It has been over 3 years since Guild Ball was ended by its publisher, Steam Forged Games (SFG). however, several weeks ago SFG made an announcement that they were opening their models up for print on demand service. This is huge as this allows people to get ahold of models and play the game. But does this mean that the game is alive? What has happened since SFG stopped supporting the game? Do people even want this anymore?
The Shattered Glass
SFG announced that their flagship game of Guild Ball was no longer going to be supported. This was something that came as a shock to some and as an outrage to others. The company had been making promises, giving sneak peaks at future plans, and otherwise stoking hope and excitement for this gladiatorial soccer game. This announcement shocked those who had thriving groups and greatly angers a large portion of the passionate community, leaving them feeling betrayed and lied to. This wasn't what killed the game, however, but rather confirmed the fate that many did see coming.
SFG had a dismal time trying to get product into the market. They had moved away from the metal miniatures and to a PVC plastic, and then to a resin all within a couple years. This amount of rapid change saw problems with quality but even worse with product availability. For over a year the game struggled as new players could only find teams in the form of used models or a select few that had been over produced. In addition, SFG had been focusing on their successful big IP games such as the Dark Souls Board Game which were proving to be financially successful to the contrasting financial losses of Guild Ball. At this point, Guild Ball was struggling to stay alive and SFG decided to put the final nail in the coffin... or so they intended.
SFG had a dismal time trying to get product into the market. They had moved away from the metal miniatures and to a PVC plastic, and then to a resin all within a couple years. This amount of rapid change saw problems with quality but even worse with product availability. For over a year the game struggled as new players could only find teams in the form of used models or a select few that had been over produced. In addition, SFG had been focusing on their successful big IP games such as the Dark Souls Board Game which were proving to be financially successful to the contrasting financial losses of Guild Ball. At this point, Guild Ball was struggling to stay alive and SFG decided to put the final nail in the coffin... or so they intended.
Picking up the Pieces
At this point many put their models in boxes or on eBay, forever thinking they would never touch the game again. Another group stubbornly decided to continue playing the game they loved instead. This group over time created the Guild Ball Community Project (GBCP). The GBCP sought to further the game through internal game balance and even created, tested, and crowdfunded a brand new minor guild, the Lamplighters, including STLs for people to print. This passionate group kept the game alive in much the same way other games such as Blood Bowl by Games Workship was kept alive for well over a decade. This allowed many to continue to enjoy their beloved game, but that was about all that was to happen.
The New Mosaic
The New Mosaic
A little less than a month ago, SFG announced something that no one thought would happen. SFG would be moving their miniature line for Guild Ball to a print on demand service. This was a massive move as it achieved several things:
- The company communicated it is not opposed to supporting the game if it can make sense. Guild Ball cost more money than it made the year they ended its support. The move to print on demand would be a litmus test if they were willing to allocate any resources to Guild Ball moving forward.
- The company admitted things could have been handled differently at the time of the original announcement. Many fans took what SFG as the company blaming players for "ruining the game" and "making it too competitive." While their statement here did not melt the hearts of many fans, this was at least a good step forward in their communication. They have since been upfront with the uncertain nature of the game's support but hoped it would do well.
- They acknowledged the work and passion of the GBCP, stating that they passion and work are responsible for keeping the game alive.
- The most important factor is product availability. This was the real reason Guild Ball could not be profitable in the past and why it was becoming harder and harder to get new people into the game. With this, the logistics of getting product into gamers' hands was finally a real possibility.
The Current View
The first official update from SFG has been released. They announced that the launch of the print on demand exceeded expectations. In addition, they are expanding the models available to certain special models the community expressed interest in (alternate minor guild versions). They made it clear that they are working with the GBCP to release a new, official errata coming this next month.
In summery, the game is far from dead and has a real hope of being fully supported by SFG once again! While there is still a lot of time needed to see if the game will fully come back, these are exciting time for us fans. Not all will trust SFG, and arguably with justification. However, I am excited, eager, and ready to get some more games on the pitch!
Stay tuned for more about this!
In summery, the game is far from dead and has a real hope of being fully supported by SFG once again! While there is still a lot of time needed to see if the game will fully come back, these are exciting time for us fans. Not all will trust SFG, and arguably with justification. However, I am excited, eager, and ready to get some more games on the pitch!
Stay tuned for more about this!
