Gettysburg: The Tide Turns playtesting - Apply Here!

[BradTSS]

Shenandoah Studio is looking for a few good soldiers, Union or Confederate, to become playtesters of Gettysburg: The Tide Turns.

We are ready to begin board game testing, which consists of downloading the game components, assembling a game (using color printer, paper, scissors, etc.). And then begin playing against a friend or solitaire. A Vassal module is coming to enable online play.

Read the full details and requirements here on our blog.

To Apply:

Post a reply explaining why you feel you would make a great playtester.


We'll reach out to your forum registered email if you are selected as a tester.


EDIT as of 7/6/2016: to apply to the Beta Test phase, please click here!

[Yojimbo252]

Hi,

I'm an experienced wargamer that was involved in the Battle of the Bulge playtest. My interests have swung heavily towards strategy gaming on the mobile device platform.

I've give good honest feedback which I think you've already seen in my comments on the various forums and was happy to help out with the BotB strategy guide.

I hope you'll consider me once again.

Jim.

[jrboeke]

I seek to assist with the playtesting of Gettysburg: The Tide Turns. I am an experienced and active historical gamer -- in fact, my first board game was Gettysburg '64 by Avalon Hill. I have been playing board wargames since 1974. Although I am currently located in California, I have family in Easter Pennsylvania and get back several times a year (so it would be possible for me to, selectively, participate in face-to-face sessions (although honestly, I will understand if that isn't sufficient from your perspective). I have not had the chance to formally playtest a commercial board wargame, but I have done beta-testing on several software products, including several games (both for game play and for technical bugs). I have had the opportunity to playtest several sets of miniatures rules however, so I feel that I have the requisite skills (with regard to providing feedback to Shenandoah).

As far as why I would like to assist with the game, First, I have a special affinity for the battle. My parents first introduced me to Gettysburg in 1972, and I caught the "Civil War buff" bug. I actually had the opportunity to live and work in Gettysburg for several years and have been able to walk the battlefield from East to West, North to South, and back again, on multiple occasions. Those visits coupled reading multiple accounts of the battle have actually fueled my interest in the historical game versions of the battle. I enjoy playing, and trying to win, the games, but I am intrigued by the analysis that goes into the game's design and looking at the choices the designer makes.

In addition to my love of the historical aspects associated with the battle, I have to admit that I have become something of a fan-boy for Shenandoah Studios. Battle of the Bulge is such a great experience from the player's perspective, it is (and I am not just saying this), my favorite computer wargame. I think that you have done a great job of re-thinking the entire genre of computer wargames, and I think it would be a great honor (and responsibility) to assist with Shenandoah's efforts to take my favorite historical battle and give it the same treatment. If I can assist in any way (beyond being a KS backer), I would relish the opportunity.

Sincerely,

Joseph Boeke

[Number6]

Hello.

I'm writing to offer my time and energy game tester.

I've been playing wargames for over twenty-five years - everything from SPI games to ASL to computer wargames; pretty much every era and theatre interest me, as long as the rules are written well and the scenarios are intriguing. Recently I have been spending many hours playing BotB, on both sides, to see the strengths and weakness of each position.

The Civil War is a focal point for my gaming and reading. I consider Joe Balkowski's Victory Game series some of my favourite games; but Three Days of Gettysburg is close behind. I've also had the honour of visiting the battlefield several times and been able to see the hollowed ground that men on both sides fought and died for.

I am interested, and hopeful, in where Shenandoah Studios is heading and your growing selection of game titles. I would be willing to devote time and energy to "kick the tires" and try to find the odd issue in development.

Any services that I can offer, would be a pleasure.

Sincerely,
Greg

[vis02124]

Hi folks,

I'd love to playtest the game. I'm an experienced wargamer, having started in 1969 with 1914 and Blitzkrieg, and have actively wargamed ever since. I'm retired, so have the time to do the job. I'm fairly familiar with the battle, having walked the site about 25 times or so over the years, and having read extensively on the battle. I've done some computer game play testing, notably for the Mac version of Wizardry IV (I'm listed in the credits) and Freedom Force II. I live in Boston, so I could get down to Philly occasionally.

My favorite Eric Lee Smith game is, in fact, The Civil War. I could never get into Ambush!, much to the dismay of a bunch of my wargaming buddies. I'm currently playing a lot of Command & Colors, both Ancients and Napoleonics.

Thanks for your consideration.

Tom Courtney

[AllanR]

Allan here. Count me in for playtesting!

[BigKiteGuy]

A nice guy, kick starter backer, gamer, PnP'ers,...etc

[cthulhim]

Hi, I'd be interested in playtesting. I've been playing wargames since 1977, starting with Avalon Hill's Stalingrad. I've also been a big fan of the Civil War since at least then, if not before. I've read all the Bruce Catton books, watched the Ken Burns documentary multiple times, and toured a number of Mid-Atlantic battlefields. I was so inspired as a kid, that I designed my own hex-and-counter game covering First and Second Bull Run. And I've had another of my games published (Tom Clancy's Politika), so I'm familiar with the game design and playtesting feedback process.

I'm also familiar with the battle of Gettysburg itself. I toured the battlefield back in 1995 (great day) and recently, to celebrate the 150th, my friend and I watched the extended version of the TNT movie in one sitting. We were both pretty excited to see the Kickstarter (he's also a backer) so I think he could help out. If not, I have a number of contacts among the local gamers, so I'm sure I could get some good playtesting in.

However it turns out, happy to help any way I can, and looking forward to the final result.

Jim Van Verth

[boone737]

I'd like to volunteer for play testing. I'm currently working on the El Al play test. I feel kind of bad volunteering for this one, too, since I'm sure others should be considered before me. If you'll have me, I'm game.

I do live just south of Baltimore, so I consider that nearby Philly. I find myself up there on a fairly regular basis and would love to stop by sometime to say, “Hi" and get a game in.

Thanks for the consideration,

-Steve

[myness]

Hello,
I am interested in playtesting Gettysburg: The Tide Turns. I enjoy solitaire play, and also have opportunities and a generally flexible weekend and evening schedule to facilitate face to face play in the Baltimore/Frederick MD area. I don’t have playtest experience, but I do have an increasing interest in wargame development, and I can leverage analytical and problem solving skills I have used in the IT field for years to bring worthwhile insights to the development of the game.

I have been playing Gettysburg games since AH’s Gettysburg ’77. Since then, I have played many Civil War games, including board, computer, and miniature versions. I think this give me a solid perspective of the strengths and limitations of each genre that I hope will prove valuable in testing. I am passionate about the battle, the battlefield, and the broader context of the Civil War, which still dominates my reading list even now. As to nuts and bolts, I own several print and play games and have the resources needed to produce the components from electronic files.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I have an understanding wife who will patiently bear my engagement in yet another project, which she will call my “Gettysburg Phase.” With luck, she may even take a turn or two during playtesting.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,
Steve Mynes

[andifroen]

Hi

I am a wargamer for over 30 years, have been playing games on the computer since the early days of the PCs - anyone remember floppy disks? - have been playing on the iPad and iPad since they came out, have supported Battle of the Bulge. And have a sense of humor.

Furthermore I have a couple of ASL-palying F2F-buddies who have been designing and play testing scenarios for that system over here in Germany

I admit that working as a journalist can bring up some unexpected wordload on short notice but right now it looks good (taking cover)


With kind regards



Andreas Froening

[wmm77]

I have experience as a playtester and would be happy to offer references if needed.

If you are still in need of help, I would be happy to assist you.

Bill Morgal
BGG User: Myrdin T Sasnak

[lebrower]

Hello,

I am Lynn Brower. I am volunteering to help play test Gettysburg: The Tide Turns. I have volunteered to several game companies over the years for play testing and other tasks. My favorite credit is contributing the Soviet OOB research for Guderian's Blitzkrieg II and Case Blue. I am a retired research scientist so now I have more time to indulge my favorite hobby. Shenandoah has done a great job with Battle of the Bulge and I would like to contribute to your continuing war game development efforts.

This is my second post to this play test thread but I don't see my previous post so I must have made an error. If that previous post went through please consider this post as showing my level of interest.

Best Regards,
Lynn

[cinc]

Allan here. Count me in for playtesting!

Allan,
I think I know who you are, but I need more than just a first name. Let me know.
Eric

[cinc]

I'd like to volunteer for play testing. I'm currently working on the El Al play test. I feel kind of bad volunteering for this one, too, since I'm sure others should be considered before me. If you'll have me, I'm game.

Steve,
There's a long tradition of game designers killing other game designers who steal their playtesters. Mark Herman is a scary guy. So I'll pass this time.
Cheers,
Eric

[joelsanda]

Hi

I would like to be considered as a play tester for Gettysburg. I have been in QA for fifteen years, testing web-based applications and servers - including usability. I have also tested an RPG on the iPad as well as regular beta tester for the DayOne application on the Mac and iOS devices.

I'm well versed with writing defects and enhancements and am familiar with installing developer-provided builds onto iOS devices as well as taking screenshots.

My wargaming experience began and ended with Avalon Hill and was reignited with Battle of the Bulge on my iPad.

Thanks for you consideration.

[cinc]

Hi

I would like to be considered as a play tester for Gettysburg. I have been in QA for fifteen years, testing web-based applications and servers - including usability. I have also tested an RPG on the iPad as well as regular beta tester for the DayOne application on the Mac and iOS devices.

I'm well versed with writing defects and enhancements and am familiar with installing developer-provided builds onto iOS devices as well as taking screenshots.

My wargaming experience began and ended with Avalon Hill and was reignited with Battle of the Bulge on my iPad.

Thanks for you consideration.

Sounds good.
Just to be clear though, this is board game testing, the iPad version won't be ready to be tested until after the new year. Still interested?
Eric

[Mja222]

Good Evening From the West Coast,

I would love the chance to help play test Gettysburg of you. I am a student of military history, I am a lawyer (paying attention to rules suits me), and I am in the Army, so I have a good plenty of people who enjoy playing war games (and who can argue about strategy, history, and rules for far too long).

I would l to be able to contribute in some small way, and provide honest feedback. I do not have much experience play testing, but I have a lot of experience applying a constructively critical eye to plans, problems, laws, and missions. I am not available to come over to the studio in person, but will make myself available by other means none the less.

I believe I can, and hope to, offer something unique to this play test!

Respectfully,

MJA

[Avidd]

Hi all,

I am Australian, I have an iPad mini so we can test the game on a smaller screen, I love battle of the bulge, and it's got to be good to have someone late in the time zone on planet earth. Have been gaming since 70s with strategy and tactics, I have toured most of the civil war sites in USA, so I have a good feel for the field of battle, and line of site.

Cheers David

[hankhankhank]

Hello guys

I have been board gaming for over 30 years and focus on war games almost exclusively. I have played 10+ Gettysburg systems from the original AH game to TSS from SPI. I play Bulge on iPad and love the system.

I also test board games for other companies and am known for rules editing and play balance contributions.

Thanks

HB