Hey folks.
So I'm developing a new wargame called Mechadrome. It's a sci fi mech skirmish game with a professional sports gladiator arena theme. Based on my western rules for my first game, Blackwater Gulch. Here's another post I have going with more info if you're interested.
TMP link
Anyway, I'm putting together the first final version of the rulebook, I'm aiming for 80 pages, digest sized. Right now it's only up to about 50 pages, but still missing a lot of art and photos that will expand it another 10 pages or so. In the initial launch of the game there will be 6 teams with 15 pilots each. I thought a good way to add to the number of pages would be to list out all of the stats for each pilot, rather than just rely on the cards that come with the models. But I'm trying to decide what's the best way to go…
1. Just have a 2-page spread fluff bio for each team?
2. Add to #1 with a generic list of each pilot, so 4-6 pages per team?
3. Do a 1 page bio for each and every pilot with fluff, painting guides, stats etc?
I like #3 because it adds a lot more info, that means a total of 90 extra pages (6 teams, 15 players). I was hoping to have the rulebook around $20 USD-25, and that's what an 80 page would be. For a brand new game, I don't want a big expensive rulebook that people won't want to buy. Right now i'm leaning more toward #1 or 2, and then doing separate team books as a small 20 page supplement that would be a downloadable PDF or print-on-demand book on wargame vault.
Anyway, what do you guys think would be the best way to go? I'd like to keep it all in 1 place if possible, but I'd also like to keep the prices low too. So I'm torn.
