your other projects when you are ready to share them.





 
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on April 10, 2022, 07:16:08 AM
What size are the counters?
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 10, 2022, 10:45:52 AM
.625 and the map will be two 11x17 sheets for 22x17 total.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on April 10, 2022, 10:54:23 AM
Thanks  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 11, 2022, 10:15:00 AM
Another game that is 99% done is a game called "Volters Lead the Way!" by Hermann Luttmann.  This is in the same style as his "In Magnificent Style" push-your-luck solitaire games, but with a SciFi setting.  I must admit I found doing the graphics for this game quite challenging to make up as it needed original artwork for two sets of counters as well as cards, two maps two player aids and the box cover.  This is just a small image from Steam where Hermann has been playtesting the game that will give you and idea of all the parts needed.  I probably put way too much time into detailing the counter art, and you can't see it here, but I am hoping it will look great once actually printed out.  The game will be on a 22x17 map, with both 1 inch and .625 inch counters and standard sized cards.  There are actually two maps- one on Mars and one on the Moon.  Watch for this one to come out in the not too distant future from White Dog Games.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: W8taminute on April 11, 2022, 10:47:35 AM
Replying in order to follow this thread.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on April 11, 2022, 01:44:10 PM
His Franco-Prussian game 'At Any Costs' is one of my favourite games of all times. I really like the 'Blind Sword' system.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 12, 2022, 11:35:06 AM
It's not for any new game, but I recently found out you can get some old S&T mags complete with game online.  Since I have never played it, I downloaded the one that had Winter War.  Then before I even read the rules or tried it, I decided to re-do the graphics for the counters.  This is what I came up with.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on April 12, 2022, 12:00:32 PM
Nice clear counters  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 12, 2022, 12:04:48 PM
Thanks.  When printed out the side numbers are hard to read with my tired old eyes, but I couldn't make them larger and still have them fit on the  map, unless I redid that too, and that's just one step too far even for me!
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on April 12, 2022, 12:09:19 PM
Since the sheets are 10 counters wide, then it tells me that the counters are 1/2". Unfortunately, I find small counters to be a challenge for my poor old eye's these days.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 12, 2022, 12:10:24 PM
Yep.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: HellCat6 on April 13, 2022, 10:12:41 PM
Nice work! Do you work exclusively for HFD or do you freelance? (Asking for a friend...)
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 14, 2022, 11:43:32 AM
I work for anybody who can pay (and some who couldnt...cough cough...CSL...cough).  I mostly do smaller games as I find regular/larger games to be more challenging and less fun.  But I have done some for Compass Games- The Lamps are Going out and Imperial Tide were my graphics.  I also did the maps for some Worthington Games- The Malta one that just came out, and In Magnificent Style.  The latest game I worked on was for HFD on the Battle of Kontum.  That one turned out well.

http://www.hfdgames.com/kontum.html
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 21, 2022, 01:52:03 PM
I just got the go-ahead to do up the graphics for a new HFD game.  So far I have been having fun working on the game cover art. 
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on April 21, 2022, 02:01:03 PM
 :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 21, 2022, 02:12:01 PM
As usual with HFD, it will have a map of 22x17 with probably .625 counters (I havent measured the map yet to see how large the hexes will end up being).  the number of counters is around 160, about half of which are combat units.  It will  have a chit pull mechanic, have facing for the units (mostly regiment in size), and combat will be based on a die roll for each player that will have loads of modifiers.  The list of modifiers for both defense and offense is the only thing I find a bit fiddly; the rest of the game looks and reads well to me.  I will post updates here as I get more of the artwork done.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 22, 2022, 01:48:31 PM
I decided to re-draw the counters for the old SPI game Across Suez.  These are .625 sized.  I also resized the map by 125%.  Now I just have to actually print and cut the counters.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on April 22, 2022, 03:29:13 PM
Hmmm... I wanted to make sure all the numbers and text stood out on them, but now I am thinking they are a bit too loud.  they may look better with regular rather than a bold font.  Oh well, I am not going back and changing all of them now.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 13, 2022, 11:23:46 AM
here are two different styles of icons for an upcoming game.  Which do you prefer?
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on May 13, 2022, 11:28:56 AM
I much prefer the second design.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 13, 2022, 11:46:07 AM
Tim, I like #2 better b/c it's easier to distinguish from a distance what they each are

From afar, I wonder if it's too tough to tell the sabers from the rifles when they're all crossed on the same color counter
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: Barthheart on May 13, 2022, 12:36:38 PM
I also agree that set #2 is easier to distinguish at a distance.

But both sets have the problem of not enough tanks.  ;)
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 13, 2022, 12:57:11 PM
But both sets have the problem of not enough tanks.  ;)

 :2thumbs:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 13, 2022, 01:52:53 PM
agreed about the tanks, but that's  not my call. 

I was pretty much going with the second version but just need verification that they were the ones to use.  Thanks!
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: vyshka on May 14, 2022, 03:33:39 PM
AllTim, what tools do you use? Do you use a tablet, or just mouse? I have access to Adobe CC since we have a subscription for my wife doing photography, so I should start messing around and figuring out photoshop and illustrator.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 16, 2022, 10:32:46 AM
Just a mouse.  I did try using one of those usb graphics tablet/pens, but it did not seem to make things any better or easier.  No doubt I just didn't learn how to use it properly, since I have heard it can make a big difference.  But you know how it is; when you have a deadline you just go with what you know.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 16, 2022, 03:59:10 PM
the map for the game is coming along
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on May 16, 2022, 04:16:06 PM
Map looks good  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: Barthheart on May 16, 2022, 07:41:43 PM
That’s a great looking map.  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: thecommandtent on May 16, 2022, 08:17:04 PM
That’s a great looking map.  :bigthumb:

+1
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 17, 2022, 10:10:58 AM
new cover.  I found what I think is a better, more appropriate and more colorful image.  Forced it thru a few filters to get it where it is currently.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bob48 on May 17, 2022, 10:21:25 AM
Looks like an illustration from 'Battles and Leaders'.  ;)
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 17, 2022, 10:27:37 AM
I'm hoping thats a good thing!  :)
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: vyshka on May 17, 2022, 01:33:36 PM
the map for the game is coming along

D you do that in a vector program like Illustrator, or something like Photoshop?
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 17, 2022, 01:53:27 PM
I work almost exclusively in Photoshop.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on May 17, 2022, 02:38:52 PM
Since I have been doing this for so long, I have acquired a fairly large numbers of add-ons for Photoshop like new brush sets, vector shapes, fonts, and actions.  They all combine to make short work of most maps and counters.  Making up original artwork, like I had to for the counters in Hermann Luttmann's space games, is what is the most time consuming.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on October 25, 2023, 02:26:19 PM
Sheesh, its been over a year since I posted anything here.  Let's see; I'll just list out the projects I have been working on since then, assuming my memory goes back that far...

I made up graphics for a bunch of High Flying Dice Games including "Battle’s Orphan: The Bay of Pigs Invasion" with two maps,  "Cockleshell Heroes: Operation Frankton, December 11, 1942", "A Scourge of Stone and Spirit: The Siege of Harfleur, 1415" mini-game, and I am finishing off "Vallée de la mort: The Siege of Dien Bien Phu.

For Blue Panther Games I made up the made the map and other graphics for  "the Struggle for New France" and all the graphics for "Road to Independence: The American Revolution 1775-1783".  And I just finished up with the new graphics for "Vive L"Empereur!" which is moving from White Dog Games to Blue Panther Games.

I am currently updating the graphics for the scfi game "Volters Lead the Way!" which is moving from White Dog Games to Tiny Battle games.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bbmike on October 26, 2023, 07:42:53 AM
The canvas map for Vive L"Empereur! is a beautiful thing.  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on October 26, 2023, 08:57:13 AM
Thanks.  The counters gave me fits, and I'm still not that happy with them, but the map came together really well.  I thought the original map was amazing in its detail, but seemed to me like too much of a good thing.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on October 30, 2023, 12:00:09 PM
This week I am hoping to finish up the graphics for Vallee de la Mort.  Maps are done.  counters still need work
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bbmike on October 31, 2023, 09:43:45 AM
Nice!  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on November 14, 2023, 11:54:04 AM
I sent in the last of the graphics to Paul and just got back the final fixes needed, so hopefully this will be out by the beginning of December. "La  Vallee de la Mort" will have three separate maps (three different battles) and 4 counter sheets.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on December 08, 2023, 01:24:08 PM
From the first to the last.  Vallee de la Mort covers the battle that led to the creation South Vietnam.  Now we have "White Christmas; the fall of Saigon" which covers the end of South Vietnam.  Paul sez this will be out in Jan. of the new year.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bayonetbrant on December 08, 2023, 02:58:34 PM
Looks great!
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on January 31, 2024, 09:15:39 AM
My latest game graphics are for a game on the Battle of Palmetto Ranch for High Flying Dice Games.  Its a game of the last battle of the Civil War.  It takes place in the far Southeast corner of Texas and had the dubious distinction of creating the last man killed in battle during the American Civil War.  Paul has asked me to start making up back covers for his games.  Formerly they all were ziplocked with no back cover but now he has started offering boxed games with more standardized front and backs to the boxes. 
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on January 31, 2024, 09:16:53 AM
counters and back
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on January 31, 2024, 09:20:20 AM
Paul already has three more games lined up for graphics upgrading that I can choose from.

1.  Operation Icarus: The German Invasion of Iceland (game and custom card set).

2.  Operation Source: The British X-Craft raid on the Tirpitz (solitaire play game and custom card set).

3.  A Hard Day's Work: The Battle of Droop Mountain (largest American Civil War battle fought in West Virginia, uses the same design as Palmetto Ranch).

What should my next project be?  I'm leaning toward Icarus.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on February 01, 2024, 11:57:14 AM
I decided to go with Icarus.
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 01, 2024, 01:13:56 PM
I like the look of that cover :)
Title: Re: My Latest Game Graphics
Post by: AllTim on February 10, 2024, 10:50:45 AM
Map done.  Counters started.  Cards still to do.  I gotta say, I really want to like this game but the rules are a bit of a dogs breakfast.  There is a good game in there, but IMO it needs more development.